Sakay Na! pop-up supports transport workers affected by jeepney phaseout

Fil-Ams flocked to the Arts District of Downtown LA to support the Sakay Na! pop-up, a fundraiser for transport workers adversely affected by the planned jeepney phaseout. Photo from Mic Diaz

LOS ANGELES – Filipino Americans in Los Angeles converged this week at a corner space in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles for Sakay Na! – a pop-up designed to raise funds for transport workers adversely affected by the planned jeepney phaseout in the Philippines.

The Philippine government has planned to phase out traditional jeepneys with the implementation of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program.

Some drivers and individual franchise holders have repeatedly expressed concern about potential job displacement following implementation of the program.

According to Sakay Na! organizer Sian Balauag of Urban Tropicals, there is an imbalance in the implementation of the jeepney phaseout and the support for the jeepney drivers and their families who could not afford the new vehicles that the Philippine government is issuing and selling to the drivers.

Event organizers Kris and Kate Paguinto of Bahala Na Shop said there is a need to raise funds to help the transport workers whose livelihoods are threatened by the planned phaseout.

Martin Aranas, owner of Bite Club Sliders, said, “I think the jeepney is the staple of the Philippines. We Filipinos should support each other. There’s power in numbers.”

“I want to offer my services to help out my brothers in the Philippines, because growing up I rode the jeepney a lot and that was the only way I could get around. It matters a lot to me that we help out,” said Daniel Nicolas, also known as DJ Nics.

Proceeds from this event will go to Tanggol Pasada Network and support education and information campaigns, including primers and discussions, transport workers and commuters summits, welfare programs for drivers and operators, and mass actions.

Plant enthusiasts and collectors were delighted to see a variety of plants from Urban Tropicals and Plantman, and floral arrangements by Woman in Stems. Photo from Mic Diaz

Participating vendors included Bahala Na Shop, Adeling Shop, Gara Sun, Heather and Plume, Mayumi Goods, Binamade, Lola’s, Sensitive Antiques and Nanay’s Bahay. They sold clothing, accessories, stationery, prints and home decors reminiscent of life in the Philippines.

Kris Paguinto said they established Bahala Na Shop to represent the Filipino community in the US “in a modern and authentic way.”

“We want to show people that Filipinos can show up in so many different industries and we are ready to be seen.” Paguinto said. “With each collection that we drop, we aim to show a different aspect of Filipino culture and what it means to us. We’re excited to keep creating for our community!”

Filipino American DJs such as DJ Weejay and DJ Nics dished out some OPM Disco, R&B and Hip Hop tracks. Photo from Mic Diaz

Plant enthusiasts and collectors were delighted to see a variety of plants from Urban Tropicals and Plantman, and floral arrangements by Woman in Stems.

Food vendors such as Boondocks Coffee, Steffi Sweets, Kanto Pastries, Bite Club Sliders and HiFi Kitchen offered an array of Filipino food, including burgers, rice bowls, desserts and Philippine-sourced coffee.

A photo booth in an enclosed area of the venue was set up by Syd Studios for attendees to turn moments at the event into lasting memories. Filipino American DJs, including DJ Weejay and DJ Nics, dished out some OPM Disco, R&B and Hip Hop tracks.

Cynthia San Luis said she attended the event to support the transport workers, whose livelihoods are  “about to be taken (away) from them.”

“It’s important for FIl-Ams to attend these kinds of events,” she said.

Paguinto added, “It’s important for Fil-Ams to participate in events like this, because it allows us to get involved in issues happening back home.”

To support the transport workers, contact Bahala Na Shop or Urban Tropicals on Instagram.