ALFRED ESTACIO

It was a regular Thursday afternoon in Taft Avenue Manila when we were introduced to Mang Alfred, a veteran jeepney driver, who’s welcome proved to be warmer than the hot and humid Manila air. Alfred Estacio, aged 40 years old, is a jeepney driver that has been navigating the bustling streets of Manila for nearly two decades.

Hailing from the city of Tarlac, he moved down to the Metro and has stuck out ever since as he currently resides in a boarding house at Opalo, Manila. He started early, at age of 21 and has since then made the iconic jeepneys his steadfast companion, transversing the city roads connecting and transporting people from all walks of life. ​

Alfred smiles while telling us about his night routine.

Alfred says that he typically begins his day on the road at around 7am and has his lunch break at either 10 am or 12 noon. “Mga 12, bago bumiyahe kakain nang onti para tumagal sa biyahe. Minsan alas-diyes, di pare-pareho eh — syempre pagka kasagsagan ng mga pasahero, magpapahinga ka.” Alfred’s work hours normally end at around 9 to 10 PM.

​

When Alfred was asked how he likes to spend his time after coming home from work he enthusiastically replied saying he usually spends it drinking with his friends before heading to bed. “Minsan magshoshot ng isang redhorse para makatulog — minsan pinupuyat ko yung sarili ko para pag uwi ko, pagod na yung katawan ko at tulog na agad, ganun lang. Minsan mga kasama ko nag iinom sa garahe at pag nadatnan ko, shot ng onte, tapos yun na…tulog na pag may tama na.”