Davao City's Peak Hours Augmentation Bus System (PHABS) goes operational as the city government's move to modernize the city's transportation and to resolve the city's traffic woes. Initiated by the City Government of Davao and is provided with buses from Mindanao Star Bus Transport Inc. (MSBTI) during the Kadayawan Festival last year, they saw the potential of HPBS in resolving the city's traffic. These buses were the Yutong ZK6128HGE, the newest bus model from Yutong that is designed for city operations. Although these buses are brand new, some of which were once assigned in Cebu for Sugbo Transit before it arrived in Davao for MSBTI. MSBTI is a bus company that was founded in 2015 and is under the conglomerate of Yanson Group of Bus Companies. The buses were assigned for Roxas to Toril routes. As pictured above, if you are going to Roxas Avenue from Toril, your bus stops will be: - Iwha - Gulf View Avenue - Shell Station in Ulas - University of Mindanao (Matina Campus) - Roxas Avenue On the other hand, if you are going from Roxas Avenue to Toril, your bus stops will be: - Quezon Boulevard - Sandawa Cafe, G.E Torres St. - Ulas - Iwha - Toril There is also another route of these buses, Roxas to Elenita Heights. If you're going to Elenita Heights from Roxas Avenue, your bus stops will be: - Bankerohan (Mercury Drug) - Malayan Colleges - Bangkal (near Petron Gas Station) - San Isidro Labrador Church - Catalunan Grande Barangay Hall - Sitio Awa - Santiago Villas - Elenita Heights Otherwise, if you're from Elenita Heights to Roxas Avenue, your bus stops will be: - Santiago Villas - Sitio Awa - Catalunan Grande Barangay Hall - Phoenix Gas Station in Roxas - GSIS Matina - SM City Davao - Almendras Barangay Hall - Roxas Seat fares are ranging from PhP 10.00 to PhP 36.00, which is good enough for passengers that are looking for a good alternative ride in Davao. Like on their first attempt last year, these buses are also equipped with free Wi-Fi. The bus is also friendly for those persons with disabilities since it has an automatic ramp at its doors. With these city buses in Davao, it would be a great example to other cities to adopt and modernize their mass transport system that would also solve their cities' worsening traffic. Although it might affect smaller transport players like jeepneys, taxis, and tricycles, with the increasing demand of transport for Davao, these buses would give a better option and an alternative for everyone to get to their destination and to make the city's commerce and economy to keep going. Sources: LTFRB Region XI, SunStar Davao, Davao Construction
There are just some days that we feel indeed it was a bad day. And for those who are a daily commuter, there might be a time when we accidentally left our baggage inside the bus. Sometimes, we could recover it, in most cases we don't. That kind of experience as a commuter would really tell you that you surely had a bad day. One day, Ms. James Jaylen Jodeci rode a Five Star bus with body number 3337 and was heading to Camiling, Tarlac. It was 9:30 PM when she arrived at Camiling. She left the bus and is on her way home when suddenly she realizes that her backpack was missing. According to her, her bag was placed inside the Five Star bus' compartment. So she knew that the backpack was left in there. She immediately contacted Five Star Bus Company on Facebook and had reached out onto the bus company's social media channels. A driver of Five Star Bus Company, Mr. Jeric Badia Dacanay saw her concern and had reached out to James and to the bus where she left her backpack, the Five Star 3337. Mr. Jeric helped James to coordinate with Five Star 3337 to recover her backpack. At that time, Five Star 3337 had reached the City of San Carlos and had told that she needs to go to San Carlos to retrieve her backpack. And because Ms. James needs to go to San Carlos to get her bag, another Five Star bus with body number 9702 offered James a free ride from Camiling to San Carlos. She later arrived at San Carlos and was successfully recovered her backpack. On her Facebook post in which was written in Tagalog, she later expresses her gratitude to the Five Star Bus Company and to Mr. Jeric for helping her retrieving her backpack. In his reply, Mr. Jeric said that he was just doing his job, and what's more important is that he could help their passengers as possible as he could for their lost luggage and belongings. He also thanked Ms. James for her continuous patronage with Five Star Bus Company. However, bus companies do not held responsible for the passenger's belongings. In this case, Ms. James were lucky to get assistance in recovering her bag. Not all heroes wear capes. And like Mr. Jeric Badia Dacanay, there are still a lot of drivers out there that has a great heart and compassion to their passengers.
