‘Ultimate’ jeepneys sport intricate art, starry designs, Pinoy pride

Several colorful jeepneys are currently parked inside the lobby of Newport Mall in Pasay—not because they're waiting for passengers, but because they're the finalists of Resorts World Manila's Pinoy Ultimate Jeepney contest.

The jeepneys are painstakingly customized and modified by artists from regions all over the country, their designs in keeping with this year's theme of "Festival of Stars."

On Tuesday evening, Resorts World Manila's Facebook page announced that the Grand Prize winner is "Luzviminda Parola," designed by Kazuyuki Motoda of Angono, Rizal.

Second place went to "Kapistahang Pinoy" by Leopoldo Mesina Jr. of Antipolo City, while the winner of the online People's Choice Award was "Araw at Gabi, Paskong Pinoy Lagi" by Jonathan Gamalinda of Sampaloc, Manila.

Among the 13 finalists are:

• "Paglaum (Hope)" by Sue Morales of Villamor Airbase, Pasay City - Inspired by a Tacloban artist who survived Typhoon Yolanda, this design symbolizes the damage wrought by the storm as well as the hope borne by its victims, who still smile and find light after the tragedy;
• "Woven Jeep" by Andres De Dios Jr.,Tabaco City, Albay - The design showcases artistry as well as local materials from Bicol such as abaca, rattan and pili;
• "Bicolarga" by Pancho Piano of Quezon City - Its name a combination of Bicol and "larga" (journey), this design depicts the tradition of the Philippine fiesta; and
• "Pangarap Pinoy" by Jay Art Flores of Hagonoy, Bulacan - True to its name, this design represents dreams, and the people who have the determination to overcome life’s challenges. It also reflects the imaginative minds of children.

The Pinoy Ultimate Jeepney 2014 finalists are on display at Resorts World's Newport Mall until December 30.

— BM, GMA News