Showing all posts tagged Philippines

In Blogging and the Web, Cambodia life, Expat Life, Geek Talk, hobby, Sreisaatv2

Jeepney: Philippines’ Rolling Masterpieces

Author sreisaatPosted on 8 Comments

For this week’s Thursday Photo Hunt, I’m presenting to you the Philippines’ iconic mode of transportation and a public art gallery on wheels: the jeepney. More than just a vehicle, the jeepney is a living, breathing masterpiece that encapsulates the Filipino spirit.

These colourful jeepneys used to be the King of the Road.

The jeepney was born from the ingenuity of Filipinos after World War II. When American troops left the Philippines, they left behind surplus military jeeps. Resourceful Filipinos transformed these vehicles into public transport, extending their frames, adding roofs, and decorating them. The name “jeepney” is a blend of “jeep” and “jitney,” a term for early American shared taxis. (Source)

Over the years, the jeepneys have evolved into a symbol of the country’s resilience and artistic flair. Adorned with intricate designs, bold colors, and often religious or pop culture themes, jeepneys are a feast for the eyes. They are  like mobile art galleries, each one a unique expression of its owner’s creativity and personality. From religious icons to comic book heroes, the decorations are as diverse as the Filipino people themselves. Today, these vehicles are more than just a means of getting around; they are rolling public art galleries that reflect the nation’s rich culture and imagination.

Riding a jeepney is an adventure in itself. As a former student and a commuter, I can attest to the thrill of squeezing into a packed jeepney with other students, enjoying discounted fares and the camaraderie of shared experiences. The music, the crowds, the constant motion, the smell – it’s a sensory overload. Passing the fare along the row, like a human conveyor belt, to the driver and back for the change, is a unique Filipino custom. And when it’s time to disembark, the simple phrase “mama, para po sa tabi” (stop here, please) is all you need to signal your stop. Beyond the ride itself, the jeepney offers a front-row seat to the daily lives of Filipinos . It’s a place to observe, to connect, and to be inspired by the vibrant spirit of the nation (read: weaving stories around the faces around me while riding the jeep home).

More jeepney photos here.

In Blogging and the Web, Cambodia life, Expat Life, Geek Talk, hobby, Sreisaatv2

Thursday Postcard Hunt: A Slice of Filipino Life on Canvas

Author sreisaatPosted on 9 Comments

This week’s postcard, a gift from the lovely Arlene over at I Love Postcrossing, is a true treasure. It features a stunning oil painting by the renowned Filipino National Artist (the first ever!), Fernando Amorsolo. The postcard, showing one of his masterpieces, is a nostalgic window into a bygone era of the Philippine countryside.

Postcard shows one of Fernando Amorsolo’s oil paintings. His works depict his love for the Philippine rural landscape and farmers/labourers.

Imagine a bustling rice harvest scene, painted with lifelike detail and bathed in warm sunlight. Women work side-by-side, tirelessly in the fields, their laughter mingling with the gentle breeze. Amidst the hardworking farmers, there’s a tender moment with one woman pausing her labour to nurse her baby. This simple act captured beautifully, speaks volumes about the heart of Filipino life. This was a time when communities came together to celebrate the fruits of their labor with feasts, music, and dance.

It’s fascinating to learn that Amorsolo’s journey to becoming a master began humbly. His mother’s embroidery helped support him, and young Fernando even sold his own watercolour postcards!

Amorsolo’s genius lies in his ability to capture the essence of Filipino. life. He was a master of light and shadow (chiaroscuro), using his signature backlighting technique to create scenes that feel almost ethereal. His works are a beautiful blend of realism and impressionism, drawing you into the heart of the painting. It’s no wonder he is nicknamed the Grand Old Man of the Philippine Art, a true National Treasure!

A big thank you to Arlene for sharing this piece of Filipino heritage with me. It’s a reminder of simpler times and the enduring beauty of our country.

In Blogging and the Web, Expat Life, Geek Talk, hobby, Sreisaatv2

Sunday Stamps: Let’s Talk Pinoy Komiks Superheroes

Author sreisaatPosted on 4 Comments

Hey fellow stamp enthusiasts! This week’s Sunday Stamps takes us on a trip to my homeland, the Philippines, one of the countries in the mighty Eastern Hemisphere. The Philippines first competed in the 1924 Olympics held in Paris, making us the first country in Southeast Asia to compete, and later, in 1928, win medal. This year, 22 Filipino athletes will compete in nine sports: athletics, boxing, fencing, golf, gymnastics, judo, rowing, swimming, and weightlifting.

On to today’s stamp: Today’s star is a First Day Cover featuring none other than one of the iconic komiks (comics) superheroes of the Philippines! Back in 2004, the Philippine Post issued stamps dedicated to these “Great Achievers in Philippine Art (Comics Illustrators)”. Let me tell you, when I saw my favorite komiks heroes plastered on stamps, it was like a childhood dream come true! Big thanks to my good friend, Myron, for this awesome FDC!

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. The left side of the envelope showcases some legendary Pinoy comics superheroes:

  • Dyesebel: The coolest mermaid you’ll ever meet (sorry, Ariel). ‍
  • Kulafu: Our very own Tarzan swinging through the Filipino jungle.
  • Lapu-Lapu: A true legend – a superhero inspired by the real-life hero who defeated Spanish invaders way back when. 🇵🇭

Flashback to 2010! This Darna first day cover was originally featured on my Postcards Crossing blog. Here’s to the iconic Pinoy superhero! (For those new to Darna, I’ve added some details about her in the post!)

But the main attraction (and rightfully so) is on the right! We have the one, the only, Darna, the OG superheroine of Philippine komiks, and the most popular Filipino superhero ever. Created by the amazing Mars Ravelo and brought to life by the legendary Nestor Redondo (who even went on to work for DC and Marvel in the 70s and 80s), Darna first graced the pages of Pilipino Komiks in 1950 and she’s been a Filipino pop culture icon ever since.

Created originally as “Varga” in 1947 by Mars Ravelo, she was recreated as Darna in 1950 due to fallout with his publisher. According to the Manila Times , “DARNA is a cultural icon born at a time when the Philippines was struggling to come out of the devastation of World War II. She served as a salve to a country looking for a champion.”

https://www.writeups.org/darna-mars-ravelo-comics-philippines/

Growing up, everyone knew Darna as the Pinoy Wonder Woman. Superpowers, fighting evil, rocking that awesome outfit – they are practically twins! Turns out, there’s a bit more to her story. Darna is actually more like a Filipino Captain Marvel – a super-powered warrior from planet Marte who appears on Earth through an ordinary girl named Narda and a magic white stone. Intriguing, right? You can learn more about this fascinating character [here].

Darna’s legacy goes beyond comics, with movies and TV shows launching the careers of countless Filipino actresses. But for me, nothing beats the classic komiks experience. I was practically reading these things before I was in the first grade! Fun fact: a lot of my early 80s contemporaries learned to read through komiks.

Did you have any favourite comic books/superheroes growing up? Share in the comment!