How To Ride the Jeepney

Among various Southeast Asian indigenous public vehicles, the jeepney probably is one of the most exciting to ride in. Jeepneys are the most popular and primary modes of tranport in the Philippines. It is originally made from the US Military jeepneys and is now a public utility vehicle. It may well be compared to Thailand's songthaew which taxis passengers to certain routes.

But what if you come to the Philippines and all buses, trains and cabs are unavailable? Would you try the jeepney? Well let me help you on your trip.

First, remember that jeepneys do not take you to where you exactly want to go except if the place is along the route. In Manila for example, there are millions of jeepneys but it takes different routes. You should look at the sign on the windshield for you to know where that jeep is going to. Remember too that you do not exclusively hire a jeepney but you share it with at least 20 others.

Second, when you ride the jeepney, you should not, if possible, pay large bills (ex. 200-1000pesos) because the driver may not have the change. Fares range from Php7.50 (as of 2008) for the first four kilometers and plus a peso for every consecutive kilometer. Students and senior citizens get 20% discount.

Third, the jeepney is not equipped with a ticket vending machine or conductors. When you pay the fare (and unfortunately you are situated at the very end of the vehicle), you pass the money to the person next to you and say, "bayad 'po" (my fare, please). The person next to you then passes it to the one next to him or her and so on until your money gets to the driver. The driver would then ask where you want to go (listen carefully and speak clearly and loudly because most jeepneys have sound systems). The driver would then pass your change to the one nearest him until it comes to you. Always remember to say Salamat Po (thank you) and a smile. ^_^


Fourth, jeepneys do not have aircondition so don't expect it to be that comfy especially in the humid Philippine climate.

When you come to your stop, just say "para 'po" to the driver and he will stop. Or, if the jeepney has one, pull the string on the roof of the vehicle and it will signal the driver to stop.

There are so many kinds of jeepneys today. Considered the Jeepney of the modern times is the patok (popular) jeepney which is equipped with hybrid sound system, aggressive fonts, grafitti paintings and speed. The patok, especially the ones taking up the Manila-Cubao route are the most exciting to ride in because it swerves when the traffic is mild. sometimes, it does not admit older people because they might suffer from heart attack in the roller coaster-like trip. It is more popular among students and younger people who likes much adventure.

So whenever you visit us here, don't forget to experience this one hell of a ride!



The patok with its dynamic modern design.
















The newest breed of jeepneys. The electricity powered jeepney or the e-jeepney.









photos courtesy of http://www.ourworldtravels.com/

Preah SisoWath High School

When asking which is the most honorable high school in Cambodia? Definitely the answer is Preah SisoWath High School.

Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, North of Independence Monument, the yellow French-structured complex, which is 100 years old now, stood with dignity and prestige. In the past, being a student of this high school is very honorable to one family. Today, due to the rise of many other high schools, both private and public, Preah SisoWath High School remains a mere educational institution. Despite this trend, it is still regarded as one of the best high school of Phnom Penh, and in extension, of Cambodia. Preah Sisowath High School has a total area of 4 hectare, a land which is donated by Preah Karuna Preah Bat Samdech Preah Sisowath Preah Baramreacheanukoat (Preah Bat Sisowath - for short). There are eight main study buildings, and one administration center.

With most of its facilities are built, provided and sponsored by the French Government, Preah SisoWath High School retains its appearance until today. However, presently the school has improved its facilities through donation from students, Cambodian Government and the school fund itself.























The name Preah SisoWath was a name of one Khmer King, whose reign is from 1904 - 1927. He wanted to enhanced as well as to develop educational system inside of Cambodia.

Actually, Preah SisoWath Campus consists of both Junior High School and High School, but mostly, it is only known as "High School." Originally, the high school was named as a Collège, formed on April 1893 under the initiative of Mr. Francois Fontaine. It was originally named Protectorate Collège. The name "Preah Sisowath High School" becomes its official name in 1935.

It is a tradition that Preah SisoWath High School has some special classes for special students. Special classes attendants (Students) must be selected upon written tests. There three main special classes: Khmer Literature, Mathematic and Physic. I was the student of Khmer Literature Special Class from 2002 - 2005.

Here are some pictures of the school landscape. These pictures are taken by the "Transcend USB FlashDrive 2 Megapixel", thus the pictures are not clear. Sorry for this inconvenience.

Common Myth and Tales Pt.II: Ramayana

I think everybody in this region is familiar with the ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana, albeit we know it with slightly different names in each of our languages.










Cambodia














Indonesia (Javanese)













Indonesia (Balinese)












Laos











Myanmar










Thailand







The great epic inspires us so much that each of us adopted it as our national epic. Each nation adjusted the story to fit their own tradition and culture, resulted in unique varieties we find all over Southeast Asia.

Khmer people call it by the name Reamker. Indonesians have various versions including the Javanese Kakawin Ramayana and Balinese Ramakavaca. Phra Lak Phra Lam is what it's called in Laos. Burmese people has their version which is called the Yama Zatdaw. Malaysian version was adjusted to Islamic teachings in Hikayat Seri Rama. While people the Philippines got Maradia Lawana and Darangen. And of course, Thai people have Ramakien.

The epic inspires not only in the area of literature, but also in other areas such as drama dances and puppet theaters. People adores the characters so much, they name their children with the names of the characters from the epic. Go on, look around you and try to find people whose names have connection with Ramayana, it shouldn't be hard.