Batangas - Bacolod: A 3-Day Ordeal

Date of Travel: December 12-14, 2021

Port of Origin: Batangas City

Port of Destination/s:

                - Caticlan

                - Dumangas, Iloilo

                - Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

 

Notes:

     This trip was my 3rd time to try the RORO trip (the 1st one being via Calapan and thru Roxas port in Mindoro & the 2nd one was also via Calapan but thru the new Bulalacao port in Mindoro). The first 2 trips was longer in terms of kilometers but it took me just roughly a day to complete it (average 22-24 hours) pre-pandemic. This 3rd trip was shorter in kilometers but it took us 3 days --- yes THREE freaking, stressful days!!!! It was supposed to be shorter; but given the fact that we traveled on a pandemic, I was expecting it to be a little over a day. But lo and behold, the challenges we (YES, I had a companion this time -- my cousin; the last two being a solo trip) had to go through make even the most patient person to snap.. Glad we still kept our sanity during and after the trip.

 

Day 0: Leaving NCR to Batangas - December 11 (Challenge #1)

     

1400H - We left Pasig and headed to Batangas City to stay overnight at a hotel before our trip to the port the next day.

 

1730H - While we were traversing the expressway between San Jose & Batangas City, there was a loud noise at the bottom of the car (driver & passenger seat at the front). It was akin to having something hanging from the car and was touching the ground and making a clanking super loud noise. I was hesitant to stop in the middle of the highway  but got worried to run or continue driving on a flat tire -- I was expecting it was that scenario. I got out and checked the tires immediately. ALL were completely intact and well, after all I got it all loaded at 32 a piece earlier in the morning before we left. I then resumed driving, but the noise was persistent and I decided to stop by the next Lay By area. I checked on the bottom area and something was leaking but can't figure out what was it. Since we were nearing the city (Batangas), we decided to continue despite the noise; praying and hoping we can make it in one piece.

 

1800H - When we reached Rotonda, the noise suddenly disappeared; like nothing happened. As urban legends say, we "talked" to the other elements to just leave us alone (along with the silent prayers to keep us away from harm). By dusk, we reached the hotel where we stayed for the night before our trip to the port early morning the next day.

Day 1:  Batangas Port Departure - December 12 (Challenge #2) 

 

     Although this was my 3rd RORO trip via Batangas City, it was my first time taking on a different destination. Taking on the Caticlan route instead of Mindoro would have given us lesser travel time, albeit more costly. Days before our trip, we already signed an Online Health Declaration Form in the website of Aklan LGU as per their latest COVID-19 travel requirements for Pass-Through travelers (via Executive Order No. 028-A, Series of 2021). There was one requirement that is a bit generic  -- Notice of Coordination/Acceptance from Province of Destination. How are we gonna ask for that document if we do not even have a template or specific allowed documents that are accepted? What we did was email the Aklan LGU indicating the travel details and since we don't have any idea of the first requirement, we assumed emailing the Aklan LGU would suffice. Before facing whatever challenges we might be fighting on regarding the requirements in Batangas port, we first passed on a local gasoline station to have Darren (my car's name) checked. While we were detailing the ordeal to the 2 car mechanic techs on what happened yesterday, they looked at each other and chorused "Ganyan lang Ma'am magwelcome ang mga taga Batangas", obviously highlighting and confirming our "Mumu" point of view of what happened. They narrated that they always get asked about it by many private cars and confirming the same noise we had yesterday. Calming our fears, he checked the hood and assured us everything was okay and fine with the vehicle. Heaving sighs of relief, we left the station and headed for the port.

 

0900H -  The real challenge started when we reached the port. We looked for the 2Go tent outside the port as was instructed to me when I made the reservation. (READ: You need to text the 2GO Batangas port reservation officer to secure a slot via the mobile number +63965 577 8335 most preferably 2 weeks or more before the travel; mine I did a month before our initial travel which was supposed to be Dec 10 but we moved to Dec 12) There were a few private cars parking on one lane of the main way opposite the entrance towards the port; dominated by wheeler trucks and container vans. We went to look for the tent -- a makeshift one where most of the vessels have their own small tables & counters for those who will travel to Mindoro, Caticlan and Romblon. As soon as I found the table of 2Go, I asked about our reservation and the dispatcher in charge checked on their list and confirmed my slot then told me to come back later as their main office has yet to arrive. He also advised us to generate S-Pass while waiting for their staff. For those who have no smart phone or no data, the guard near the tent somehow helped those who are unavailable to do so. (Note: Be prepared for a LONG WAIT, better to buy foods within the day although there's a few carinderia and food stalls in the area)

 

