91 Volume 45 Numbers 1 & 2 2009 The Patók Jeep: A Descriptive Study Fame Pascua Introduction Introduction Introduction Introduction Introduction IF THERE WERE a “national mode of transportation” in the Philippines, it would have to be the jeep. A “cultural specimen” or “national art expression” (Ortega 2002, 83), this public utility vehicle is a common sight throughout the country. But the province of Rizal, east of Metro Manila, has given it a rather unique twist; it developed the patók jeep. This study inquires into the origins and features of the patók jeep (or simply, patók). Why are some jeeps in Rizal province called such? What purpose do they serve? How are they different from regular jeeps? Throughout the discussion, the study will: • Trace the etymology of the word “patók” • Explore the origins of the patók jeep • Describe the features of the patók jeep • Describe the patók-riding experience Methodology Methodology Methodology Methodology Methodology Although patóks are found throughout the province of Rizal, the research focused on the Montalban (officially named as town of Rodriguez, Rizal)-Cubao (Quezon City, Metro Manila) route, since the Montalban terminal is the nearest and most accessible from the researcher’s residence. Also, most of the drivers and operators in this route use patóks, unlike those of Montalban-Lamuan (Marikina, Metro Manila) and Montalban- 83