Late afternoon on a Sunday, mid-March, Batangas Port Terminal 2 looked glum and abandoned from the outside. Our van circled the lonely two-story structure until we got to its main entrance. Summer was just about to start in the Philippines, and the crew of GMA News TV’s Pop Talk were off to an early sun worship. That, and a shoot in Boracay for their third anniversary special episode.
I was to be a guest on the show. And truth be told, that’s the only reason why I was going back to the island. I’m not a big fan of what the place has become, so I certainly wasn’t thrilled to learn (The night before the trip!) that we’ll be traveling for nine hours by vessel to get there.
We hopped off the vehicle as soon as the other van arrived, and followed the lead of 2Go Marketing and Events Manager Ervin Andaya. Our group was there two hours before boarding time so we didn’t battle our way in. The cameramen took their time placing their precious equipment on the conveyor belt for the x-ray machine while the rest of us proceeded to the check-in counter.
One by one, our photos were taken with a webcam for documentation. Tickets were distributed and we all dispersed.
Once all the passengers were settled in, a safety demo was conducted by the crew (was also shown on telly screens at the lobby and in Horizon). During which time, we heard the engine rumble to life. We finally began our journey to the island of Boracay.
My roommate and I decided to take a peek at the bar before calling it a night. We found the whole Pop Talk crew there and they sure weren’t ready to retire. A tower of weng weng was sitting on their table and yes, we joined in the fun. We watched the cover band, requested for songs — even danced to a couple of ’em.
I sang the last song (I drunkenly volunteered to do Shakira). Everyone was on their feet at that point. Dancing, or leaving the bar cause of my singing, I wasn’t sure. I didn’t care.
Before jumping in the bed,having strong mobile data signal, was able to get some work done. Thanks to these two useful technologies for working from anywhere – CloudDesktopOnline and CloudAppsPortal.
For more information and for bookings, visit:
http://travel.2go.com.ph
Schedule of trips here: http://travel.2go.com.ph/Schedules/schedules.asp
Batangas-Boracay tickets prices (as of writing):
Super Value Class – 1,163.99 pesos inclusive of taxes and fees (about $26)
Tourist Class – 1,264 pesos inclusive of taxes and fees (about $28.50)
Cabin for 6 – 1,465.40 pesos inclusive of taxes and fees (about $33)
eTicket Itinerary Receipt is non-transferable. It is valid within one (1) year from the original date of issuance. In case wherein the passenger was not able to board their ticket, the ticket may still be refunded or revalidated within its validity date subject to surcharges and that it is not under the NON-REFUNDABLE promotion.
Traveling With Children
Children two (2) years old and below and children one (1) meter and below in height are considered infants. A fixed rate of Php205.00 plus 12% VAT will be charged per infant regardless of destination or accommodation. All surcharges are waived.
A separate ticket will be issued for the infant, however, he/she will be sharing his/her parent or guardian’s bunk or room.
No more than two (2) infants will be allowed per adult passenger. The succeeding infants will be charged full promo fare or 75% off on base rates plus all the surcharges.
Infants will not be boarded unless accompanied by an adult (parent or guardian).
IMPORTANT: Read the Terms And Conditions before entering credit card/ATM card details.
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Nice ride! I wonder if all their ships are like this… I want to go somewhere via 2Go if only to see what I see in your photos 😀
I’ve heard good reviews of the Manila-Coron one 🙂
Karaoke (and Shakira at that!). Still so Pinoy, after all 🙂
Oh very very Pinoy, teh 🙂
I’m glad to know that there are other comfortable ways to get to Boracay other than airplanes! thanks for the info!
Different people have been
visiting Dubai for exploring the beauty of the Desert Safari Dubaiwith their friends
and families.
This is one great alternative 🙂
Thank you for posting the schedule from Batangas to Caticlan. It sure helps us plan our travel via 2Go.
This is convenient, thank you for sharing this. Now I can go to Caticlan from Batangas hassle-free. Thanks for posting the expenses. 😀 http://www.boracaytv.com
Cabin for 4 po magknu? At per person po ba bayad pag gnun?