Archives for March 2015

Jeepney Fun

March 15, 2015 by John Grant Leave a Comment

Most jeepneys are festively decorated and are often named after biblical characters and females

The Jeepney is one of the most popular means of public transportation in the Philippines, a unique way of travelling. The Jeepney was originally made from leftover US military jeeps and in time became a symbol of the Philippine culture.

Most jeepneys are festively decorated and are often named after biblical characters and females. Every single Philippine jeepney is personalized; no jeepney is exactly the same as another. These undisputed “Kings of the road” are famous for their fantastic illustrations, bright colours and notorious for their crowded seating and horn blowing drivers who can be, most of the time, an amusement to their passengers.

Because the jeepney is very popular the seats inside are often filled with passengers and their belongings, seated face-to-face and knee to knee, your personal space will be minimized to almost nothing. However, always new passengers will be added to the already crowded cabin. They will still get on board, eager to start the journey to their own destination, hanging from the tail bumpers and sitting on the top of the jeepney. The fare is very inexpensive and riding one is always a fun and exciting experience.

In places where there are fewer jeepneys, the tricycle is another popular way of transportation. The tricycle is a motorcycle with a sidecar combination, a canvas or metal roof stretched over a framework of metal bars, welded to the sidecar. A three-wheeled workhorse that carries passengers and cargo and which can easily reach the interior roads, narrow alleys.

This people’s transportation mini vehicle can be seen in many different forms and length; it can serve passengers in almost any kind of weather, terrain, road and traffic conditions. It is rigged for the transportation of people, live animals, fish, furniture, charcoal, appliances and hardware and sometimes even used as an ambulance. Tricycles are often decorated with various mirrors, colourful banners and constructed with stainless steel and shiny chrome.

The colourful jeepney and the exotic tricycle both symbolize the Philippines, they perfectly capture the carefree atmosphere of the Islands and are the most recognized, most distinct and the most unique modes of primary transportation in this region. Taking a ride with these icons of local transport will get you in touch with the real countryside and allows you to mingle with the local population.

Banaue Bus Fun

March 11, 2015 by John Grant Leave a Comment

However, the bus rides can be a little sore if you get on the wrong bus

I wanted to write a special post just on GETTING to Banaue on the bus, because as you’re about to learn, it’s not your average bus trip.

We did a LOT of research on this trip, both online and asking various locals around Manila about getting to Banaue and we never seemed to get a clear picture of what we needed to do to get there. So having made the journey I’ve put together some of the most important points you need to take note of if you’re considering doing the same…

First things first…

The cost is really cheap so you don’t need to worry about getting the best deal. We paid $18 each return… for a 9 hour trip. Ahhh how we love PI

You need to take the bus from a small station in Manila. The most reliable we found was “Autobus” BUT what we realized only after getting there is that the advertised bus terminal thats listed on the websites has actually MOVED. It took us one crazy taxi trip across town in the middle of a busy Manila night including a couple of near death experiences, a yelling match with our taxi driver, and a last minute trike ride to a different street by a random local to actually FIND the real bus terminal.

So here’s the address as listed:

Auto Bus Terminal: España Blvd corner G. Tolentino St., Manila. The bus leaves at 10 PM daily and arrives at about 7AM.

The time it leaves is right but the rest is not. Have the taxi driver take you to that area and just leave in plenty of time to get out and ask locals where the NEW “Autobus” terminal is. I wish we’d written down the street name for you but we were so rushed and frantic that we didn’t have the peace of mind to do so.

The bus trip to Banaue is 9 hours through the night. It was a tad draining because the bus wasn’t the best, the air conditioning was incessant and too cold, and the seats reclined juuuust enough for you to THINK you might be able to get comfortable before crushing your dreams of any form of decent sleep.

autobus1 Another tip, don’t even try to get the back seat so you can lie right down, it won’t help. The back seat is reserved for the driver to sleep after he rotates with another driver half way through the trip. We found this out after being kicked out of our comfortable sleeping position after mistakenly thinking that the back seat was a free for all.

But don’t let me discourage you, this is all part of the experience, and when you get to Banaue it’ll be hard to argue that the trip wasn’t worth every minute of it.

When you’re leaving Banaue to come back to Manila things are much easier. You go to the one terminal in Banaue where you entered and await the bus that by memory leaves twice daily, once in the morning and once in the afternoon.

Now go forth and enjoy the beauty of Banaue equipped with these tips.

Hope you enjoyed!

Bus Travel in Manila

March 9, 2015 by John Grant Leave a Comment

For those among us who cannot afford a new car or a chauffeur driven vehicle the alternative is the good old bus service in the Philippines. Now, the buses in the Philippines range from the grand clean air conditioned to traveling in a bus where the seats fall off and the chickens block the aisle. So be PREPARED.

