My Travel before Pandemic
It was December 21, a day after my classes end, and the start of Christmas break. I was really excited upon packing my things as well as packages for my province. Luckily, my family owned a taxi, which lessened the burden in finding my means of transportation to the terminal.
At 7:00 AM, we have reached the terminal in Fairview. I was hoping that I would ride their latest fleet of Volvo B11R, but after more than 2 hours of waiting due to difference in dispatches, I have climbed on to one of their fleet of Golden Dragon Marcopolo. Not bad though, because I was fascinated with its beauty.
This bus that I rode was involved in an accident from few months, and its restoration bring back its glory. We officially left Fairview around 9:00 AM, going to Cubao, where we wait another hour for passengers.
We have reached the Araneta City Bus Port, and to my surprise, they were the only one (yet) that offers trips to Eastern Visayas on the Bus Port. When the passengers have filled up the slots for Cubao, they have set their trip towards Pasay, where there are more passengers than in Fairview and Cubao. As we get there, there were also more packages and things loaded onto the bus. After everything is all set, the voyage towards our destination has started.
8:00 PM. It was cold evening when we reached Lucena City, our first stopover. And as usual, I took the time to eat my dinner but it wasn’t sufficient to finish eating because the driver already calls us to board the bus already.
It was early morning of December 22, 4:00 AM to be specific, when we reached Pamplona, the second stopover, for a short break for drivers and a chance for passengers to unwind. I also took the opportunity to take a pee (LOL) and take a drink. It was pretty late for a schedule in ferry, but this is the best moment ever.
It is 7:00 AM when we reached Sorsogon City, for third stopover. This time, the bus needs to refuel to reach our destination. I also got the chance to see the glimpse of their former fleet parked in their separate garage in front of the terminal.
It was at this point that the driver said that there was long traffic towards Matnog, the end point of Luzon, mainly because of the motorists waiting to board a ship. So instead of being in a hurry, I took my time appreciating the landscape before continuing towards Matnog.
It was a hot morning of 10:00 AM in Matnog when we caught in the midst of traffic hoping to get on board a ship before the day ends. I took the time to take a few photos of buses while the traffic slowly moving towards the port.
M/V Nelvin Jules (IMO 8504404)
And yes, I finally boarded the ship at 4:00 in the afternoon, however, I was hoping that we could leave early, but I was wrong.
Yes, you’re right! 6:00 PM, the ship doesn’t leave yet! I found out that the Coast Guard still checking the number of passengers if it matches to the manifest. Such a valid reason. Nonetheless, I needed to recharge my phone for emergency and picture purposes as well.
I feel the pressure between the passengers and the deck officers because the ship doesn’t leave yet. Luckily, I was permitted to stay beside the bridge, thanks to the crewmembers of M/V Nelvin Jules. I also took the opportunity to visit inside the bridge as well as the crew cabins with their help.
After 2 hours of waiting, we finally left Matnog towards Allen, the gateway to Eastern Visayas. Refreshing air and bright stars over the waves of sea calms my mind while I sipped on my Cup Noodles.
It was 9:00 PM when we reached Allen, with 12 more hours on continuing the travel towards the destination. A big thanks to PSC for opportunity despite the delays.
An hour before midnight, we have reached Calbayog City, the fourth stopover. As usual, I took the time to eat dinner and take a pee. Such yummy meal after all and this time, I finished it shortly before we go again.
3:00 AM, we have reached Tacloban City, the fifth stopover. At this point, there are few passengers that have gotten off the bus starting from Calbayog City. I took the time to unwind and drink my coffee again.
We have reached Liloan around 8:00 AM of December 23. There were only 2 of us passengers remaining. While the men are cleaning the bus, the drivers, together with us, have a chance to take breakfast. As soon as the bus was cleaned, we are now going to our destination - which happens to be the last destination.
And finally, after 2 days on a trip, I’m now on my destination, my hometown of Silago, as the last passenger getting off the bus. This was their last destination, which happens to be one of my reasons I choose this bus.
Such a happy trip after all! How times passed, and I miss travelling. A lot.
I guess I’ll post another blog on returning to Manila :)
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