Iconic Jeepney Tour Kicks Off in Cerritos City

Cover image: Doeleth L. Gatdula/Nemen Cabatuando

CERRITOS, California — The engine of the iconic, vibrant and most popular form of public transport in the Philippines "Jeepney" roared to life in the parking lot of Island Pacific Supermarket in Cerritos City last August 22, 2026, signaling the start of a historic cultural journey.

Co-organized by the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Cerritos (FAC3) and the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC), the inaugural "Cerritos Jeepney Tour – Taste of the Philippines" kicked off as a sold-out success, filled with community pride, rich heritage, and incredible flavors.

The event featured two scheduled tours packed with eager participants. Island Pacific Cerritos served as the perfect anchor, acting as both the starting and ending point for the day's festivities.

PWC brought the heart of Manila to the streets of Southern California by providing two authentic Philippine jeepneys to transport the guests.

Nearby, a traditional Philippine tricycle stood on display, instantly becoming a favorite photo spot for guests, capturing the memories.

Adding to the prestige of the event, Cerritos’ first Filipina Mayor, Lynda Johnson, lent her strong support and even stepped up to serve as an enthusiastic tour guide.

Philippine tourism director for US Southwestern States & Hawaii and Latin America/ Philippine Department of Tourism - Los Angeles Office Gerry Panga and Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles (PCGLA) Consul Levi Anthony Malaylay also participated in the tour to show their strong support.

As the jeepneys rolled through the city, Mayor Johnson highlighted iconic Cerritos landmarks, including the Cerritos Library, the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Heritage Park, the Los Cerritos Center, and the Cerritos Auto Square.

However, the true heartbeat of the tour was the celebration of Filipino American entrepreneurship. The itinerary directly spotlighted local FilAm businesses that have long stood as pillars of community support.

Passengers experienced a curated culinary roadmap, visiting featured businesses such as:

Salo-Salo Grill Artesia – Operating for more than 25 years, this restaurant is a long-standing, sit-down family-style Filipino restaurant located at 18300 Gridley Road, owned by the family of Mikey Dabao.

Teofilo Coffee – It is a prominent, Filipino-owned specialty coffee roaster and community café chain in Southern California. Founded by former aerospace and automotive engineer Ron Dizon, the business focuses on popularizing authentic Philippine coffee culture and supporting local farmers.

Starbread Bakery Cerritos – It is a popular Filipino bakery storefront, famous for their delicious Señorita bread, located at 17216 Norwalk Blvd, Cerritos, CA 90703, is owned by Karen Caragan Yuson.

Mi Amoré Culinary Innovations – Owned by Pia Legaspi, it is a specialized culinary center and authorized independent distributor for Saladmaster premium titanium stainless steel cookware. Located at 11337 183rd St, Cerritos, CA 90703, the facility focuses on healthy home cooking education.

These participating businesses generously provided food, coffee, products, and warmth, proving exactly why they are so vital to the local economy and community spirit.

When the jeepneys finally made their way back to Island Pacific, the celebration was far from over. Inside the market, the Filipino festivity continued at full blast. The air filled with the irresistible aroma of Filipino street food, the sound of laughter, dancing to lively music and, of course, a high-energy karaoke session that kept spirits soaring.

Ultimately, the Cerritos Jeepney Tour was more than just a sightseeing trip. It was a powerful, joyful celebration of Filipino heritage, food, music, local business, and community pride that left an indelible mark on the city of Cerritos.



Cover image: Doeleth L. Gatdula/Nemen Cabatuando