For those among us who cannot afford a new car or a chauffeur driven vehicle the alternative is the good old bus service in the Philippines

Bus Travel in Manila, Luzon

Due to the large network of roads and highways in the Philippines, bus travel has become a preferred mode of exploring the country, especially for those on a budget. There are different kinds of buses to choose from, from luxury liners where you can enjoy long road trips on lazy boy chairs, or simple buses with air conditioning and movie entertainment. For those on a really low budget, they can also opt to go on open-air buses, which are significantly cheaper than air conditioned buses.

Buses are a practical choice for those traveling in large groups and many of the local bus companies offer charting services for large groups as well, such as for company outings and special trips with a large group.

The continually developing roads around the country have made bus travel the most practical choice for seeing the many tourist spots around the Philippines. Within the cities of Manila, it is quite obvious that buses dominate the highways and major streets. There are a number of bus terminals that can take one to almost any point in Luzon.

Longer trips spanning more than 4 hours usually stop over for 30 minutes to pick up and drop off other passengers, and in these stopovers you can also expect to use a public bathroom. It’s highly advisable to avoid drinking large amounts of fluids because one can’t just ask the bus driver to stop in the nearest bathroom. Ask the bus liner where and how often the bus will be stopping over during the course of your travel.

Bus Types

There are basically 3 types of buses:
1. New air conditioned official buses with TV
2. The older non-air con official buses
3. Private buses

Safety Tips

Traveling by bus also means that one must practice safety precautions. Generally, bus travel in the Philippines is safe, but it’s important to never compromise safety just as you would in other modes of public transportation. Before you hop onto a bus, it’s recommended that you give the telephone number of the bus company and bus number to a family member in case of any emergencies. Also, when en route to your destination, never publicly display that you are carrying a big amount of money and also don’t wear expensive or flashy jewelry, clothing, and accessories. Especially in cases of long bus trips, be sure to carry change including coins and small bills for stopovers and when you want to purchase snacks and meals along the way. Lastly, dress down and try as much as possible to avoid attracting a lot of attention to yourself.

Onboard Entertainment

When it comes to entertainment options, these are quite limited and vary depending on the kind of bus you are taking. Most buses are equipped with one television so that everyone can watch television or a DVD. Other than that, radios are the only other entertainment option aboard the bus.

Bus Terminals in Metro Manila

Bus companies have several terminals scattered throughout Luzon. Within Metro Manila, one can find bus stops in the following locations:

1. Alabang
2. FTI
3. Baclaran
4. Magallanes
5. EDSA Shaw Boulevard
6. Ortigas Avenue
7. Las Pinas
8. Cubao
9. Coastal Road
10. Pasig
11. Novaliches
12. SM Fairview
13. PhilCoa
14. UP Diliman
15. Zapote
16. Taft Avenue

These are just some of the bus stops around the Greater Manila Area (GMA). They are very easy to find. The bus fare for travel within GMA is around PhP 15 upwards, depending on the bus facilities and the distance of travel.

List of Bus Companies

For out of town travel, here is a list of bus companies and their destinations in Luzon area:

Victory Liner

Terminals: Caloocan, Cubao, Kamias, Pasay, Sampaloc, Dagupan, Baguio
Destinations: San Fernando, Iba, Olongapo, Tarlac, Baguio, Dagupan, Bolinao, Alaminos, Aparri, and Tuguegarao.
Read more about – Victory Liner

Philtranco Service Enterprises

Terminals: EDSA, Pasay, Cubao
Destinations: Legaspi City, Daet, Naga, Bulacan, and Clark.
Read more about – Philtranco

Dangwa Tranco

Terminals: Sampaloc, Cubao
Destinations: Benguet, Ifugao Province, Cordillera Administrative Region
Read more about – Dangwa Tranco

Farinas Transit Company

Terminal: Laon-laan cor M. dela Fuente Sts. Sampaloc, Manila
Destinations: Vigan, Laoag
Read more about – Farinas Transit Company

JAM Transit

Terminals: Taft Avenue, Cubao
Destinations: Quezon province, Laguna, Batangas
Read more about – JAM Transit

Five Star Bus Company

Terminal: Aurora Boulevard
Destinations: Bolinao, Dagupan, Cabanatuan.
Read more about – Five Star Bus Company

Dominion Transit

Terminal: Cubao
Destinations: La Union, Abra, Ilocos Sur
Read more about – Dominion Transit

Baliwag Transit Incorporated

Terminal: Cubao
Destinations: Aparri, Tuguegarao, San Jose del Monte, Baliwag
Read more about – Baliwag Transit Incorporated

Franco Frederico Lines

Terminal: Sampaloc
Destinations: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur
Read more about – Franco Frederico Lines

Aladdin Transit Corporation

Terminal: Sampaloc
Destinations: Cagayan Valley, Ifugao, Laoag, Baguio, Kalinga, Isabela, Dagupan
Read more about – Aladdin Transit Corporation

ALPS Bus

Terminal: Tel. No.: (02) 911 2186
Destinations: Batangas City in Batangas Province
Read more about – ALPS Bus

Autobus Transport Systems, INC.

