Philippine Kalesa Various colors

This miniature version of the Philippine Kalesa is a nice souvenir, the kalesa carriages are available in various colors and are nice to give as a gift. The carriages are provided with different stickers per edition, so it is possible that the color is correct but the stickers differ from the image shown.

Size:

• Length: 15 cm
• Wide: 5 cm
• Height: 9 cm

Kalesa

The kalesa, also known as carromata, caritela or karitela is a traditional means of transport in the Philippines. This means of transport was introduced by the Spaniards around the 18th century. At that time, it was mainly used by only nobles and high-ranking civilian officials. They are rarely used on the streets today, except in the tourist-frequented parts of old towns and some rural areas. A kalesa resembles an inclined cart and is pulled by a single horse. It has two round wheels, one on each side, and two rows of seats that can accommodate four people. The driver sits on a block of wood at the front of the carriage near the horse. Although the Kalesa has become a rarity, centuries-old examples are still preserved in parts of the Philippines. The Kalesas can also be found in Intramuros, where they cater to tourists, and Binondo in Manila, as well as Iligan, where decorated kalesa’s can be taken for a ride along a specific street. In Cagayan, kalesa’s are common, especially in Tuao and other municipalities in the province. In Tuguegarao the carriages are part of the traffic, along with private cars, motorcycles, tricycles, jeepneys, trucks and bicycles.

Also known as: Philippine Kalesa, Filipijns Koetsje
Country of origin: Philippines
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