1300H - The 2Go Batangas port staff arrived and asked for the final province destination and checked on their list for the requirements (Note: I should have asked them when I was making the reservation; though I had the impression that they are leaving it to the passengers to secure the necessary approvals as they told me that we should have the necessary documents for the destination LGU.) They asked for 3 items: (1) S-Pass where we already generated while we were waiting for the 2Go staff; (2) VaxCertPH or Vaccination Card (they might advise some who have Vax Card without QR code to secure VaxCertPH but they still accept Vax Card without QR for now); (3) Barangay Certificate or any ID with the address of the destination LGU. I tried to contest on the last requirement as all of my IDs were already an NCR-based address. He said any old ID or a screenshot of Barangay Certification will do. He asked me to talk to their supervisor if he would allow it. I tried to convince the latter but failed to. I was starting to get stressed -- getting a Barangay Certificate on a Sunday can be a challenge. I immediately contacted by brother and sis-in-law if they can secure one or know a Barangay Kagawad who can issue a certificate on a weekend. I was already thinking of worse case scenarios while talking to them; one of those was staying for another day to complete the requirement. (Note: This is why traveling on a pandemic can be REALLY stressful so pack lots of patience and cooler heads) While witnessing some confirmed slots filling up forms for the entry to the port, our stress level goes up every hour of waiting for the updates from Bacolod. More passengers and travelers are adding up and slowly filling up the tent. A lot of dissatisfied ones especially for those who are being greeted with "Fully booked na po" and some walk in travelers patiently waiting for that slim shot at making it. After more than an hour, my brother sent me the screenshot of the Barangay Certificate they got -- luck seems to be on our side right now as there was a blood letting activity in the barangay and there were people working at the office. We then showed the screenshot and were given the forms. After submitting it, we were asked to try to enter the port (if the port officials allowed) while waiting for our confirmed forms from 2Go. We tried to but were disallowed and had to go back to park.

 

1800H - We were now given the validated forms to show to the port guards at the entrance and were told to line up in lane 14. As soon as we were told to proceed, there are 3 more screenings we need to pass on -- (1) main port entrance; (2) PCG; and finally (3) Port Boarding Pass - honestly I did not recall this last part on my last 2 RORO trips.

 

2000H - After having our boarding passes ready and waiting at Lane 14, we were then allowed to board the vessel.

 

2100H - SIGH of RELIEF. At last, the vessel departed Batangas port!!!!

 

Day 2 - Caticlan Port Arrival - December 13 - Challenge #3

 

1030H - We arrived at Caticlan after more than half a day and while waiting for the announcement to prepare for the roll off, we were advised to standby as the vessel anchors away from the port. We saw a few vessels who are anchored as well like us and were waiting for their time to dock.

 

1200H - Announcement of delay as there were still more verification measures done after docking so we were advised to wait for further announcements. Free lunch were served. There were not much options as well to buy in the resto.

 

1600H - We saw another 2Go vessel arrived and were anchored behind us.

 

1700H - Some passengers saw that the other 2Go vessel that just arrived an hour ago began to sail to the docking area of the port. That prompted many to complain to the customer service desk and demanded for explanation. Minutes later, the management and staffs were being bombarded with complaints, questions and high-pitched angry demands. Majority wanted clarity on what happened and why were we left guessing on what happened. One of the passengers were led by the crew manager to the captain and came back with the explanation that the latter gave to him. He explained that the other 2Go was allowed to sail because their communicated ETA was first or earlier than ours. Still, it was not enough explanation.

 

1800H - No updates on what time we will be allowed to roll off but dinner was given to all passengers. Everyone was hungry, angry and restless. Since we won't be making it in Dumangas on time, I made a quick reservation on a hotel in Kalibo.

 

1900H - Announcements were made that we will be docking off the port. Drivers (private, trucks, buses, vans) were advised to prepare Vax card & S-Pass and will be prioritized as needed.

 