Terminal: Dimasalang corner Laon-Laan, Sampaloc, Manila
Tel. No.: (02) 743-3227
Destinations: Aparri, Tuguegarao in Cagayan Valley Province, Banaue in Mountain Province, Laoag in Ilocos Norte Province, Lagawit, Tabuc, Tuwaw
Read more about – Autobus Transport Systems, INC.

Bataan Transit INC.

Terminal:
Destinations: Balanga, Mariveles in Bataan Province
Read more about – Bataan Transit INC.

Batangas Express Bus

Terminal:
Destinations: Batangas City in Batangas Province
Read more about – Batangas Express Bus

Cagsawa Tours

Terminal:
Destinations: Legaspi in Albay Province, Naga in Camarines Sur
Read more about – Cagsawa Tours Bus

Candon Bus Lines

Terminal:
Destinations: Candon in Ilocos Sur Province
Read more about – Candon Bus Lines

Celyrosa Bus

Terminal:
Destinations: Batangas City in Batangas Province
Read more about – Celyrosa

CROW Bus

Terminal: (02) 851-8852
Destinations: Nasugbu in Batangas Province, Mendez in Cavite Province
Read more about – CROW Bus

Dagupan Bus CO., INC.

Terminal: New York St., Cubao Quezon City
Tel. No.: (02) 727-2330
Destinations: Agno, Anda, Alaminos City, Bolinao, Dagupan City, Manaoag, San Carlos City in Pangasinan Province, Baguio City in Benguet Province, Tuguegarao City in Cagayan Valley Province
Read more about – Dagupan Bus CO., INC.

Dalin Bus

Terminal:
Destinations: Tuguegarao City in Cagayan Valley Province
Read more about – Dalin Bus

De Leon Express

Terminal:
Destinations: Pangasinan Province
Read more about – De Leon Express Bus

ES Transport

Terminal:
Destinations: Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija Province
Read more about – ES Transport Bus

Florida

Terminal:
Destinations: Tuguegarao City in Cagayan Valley Province, Laoag City in Ilocos Norte Province
Read more about – Florida Bus

German Espiritu Liner

Terminal:
Destinations: Balagtas in Bulacan Province
Read more about – German Espiritu Liner Bus

Genesis Transport Services, INC.

Terminal: Unit 101 A Giselle Park Plaza Edsa Corner Rotonda 1300 Pasay City
Tel. No.: (02) 551-0842
Destinations: Balanga, Mariveles in Bataan Province, Baler in Aurora Province, Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija Province, Baguio City in Benguet Province
Read more about – Genesis Transport Services, INC.

Gold Line Tours

Terminal:
Destinations: Bulan, Matnog & Magallanes, Sorsogon
Read more about – Gold Line Tours Bus

Jasper Jean

Terminal:
Destinations: Dasmariñas in Cavite Province
Read more about – Jasper Jean Bus

JAC Liner

Terminal: EDSA corner Kamias, Quezon City
Tel. No.: (02) 682-5750
Destinations: Lucena City in Quezon Province
Read more about – JAC Liner Bus

Maria De Leon

Terminal: Gelinos Street 1000 Manila
Tel. No.: (02) 731-4907
Destinations: Vigan City in Ilocos Sur Province, Laoag City in Ilocos Norte Province
Read more about – Maria De Leon Bus

Nelbusco

Terminal:
Destinations: Santiago City in Isabela
Read more about – Nelbusco Bus

Partas

Terminal: 816 Aurora Boulevard corner P. Bernardo St., Cubao 1109 Quezon City
Telephone (02) 727-8278 (PARTAS8)
Destinations: Laoag in Ilocos Norte Province, Vigan in Ilocos Sur Province, Baguio in Benguet Province
Read more about – Partas Bus

Philippine Rabbit Bus Lines, INC.

Terminal: 819 Oroquieta Street 1000 Manila
EDSA, Balintawak, Quezon City
Tel. No.: (02) 734-9836 , (632) 3643477
Destinations: Angeles City in Pampanga Province, Tarlac City in Tarlac Province, Sta. Cruz in Zambales Province, Alaminos City and Bolinao in Pangasinan Province, Baguio in Benguet Province, San Fernando in La Union Province, Vigan in Ilocos Province, Laoag in Ilocos Norte Province
Read more about – Philippine Rabbit Bus Lines, INC.