PARTAS by its name is unique, and everyone who would hear that name aside from this bus company would find this name something new and somewhat weird. Because of this, an Ilocano Facebook page called Damdamag Ilocano made a whole new meaning for the name of this bus company. Damdamag Ilocano abbreviated PARTAS in Ilocano as: " Pagsardenganna Amin Restaurant Tapno Agnanayon Ibubussog " In English, it says We will visit all restaurants along the way to satiate. Of course, this is just a satirical definition of its name, but the satire originated by how these buses usually do their stopovers in a restaurant nearby. The name PARTAS derived from the word Satrap, a Persian language word for governor. The word Satrap might be chosen since once of its owner, Luis Chavit Singson had served for governor in Ilocos Sur for many years. Satrap was spelled then backwards, hence "PARTAS". In addition, the name PARTAS is sounding like an Ilocano word Pardas, which means "being fast" or "speed". Contributing Sources: Damdamag Ilocano, PARTAS FB, Manila Standard via Wikipedia
It has been a month since Yanson Group of Bus Companies launch their new Kinglong XMQ6128AYW luxury buses for Rural Transit on Mindanao Inc., in their Cagayan De Oro to Davao route. Since the launch, these buses have become popular and traveling on this side of Mindanao had never been the same when it comes to luxury and style. In a Facebook post coming from Don Byahero, he loved the perfection of this bus for travelers and described his ride to this bus as if you were in an airplane. As seen on the above photo, it also has a restroom inside, and the overhead compartment can be closed like on an airplane. Like on those premium airline seats, it has a portable tablet (also known as buspads) with a standard USB Charger, a seatbelt, a leg rest, and a footrest. These seats are also made with pure leather and are adjustable, depending on how you like it. These seats are definitely like an airplane. It has a legrest that would feel you more comfortable to this 6 to 7 hours ride from Cagayan De Oro to Davao, or back. There are also these portable trays and a cupholder that is available per seats, a great way to have some snack while on your way to your destination. Speaking of these buspads, it has some movies inside that you can watch for. All you have to do is to grab your popcorn and some headsets, and you're good to go. And if movies aren't your type, then these buspads has a lot of music selections that you can choose from. Otherwise, the bus has free Wi-Fi on board, so you can choose to watch a video from YouTube instead, or listen to music from various online streaming sites. Rural Tours' luxury buses serve direct and non-stop trips between Cagayan De Oro City and Davao City via BuDa and cost PhP 715.00 / pax. For further reading about this bus, check out Don Byahero's blog at this link below: Source: Don Byahero
Amidst the rise of the Chinese and Japanese buses on our roads, are the Korean buses such as those from Daewoo, Kia, and Hyundai. Korean buses are becoming one of the most popular buses to our bus operators, probably because of its durability and availability of its parts for further maintenance and services. On this feature, we shall focus this Korean bus that serves Metro Manila to Cavite and we'll find out what's on it inside. This one in particular is a Daewoo BH115SE, operated by Lorna Express. Notice the bubbly looks and that dome shaped design on its head, these unique designs are definitely Korean and is mostly seen on Daewoo, Kia, and Hyundai buses. Under the hood is a Euro III engine. Introduced in the 2000s, Euro III is not the most updated engine we have today. Otherwise, there's still a lot of buses with this type that is running on our roads, and these engines are as efficient as our most buses do. The seats are at 2 x 3 seating configuration, the most standard in most buses that operated for city operations. Otherwise, Daewoo buses are known with their coolest air-conditioning system, so you'll definitely feel cool inside. Her route is within Indang, Trece Martires, Pala-Pala, to PITX Terminal in Parañaque and vice versa. Likewise, this bus has baggage compartments that can carry huge cargoes. A good feature for those who goes to Cavite or Metro Manila with a lot of loads at their back. What adds more to her beauty is her livery. Designed by Mike Bobier a Caviteño bus artist and a member of Pinoy Bus Fanatic, her colors are surely pleasing to the eyes of the riding public. Of course, Lorna Express isn't the only bus operator of this kind of bus. Other Caviteño operators like Dionets Liner, Celyrosa Express, and Ferdinand Liner have these kinds of Daewoo buses. Only to show that these Korean buses are trustworthy and reliable for our roads. In addition, we have here a Youtube vlog, courtesy of Juan Marko. You can check this video to see more about this bus and to what's in it inside. Additional info: Juan Marko, Beforward.jp
Iligan-based Super Five Transport had yet again to have 15 additional units for their fleet. These buses, the Higer KLQ6115ZAHEVE50E is a hybrid bus that can run either on diesel or electric. These brand new buses, all in plain white colors had been delivered since last month and is ready to roll out for service. Accordingly, they will become an add-on for their existing routes in Cagayan De Oro to Pagadian and Cagayan De Oro to Dipolog. Hybrid buses like this one from Higer are more fuel-efficient than of the conventional diesel-powered buses, thus these kind of buses are more efficient in terms of performance, can gain lesser cost in terms of fuel, and is also more environmental-friendly. According to Auto-Che, she has a top speed of 100 km/h and has an Antilock Brake System (ABS) that ensures more safety for its passengers. Super Five Transport is currently the only bus operator of Higer KLQ6115ZAHEVE50E in the Philippines. With these new buses, the company is optimistic to expand its reach to more places here in Mindanao.
Each and every one of us has our own hobby, and we are enthusiastic about it. But one man who has his passion with buses and collecting diecast models, stood out by customizing diecast buses into buses here in the Philippines. Jeffron Diecast Custom and Mods, in which is owned by Mr. Jefferson John Rayo customizes these ordinary diecast buses and transforms it to bus companies in the country. Mr. Rayo usually do this for his clients upon request. Depending on his client's demands, he customized these diecast buses into various bus liveries and design. His works are of the highest detail, and its no wonder why a lot of bus enthusiasts loves to see his works. His fan page has now 1,800 followers, and is now continuously growing with patrons from all around the country. For his diecast buses, he usually get stocks from his various sources. But in some of his orders, his clients do provide him diecast buses and handed it over to customize it. As for himself, he has his own to keep for his collections. He even made a miniature bus terminal for Genesis Transport. If you choose to have one, you may visit Jeffron Diecast Custom and Mods on his Facebook Fan Page by hitting the link given below:
2/16/2019 A great way to visit Abra De Ilog, with Montenegro Shipping's newly renovated shipRead NowMontenegro Shipping just unveiled their newly renovated ship, MV Maria Zenaida. Once again, she's back in service for the same route, Batangas to Abra De Ilog. She was built in 1975 with a gross weight of 629 tons, and had served for three shipping lines. The ship entered Montenegro Shipping in 2005 and was renamed as MV Maria Zenaida. Before then, she was the Nittsu Maru No. 13 in Japan, then became ACG Joy 3 of ACG Joy Express in Cebu. The newly renovated ship has these brand new seats on its accommodation, with detailed infographics about the town of Abra De Ilog in Mindoro. The vibrant seats that is in Montenegro's yellow and green colors are surely an eye-catcher for everyone. For your safety though, life vests are conveniently located right at the bottom of each seats. There's a canteen right at the back, just in case you got hungry along the way. Most of what the sold though are instant noodles, biscuits, cupcakes, and beverages. The deck for vehicles are wide enough. The ship can carry cars of various sizes, from sedans to SUVs, buses and trucks. Nissin may had sponsored those cup noodles figures that can be seen on the upper deck, but those are some details that adds the beauty of this ship. It has also seats from the outside, offering you the best view of the ocean and everything that surrounds it. And since it is wide open, its a nice spot to feel the ocean breeze. Despite of her age, with this ship that is newly renovated and is has given a fresher look, it only shows that her durability is attested through time. In her recent renovation, she is now fitted with a new Mitsubishi engine, and has a top speed of 14 knots from the former 8-9 knots. Thus, it only takes 2 hours to travel from Batangas to Abra de Ilog, an hour faster than of her former speed. This makes MV Maria Zenaida as one of the most promising ship that Montenegro Shipping can offer. Additional info: Marinetraffic, Baltic Shipping Editor's Note:
UPDATED: MV Maria Zenaida's new top speed, and other technical details co-provided by Jefred Bernand Dacayana, FilSEC. Yutong is one of the leading Chinese bus manufacturers and can be seen in almost all of our major roads. But one of the bus models stood out with the best luxury and comfort for their passengers is the Yutong ZK6122HD. Today, we give you a glimpse to what it feels to be inside, with this one coming from Dalin, a bus company that travels within Manila to Tuguegarao. Yutong ZK6122HD is a high-decker bus, which gives the passengers a great view on the roads. It has a seating configuration of 2 x 2, meaning there are two seats available on each sides. This one from Dalin has a comfort room, USB standard charging ports, seats that are made of leather, and is a Wi-Fi on board. Minimalist as it seems, but once you hop yourselves inside are just pure comfort to its finest. No fancy designs, just that yellow curtains on the window, black leather seats, and that flashing lights that indicates for their own purpose. The comfort room is just within your reach, and a huge flat screen TV is big enough for an additional entertainment purposes. The aisle is wide enough for you to walk around. Not of that with fancy LED lights, or is made with plywood like of the premium models, but the flooring is pretty decent and neat. Despite its seating configuration, the seats are big enough to make you feel relaxed throughout the journey. You would feel like a boss with these seats. On the other hand, the overhead compartment are spacious enough to place your belongings. But the best with these seats are the USB Charging ports. These are the standard ones that can charge up your smartphone inside the bus without a powerbank. The cup holder is also a plus for your drinks. And because it is a high-decker bus, you can enjoy the view by day or by night. Best if you happen to seat in the front. The bus is also equipped with speedometer, so anyone can monitor the driver's speed. Just in case you bought a lot of stuff on these buses, the spacious undercarriage compartment can handle those. So the next time you go to Tuguegarao from Manila, or heading the other way around, you might consider to hop on to this bus. A ride on these might cost you an estimate of PhP 800.00.
Clarin, a town in Misamis Occidental is putting up their new town center that will serve not just for their town, but also for the entire province and its neighbors. See, the town center will house the newest Consular Office for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). In a report from Radio Mindanao Network (text in Visayan), said consular office shall serve not just for the Province of Misamis Occidental, but also for the nearby provinces of Zamboanga Del Sur, Zamboanga Del Norte, and Lanao Del Norte. Currently, people from the said provinces must go all the way to the cities of Zamboanga, Cotabato and Cagayan De Oro for their passports. And those cities are of about 6 to 10 hours of land travel. With the new DFA Consular Office, it will only take an hour or less to get into Clarin in making their passports. With the coming of the new DFA Consular Office, Clarin and its town center is expecting a huge number of foot traffic from visitors who would simply come-and-go, just to fulfill their requirements for their passports. Visitors of Clarin will be welcomed with this state-of-the-art terminal, and is catered with shops and restaurants inside. Getting into the market side of this town center, the place is totally pleasing. According to Castillo Pauly who had shared these photos, the town center had costs PhP 56 Million. The terminal is yet to open very soon. As seen on these photos, landscaping is currently underway to finish this modern structure. We also noticed that there are shops that has been on their initial set-up. Like most DFA Consular Offices, this one will soon to operate from 8AM to 5PM. As of this writing, there are six DFA Consular Offices in Mindanao. Sources: Castillo Pauly, RMN
Today is the time when the Summer Capital of the Philippines is celebrating the most flowerful festival in the country, the Panagbenga Festival. And while the main festivities, the Grand Street and Float Parade and the fireworks display is scheduled on March 1 to 10, there's a lot of things that you can do in Baguio for this month-long celebration. Panagbenga Festival is a yearly celebration of flowers, in which the city has been known with. But the festival was also their way to recover from the devastating 1990 Luzon Earthquake. Panagbenga came from a Kankanaey word that means “a season of blooming”, and this festival reflects the history, traditions and values of Baguio and the Cordilleras. The only way to get in there in by land, since the city is a landlocked place and their Loakan Airport is currently closed. Despite that, you can visit Baguio City and celebrate Panagbenga Festival with class and style. Here below are the best transport options you can choose for: 1. Victory Liner (First Class) One of the most iconic bus transport in the north, Victory Liner had been in service for more than 70 years. And as one of the pioneering bus company in the country, they had these First Class buses that is one of the best in the country. Some of their executive coaches to include were the Yutong ZK6122HD, Man Modulo 18.350, and Man Tourist Star 18.350, with a standard electric sockets, 2 x 1 seating configuration with leg and footrests, a comfort room, and free Wi-Fi on board. As you see it, those red and yellow seats are huge and comfy, as if it will hug you the entire trip. And because each seats has a standard electric socket, you sure can charge anything from a mobile phone, or even your laptop. Unfortunately though, there are only select bus units in Victory Liner that has Portable Tablets (Buspads) for your entertainment needs. The good news though is that Victory Liner is yet to upgrade their units in the near future. On a plus side, they offer free food. Yes, it is included in this luxurious package. They'll serve you peanuts, a cupcake, and a bottled water. Surely, you will feel victorious with their delicious treats. For around PhP 800.00, you sure can get to Baguio on their festivities on Victory Liner's First Class bus with class and style. 