The "jeepney" is a symbol of Filipino resilience and community. War jeeps were left by the US after World War II, and were remade into public utility vehicles. Jeepneys have their own culture, complete with pop art, letterings, and vibrant patterns outside, and long benches parallel to each other within, encouraging conversation between passengers and fostering connection. It is the Philippine spirit to power through hardship-whether that be wars, natural disasters, or corruption-and turn it into opportunity. I live vicariously through the people in this painting. I've forgotten the sound of a bustling flea market, the chatter of Taglish (a hybrid language of Tagalog and English words) around every corner, and the taste of the street food. For me, art is an exploration of identity, of what it's like to be human. I can only hope to be so resilient in my art that I do it justice.