4 x 4 jeepneys, Filipino-style
A trip to Mt. Pinatubo wouldn’t be complete without sampling a ride in locally-assembled 4 X 4 jeeps, also known as four wheelers. In fact, they’re your vehicular gateway to Pinatubo. Riding these sturdy vehicles of metal and steel makes the whole trip half-fun and half adventurous. Seven of us were able to squeeze in one jeep (including the driver) and our guide was seated by the hood, for lack of space.
Anyway, I couldn’t help but be amused when I asked the driver about the make and assembly of the jeep. The body was like a surplus Willys jeep, while the engine and chassis are either Toyota or Mitsubishi. I really don’t know what kind of quality control our local mechanics imposed on the jeeps, but their performance sure looked impressive as we climbed the famed “Skyway” (shortcut to Pinatubo) with its rough roads, steep climbs, rocky surface, and lahar-laden territories.
If, as a tourist, you’re amazed at the colorful Philippine jeepneys, the Pinatubo four-wheelers are another incarnation. As they say, iba ang Pilipino….. Only in the Philippines! 
Blogging since 2004 and recently married to Mr Z. I can't live without coffee....and brown sugar.
Heyyy, how long was the drive, and how steep? Wanna know total distance, and feet climbed, Dear
oh! these are locally assembled jeeps? i thought it’s how they were designed by manufacturers since some of them carried toyota names at the back, i thought it was original!
whooo… great trucks over there! how much is one of them? I hope I can visit mount pinatubo too……
I still remember when I use to go with the loggers, you really need a 4 x 4 vehicle when it comes to road trekking…you can really feel the pressure on the trucks..