Cebu - Jeepneys

The jeepney is the most popular form of transport here in Cebu. They were originally built from left over jeeps from WWII. The Americans left a load behind, so the enterprising locals whacked a few seats on the back and the jeepney was born.


There's a long tradition in the Philippines of decorating the jeepneys with incredibly elaborate internal and external decorations. The jeepneys in Manila are especially well know for this. Unfortunately, the ones in Cebu tended to be pretty tame in comparison. There were a few garishly painted ones, but they were mainly utilitarian, rather than fashion items.

They were extremely popular though. People were jammed in till they were literally overflowing. I looked on from the comfort of my taxi and felt lucky not to be jammed in with everyone else!