What horses on the hood and other jeepney decor mean

With jeepneys about to face a massive redesign thanks to the government’s modernization plans, Unang Balita took a closer look at its current appearance —  horses, antenna, its seating arrangement, and all.

According to Dr. Jimmuel Naval, an expert on Philippine Studies, the horses in front of the jeep symbolize the most popular mode of transportation before jeepneys came along: the karetela.

“Mula sa karetela at karwahe, natungo tayo sa jeep, pero hindi niya iniwan yung karetela at karwahe. Dinala pa nga niya yung mga kabayo at inilagay sa unahan, sa hood ng jeep,” Naval said.

The varying number of antenna that embellish jeepneys are supposed to be something of a status symbol. “Pataasan ng antenna, paramihan. Pag may 18 antenna ang jeep mo, big time ka, mayaman ka,” Naval said, adding they don’t serve any purpose for communication whatsoever.

The seating arrangement meanwhile—two long benches that required passengers to face each other—serve a dual purpose. First, to fit in as many passengers and possible; and second, as a point of conversation. “Kasama yun sa disensyo. Nag-uusap-usap, nagku-kumustahan para maaliw sa mabagal na takbo ng jeepney.”

Interesting, no? Watch the full report below:

—LA, GMA News