Apparently, Sponge Cola's Hit Song 'Jeepney' Started Out As A School Project

It's safe to say Pinoys have a love-hate relationship with the jeepney (or jeep, as we usually call it). It's one of the most practical ways to travel, but it's also a challenging part of the commute, especially during the rush hour. 

Ang simula ng biyahe 

Yet many Filipinos have fond memories and experiences to share about riding the jeep. Sponge Cola's hit song "Jeepney" captures one of those stories. "The inspiration [were] our trips from Katipunan to UP," says the song's composer, Datu Pendatun, in an exclusive interview with Summit OG. "What I've liked doing ever since was to watch people. I suppose that was one of the reasons why I enjoyed jeepney rides because I would observe people," he explained. From watching commuters' habits while inside the jeep, Datu came up with the story of two people and how their jeepney rides became a silent witness to how their relationship began and ended.

But did you know that the song was originally a school project? 

"We were high school friends," Datu shared. "In that school, they asked us to write different things—from plays, to scripts for films, [and] poetry. So, one of the projects was a song. It was a school project."

"Ako yung naglagay ng melody dun sa 'Jeepney'," Yael Yuzon said. "Ang nangyari noon, nanalo siya ng poetry writing contest. Yung winning poet, pina-perform sa kanya, poetry reading. May banda na kami noon." At the time, Yael thought, "Paano kung imbis na basahin yung tula, gawin na lang nating kanta?" And well, as they say, the rest was history. 

COURTESY OF SPONGE COLA

Habang nakasakay 

It's not all love stories, though. Jeepney stories can be funny and scary, too. Some can also be liberating like Sponge Cola's drummer Ted Mark Cruz's experience. "Noong high school ako, sinabihan ako ng magulang ko na kailangan kong matutunang mag-commute," Ted recalled.

"Doon ako sumakay sa Katipunan pauwi ng Taytay. Punuan na yung jeep na nasakyan ko, so ako, okay lang. Sabit tayo. Feeling ko I'm the man! Eh umulan. Ito pala yung feeling na nakasabit ka, umuulan," he looked back with a laugh.

"Aliw na aliw ako 'pag pinapasa yung bayad," Yael mentioned. The band's vocalist and guitarist said he spent a lot of time inside jeepneys when he was a kid. "Parang lagi akong hindi kasali. Parang dati ko pang gustong sumundot. Gusto ko ako mag-aabot pero yung yaya ko, lagi akong inuunahan," he remembered. Like Datu, Yael was also very fond of people-watching during his jeepney rides. He would remember those he would often be in the jeep with.

But for the band's guitarist, Erwin Armovit, riding the jeep was a scary experience. "Na-hold-up ako sa jeepney. [That's] also why hindi na ako sumasakay sa jeep. Medyo traumatic yung experience na 'yon for me," he revealed. 

"Nung time na 'yon, wala na nga akong pera, ho-holdapin mo pa ako," he joked. Despite his bad experience, he still fondly remembers all the times they performed their song 'Jeepney' live. One of the best things about it, he says, is how different it comes out every time they play it. When asked about the challenges behind creating and performing the song, Erwin pointed out, "Every time tinutugtog namin siya, nag-iiba siya."

He added, "The best version niya is the one you're gonna hear when you hear it. The best way to listen to it is always in the moment."

Very much like how riding a jeepney is—every ride is different from the last one.

Watch the full interview with Sponge Cola below.

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What's the fondest memory you have of riding a jeepney? Share it with us in the comments!

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Source: Cosmo PH