Climbing Mt Cinco Picos

Back in our disaster climb in nagsasa 2 years back, I've come to know about the water sources in the neighboring mountains; especially with what they said was a water basin at the summit of balingkilat. I have a biased interest for such convenient water supple mountains, thus I've maintained a solid interest with mt balingkilat and cinco picos; The latter's name, being hispanic-sounding also makes it enticing for me; So, when I saw an event for my group for this mountain, I immediately hit going; Besides, it's been a while since my last climb and my legs are itching some heights.

Then again, just weeks before the event, the organizer had backed out due to some school requirements; and having no back up plan for the date, and considering the thrill i have for this mountain, i thought about taking the lead.

The group agreed to meet in victory liner cubao terminal at 2:30 to catch the first trip to olongapo at 3. While some of us had been in the terminal as early as 1am, no one thought about buying the tickets right away. By the time we were going to get our tickets, all seats in the first trip are all booked! Dang..

So, it was already half past 3 when we left, and when we reached the first (Petron) fuel pump just after the NLEX toll, we were being flagged by the first trip bus. Broke! All passengers of that trip had to stand in our bus aisle (thank God we missed buying tickets early).

We reached olongapo before 7am, and as soon as we got there, although the plan was to take d bus to subic town, i thought about canvassing for a chartered service.

Just like what the blog said, subic-castillejos (blue) jeep were asking for 2500. I walked around and asked elsewhere. I got to a van terminal (olongapo-dau) and asked.. (.. And spoke in kapampangan to affiliate) how much to be dropped in cawag. I was asked P800. Not so bad huh?

So i called in the rest of the gag and off we were to cawag. In less than an hour, we were already in the cawag entrance; Pointed out the way to sitio martin, and as we move further around the twists and turns, i could read the driver's regret of giving that price. So, by the time we reached sitio martin, before he even ask for an additional, i told him we're giving 100 extra (totals 900).

The guides have approached us, and I asked for Marvin, our designated guide, the only guide who agreed for P600 (and its a long story of how i ended up getting that price, had to raise several arguments on several calls with a few people.

Anyhow, it was already almost 9am when we left. By around 11am, we came by an aeta household and decided to prepare lunch and have a break there. There was a river stream next to their house, and so i took a dip, while the rest were having a nap. We resumed the trek at 2pm, and reached the campsite at 5:30. There was again a micro water source in the campsite so i cleaned up (an i really love it when after a lot of sweating, i can wash and soap up; though the morning after, i saw a small frog dipped in the water).

The nextday, we traversed to silanguin cove. We broke camp at past 8 and got to the beachfront at 1pm.


Our guide Marvin, may be contacted at +63 915 328 7285. Please prepare provisions for food for the guide. They also dont have tents, so pls have another solo available.

Total paid fees is 40. 20 for brgy cawag and another 20 for sitio martin. Instead of stopping by brgy cawag, you may pay both fees (P40) at once in sitio martin

Back in our disaster climb in nagsasa 2 years back, I've come to know about the water sources in the neighboring mountains; especially with what they said was a water basin at the summit of balingkilat. I have a biased interest for such convenient water supple mountains, thus I've maintained a solid interest with mt balingkilat and cinco picos; The latter's name, being hispanic-sounding also makes it enticing for me; So, when I saw an event for my group for this mountain, I immediately hit going; Besides, it's been a while since my last climb and my legs are itching some heights.

Then again, just weeks before the event, the organizer had backed out due to some school requirements; and having no back up plan for the date, and considering the thrill i have for this mountain, i thought about taking the lead.

The group agreed to meet in victory liner cubao terminal at 2:30 to catch the first trip to olongapo at 3. While some of us had been in the terminal as early as 1am, no one thought about buying the tickets right away. By the time we were going to get our tickets, all seats in the first trip are all booked! Dang..

So, it was already half past 3 when we left, and when we reached the first (Petron) fuel pump just after the NLEX toll, we were being flagged by the first trip bus. Broke! All passengers of that trip had to stand in our bus aisle (thank God we missed buying tickets early).

