The Man Behind the Wheel

The UP ikot jeep, the name of a jeep that goes around the vast campus of UP Diliman, has been a great help to not only the students, but also, for almost everyone in the vicinity. These jeeps allow students to go to their respective classes on time. That is why many people, especially students, are thankful that the ikot jeep exists. I also had my chance to ride the ikot jeep and experience it first hand, but most importantly, I was able interview the man behind the wheel—my primary reason for riding the ikot jeep.
At five o’clock in the afternoon, I waited beside Palma Hall Annex for the first ikot jeep to arrive. After around 5 minutes, a yellow and orange jeep arrived. It stopped in front of me, assuming that I would ride, which I did. I sat on the front seat. I looked at the driver. He was wearing a blue cap, which covered the top of his salt and pepper hair that extended until the collar of his white polo shirt that contrasted his dark complexion. He wore blue, faded denim pants and black worn-out rubber shoes that matched his black, round eyeglasses. I asked him if he was willing to be interviewed by a student like myself. He gladly said yes, reaching out his hand to the back of his jeep to get the payment of the passenger. Therefore, I began the series of questions by asking him what his name was. He answered with a slightly hoarse voice, “Herman.”
Herman Abao, or Mang Herman, 58 years old, has been driving the ikot jeep for seven years. To my surprise, he had five wives—one after the other. I was not sure if I heard him correctly but even before I could verify what I heard, he laughed and said that he truly had four wives before his current wife. Destiny might have a grudge against him that she allowed Mang Herman to experience the loss of his love either through death, or by abandonment. However, Mang Herman did not give up. He is currently living with his fifth wife with whom he has a son, his only child, Jemar.
Mang Herman has been a jeepney driver for around 30 years. He started as a mechanic who repairs cars and soon became a family driver. He then shifted to becoming a jeepney driver because he preferred earning on a daily basis to a monthly basis. He started in Quiapo and after almost 15 years, he decided to try being an ikot jeep driver, which he preferred since the environment in UP is cool, and pollution and traffic are not present. This environment according to him is very contrary to Quiapo’s environment. I can attest to this since during our trip around the campus, I was able to observe the UP environment, and true enough, it was relaxing—seeing the huge and numerous trees, feeling the soothing wind, and hearing the laughs of the people inside and outside the jeep.
Each day of Mang Herman starts at nine in the morning. He begins each day with a prayer, asking God for protection and good health. By twelve noon, he eats lunch, and then at three in the afternoon, he eats merienda. His day ends at seven in the evening, bringing home 500 pesos or more on weekdays, which is exclusive of the 700-peso boundary and the 600 pesos he spends on diesel. His income is relatively high, taking into consideration the 6-peso flat rate fare of the ikot jeep.
Since Mang Herman uses the jeep almost every day, it is important to monitor its condition through maintenance. Using his background on car maintenance, Mang Herman daily makes sure that his jeep is good to go. Observing him as he drives, Mang Herman shifts the gear, steers the wheel, and steps on the brakes with care. He not only does this to ensure the safety of his passengers, but also to keep his jeepney in good condition. The Ikot Jeep Association, the association of ikot jeep drivers, also requires a yearly jeepney check up. The association, due to its concern for the environment, makes sure that the drivers properly maintain jeeps so that smoke belching can be prevented. The association also serves as a friend to every driver. Mang Herman says that all of the ikot jeep drivers are friends. They all know each other because they belong to the association, or what Mang Herman refers to as the “brotherhood”.
As we were crossing the University Avenue, seeing the small figure of the oblation on my right, I decided to ask Mang Herman about his past. Learning about his life as a driver, I figured that it is about time to know more about his journey in life.
Mang Herman was not able to finish high school because according to him, he was too lazy to study. At the age of 14, he left Bohol and went to Manila to follow the footsteps of his older siblings, who earlier moved to Manila. However, he was not able to study because of their financial instability therefore; he worked his way through and learned how to overhaul cars since he worked in a car repair shop. Soon enough, he became a car mechanic and after a few years, he became a jeepney driver. He regretted his decision to move to Manila since he was not able to accomplish his plan of studying. However, instead of grumbling and complaining, he decided to make the most of his situation. He worked hard as a jeepney driver. As a result, he was able to send his son to school. He was thankful that his son had the initiative to work hard and excel in academics. His son received a scholarship in UP Diliman and graduated cum laude in 2005 with a degree in Family Life and Child Development. Mang Herman is really thankful and proud of him. He adds that his hard work paid off. “My son wouldn’t have graduated or even stepped into college if I didn’t do my part. My only joy is to see my family happy.”
Mang Herman is truly joyful to be an ikot jeep driver and a father. After one round of the regular route of the ikot jeep, I asked my final question. I politely asked Mang Herman what he enjoys most about being an ikot jeep driver. He replied with a smile and said, “I enjoy helping people. Bringing people to where they want to go gives me a sense of fulfillment because I am able to help them. Even if some forget to pay or do not have money to pay, it’s okay.”
My journey with Mang Herman was over as we reached the spot where I rode. Mang Herman happily asked if I was done with my interview. I told him that I had more than enough information about him. I thanked him, shook his hand, and prayed for him. After that, I got off the jeepney, waved goodbye, and waited for him to go. I felt so good after my journey with him. I was thankful to have met such a kind-hearted man. At the moment the yellow jeep made a right turn, I realized that I forgot to pay Mang Herman. Good thing he mentioned something about people who do not pay. =D

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