THE iconic Philippine jeepney is being featured in Frankfurt, Germany, as part of a weeklong celebration of the country’s culture. The Philippines is the Guest of Honor at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025, which opened Wednesday. In a Facebook post, the National Book Development Board (NBDB) said the display was part of a celebration of Philippine culture. NBDB Executive Director Charisse Aquino-Tugade said the “vehicle mirrors the vibrancy, openness and relational nature of the Philippines.” She explained that the jeepney’s exterior “reflects the Filipino spirit,” while its windowless design signifies Filipinos’ openness to others and its seating “embodies our deeply relational culture.” Tugade said that the shared payment system on jeepney rides spoke to the Filipino value of community, as passengers rely on one another in passing the fare to the jeepney driver. Filipino poets took part in the opening of the event, after the welcome speech of Juergen Boos, Frankfurt Book Fair director. The book fair will end on Oct. 19.