Passengers faced lengthy queues at the entrance and check-in counters of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Monday as they hurried to reach their destinations in time to celebrate the New Year.
Despite the long lines, many travelers noted that the situation had improved compared to previous days.
Among those who came early to the NAIA was Zeny Ilao, who was traveling to New Zealand with her three children.
“Hahabulin namin ang Bagong Taon, nandoon ang family ko,” she said in Dano Tingcungco’s 24 Oras report. “Inagahan na namin para hindi hassle.”
(We’re trying to make it in time for the New Year because my family is there. We came early to avoid any hassle.)
While some passengers were heading abroad to reunite with loved ones, others were bidding farewell to family members after celebrating Christmas in the Philippines.
“Masaya, na-miss ko talaga sila,” said Teodora, who spent the holidays with her daughter Julie Ann for the first time in 16 years.
(It’s a joyful feeling—I’ve missed them so much.)
However, Julie Ann and her children were set to return to the United Kingdom.
“We’ll try to come back sooner—definitely not after another 16 years,” Julie Ann reassured her mother.
At the overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Lounge, emotions ran high as workers prepared to return to their jobs abroad.
“Masaya kasi nakasama yung father ko na may sakit; Malungot kasi hindi ko nakasama yung anak ko kasi on-duty siya sa hospital. Nagkita naman kami ng two days, two nights,” said Margie Balbero.
(It’s bittersweet. I’m happy I got to spend time with my unwell father. But, sadly, I couldn’t spend much time with my child, who was on duty at the hospital. We only had two days and two nights together.)
PITX, Port of Zamboanga
Meanwhile, travelers also flocked to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) to catch buses headed to the provinces before New Year’s Eve.
The terminal was crowded as buses filled quickly, leaving many passengers waiting for their turn to board.
“Para mag-end ng taon, sama-sama din, lahat ng family,” said passenger Lorna Reverso.
(For us, ending the year together as a family is important.)
“Tradisyon na po namin ‘yun. Ngayon lang ang pagkakataon na magkaka sama-sama kami. Matagal din na panahon na hindi kami nagkasama-sama,” said Jamila Usudan.
(It’s a tradition. This is the first chance in a long time for all of us to be together.)
Meanwhile, the Port of Zamboanga saw a surge of passengers boarding ships for the holidays, with travel activity intensifying since December 22.
To assist travelers, policemen stationed at the port used their vehicles to transport passengers and their luggage to the ships. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/DVM, GMA Integrated News
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