Ubay-Manila trip offers country's scenic sights

MANILA via the scenic sights of Leyte , Samar , Bicolandia and rustic Quezon Province? Why not? For the price of P1400, Manila by land could be just another fascinating experience for adventurous Boholanos. This as the Ubay Bohol-Pasay City or Cubao in Quezon City is finally connected, thanks to the services of two of the country's transport providers: Megaline and Bolanios Lines, says Ubay Mayor Eutiquio Bernales.

Both bus companies have fielded in 60-seater buses for the long trip. A visibly elated Bernales told the Post that the new developments have spiced up Ubay's chances of hitting it big economically. Furthermore, he said two more bus companies: the Philtranco and Ceres Liner have intimated intention to put up similar services to Manila. This could also mean more and more chances of circulating the local economy and the boosting up of trade and commerce from the famous flea markets of Baclaran and Divisoria to the northeastern town of Bohol .

The newly opened Ubay-Manila uses the identified roll-on roll-off (RORO) ports of Poblacion Ubay and Tapal wharf and connects with Southern Leyte 's Maasin or Leyte 's Bato roro wharfs. The Ubay Maasin and Bato Leyte barge trip and the Northern Samar-Sorsogon ferry ride are highlights and leg-stretching moments for the commuters. The route, which takes the commuter some 24 hours of interrupted trip takes the provinces of Southern Leyte , Leyte , Western Samar , Northern Samar , Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Quezon Province and Manila by land.

Add on to the low-cost trip is scenes of the tall mountains of Panghasugan in Leyte, San Juanico Bridge, the majestic Mayon Volcano towering in all of Bicolandia, the zing of Bicol express at roadside eateries, the forests of Quezon and the urban centers of Manila. Asked if it is safe for the riding public, Mayor Bernales said he bets it is. The local government officials of Ubay has actually done the trip a week ago and all of them join in saying the sights were exhilarating and the whole experience is just as unique and a must for Filipinos.

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