We reached olongapo before 7am, and as soon as we got there, although the plan was to take d bus to subic town, i thought about canvassing for a chartered service.

Just like what the blog said, subic-castillejos (blue) jeep were asking for 2500. I walked around and asked elsewhere. I got to a van terminal (olongapo-dau) and asked.. (.. And spoke in kapampangan to affiliate) how much to be dropped in cawag. I was asked P800. Not so bad huh?

So i called in the rest of the gag and off we were to cawag. In less than an hour, we were already in the cawag entrance; Pointed out the way to sitio martin, and as we move further around the twists and turns, i could read the driver's regret of giving that price. So, by the time we reached sitio martin, before he even ask for an additional, i told him we're giving 100 extra (totals 900).

The guides have approached us, and I asked for Marvin, our designated guide, the only guide who agreed for P600 (and its a long story of how i ended up getting that price, had to raise several arguments on several calls with a few people.

Anyhow, it was already almost 9am when we left. By around 11am, we came by an aeta household and decided to prepare lunch and have a break there. There was a river stream next to their house, and so i took a dip, while the rest were having a nap. We resumed the trek at 2pm, and reached the campsite at 5:30. There was again a micro water source in the campsite so i cleaned up (an i really love it when after a lot of sweating, i can wash and soap up; though the morning after, i saw a small frog dipped in the water).

The nextday, we traversed to silanguin cove. We broke camp at past 8 and got to the beachfront at 1pm.


Our guide Marvin, may be contacted at +63 915 328 7285. Please prepare provisions for food for the guide. They also dont have tents, so pls have another solo available.

Total paid fees is 40. 20 for brgy cawag and another 20 for sitio martin. Instead of stopping by brgy cawag, you may pay both fees (P40) at once in sitio martin

Read More »

How to go to Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur

Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur

From Pagadian City, walk towards the Cerilles Terminal near the Public Market. From there, there will be vans going to Pitogo (Fare is P100). Vans leave every 15-30 mins regardless of the number of passengers (though they run as slowly as can so they have a good chance of catching passengers midway in case not in full load). First trip to Pitogo is 6am and last trip going back to Pagadian, from Pitogo, is 4pm.

Certilles Transport in Pagadian City

Destinations serviced by Certilles Transport in Pagadian City

en route to Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur

In Pitogo, ask to be dropped in the Municipality and look for the Municipal Administrator (Mr. Roland P Eta’s office, 2^nd floor). Seek permission so he can call the chief security in the island. Sir Roland generously shared his mobile number for questions and those who will be visiting on weekends 09185095741. You may also call his staff JP at 09497090607.

taken in the Municipality of Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur

Boatride to Panikian island is about 30-40 minutes.

boats docked in Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur

Remember:

The island is as pristine as you can imagine. No potable water, toilet, etc so prepare to rough it out. There is reception though for both Smart and Globe cellulars.




This trip is part of my 13 day Southern Mindanao Trip. I posted a few details of my schedule and expenses here

Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur

From Pagadian City, walk towards the Cerilles Terminal near the Public Market. From there, there will be vans going to Pitogo (Fare is P100). Vans leave every 15-30 mins regardless of the number of passengers (though they run as slowly as can so they have a good chance of catching passengers midway in case not in full load). First trip to Pitogo is 6am and last trip going back to Pagadian, from Pitogo, is 4pm.

Certilles Transport in Pagadian City

Destinations serviced by Certilles Transport in Pagadian City

en route to Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur

In Pitogo, ask to be dropped in the Municipality and look for the Municipal Administrator (Mr. Roland P Eta’s office, 2^nd floor). Seek permission so he can call the chief security in the island. Sir Roland generously shared his mobile number for questions and those who will be visiting on weekends 09185095741. You may also call his staff JP at 09497090607.

taken in the Municipality of Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur

Boatride to Panikian island is about 30-40 minutes.

boats docked in Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur

Remember:

The island is as pristine as you can imagine. No potable water, toilet, etc so prepare to rough it out. There is reception though for both Smart and Globe cellulars.




