Tourists flock to Puerto Galera to spend Lenten break

Tourists continue to arrive at the popular beach town of Puerto Galera in Occidental Mindoro on Maundy Thursday to spend the Holy Week. 

According to Bam Alegre’s report in “24 Oras”, the local government of Puerto Galera anticipated the influx of tourists. The blue waters welcomed them as they arrived onboard ferries. 

As of 1 p.m,, local authorities logged over 2,500 tourists arrivals. 

“Pagdating ng mga turista, may mga naka-assign pong mga tao. Talagang ngayon po ang bugso ng mga pasahero,” said port supervisor John Manalo.

(When the tourists arrive, there are people assigned to assist them. The surge of passengers is expected today.) 

Tourist Jappy Cabading and his friends seek to recharge during the long holiday. 

“It’s one thing na pina-exciting and maraming-maraming makikitang adventures, of course, and also for the LGBT community….Naramdaman na namin yung pagtaas ng pamasahe lately, at least, patol pa rin (We’ve already felt the increase in fares lately, but at least, it’s still worth going for),” he said. 

Meanwhile, visitor Fabiola Eler said that they have long planned this trip. 

“Para makapagpahinga naman yung mga tao sa stress sa work,” she said. 

(So that people can have a rest from work stress.) 

But she admitted that they felt the impact of the oil price hikes. 

“Tulad kanina, nag-tip pa ako sa sinakyan kong motor ng P100 para lang hindi masayang yung gas niya.” 

(Like earlier, I even gave a P100 tip to the motorcycle I rode just so his gasoline wouldn't go to waste.) —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA News