MANILA - Mini 4WD model cars styled after the Philippines' iconic jeepney buses are drawing strong interest from hobbyists, boosted by a recent reissue in Japan of brightly colored replicas.

Powered by two AA batteries, the small plastic racers are designed to run on specialized tracks and have long been popular across Asia. Their jeepney-themed variants, produced by Japanese model manufacturer Tamiya, faithfully reproduce the vehicle's protruding engine compartment and square front end, details that capture the essence of the real thing.

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