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As a young man Rogelio moved to Manila to find work and was happy to do anything. He has been a construction worker, a truck driver, and a radio operator before finally becoming a Jeepney driver.

Initially Rogelio rented the Jeepney, but now he is buying it on a scheme which allows him to pay for it with a portion of his daily earnings.

Secret admirer

Rogelio is married to Edith, who he spotted working in a shop, near where he was a security guard. He was immediately smitten, and wooed her by leaving roses, in her shop doorway, with a note saying, "from a secret admirer".

They have three adult children and two grandchildren, who all live with them.

Only breadwinner

Rogelio's greatest wish is for his two small grandchildren to go to good schools and get a decent education, but that's not yet possible because Rogelio is the only breadwinner and money is tight.

Rogelio's biggest fear is of what would happen if he became unwell or his Jeepney was damaged. The family has no safety net.

What they do have though, is strong community support. When Rogelio built his four storey home, he did it with his own hands and the freely given help of neighbours and friends.

We asked Rogelio some questions about his work, and his life.

I start driving at 6.00am and go on til 8.00pm. I can no longer count the number of trips I make in a day - it's too many to count. I just count the money, that's the most important thing. The route is just a little over 4 kilometres. I work 6 days a week.

I always have mechanics' tools with me so I can fix the Jeepney if there is a problem.

I love to sing, but I am not good at it. I love the song but the song doesn't love me!

I often encounter passengers who don't pay, and when that happens I just let them go and don't confront them.

I'm good to my passengers. For a few pesos, I don't want to put them to shame for it.

I love that the job is good exercise (it's physically hard work) and relieves me of stress. I dread that the job exposes me to accidents and crime.

Best days for me are when the Jeepney is hired for out-of-town trips. I get to go to many places that I normally won't be able to visit. Worst days are when I am caught in traffic.