When people hear “jeepney,” they instantly think of that middle-aged manong driver, the iconic route signs, and the vibrant designs that scream Pinoy pride. But on the streets of Valenzuela City, a jeepney driver is rewriting the narrative, and she goes by Normina “Mimi” Macatiag.
At 75, Lola Mimi is cruising through the daily grind, driving her jeepney like a pro since 1998 on the Malinta-Monumento route.
In a video feature by Inquirer.net, she shows how she’s been shattering stereotypes around age and gender. “Tuwing nagmamaneho ako, para bang inspirado ako, magaan ang katawan ko sa pagmamaneho,” she shares.
“Masigasig ako mag drive. Hindi ko mapigilan ang sarili ko na magmimisyon sa kalsada,” she adds. But she doesn’t drive all day, just handling the morning and noon shifts.
Being a trailblazer in a traditional men’s job wasn’t a walk in the park as she had to prove herself time and time again. “Nung maging jeepney driver ako, maraming parang kabado sila sa akin kasi babae ako na nagda-drive,” says Lola Mimi.
Plus, there’s the usual hustle—collecting fares, giving change, and dealing with some cheeky passengers who either don’t pay or ask for change without handing over their fare.
“Mahirap mamasada ng jeep. Lahat maano mo, pati pagbabayad, pagsusukli. Mahirap nagdadrive ka nagsusukli ka. Minsan nakaka encounter ka pa ng pasaherong di nagbabayad, minsan humihingi pa ng sukli wala naman binibigay,” she says.
Yet, none of this stops her. In fact, driving gives Lola Mimi comfort, especially when she’s feeling lonely without her daughters and grandchildren around.
“Nalulungkot man ako at wala sila pero nalilibang ako dahil sa pagmamaneho,” she says.
For her, jeepney driving isn’t just a job anymore but a calling. “Pagiging jeepney driver ang misyon pinagawa sa akin. Kaya sige lang, kung ano utos sa akin, ginagawa ko lang… Hangga’t kaya ko, magda-drive ako,” said Lola Mimi.
