From Sta. Ana to Sta. Ana

My trip to Cagayan started with a 12 hrs ride from Pasay to Tuguegarao City via Victory Liner (www.victoryliner.com/) . The fare is Php 700 / per pax for a Deluxe Aircon bus with a private CR.  We left Pasay at 7:30m PM and arrive at about 7am in Tuguegarao.  

From Tuguegarao, we went to Sta Ana, Cagayan the next day.  We took a non-air conditioned van which cost Php 200 per pax from Don Domingo to San Vicente Port in Sta Ana, Cagayan.  Travel time takes 3-4 hours depending on traffic and other unforeseen problems (such as overheating).  We arrived at the terminal (Don Domingo) at around 9:00am and the van left around 11:30am.  Please take note that the van will not leave unless it is full.  

We arrived in San Vicente Port at exactly3:45pm hungry (our last meal was 7am that morning.  The private boat of our resort is already waiting for us (See separate blog about Jerolynda).  The original plan was to stay in Sta. Ana for at least 3 days and 2 nights for complete relaxation.  I cut it to 1 night due to unsatisfied service.  

We were informed that Florida Bus Line leaves from 1-3pm.  I thought it is every hour.  We arrived at the terminal of Florida around 1:30PM just to find out that the last bus with private CR left at 1pm and there will be no more succeeding bus after that with CR.  Fortunately (or unfortunately), the Florida bus line has a neighboring bus line (I am not sure of the name).  It is the only bus line other than Florida.  It is air-conditioned and HAS A PRIVATE CR!!!  How much?  Php 550/per pax.  A STEAL!!!  So, we immediately board our stuffs and pay for 3 tickets.  WOW, HALF THE PRICE OF FLORIDA!

The CATCH.  When the bus left at exactly 2:37pm, the driver and conductor is continuously picking up passengers along the way even though the bus is already full (ALL SEATS TAKEN).  That’s what I thought.  I never realized that they will give mono block (mini) chairs to these people and put it in the middle of the aisle to sit.  HOW THE HELL CAN I GO TO THE CR TO PEE if there are passengers blocking the way!!!  I was really upset and want to leave the bus, but I do not have a choice.  There will be no other bus.  15-16 hrs from Sta Ana to Manila (I am from Sta Ana, Manila) and I have to control my pee if I needed to.  Not to mention that since the bus is so affordable that anybody can travel with this bus (I am not being too picky on the people I am going to be with but I cannot bear traveling with people who does not have any manners).  Imagine traveling for 15-16 hrs with people whistling and stomping their feet, reclining the seat in front of you as if there is no passenger at the back, not to mention the passenger at the back of your seat is pushing your seat with his/her knees/legs.  Also at the very back somebody just boarded a baggage that spilled liquid making the whole floor wet including MY BAG!!!  Oh, did I mention that it was raining very hard that time and the ceiling was dripping and fortunately the dripping rain just happened to be exactly where I was seating!  Good thing that the rain stopped after 3-4 hrs.  I do not know what I could have done if it was raining the whole 15-16 hrs of my travel.  Oh by the way, just to inform you, this particular bus aside from offering low fare also comes with “SUROT”.  That’s right!  Just see for yourself what happened to me.

It's been 5 days now, I still have those bites.  I am taking anti-histamine for itchiness and putting cream (I have these bites all over my arms, back and both legs).  I cannot wear shorts and short sleeves for days now.

Just a note, I just realized that not only airlines have classes but also buses.  If Florida is first class bus and Victory Liner is a business class, this particular bus company is definitely beyond ECONOMY CLASS!  You will not miss this if you are in Sta Ana; this is the only bus company right beside Florida bus line.