2. Joybus - Executive Coach by Genesis Transport Joybus is the executive coach service by Genesis Transport. By the name itself, you'll surely enjoy their buses with her executive amenities and features. Their buses are composed of Yutong ZK6122HD, Yutong ZK6119H, Daewoo BV115, Volvo B7R, and Zhongtong Magnate. There are two of their kind. One of these is the "Premium Class" with a comfort room, a 2 x 1 seating configuration, a seat with foot and legrests, USB Charging Ports, and is free Wi-Fi on board. And then there's these Deluxe Class that is also has a comfort room but the seating configuration is 2 x 2, meaning unlike of the Premium Class, the seats here are smaller. Otherwise, the seat has a footrest, with USB Charging Ports, and free Wi-Fi on board. With today's trend of Buspads, JoyBus introduced those gadgets on board in late 2017 for their new Zhongtong Magnate units. Those Premium class buses are equipped with portable trays, and a cup holder. Zhongtong Magnate is definitely one of the most premium bus model that Zhongtong can offer. With a lot of these that is now running in town, JoyBus did the best choice to have these on their fleet. Otherwise, the Deluxe Class, doesn't mean that is has less in style and comfort. Nevertheless, aside that it is cheaper, these buses would always give you free biscuits and a bottled water. We always love free perks, do we? The Premium Class would costs you PhP 760.00, while the Deluxe Class is just PhP 730.00. Sure, with these luxurious options, these are best way for everyone to celebrate Panagbenga Festival. And while March is still on her way for the Grand Parade to be seen, we would suggest to book your ride early to give you an ease on getting in there. Both of these buses has their booking online. And you can check them out on these boxes below: Sources: SunStar, Baguio City Guide, Wanderera, Victory Liner, Genesis Transport, Love Pilipinas
The country's biggest Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) which is located at Cagayan De Oro City is now almost complete. As seen to these photos which was taken yesterday by Tom Udasco, this massive structure inside the Port of Cagayan De Oro is taking its shape. With few installations left and its interiors, this terminal would be operational this Summer 2019. According to a Facebook post by the Department of Transportation last July, this PTB can cater 3000 passengers daily. Facilities to include this building are the port's main terminal, pay parking, a tourist police station, and ticketing offices. Sources: Tom Udasco Photography, CDOdev.com, Department of Transportation,
The country's richest business tycoon Mr. Henry Sy, just passed away this morning at the age of 94. He was the founding chairman for SM Investments Corporation, the chairman emeritus for Highlands Prime, BDO Unibank, and the honorary chairman for China Bank Corporation. But he didn't started that easy. Before he became rich and stood as the country's biggest name in business world, he and his business had been into many challenges. His story began when his parents settled to live in Manila from their home in Xiamen, China. Their family started a small convenience store and their business was once doing well. However, World War II came and their home along with their business in Manila had gone perished, forcing his family to go back to China. But instead to follow his parents, Henry Sy decided to stay and continue to live in Manila. Without his parents to stay with, he has to live at his own, and by that means, he must to raise in own business in order to survive financially. As all things were in rubble due to war, he decided to build his shoe store, thus is he name it "ShoeMart". He and his business went to a lot of struggles and setbacks. He had to enroll himself in school, sold rejected and overrun shoes, and even to change his legal name due to some reasons. All of these struggles are something that he must face, alone. But Sy never gave up and continued his small business for a living. He never knew that his business will grow big as to what is today. His once small shoe business, is now a giant conglomerate under the name SM, and is now driving a huge chunk in Philippine Economy. No one had thought that his business would plant of around 70 shopping malls, handful of condominiums and skyscrapers, and would expanded business in China. And through his leadership, he and his business made a contribution not just with today's economy, but also to the Philippine transportation and its industry. To recall, it was in 2017 when his conglomerate giant SM Investments Corporation bought 34.5% stake of 2GO Group Inc., the country's largest shipping company with an integrated supply-chain operations to include freight forwarding, warehousing, and delivery services. 