Vinyl Frog Philippines: The Iconic Vehicle in Vinyl Wrap

Justin Uy of Vinyl Frog Philippines talks about the state of jeepneys today and what the private sector can do to help them.

Written by Erika Anne Sulat

Vinyl Frog

Vinyl Frog is an international company that provides vinyl wrappings for vehicles. They have wrapped jeepneys for several campaigns including Barbie’s 60th anniversary. Hot Wheels, Mad Max, and Superman.

VinylFrog Philippines’ president, Justin Uy, states that it has always been his dream to to vinyl wrap a jeepney, and it just so happens that they were approached by certain brands to do it.

The Classic Vehicle in Vinyl

The first time Vinyl Frog wrapped a jeepney was when they were contacted by Warner Brothers for the promotion of the film Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Then they were able to wrap another jeepney for Barbie’s 60th anniversary, where they vinyl wrapped a jeep pink and blue and had it drive around Metro Manila while giving street children Barbies. This initiative was to inspire children that they can be anything they want.

They also vinyl wrapped an owner type vehicle for the scale model brand Hot Wheels, adding the flame design that’s iconic to the brand’s name.

According to Uy, he feels that the reason they were tapped by these brands was because vinyl wrapping is a temporary and faster solution, as opposed to painting which usually takes longer.

“Kasi pagka pipinturahan mo yung jeep, it’ll take at least 2 to 3 months, di ba, or may time pa to cure, to let the paint dry. So, at least with the wrap, when we cut the sticker, we put it on, the next day, okay na, pwede na gamitin for the event.” Uy points out.

Its quick and efficient installment also means it’s easier to remove right after the campaign ends. All it takes is a quick peel off and the drivers can use the jeepney regularly again.

The Jeepney as a Medium

Due to the locally assembled nature of the jeepney, Uy mentions that putting vinyl wrapping on the vehicle is harder to do because there’s no exact measurements to follow. Each jeepney has different handmade parts.

“Unlike a Toyota, for example, a Fortuner, Corolla, or even an Innova. Lahat yan, same door, same side mirror, same bumper. Yung, jeepney, iba-iba yan lahat, kasi it’s all handmade. The grill might be different. The side[s], shape might be different.” He explained.

This is the reason why we see a lot of buses or even trucks that are used by brands for advertising instead of jeepneys.

Some other challenges they’ve encountered is the expensive cost of production and the declining state of jeepneys. It’s hard for them to find a jeepney in good condition due to the fact that a lot of the jeepneys we see now are in dilapidated conditions.

The State of Jeepneys Now

Uy mentions that they usually rent jeepneys for the vinyl wrapping projects instead of buying them, approaching jeepneys that look good and asking the drivers if they can rent them. They also make sure that drivers are paid more than what they earn in a day.

He notes that the drivers are happy because they also fix the jeepney’s surfaces and the vehicle can retain the base color usually painted before the wrapping itself. Essentially restoring the jeepney for free.

The jeepney is a dying breed. Uy adds that he wishes to see corporate brands take a look at the jeepney as a good medium to advertise

There’s two ways to look at using jeepneys for promotions, Uy mentions that it’s cheaper to do jeepney promotions rather than using renting out billboards on EDSA, and it can also help drivers fix up their jeepneys.