This trip is part of my 13 day Southern Mindanao Trip. I posted a few details of my schedule and expenses here

Read More »

Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur

shores of Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur

It was such a regret that I had that 12 oz latte from Bo’s coffee in Robinsons C3 Mall in Pagadian Town Center. It was almost 3am when I lost consciousness, and it was past 10 in the morning when I woke up. The initial plan was to wake up at about 7 am, so I can do a quick day trip to the Panikian Island, and then head to Zamboanga city by night. Nevertheless, it was too late to whine; Second, cancelling the Panikian trip is not an option. I am already in Pagadian, and I’d rather cut from the latter plans that cancel this where I am in at the moment.

Meantime, I have yet to find out whether it is safe indeed to travel to Pitogo. Which made the decision making even worse; I sat on a bakery in front of the Cerilles terminal in Pagadian, ordered a cup of coffee and bread, while carefully analyzing my next move.

I received a text message from the Zamboanga tourism that Solo travelling is not encouraged. Likewise, I asked Doc Wendell of Journeysandtravels and said there might be some security risks at this time. What I thought was, since I was already in the terminal, I can probably head to Pitogo, and check with the Municipality.

It was already lunchtime when I left and took me an hour and half to get to Pitogo. I asked to be dropped in the Municipality and from there, met the Municipal Administrator Mr Roland Eta who has been so accommodating and kind to ask JP (one of his staff) to assist me in getting a boat to the island. I told them I just need a quick 20 minute in the island, and that I will try to catch the last 4pm trip back to Pagadian City. They’ve explained I may not make it, but best to get to the shore asap and try my luck, which we did.

We walked into some of his (JP’s) acquaintances, and the first 2 fishermen said it was already late. Thing is, the skies were dark and wind was blowing strong. Finally, the third one we approached walked us to the shore and was kind of evaluating the weather. It was even low tide such that his boat will not make it to sailing. I was quiet, and thinking of a good backup plan.

All of a sudden, the boatman spoke and said, if you want, you can sleep in the island, and then wake up early for the trip back to Pagadian. I was going to kiss his ass had he asked. It never came to mind, and such castaway arrangements are a delight.

JP and I walked back to the market for some goods (food, alcohol, cigarettes) and just a little while later, we’re ready to leave. It was almost 5pm when we reached the island. I was greeted by the security personnel in the island whom sir Roland called up ahead to inform.

After our dinner and midway thru the liter of Emperador light, one of the younger patroller asked me for the time; It was almost 8pm. I was asked if I’d be joining them go around the island and see the turtles as they lay eggs, which, of course I did. Apart from the hundreds of sparkling fireflies that flocked on some trees, we spotted 2 seasnakes, and 5 turtles (2 of which laid eggs).

It was around 8am when we left the following day. Before heading to mainland though, we had a quick roundabout of the island and the nearby islet. Sadly, the reef is a coral sanctuary except much of the corals are cracked down by dynamite fishing.

see here for post on how to go to panikian island in Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur

This trip is part of my 13 day Southern Mindanao Trip. I posted a few details of my schedule and expenses here

shores of Panikian Island, Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur

It was such a regret that I had that 12 oz latte from Bo’s coffee in Robinsons C3 Mall in Pagadian Town Center. It was almost 3am when I lost consciousness, and it was past 10 in the morning when I woke up. The initial plan was to wake up at about 7 am, so I can do a quick day trip to the Panikian Island, and then head to Zamboanga city by night. Nevertheless, it was too late to whine; Second, cancelling the Panikian trip is not an option. I am already in Pagadian, and I’d rather cut from the latter plans that cancel this where I am in at the moment.

Meantime, I have yet to find out whether it is safe indeed to travel to Pitogo. Which made the decision making even worse; I sat on a bakery in front of the Cerilles terminal in Pagadian, ordered a cup of coffee and bread, while carefully analyzing my next move.