2GO Group Inc., has three main business units. These business units were 2GO Freight that handles commercial and personal logistics, 2GO Travel that integrates passenger ships and fastcrafts through land and sea intermodal transport linkages, and 2GO Supply Chain which involves distribution of goods, warehousing, and inventory management. But the flagship business of SM Investments Corporation is on real estate and land developments through their commercial centers and shopping malls such as SM Supermalls and SM Premier Malls. With their bustling shopping centers are bus terminals, each with integrated terminal bays for jeepneys, tricycles and taxis. These gives their patron shoppers and the community an ease to shop for their daily commodities and commute back to their homes. To list some of SM's shopping centers that has their own bus terminals are SM City North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM City Rosales, SM City Lipa, SM City Cauayan, and SM Seaside City in Cebu. Aside that it brings ease to their shoppers for their commute, these terminals draws them closer to the travellers. That increases the mall's foot traffic and gives an opportunity for their sales. On the other hand, these terminals did help bus operators in getting more passengers. Thus, a win-win everyone. Speaking of buses, SM has partnered with Jam Liner's My Bus to form the Metro Rapid Transit System Inc. (MRTSI) in 2015. MRTSI, or known as My Bus aims to improve the mass transport system in Cebu City. The bus company operates low-floor city bus units, such as the Volvo B7R, Mercedes Benz Conceto, and Daewoo BF106. It has been that with his business, his courage and determination, Henry Sy had his way not just to help our economy, but by improving our transportation that alleviates our lives. He may be gone, but his legacy with his business shall prosper and continue. Rest in peace, "Tatang". Sources: Billionaryo, EntrepeneurPH, Sugbo.PH, Rappler, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Primer
Airbus, through their Facebook page just made a sneak peek to one of their newly painted A350 planes. On their post, they asked their fans if they could guess the airline company that owns this plane with a special retro livery, and that retro liver has these word "Love Bus".
Filipino AvGeeks and enthusiasts easily answered this question, and its none other than the Philiipine Airlines. Yes, Philippine Airlines (PAL) goes retro as they bring back the old "Love Bus" planes back to the skies. The "Love Bus" livery was introduced by PAL in 1980 as their introduction to their new Airbus A300. This special livery has the word "The Love Bus" with a kissmark, painted near the plane's cockpit. The special livery was became their marketing campaign and has been seen on TV commercials. Almost 40 years after, and Philippine Airlines brings back this special livery for their fifth Airbus A350-900, and it has been two years since their last special livery for the airline's 75th Anniversary.
Recently, the airline received "The Most Improved Airline in 2019" by Airline Ratings, and has been Certified with the 4-Star Airline quality ranking by Skytrax. With their non-stop flights from Manila to New York and Toronto, Philippine Airlines is now an ever-expanding airline after surviving their loses in the past decades. For now, Filipino AvGeeks and enthusiasts are excited to see this new retro-styled plane, and we can't even tell if their sixth Airbus A350-900 will be painted with another retro-style livery. But one thing is for sure, this airline has a lot of surprises for us this year. Yanson Group of Bus Companies, one of the leading bus conglomerate in the country is starting their 2019 with a fleet of new luxury buses that will serve for travellers in Mindanao. These buses, Kinglong XMQ6128AYW is one of the newest bus model from Kinglong. Kinglong a bus manufacturing company that is based in China. These buses are one of Kinglong's top of the line models, and is equipped with Portable Tablets (Buspads), USB Ports for mobile charging, Luxurious reclinable seats, Wifi on board, and Portable Comfort Rooms. Forget the specs sheet of these buses. By just by looking on its photos, you will definitely amazed by the looks and the design of these buses. The feels on its interior is like you're in an airplane. Those vibrant seats are in full leather, and just to take note: these seats isn't covered with plastic, so you won't feel that weird pain at your back. Each seats has its own retractable trays and coffee holders, has a huge legroom and a foot rest for an additional seating comfort, and the flooring is covered with a touch of wood. Of course, every luxury buses are well-designed to fit for a king. And what every king needs is a comfort room. But don't get us wrong here, this is just for urinal purposes, but a must-need for long bus routes and less bus stops. These buses are equipped with Portable Tablets or to what do we called "Buspads" for your entertainment purposes. And since these buses are equipped with Wi-Fi, you can watch online video content, right at your buspad. If in case you carry your smartphone or Mp3 Players, then there's no need to carry a powerbank with you for these buses are equipped with a standard 2.1A USB Chargers. Currently, the Yanson Group are the launch customer of these buses in the Philippines. And these units will be assigned to Rural Transit of Mindanao Inc., for Cagayan De Oro to Davao route; and to Bachelor Express Inc., for Cagayan De Oro to Butuan and Butuan to Davao routes. These buses will be in service anytime this week.
