Oh, the Places You’ll Go
By Ernee Lawagan
THE PHILIPPINES is comprised of 7,107 islands. So, how do you go about traveling on such an archipelagic country, especially on a perennially hectic occasion like All Saints’ Day? No problem!
In the Philippines, there’s always a means of transport to wherever local destination you wish to go. Start booking those tickets and planning your routes, so whether by land, air, or sea, you’ll likely be wherever you want to be in no time. Just a word of caution: Avoid overloaded vessels of any kind!
Within the Metropolis
Traveling within and around the metropolis is not as easy as you think. That’s because of the gross traffic condition prevailing in most urbanized areas of the country. Although there are many means of transport to choose from — from tricycles and jeepneys, to taxis and FX minivans, it may also be part of the problem, because there are too many vehicles plying the urban areas’ inadequate road networks.
The key to a hassle-free travel is planning. Research the best possible routes you want to take, know how many people are traveling together, and know how much baggage you would be taking with you.
When traveling in the city in a crowded holiday, take note of any and all re-routing schedules which the authorities usually announce a week ahead of the supposed activities for the long holiday.
It is not advisable to use your own car on occasions like All-Saints Day, unless you hit the road 12 to 24 hours ahead when the re-routing is not yet in place and the roads are still wide open.
For areas where service is available, the Light-Railway Transit (LRT) and the Metro-Railway Transit (MRT) systems are a big help for a traffic-free travel. The LRT and MRT are particularly useful on hectic days. They’re fast and efficient. The LRT line 1or Yellow line plies through Baclaran
to Monumento, LRT line 2 or the Purple line goes to and from Santolan to Recto, while the MRT or Blue line is parallel to EDSA with routes from North EDSA to Taft.
The Philippine National Railway (PNR), a state-owned railway operator in the Philippines operating an extensive railway line on the island of Luzon, which has revitalized its old ground railway lines within Metro Manila and in the near future, the links to the adjoining provinces, operates two commuter rail services in Metro Manila and the Bicol Region. The commuter line in Metro Manila is part of the Strong Republic Transit System and is referred to as the Orange Line.
Taxis, on the other hand, are particularly useful if the target place is unreachable
to any other means of public transport, and if you are particularly adept with the different shortcut streets in the metropolis.
For short distances, the most convenient ride is the jeepney. This Clod Delfino re-fabricated passenger vehicle invention (1947) has been serving both Filipinos and foreigners alike for more than six decades now.
If it’s within a subdivision, the tricycle or its crude counterpart, the pedicab, is the ride of choice. In almost all districts throughout the country, both urban and rural, the tricycles are always there to ferry the riding public.
To the Suburbs and Hinterlands
A station wagon or family van, if you own one, is the best vehicle for the ride, especially when it’s a family affair and you have several luggage. Make sure everything is in top condition: motor, motor oil, gas, calibration, tire, water, head and taillights, and everything else.
For commuters, the best three choices are fx minivans, buses, and the arkilados or rented vehicles. Choose the airconditioned ones, for a slightly higher fare, but all the comfort – without the smog.
Beating the traffic by leaving early is always advisable. When taking a cab, check if it’s using a meter to avoid the driver’s kontrata demands and getting ripped off.
Back to the Home Province
Buses are the traditional ride going to the provinces. For short-term stays in the province, the bus is a wise choice. If it’s possible, choose newly-refurbished buses which offer well-cushioned seating 
and airconditioned buses for comfort. Nowadays, most provincial buses offer amenities including television and video players to keep you company during travel. Some even have Wi-Fi access for your laptop or cellphone. Buses which go for more than 10 hours are equipped with toilets. Take advantage of stopovers for bathroom breaks, to freshen up, stretch your legs, and grab a bite. It might be beneficial to make reservations on infrequently served routes. Booking at least two days in advance,
if possible, is advisable. Otherwise, reservations may usually be skipped.
On the other hand, if you are thinking of staying in the province for a longer period of time, bringing your own vehicle has its advantages. For one, there’s no need to hire transport to take you sightseeing. You may come and go whenever you like — whether to check out local shops or bond with friends and relatives. The best-suited vehicles for this purpose are heavy-duty, four-by-fours which can go through rugged terrain.