I received a text message from the Zamboanga tourism that Solo travelling is not encouraged. Likewise, I asked Doc Wendell of Journeysandtravels and said there might be some security risks at this time. What I thought was, since I was already in the terminal, I can probably head to Pitogo, and check with the Municipality.

It was already lunchtime when I left and took me an hour and half to get to Pitogo. I asked to be dropped in the Municipality and from there, met the Municipal Administrator Mr Roland Eta who has been so accommodating and kind to ask JP (one of his staff) to assist me in getting a boat to the island. I told them I just need a quick 20 minute in the island, and that I will try to catch the last 4pm trip back to Pagadian City. They’ve explained I may not make it, but best to get to the shore asap and try my luck, which we did.

We walked into some of his (JP’s) acquaintances, and the first 2 fishermen said it was already late. Thing is, the skies were dark and wind was blowing strong. Finally, the third one we approached walked us to the shore and was kind of evaluating the weather. It was even low tide such that his boat will not make it to sailing. I was quiet, and thinking of a good backup plan.

All of a sudden, the boatman spoke and said, if you want, you can sleep in the island, and then wake up early for the trip back to Pagadian. I was going to kiss his ass had he asked. It never came to mind, and such castaway arrangements are a delight.

JP and I walked back to the market for some goods (food, alcohol, cigarettes) and just a little while later, we’re ready to leave. It was almost 5pm when we reached the island. I was greeted by the security personnel in the island whom sir Roland called up ahead to inform.

After our dinner and midway thru the liter of Emperador light, one of the younger patroller asked me for the time; It was almost 8pm. I was asked if I’d be joining them go around the island and see the turtles as they lay eggs, which, of course I did. Apart from the hundreds of sparkling fireflies that flocked on some trees, we spotted 2 seasnakes, and 5 turtles (2 of which laid eggs).

It was around 8am when we left the following day. Before heading to mainland though, we had a quick roundabout of the island and the nearby islet. Sadly, the reef is a coral sanctuary except much of the corals are cracked down by dynamite fishing.

see here for post on how to go to panikian island in Pitogo, Zamboanga Del Sur

This trip is part of my 13 day Southern Mindanao Trip. I posted a few details of my schedule and expenses here

Read More »

Cuatro Islas, Inopacan, Leyte

I have been so used to travelling without itineraries; For one, travelling has been an every weekend affair since february, and since the first time I've done it, I think it's not so different compared to spending so much time reading and taking notes; The surprises even adds life to the experience. You learn not from the usual, but from new situations and environments you get yourself into.

My flight is on saturday, and while my supposed travel bud Loreen lead the reading and iti building, the friday after shift, I took some time to read about leyte.

Some travel buds have been to kalanggaman, and sambawan just recently, and before this day, we thought it was all there is (with the exception of the historical destinations and san juanico bridge); Loreen has been reporting about the expected expenses, especially the 3K boat. Also, they are too far off from tacloban.

I zoomed on google to find some alternatives, and found these sparkling islands in Inopacan. As I always do, While i rot waiting for the boarding time in the airport, i took the time to research.

So i followed the instructions and got my ass to the boulevard in Inopacan (just behind the municipal hall). I asked around where I can catch a boat to the island, and right in time I was pointed to this tourist boat that seemed waiting for guests. I spoke to the people standing close and was referred to the boatman. The boatman said I can tag along and pay P500. I was positive that i can hire a small fishing boat for the same trip (and private) but, I was just not in the mood to haggle. So, i bought some packed food in the nearby eatery for my dinner, and 3 canned goods, for my meals the ff day. 15 minutes later, I was in the boat.

Inopacan, Leyte town proper

Baywalk in Inopacan Leyte, just behind the municipal hall; jump off for cuatro islas

The boat began to sail, and just a few minutes later, and probably about 500m from shore, we've spotted dolphins... A short 2 minute show. Later, after about half hour, we spotted another set. A little while later, we reached the island. 300 meters to the shore, you can clearly see the corals down the water.

I docked in a small nipa and tied my hammock on a tree next to it, changed clothes, and in less than 3 minutes, am ready to swim; pulled my goggles and walked to the shore. 