Among all bus terminals in Mindanao, this one in Zamboanga City is the most promising. And although this might not be the biggest in Mindanao, but the appeal of its architecture, the ala-Spanish influence, and the ingenuity of its design, makes this terminal a stand out in comparison to others. Zamboanga Integrated Bus Terminal started its operations in 2015 and was an initiative by their local government. Unfortunately, it was a major adjustment to the Zamboangeños considering how far the terminal is from the city's downtown. But this new terminal was the answer to what Zamboangeños was hoping for decades. Before this terminal opened, Zamboanga had the worst terminal ever. The former Guiwan Bus Terminal was terrible with unpaved terminal bays, unorganized loading and unloading area for buses, terrible comfort rooms that charges PhP 10.00 just for its use, and misbehaved tricycle drivers that haggles you to ride on them and would charge you with such horrible fares. We couldn't imagine how Zamboangeños had kept that terminal for more than decade. Guiwan Bus Terminal started to open in 2000 when the city government decided to relocate the yet another former bus terminal that was once located beside Sta. Cruz Market. The City Government had leased a lot in Guiwan to become Guiwan Bus Terminal and had served for Zamboanga City for 15 years. Today's Zamboanga IBT looks far better than the old one, and it seemed that the City Government of Zamboanga understood what Zamboangeños are deserving for. A terminal that has its decency and would bring a welcoming message to the tourists and travelers. From the outside, the terminal looks like a huge Spanish-style mansion with a huge garage that would fit dozens of buses inside. With its majestic facade, you will be welcomed with a greeting that says "Bienvenidos", or welcome in English. The terminal welcomes you with a chandelier and its flooring that is made up with tiles, something that you can't find in any public bus terminals in the country. The terminal charges entrance fee though, PhP 15.00 for Adults, and PhP 10.00 for students, PWDs, and Senior Citizens. Again, this is not an airport. But just in case you will feel stranded along the way, you may sit down to these seats for a while, watch TV, shop for souvenirs, or even charge your phone up with those available charging outlets while waiting for your next bus. But one thing that makes this terminal a standout, is the art that can be find within the terminal. At one side near the arrival area is this empty hallway. You would notice an art from those bricks that is arranged diagonally, with the Spanish taste that you would notice by its architectural design. Surely, you won't miss a selfie once you drop by at this side of the terminal. The arrival area looks pleasing too. The structure looks like a nostalgia from the past that is mixed with colossal and modern buses that come and go. And even so it is an open area, it feels like you've gone to the past when all things was just simple. These lampposts surely would like just like the ones in the past. Back in the days when lamp posts are too big and is needed a candle inside just to light things up, that's what old lamp posts looks like in the past. With lampposts like these in today's time, it is now powered with the LED lights. And outside the terminal is this overpass that is printed with digital art. Here you can see some of the tourist spots in the city that is digitally drawn to this one giant form of art. But what makes this terminal more impressive, is how this terminal has been well organized. In most terminal tho, you would feel the clash from local transport who would haggle you for a ride. Just when you arrive at the city, you would see taxis, jeepneys, tricycles, and habal-habals, all in their uniformed lines. Surely, this terminal has a lot of things to offer, and there's a lot more as developments poured in near the terminal building. Zamboanga IBT is surely a welcoming terminal with a lot of things inside to wander.
|