RCJ Lines

Terminal: 1558 España, Sampaloc, Manila
Destinations: Laoag City in Ilocos Norte Province
Read more about – RCJ Lines Bus

RJ Express

Terminal:
Destinations: Arayat, Macabebe in Pampanga Province, Cabiao, San Isidro in Nueva Ecija Province
Read more about – RJ EXPRESS Bus

Royal Eagle

Terminal: (02) 833-9074, 832-1006
Destinations: Apalit in Pampanga Province, Hagonoy in Bulacan Province, Roxas and Santiago City in Isabela
Read more about – Royal Eagle Bus

Santrans

Terminal:
Destinations: Norzagaray in Bulacan Province, Dagupan in Pangasinan Province
Read more about – Santrans Bus

Saulog Transit INC.

Terminal: 1377 Quirino Avenue, San Dionisio 1700 Parañaque
Tel. No.: (02) 825-2926
Destinations: Cavite City in Cavite Province, Olongapo City in Zambales Province, Baguio City in Benguet Province
Read more about – Saulog Transit INC Bus

Sierra Madre Transportation

Terminal:
Destinations: Arayat, Candaba in Pampanga Province, Cabiao, San Isidro in Nueva Ecija Province
Read more about – Sierra Madre Transportation Bus

ST. Joseph Transportation

Terminal:
Destinations: Laoag in Ilocos Norte Province
Read more about – ST. Joseph Transportation Bus

Superlines

Terminal:
Destinations: Daet in Camarines Norte Province, Legaspi City in Albay Province
Read more about – Superlines Bus

Tritran

Terminal:
Destinations: Laguna Province, Batangas Province
Read more about – Tritran Bus

Viron Transit

Terminal: 1209 Blumentritt Cor. Dapitan St., Sampaloc 1000 Manila
Tel. No.: (02) 741-0405
Destinations: Manaoag in Pangasinan Province, Vigan City in Ilocos Sur Province
Read more about – Viron Transit Bus

With all these destinations and affordable bus fares, there’s no excuse not to hop onto the next bus going to breathtaking sights in Luzon.

Trains in the Philippines

March 7, 2015 by John Grant Leave a Comment

Brief History of the Railway

The island of Luzon has been endowed with nature’s blessings but

only slightly stirred by trade and commercial activity. The galleons

that plowed the seas to and from Mexico offered some awesome

sights to the Filipinos at that time. Under these prevailing conditions,

the railroad was introduced as means of exploiting the untapped

riches of the virgin island of Luzon.

On June 25, 1875, by virtue of royal decree of King Alfonso XII of

Spain, required Inspector of Public Works of the Philippine Island to

submit a general plan for the establishment of a railroad line in the

island of Luzon.

After five months of conscientious study, Don Eduardo Lopez Navarro,

head of the Public Works Office submitted the plan called “Memoria

Sobre el Plan General de Ferrocarilles en la Isla de Luzon.” The plan

was granted for its implementation. On June 1, 1887, a concession

for the construction of a railway line from Manila to Dagupan,

Pangasinan was awarded to Don Edmundo Sykes of the Ferrocaril de

Manila-Dagupan, the original corporate name of Manila Railway Company

Ltd. of London.

On July 31, 1887, the cornerstore was laid at the present site of its

main terminal building at Tutuban, Manila. Five years later, on

November 24, 1892, the first 195 kilometer railway line from Manila

to Dagupan in Northern Luzon was opened for operation.

On February 4, 1916, the Philippine Legislaturer passed Act. No. 2547

acquiring the then Manila Railroad Company (MRR). Construction of lines

continued such that by 1940, the railway had been extended up to Legaspi,

Albay in the South and to San Fernando, La Union in he north. Branch lines

were constructed from Paniqui, Tarlac to San Quintin, Pangasinan; from

Tarlac, Tarlac to San Jose, Nueva Ecija; from Bigaa, Bulacan to

Cabanatuan City; from San Fernando, Pampanga to Carmen, Pangasinan;

from College to Sta. Cruz, Laguna and from Sta. Mesa to Hulo in

Mandaluyong.

The Second World War brought considerable damages to the system.

The United States Army, which had temporarily gained control of the

Company, after the war in 1945, was able to restore 40% of the pre-war lines.

On February 1, 1946, the control of the railway system was turned over

to the Philippine Government. Of the 1,140 route-kilometers before

the war, only 452 route-kilometers were made operational. Since then,

the activities were concentrated on the rehabilitation and/or reconstruction

of damaged railway facilities. The period 1954-1957 marked the dieselization

program of the Company. Steam engines were retired and replaced by

diesel electric engines.

On June 20, 1946, Republic Act No. 4156, the new Charter was passed,

renaming the Company to what it is today – Philippine National Railways (PNR).

This law had been amended twice: first Republic Act No. 6366 enacted

on August 20, 1971 which provided for the rehabilitation and selective

modernization program of the Philippine National Railways; and the second

by Presidential Decree No. 741 issued on July 3, 1975 which raised the

capital stock to P1.5 billion.

Source: Philippine National Railways