As Holy Week approaches, Metro Manila bus terminals are experiencing a surge in travelers heading to the provinces, with many trips already fully booked. Notably, air-conditioned bus trips to Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur are fully booked until March 31 and March 28, respectively. However, travelers still have the option of taking ordinary buses, which operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional air-conditioned buses are being considered to accommodate the increased demand.
The rush has seen families, like Arleen Capiral’s from Ilocos Sur, arriving early in Manila to avoid the peak travel congestion. Similar scenarios are unfolding across various terminals, with trips to popular destinations like Baguio, Zambales, and Nueva Ecija also reaching full capacity, prompting terminals to seek special permits for extra buses. Seaports and bus stations in provinces, such as Bicol Central Bus Station and San Andres Port in Catanduanes, report full bookings, indicating a nationwide trend of travel intensification during this period.