From the island, looking afar,  you can still see some dolphins peeping out of the water once in a while. The tide was low; so low such that i can be standing close by to thick live corals and the water level only to my waist. I had to swim it even to a 2feet depth so as not to step at the corals (was trying to avoid urchins too of course).

I moved to the other side of the sandbar and snorkled there. I saw a number of lobsters sneaking out of the corals, and could only hope I had something to catch them with. By the time I got tired snorkelling, it was almost dark, and rain began to fall lightly. 

I would have easily attached myself to the group I went with, and made instant friends, but this weekend, I wanted to have a me time. Instead, I plugged the earphone and laid in my hammock til I fell asleep.

It was a good night sleep... my calculations say 10 long hours; Opened up 1 of my canned goods, and right after, ran to the water again to snorkle. There was just too much there, I think I can spend one whole weekend swimming and snorkelling around.

How to get to Cuatro Islas?

If youre flying to tacloban, from the airport, take the downtown bound jeep. There are jeepneys that charge a premium P50 in the airport, but you can also catch some regular jeeps, that come from the city, for just P12. Just ask around. They shall be a little past the airport gate. Ask to be dropped in "Van Van" Terminal. 

From Van Van, take the "Maasin via Baybay" vans. Fare to Inopacan is P170 (inopacan will be next town to Baybay. The first stopver). From the town proper, walk towards the municipal hall. Behind the hall is the where boats are docked.

Going back to Tacloban, while you can wait for vans going direct to Tacloban, i was told that most of the time, they're full. It was already 3pm when i got back to the town proper from the island, and I did not want to risk missing my trip. There are no jeeps going to baybay, and buses are just so rare. So, i took the P40 van ride to baybay, and from there, i took the van to tacloban (fare is P150).


Make sure to bring snorkelling gears. When negotiating with the boatman, Make him agree to stopping the boat once in a while so you can jump off the water and check out what's below. The area is a marine sanctuary and the reef is a delight.  In case you can't swim/float in the water, make sure the boatman has life jackets.

Island fees are P25/person and P300 for the open cottage which will be collected by the caretaker (haggle for P20 and 200/cottage; As per the group I went with, this is what they were told from the mainland). As per me, i did not pay anything actually. Nobody approached me for anything ;-) lolz. Bring your tents in case you'd spend overnight. No electricity in the island, cellular network is abundant though for globe and smart. 

Theres no water for rinsing too. What i did was rinse in a deepwell pump in the mainland.

you may contact kuya ricky for boat service: 0939 254 9232. Then again, if you're in smaller groups, 3 or less, might want to just walk in and hop on the small boats (just if you are equally comfortable in these small fishing boats). He has lifevests, and you might want to organize a snorkelling tour (kind of what they do in apo reef).

Summary of expenses:

Jeep (airport to Van Van Terminal): P50
Meal around Van Van Terminal: P40
Van from Tacloban to Inopacan: P170
Misc food: P90
Boat (back and forth): P400
Van (Inopacan to Baybay): P50
Van (Baybay to Tacloban): P150

Other expenses in the trip:
Trike service Tacloban to San Juanico Bridge and back: P130
Overnight stay in Village Townhouse, Real St cor Veteranos: P275
Meal in People's Park: P90
Yoghurt in Twirl Berry (nr people's park): P90
Jeep from Village Townhouse to Airport: P12
Terminal Fee (Tacloban Airport): P75

I have been so used to travelling without itineraries; For one, travelling has been an every weekend affair since february, and since the first time I've done it, I think it's not so different compared to spending so much time reading and taking notes; The surprises even adds life to the experience. You learn not from the usual, but from new situations and environments you get yourself into.

My flight is on saturday, and while my supposed travel bud Loreen lead the reading and iti building, the friday after shift, I took some time to read about leyte.

Some travel buds have been to kalanggaman, and sambawan just recently, and before this day, we thought it was all there is (with the exception of the historical destinations and san juanico bridge); Loreen has been reporting about the expected expenses, especially the 3K boat. Also, they are too far off from tacloban.

