Tourists start heading home after holiday break

It's back to reality for Filipinos who went out of town during the Christmas holiday break.  On Monday, they started heading back home for work or school on January 2.

Authorities expect an influx of 15,000 to 20,000 passengers in bus terminals as the long holiday ends.  They advised commuters to travel early to avoid the crowding in terminals.

From Baguio, Gina Francisco went early to the terminal to catch a bus going to Jaen, Nueva Ecija.  She said her family wanted to return home to rest before going back to school.

Fredo Diaz and his family also spent Christmas and New Year in Baguio, and are now traveling home to Mabalacat, Pampanga.

Henry Pahayahay, a bus dispatcher, said he expects the gush of passengers on January 2.

"Sa ngayon yung dagsa ng mga pasahero, moderate pa naman hindi katulad noong nakaraang Pasko at before mag-bagong taon talaga kasi marami ang pababa na mga pasahero," he said.

Several tourists remain in Baguio on the first day of the new year to relish the cold weather and famous spots.—LDF, GMA Integrated News