1930H - As soon as we docked, representatives from Aklan LGU entered the ship and asked for the Vax Card, S-Pass and made us fill up in the list form. One of them also asked us of the QR code and I told them we are only Pass-thru travelers and will not be staying on Aklan. She told us it was still needed. I told her it was not asked of us since we are aren't Aklan-bound and she referred me to another staff which took screenshots of our IDs instead and let us go. I asked her if there was some forms or validated notes that they will give us that showed we are done with the verification in case someone from the port will ask for it. She said it was okay; which left us shocked and confused but then we left as they told us and the reception area looked like a marketplace when we left. Some, I am guessing saw and heard the inconsistency with what was happening  and took advantage of the situation and went along with us while we were making our way down. I told the ship marshal to let us (along with one private car) be first as our cars were the ones blocking the way out. I had to shout again and told them "Sige kuya paunahin nyo sila di rin sila makakalabas kase nakaharang yung kotse namin." It was then that he escorted us and had us navigate through the chaotic line. As soon as we reached the car and got the go signal, we drove off but was stopped again by the port guard. I realized by then that I left my 2Go tickets and documents in the table where we just left and reckoned it might be needed on our way out. Stressor after another stressor!!!! Me and my cousin were both sighing frustration when we were asked of a certain document (it was not the 2Go ticket) and I told him we were not given any verification document by the team who checked us. I was so stressed out I blurted out, "Kuya, siyam na oras na kami nakalutang at nag aantay na makalabas at sangkatutak na ang dokumento na hiningi sa amin sa loob, hindi namn kami binigyan ng document na may stamp, anong gagawin namin babalik kami ulit dun?" The circumstances we experienced have already exhausted the remaining sanity and patience we've had as we reiterated it to him. He confirmed something from the supervisor on the table stationed at the tent and gave us instead a piece of paper to fill up (names & contact number) before letting us go. It was an already exhausting ordeal leaving the ship and we had to deal with this additional stressor. Before leaving the port and after giving the paper, I told the guard, this time on a pleading manner, "Kuya, lahat ng mga susunod sa amin pagod na rin yan at galit, wag nyo na rin silang pahirapan… Kanina papo kami lahat stressed.." He just nodded and off we drove off.

 

2130H - After braving the long, winding, dark and sometimes scary pathways to Kalibo, we reached the address as indicated in the booking. The hotel signboard was there but it was dark and closed. We tried to look for a post about the possible transfer but cannot find one. We asked one local about the hotel and pointed us to a narrow road across the street, where a small signboard of the hotel was placed. We were not sure at first because it seemed sketchy but when we asked the staff, he confirmed the booking. We then maneuvered to have the car parked inside a small place in front of the hotel. AT LAST, we reached the hotel safe and sound. IT was a good day REST!!!

 

Day 3 - Dumangas to Bacolod - December 14 - Challenge #4

 

0800H - After checking out and having breakfast at a nearby fast food, we headed to Dumangas, Iloilo to catch for a ferry at the earliest possible time.

 

1200H - Quick lunch along the highway and had a few small stops to buy some additional food and drinks.

 

1400H - After more than 5 hours of drive along a combination of semi-paved, rough and paved roads, we reached Dumangas port. After going back outside of the port to have ourselves listed in the PCG station, we then headed back to the port area; asked for assistance from the guard on the steps as things might have changed the way it was before I had my RORO trip. After paying the terminal fees, we were told to list ourselves in one of the vessels that are bound for Bacolod. At first I was heading towards Montenegro but the port staff was busy as they were busy loading cars and vans that was currently anchored. The other guards on the parking area told me to go to the Tri-Star instead. They were after all the fastest in terms of loading and transition of arriving and departing vessels. Within 30 minutes after loading, there will be another vessel arriving to unload and load a new batch. We were patiently waiting for our turn as there were already waiting private vehicles when we arrived, almost a third of the port parking area.

 

1700H - Confirmed my plate number (only the last 3 digit was listed) from the staff as it was taking a little bit longer despite the fast turnover of the vessel. We were told there is no exact time on when we can be rolled in. Another vessel came in while most were scrambling and following the vessel port staff. We noticed that some transferred to the middle area (we were parked at the rightmost side facing the sea) and there were suddenly an influx of vehicles entering (not sure if they were on the list) as we tried to listen to plate numbers being called. I have a hunch we were already called but cannot verify from where we were when the staff started hollering for the plate numbers. There were instances where some VVIPs that were included in one of the supervisor's (not sure if it was of the vessel) group were allowed first which obviously rendered some low key rants and disgust from the others that were supposed to be first.

 

1930H - Another vessel was about to load in on the area near us and I was about to ask about our number when I finally confirmed that we were called in already. I then told them that we can board in and he (the staff) said yes but told us to wait to be called. I waited a few minutes and finally asked again why we were not called in and he told me he already said that I can proceed. Miscommunication again.. So frustrating!!!!! I had to mention a few rants before finally driving into the vessel. What a waste of time this system is… I mean really port officials should set up a better system than this. Although Dumangas port was less stringent in terms of the requirement, it is more chaotic than that of the Batangas port. :( Also, for those who have passengers onboard, have your tickets paid while on board as some instructions given to us vary and confused us more. Though a highly stressful experience, we were told while on board that 1 passenger is free for all vehicles. At least, there were a few consolation and good news, not to mention the fare is cheaper (800 - as far as I can recall, it was more than 1k pre-pandemic times).

 

2000H - We finally left Dumangas port and headed to Bacolod City… What a big SIGH of RELIEF!!!

 

2200H - Arrived safely in the City of Smiles.. FINALLY!!! The 3-day ordeal has ended… (super sigh)