Hello Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao

I have been neglecting these blog for several days now primarily because I have been busy with a lot of things lately.  I only have time to update this blog at night and since the husband arrived last October 29, we went on a road trip to Mindanao on the same day.  Anyway, what's new with this trip is that we took the Batangas - Mindoro - Roxas - Aklan - Dumaguete -Dipolog - Ozamis - Iligan - Zamboanga, Sibugay Route.  Lots of experiences to share so, i'll perhaps show you some of the roads we traversed and friend's houses we visited along the way.

This one is at Maninoy Tannie and Maninay Tessie's residence in Butuan City where we had dinner.

 This one was at Lipata Port, Surigao City on our way back already.

 The ever beautiful San Juanico Bridge.  I love bridges and all it represents. And if you ever want to study and get to know lots of bridges, the islands of Samar and Leyte are the best places to go to.  Somehow it just saddens me that the Maharlika Highway that used to be a flagship project of the government under GMA showed signs of neglect. National highway particularly from Surigao to Cagayan de Oro, as well as Quirino Highway in Luzon were terrible for roadies like us.

 In contrast, we never expected the national roads from Kapatagan passing through the interior municipalities of Sultan Naga Dimaporo and Tukuran of Lanao del Norte to be really well. We are simply awed that we have been going to Zamboanga from Iligan City and just discovered this now.

 I think this is Tukuran Port.

That's it for now.

Benit Port, Southern Leyte

It has become a sort of tradition for us to go home to Mindanao by way of a land trip starting from our home here in Luzon, then through Visayas and then finally Mindanao.  So yeah, we pretty much get to use the Maharlika or the Nautical Highway started by then President Erap and then later on improved by GMA.  Whatever GMA may have done, she really did a good job in connecting our islands through ports and ferries with improved services.  And i digress..

Anyway, we left makati around 11 pm December 22, 2011 and reached the Port of Matnog, Sorsogon just enough to catch the 12 noon ferry bound for Samar.  The ferry boat took us just below 2 hours and as with time well spent, we barely even mind that we were on a boat.  One thing that could be said about Montenegro ferries is that they have faster boats and cleaner too. We dallied a little when we reached Catbalogan because we had to freshen up, washed or take a bath.  Somehow, me and the kids have adjusted to life on the road finding out those roadstops that have abundant water and clean restrooms.  We also make it a point to call ahead , friends and acquaintances on our way so that we could visit them and get invited for a meal ha ha ha.

Update: Boat fare is P 140.00 per adult + P 17.00 Terminal Fee = P157.00
                                       70.00 per child +    17.00 terminal fee  =     87.00
 

Kidding aside, it's a good way to renew friendships especially those whom we barely see because of the distance.  Anyway, we had dinner at the home of such friend when we arrived at Tacloban, Leyte. And on our way to Liloan, we were also met by the lovely Maritess Bactindon, wife of the husband's good friend Capt. Allan Bactindon of Bato, Leyte who gave us lots and lots of Suman, and other goodies to enjoy along the way. Really, there is no shortage of good and generous people along the way.

The ride to Liloan was as usual in the dark of night and ashamed to say only the husband was awake since he was the only one driving and it was raining too.  When we reached Liloan Port, we were told by the guard that the next sched will be at 4am yet but along the way, the husband saw a new ad about a new port at San Ricardo, Barangay Benit and decided to try it.  It's good thing because, the ferry ride took us only less than two hours which is way better than being in a ferry for about 4 hours at Liloan Port.  And the terminal is way much cleaner and the ferry boat also. Thumbs up for Montenegro Shipping Lines!

I have to say though that the road going to San Ricardo although well cemented has lots of sharp descending and ascending turns. Not for the faint-hearted driver.  Infact going back to Manila, we saw a fuel tank vehicle being hauled up.  It must have miscalculated and fall off the ravine.  As with all dangerous undertakings, the view makes up for it. Well not exactly makes up but somehow it takes the edges off the danger because really the trip is shortened and you pass through really interesting quaint places that seemed untouched by modernization.

This time, our trip was less tiring and more fulfilling. Although, the husband will probably disagree on account of much needed road repair along Surigao-Butuan stretch and a little bit in Misamis Oriental-Iligan road. Anyway, this time I was able to drive long stretches. So would I recommend San Ricardo Port? Definitely Yes! But always be careful!

Montenegro Shipping Lines
Batanga City Tel #723-8989

Satellite Office: Batangas (043) 7238294
                           Lucena   (042)  3737084
                           Masbate  (056)  3335535
                           Bacolod  (034)  7081322
                           Caticlan  (036)  2887373

Ferries at Lipata - Liloan Ports

 2 of the maharlika ferry boats plying the lipata-liloan sea route is sadly lacking comfortable sleeping accomodation, at least those that i have been able to experience.  Last 2009, the ferry that we rode in still has airconditioned sleeping quarters available for commuters and we were really expecting it to be like that.  Sadly, it was not the case now.  There were only long benches available and upon taking a seat in one of those benches we were told that those padded benches were reserved for bus drivers.  I can understand that drivers need to get their sleep especially so since hubby has been driving non stop for close to 18 hours without sleep.

  I decided we are better off at the open deck where it's breezy but  this kind of accomodation is really not conducive to travellers. This is especially worth taking notice of because its a 5 hour trip and to a mother travelling with 3 kids like me, it is simply inconsiderate. Most do not even have water for their comfort rooms which is really essential. 

I truly hope the government would take notice, even inspect our vessels to really give a boost to our local travels.

 Even so, it didn't stop us and the kids to have a grand time. We just focused on dolphin watching and making friends!

Anyway fare per passenger as of January 2, 2011 for Maharlika ferries is P250 pesos for adults and toddlers ages 2 above are charged half-fare or P125.00.  If you have a vehicle, the driver's fee is already free.  The Philharbor ferries and Port Services, Inc also charges a terminal fee of P16.00 per passenger. The fare for the  Fortuner(Toyota) was about Php 3,700. Hope this helps a little :)