I zoomed on google to find some alternatives, and found these sparkling islands in Inopacan. As I always do, While i rot waiting for the boarding time in the airport, i took the time to research.

So i followed the instructions and got my ass to the boulevard in Inopacan (just behind the municipal hall). I asked around where I can catch a boat to the island, and right in time I was pointed to this tourist boat that seemed waiting for guests. I spoke to the people standing close and was referred to the boatman. The boatman said I can tag along and pay P500. I was positive that i can hire a small fishing boat for the same trip (and private) but, I was just not in the mood to haggle. So, i bought some packed food in the nearby eatery for my dinner, and 3 canned goods, for my meals the ff day. 15 minutes later, I was in the boat.

Inopacan, Leyte town proper

Baywalk in Inopacan Leyte, just behind the municipal hall; jump off for cuatro islas

The boat began to sail, and just a few minutes later, and probably about 500m from shore, we've spotted dolphins... A short 2 minute show. Later, after about half hour, we spotted another set. A little while later, we reached the island. 300 meters to the shore, you can clearly see the corals down the water.

I docked in a small nipa and tied my hammock on a tree next to it, changed clothes, and in less than 3 minutes, am ready to swim; pulled my goggles and walked to the shore. 

From the island, looking afar,  you can still see some dolphins peeping out of the water once in a while. The tide was low; so low such that i can be standing close by to thick live corals and the water level only to my waist. I had to swim it even to a 2feet depth so as not to step at the corals (was trying to avoid urchins too of course).

I moved to the other side of the sandbar and snorkled there. I saw a number of lobsters sneaking out of the corals, and could only hope I had something to catch them with. By the time I got tired snorkelling, it was almost dark, and rain began to fall lightly. 

I would have easily attached myself to the group I went with, and made instant friends, but this weekend, I wanted to have a me time. Instead, I plugged the earphone and laid in my hammock til I fell asleep.

It was a good night sleep... my calculations say 10 long hours; Opened up 1 of my canned goods, and right after, ran to the water again to snorkle. There was just too much there, I think I can spend one whole weekend swimming and snorkelling around.

How to get to Cuatro Islas?

If youre flying to tacloban, from the airport, take the downtown bound jeep. There are jeepneys that charge a premium P50 in the airport, but you can also catch some regular jeeps, that come from the city, for just P12. Just ask around. They shall be a little past the airport gate. Ask to be dropped in "Van Van" Terminal. 

From Van Van, take the "Maasin via Baybay" vans. Fare to Inopacan is P170 (inopacan will be next town to Baybay. The first stopver). From the town proper, walk towards the municipal hall. Behind the hall is the where boats are docked.

Going back to Tacloban, while you can wait for vans going direct to Tacloban, i was told that most of the time, they're full. It was already 3pm when i got back to the town proper from the island, and I did not want to risk missing my trip. There are no jeeps going to baybay, and buses are just so rare. So, i took the P40 van ride to baybay, and from there, i took the van to tacloban (fare is P150).


Make sure to bring snorkelling gears. When negotiating with the boatman, Make him agree to stopping the boat once in a while so you can jump off the water and check out what's below. The area is a marine sanctuary and the reef is a delight.  In case you can't swim/float in the water, make sure the boatman has life jackets.

Island fees are P25/person and P300 for the open cottage which will be collected by the caretaker (haggle for P20 and 200/cottage; As per the group I went with, this is what they were told from the mainland). As per me, i did not pay anything actually. Nobody approached me for anything ;-) lolz. Bring your tents in case you'd spend overnight. No electricity in the island, cellular network is abundant though for globe and smart. 

Theres no water for rinsing too. What i did was rinse in a deepwell pump in the mainland.

you may contact kuya ricky for boat service: 0939 254 9232. Then again, if you're in smaller groups, 3 or less, might want to just walk in and hop on the small boats (just if you are equally comfortable in these small fishing boats). He has lifevests, and you might want to organize a snorkelling tour (kind of what they do in apo reef).

