Greetings lovelies and gentle peeps.

I made this Jeepney piece due to several reasons. Yes, we've just recently welcomed the lunar year of the dragon... but also because, as a Filipino, of the potential loss of art, culture, and opportunity these important vehicles provide weighs heavy on me, due to a possible jeepney phase out.

Jeepneys are usually highly decorated, many painted like murals with a variety of different subjects, usually related to the interest of the owner. This provides local artists with income and a way to showcase their work and particular styles. The communal design protects passengers from theft and provides them with a safe place to rest, as many do, during the long commute to and from work and/or school. The very well ventilated design protects many working class Filipinos from the worst cases of covid as this pandemic continues. Needless to say if the phase out goes through, it will be a great loss.

That's not to say that these vehicles have no downside, hence the reasons cited for a phase out. One important downside is that particular heat and humidity of the Philippines can make the air oppressive, making the vehicle's well ventilated design work against the passengers, and there is no aircon to save you during times like this. The very open design can embolden muggers who are looking for a easy mark during the wee hours.

As for the subject of my piece, I've chosen the Lawu of Kapampangan mythology. I though I'd showcase a dragon that isn't very well known right now. This dragon is thought to case eclipses, earthquakes, and tsunamis. It was both revered fear by the Kapampangan people. A proud seafaring people with a renowned warrior tradition of arquebusiers. Who's royal families ruled the Kingdom of Lusung, the Great Convergence of Manila bay. They carved the image of Lawu on their great warships the karakoa as well as on the hilts of their swords, kampilan and kalis.

BTW. if you download the map, you can use the book provided to generate your own jeepney and decorate it. If you do so, I'd like to see it. Please tag me on my twitter of you can also show it to me here.