Naomi Ruth Obis

Apr 212017
 

The Philippine jeepney received the international spotlight as the popular British band Coldplay chose to ride it on their way to their “A Head Full of Dreams” concert at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds.

Coldplay's Jonny Buckland riding a jeepney

Coldplay’s Jonny Buckland riding a jeepney [via Twitter]

The band behind the hit songs, The Scientist, Fix You, Yellow and Viva La Vida visited the Philippines for the first time and was able to experience the uniquely Pinoy ride.

Surprised concertgoers started posting photos on social media when they saw frontman Chris Martin and other band members riding the jeepney, the country’s trademark public vehicle.

The jeepney has become a Philippine icon characterized by its chrome-plated ornaments, colorful designs and accessories and the close sitting arrangement are said to mirror the Filipino culture of close relations, and the vibrant energy of the people. The jeepney was developed by Filipinos, and popularized by Cavite’s Sarao family from abandoned U.S. military jeeps at the end of World War II.

When the Pope visited the Philippines he was also riding a jeepney-style Popemobile. BBC’s Top Gear hit TV show has also featured the Philippine jeepney as a Pinoy feature. National Geographic even included the jeepney as a must-try feature of the country when it ranked it as one of the world’s best trips destination. Bestselling author Norm Schriever has also blogged about the charm and resourcefulness of the jeepney.

 

The post British band Coldplay ride the iconic jeepney around Manila appeared first on Good News Pilipinas.

Mar 072017
 
Filipina Top Gun pilots US Air Force F-16 Fighter Jet

Monessa Catuncan [via Facebook] A Filipina-American is piloting the supersonic F-16 Fighting Falcon “Viper” fighter jet for the United States Air Force. Monessa Catuncan opted to fly the F-16 Falcon jet fighter, a state-of- the-art combat aircraft, after becoming the first Filipina-American to pass the highly-coveted pilot course in 2007. As one of the elite highly qualified pilots selected to fly the F-16, Catuncan is sent to missions flying the fighter jet which was extensively used in the Iraq war. “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think my youngest would become the first Pinay F-16 fighter pilot,” Catuncan told The STAR. The 35-year old Filipina top gun pilot was born to Ramon Catuncan and Teodosia Pineda who emigrated to the US in 1973. “Of course she’s an American, having been born here, but as far as we’re concerned she is Pinay – atin yan” (she’s ours),” her mother said in the telephone interview. She said her daughter’s favorite foods are adobo, afritada and kare-kare. Catuncan graduated at the top of her high school class in 2000 and was accepted to the US Air Force Academy (USAFA) the same year. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 2004.   The post Filipina Top Gun pilots US Air Force F-16 Fighter Jet appeared first on Good News Pilipinas. Related posts: Filipina is Asia’s Next Top Model Runner-up Filipina is Asia’s Next Top Model 1st Runner-up Pinoy pilots first Airbus A380 commercial flight to PHL Filipina Marietta Geraldino Read More …