Ferry services are also available for some provinces such as Bataan, Zambales, and Pangasinan, where travel time may be cut to just a third compared to traveling by bus on land.
Up the Mountains
Speaking of rough terrain, only 14 percent of the 170,000 kilometers of roads in the Philippines are paved. There are still places in the country, especially in far-flung municipalities, where you’ll be met with dirt roads along steep inclines. You definitely need a rugged, high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle to maneuver your way through.
Commuting, or communing, with people and nature, however, is fun. It’s a once-in-a- lifetime experience. If you’re adventurous, try riding a ragtag jeepney overflowing with passengers and cargo which can go 60 miles an hour up a craggy and dusty zigzag road just a couple of feet from a dramatic mountainside drop-off. Pretty breathtaking!
In this situation, rather than have your driver or yourself drive your vehicle in such an unfamiliar and rough terrain, it is better to trust the instinct of the ragtag jeepney driver who’s been driving along this path a thousand times a week. Of course, you always have a choice. You may even ride a carabao
or a cow-driven cart, and that’s available, too!
Interisland Travel
For travel between major islands, there are interisland ships, ferries, and ROROs (roll-on/roll-off) which transport people, cargo, and other automobiles from one major port
to another. These modes of transport are more in demand during summer and Philippine holidays. Family members working in another island come home for vacation and family reunions and ride in these. The rates are cheaper than taking a plane and allow passengers to carry more luggage and cargo on board. The busiest seaports are Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Zamboanga.
If you want to take your own vehicle, large ferries offer vehicular cargo loading service which makes it convenient when going to island provinces like Marinduque and Mindoro. Aside from avoiding the hassle of finding a rural ride, you also get to go places without additional expense other than for gas. Bring along extra gallons of gas and a spare tire or two.
For traveling from a major island to the smaller adjoining islets, there are motor-powered bancas that ply these routes for a fixed rate.
Ways To Fly
The Philippines is the first Asian country to have an airline, and the Philippine Airlines (PAL) was, up until late 1980s, ‘Asia’s Largest Airlines.’Aside from PAL, which flies both international and domestic routes and has daily flights to 17 local destinations, two other major airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines, service the domestic routes while several smaller airlines offer charter flights to and from select destinations. For chartered travel to specific locations, there are several carriers available such as Zest Airways, Mindanao Express Airlines, and SEAir.
The Philippines boasts 40 major and 45 minor airports with paved runways with at least 160 more unpaved ones. Taking a plane is the fastest mode of transport for interisland travel, especially
if you’re in a hurry, and is available almost every day of the week, except on some areas. Rates are higher than sea travel, but most airlines offer discounts when you book weeks or months ahead. Online booking is preferable to avoid long lines in ticketing booths.
Air travel is also the most convenient and safest way to travel than other alternatives. Air travel gives you the luxury to stretch your legs, enjoy comfortable temperature, eat high-quality meals, choose premium seating, and enjoy other amenities. When traveling by air, take note of the rules and regulations of the airline. Pack light, and know the size and number of baggage and weight requirements you may check in and hand-carried baggage you may bring into the cabin free of charge.
Would You? Could You?
On Cancellations and Rebooking
Airlines
Once you finalize your reservation, airlines charge for cancellation. The exact charge varies per supplier, booking class used (promo classes for example are completely nonrefundable), and per how much time in advance you cancelled. Generally, cancellations made more than 24 hours prior to estimated departure time are charged between P400 to P700 per passenger per sector, with prices subject to change without prior notice. If you fail to cancel (cut-off time is generally noon the day before), a no-show charge applies, varying from P450 to P1200 per passenger per sector.
Trains and Bus lines
Rebooking and cancellation of tickets are usually done over the counter at the ticket selling booths at the terminal and done a day or two before the date of departure. Schedules are nonexistent so for more information and fares, your best option is to visit the station.
Ferries
You may revalidate or ask for a refund any day prior or after the departure date. Log on to the company’s websites for changes or call ticketing sales. Some general conditions
and fees apply depending on the ticket purchased.