I've been to Baguio a number of times before but my recent trip going back to the place were extra special because I was granted to take my (much needed) vacation and spent the whole three days with my husband and daughter. The trip was long overdue actually so we're blessed to finally made it, in time for our 13th Year Anniversary celebration of being a couple. At first we were concerned about the travel time and having a tot in tow but thanks to Victory Liner Deluxe Bus for letting us have a safe and convenient way going in and out of Baguio. This is not a sponsored blog by the way, just a satisfied customer who had a fair share on providing some of my personal thoughts on HOW CONVENIENT IT IS TO RIDE A VICTORY LINER DELUXE BUS. Check out our experience here:
TICKET RESERVATION
Victory Liner has an online ticketing system, go to their website, select online reservation and follow the simple steps. I just hope they have ties with other payment merchant other than METROBANK so the payment method is also hassle free. On our part though, my husband had to personally go to Pasay Terminal to reserve our seats and pay for our tickets, my fault since I forgot to book in advance. Victory Liner follows a very strict policy of 8 working days for advance online booking for your reservation to be accepted. Without spending too much time at the terminal my husband made the reservation, chose the seat number and paid 750.00 Peso (each/per ride/per person) and off he go.
VICTORY LINER DELUXE LOUNGE
On the day of our travel, we arrived 30 minutes earlier from our scheduled boarding time so that means we had to wait for the bus to arrive. Good thing they had this lounge exclusively for DELUXE passengers at the second floor (how convenient is that!). At the PASAY TERMINAL you'll see it just right on top of the Counter area just take the stairway up, it will lead you to this glass paneled air conditioned room that has TV, decent comfort room and own security guard. A number of aluminum bench made for seating (lying, lol) and mind you the room is well lighted. We took the opportunity to eat our early lunch while inside the lounge.
BOARDING VICTORY LINER DELUXE BUS
Exactly the same time we had finished our meal the bus had arrived so we went down and board. This Victory Liner Deluxe Bus is a 29 seater air conditioned bus that boast comfort ability. Upon entering, the first thing you will notice is the presence of a good looking bus attedant, like a flight steward she will be the one to welcome pasengers and will help you out to find your seat (seat number just below the arm rest of the chair positioned along the aisle). The lazy boy type seats arrangement are divided into, two at the right (facing the driver's seat) perfect for couples and one seat on the other side, perfect if you are traveling alone (you don't need to worry about being seated next to a stranger). We only pay for two seats and it was a good decision because the seats are big enough for the three of us. It is a push button reclining seat with arm, leg and foot rest. The reclining arm rest in the middle is where my daughter suits herself all through out our travel (she personally chose where she wanted to be seated) underneath is an outlet where you can charge your gadgets in case you needed one. Victory Liner Deluxe Bus is a non stop bus so it provides a portable comfort room inside (don't worry it is decent, clean, has tissue, water, soap, push button flush inside and most of all not smelly).
DURING THE TRIP
The bus attendant will provide you information about your trip ETA to Baguio and any related travel details. She also distributed the free snack (which I love by the way) consisting of free mineral water, a cupcake and coconut candy bar to the passengers. Two movies were played during our trip, though there's still time to play another one I guess it's nice that they leave an hour for passengers to just sit, relax and do their thing without any disturbance. My husband was happy playing COC because of the WIFI, my daughter suits herself singing her lungs out while on the road and checking the view outside, she had a nap time for an hour and back to her jolly self in no time' while I have all the time to chill and relax my back. The hassle heavy traffic of EDSA is nothing new to me and we have to deal with it for about an hour or more from Pasay going out to Balintawak. Once we have exited Balintawak the traffic was as smooth as silk from NLEX to SCTEX, a moderate traffic right after TPLEX going Dagupan and traffic free when we reached the Marcos highway. Travel time wasa good three hour from NLEX to Baguio. We left Manila by 11:30 and arrived safely at Baguio before 4pm.
THE VERDICT
It is my girl first long travel experience (riding on a bus) but we never encounter any tantrums during the whole trip. She doesn't ask for her Ipad too and refuse to play it, so I guess that says a lot. For a parent like us, it is our great concern to make sure our child is safe and comfortable while traveling and VICTORY Liner provides that to our family. Choosing Deluxe trip and paying for the price of P750 is a real value for money. It was indeed a great choice for us! We will surely go back to Baguio and we will choose to take VICTORY LINER DELUXE SERVICE again!
For other travel services, schedule of trips, ticket reservations and terminal location check out their website at www.victoryliner.com
Disclaimer: this is not a paid advertisement nor sponsorship, we paid for our tickets and did our reservation personally. We are not connected with the mentioned company as stated above.