Jeepney journey comes to Frankfurt at the Book Fair
The Philippines takes center stage at this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair with a vibrant and symbolic exhibit: a colorfully decorated jeepney parked at Roßmarkt Square. The display is part of the “Jeepney Journey” side event that accompanies the Philippines as host of honor. This iconic vehicle, long associated with Filipino culture and community life, draws both Filipinos abroad and curious Germans to an intersection of transportation history, art, and social connection.
Owned by mechanical engineer Jurgen Stemmann, the jeepney is a compelling reminder of mobility as a public space. Stemmann’s story begins with family ties: his brother acquired the jeepney in 2007 and brought it to Germany, turning a vehicle of utilitarian transport into a beacon of cultural exchange. For many observers, the jeepney embodies a shared sense of closeness and community—an idea that resonates deeply in the diverse urban fabric of Frankfurt.
A symbol with historical roots and contemporary meaning
Originally developed for wartime use, the jeepney was repurposed by Filipinos into a distinctive city vehicle where seats face each other, allowing passengers to sit in close proximity. This design fosters conversation, social warmth, and a sense of belonging—qualities that the Frankfurt delegation hopes to showcase as part of a broader cultural program. As Frankfurt’s City Government notes, the jeepney will not just be an exhibit; it will serve as a lively space for exchange, workshops, and cultural encounters during the festival days.
A community space amid a global festival
As visitors stroll around Roßmarkt Square, the jeepney catches the eye of both locals and Filipino expatriates. A group of Filipina friends—Aurea Domingo, Hermenegilda Marquez, Lolita Meider, and Joy Ramos—shared that the vehicle’s presence makes them proud to be Filipino. Their lighthearted comments highlight how national identity can be celebrated through everyday artifacts that carry history and humor alike.
Consular support and cultural significance
Representatives from the Philippine Consulate in Frankfurt attended the opening, underscoring the jeepney’s role as a bridge between communities. Consul General Marie Yvette Banzon Abalos spoke of the jeepney as a symbol of Filipino resilience and optimism—an emblem that can travel beyond borders and invite international audiences to engage with Filipino art, literature, and story-telling.
A broader Philippine presence at the Frankfurt Book Fair
Jeepney Journey is just one element of a larger Philippine showcase at the festival. Co-director Charisse Aquino Tugade emphasized that the jeepney finding its place in Frankfurt felt “super serendipitous,” aligning with the fair’s mission to highlight Filipino authors and illustrators. NBDB director Tugade expressed gratitude for the city’s hospitality and the opportunity to present a multifaceted cultural experience that includes literature, music, and communal dialogue.
What the jeepney represents today
Beyond its bright colors and distinctive silhouette, the jeepney stands for shared heritage and an enduring spirit of community. For many, its design and history offer a lens into Filipino resilience—the capacity to adapt, create spaces for togetherness, and celebrate joy even in uncertain times. As the event unfolds, the jeepney and associated programs invite visitors to learn about the Philippines through a tactile, immersive experience that complements the festival’s literary offerings.
Looking ahead: cultural exchange in a global city
Frankfurt’s decision to host the Jeepney Journey alongside a robust slate of Filipino literature and music signals a meaningful commitment to cross-cultural dialogue. It invites Germans to see a familiar vehicle in a new light, and it invites Filipinos to feel a sense of home while abroad. For participants, the jeepney behaves not only as a mode of transport but as a movable stage for conversations, storytelling, and community-building—an emblem of how culture travels and grows when people come together.