Summary of expenses:

Jeep (airport to Van Van Terminal): P50
Meal around Van Van Terminal: P40
Van from Tacloban to Inopacan: P170
Misc food: P90
Boat (back and forth): P400
Van (Inopacan to Baybay): P50
Van (Baybay to Tacloban): P150

Other expenses in the trip:
Trike service Tacloban to San Juanico Bridge and back: P130
Overnight stay in Village Townhouse, Real St cor Veteranos: P275
Meal in People's Park: P90
Yoghurt in Twirl Berry (nr people's park): P90
Jeep from Village Townhouse to Airport: P12
Terminal Fee (Tacloban Airport): P75

Read More »

Tyranny of Bus Stops

Haven't had dinner yet, and it's already 12:58am. It was around 6pm when i decided to take this trip, had 2hours to pack and do some house chores, and got to the bus station 8:57pm for the 9:00pm trip to Daet (not to mention I was supposed to get the direct Cubao-Paracale trip by 7:45pm).

Anyway, i knew right on that prices in the bus stops would make me think twice on getting anything to eat. It's not a good habit to starve oneself for the sake of savings, but for frequent travellers, being wise means getting more miles.

So i looked around the menu and asked about the scrambled egg that was twinkling from my sight: a whopping P35 for less than P10 the cost. Forget it :-)
Then i noticed they've gotten rid of the free for all drinking water which they used to have (so they can sell from the bottled water). I ended up going for a P10 boiled egg and P25 siopao.

With my viscious travelling, some proven ways to save up from your transit:

1. Bottled water. Make it a habit to bring your filled water bottle (perhaps a litter) And refill whenever there's a free option.

2. As much as possible, pack some food for the trip; Or, buy somewhere whenever it's reasonably priced before hopping the bus. Else, you can bring canned goods and purchase your rice instead.

3. Before buying anything from the bus stop, scan around. There might be regular stores/eatery just outside the bus stop (but be sure to be wary of ur bus as you may be left behind).

4. Most stops charge P5 to pee; We men dont need to buy poise;

5. I used to bring my tin mug, and 3-in-1 coffee. Instead of spending P15 at each stop, i normally get hot water for free if not P2-P5.

(By the way, if you happen to be a student, upon telling the conductor of your destination, proactively ask for the student rate; in marinduque especially, if you take the jac liner bus that plies direct, it saves you almost P200.)

Haven't had dinner yet, and it's already 12:58am. It was around 6pm when i decided to take this trip, had 2hours to pack and do some house chores, and got to the bus station 8:57pm for the 9:00pm trip to Daet (not to mention I was supposed to get the direct Cubao-Paracale trip by 7:45pm).

Anyway, i knew right on that prices in the bus stops would make me think twice on getting anything to eat. It's not a good habit to starve oneself for the sake of savings, but for frequent travellers, being wise means getting more miles.

So i looked around the menu and asked about the scrambled egg that was twinkling from my sight: a whopping P35 for less than P10 the cost. Forget it :-)
Then i noticed they've gotten rid of the free for all drinking water which they used to have (so they can sell from the bottled water). I ended up going for a P10 boiled egg and P25 siopao.

With my viscious travelling, some proven ways to save up from your transit:

1. Bottled water. Make it a habit to bring your filled water bottle (perhaps a litter) And refill whenever there's a free option.

2. As much as possible, pack some food for the trip; Or, buy somewhere whenever it's reasonably priced before hopping the bus. Else, you can bring canned goods and purchase your rice instead.

3. Before buying anything from the bus stop, scan around. There might be regular stores/eatery just outside the bus stop (but be sure to be wary of ur bus as you may be left behind).

4. Most stops charge P5 to pee; We men dont need to buy poise;

5. I used to bring my tin mug, and 3-in-1 coffee. Instead of spending P15 at each stop, i normally get hot water for free if not P2-P5.

(By the way, if you happen to be a student, upon telling the conductor of your destination, proactively ask for the student rate; in marinduque especially, if you take the jac liner bus that plies direct, it saves you almost P200.)

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