Philippine Reduced Travel Tax

Travelling is fun; it should be enjoyable and less stressful. Paying travel tax is a real burden on our pocket. Why our country is imposing travel tax on its own countrymen? I don't want to pay P1,620 for each of us, so I find ways on how to avail of discount on our travel tax rates. I checked the website of Department of Tourism, now TIEZA or Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority. As stated in PD 1183, the listing is provided for those who are entitled to reduced travel tax rate and exempted from payment of travel tax. Being dependents of an OCW, we are categorized into privileged reduced travel tax. Documents on its original form should be presented for validation including passport, OEC (balik mangagawa form), Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate and e-ticket. Don't bother to photocopy, they will do it for you and it's free of charge. There are travel tax offices in Manila and also in the provinces to serve you better. Take note of the POEA Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), the front desk staff will ask you for the original copy. I gave him the scanned copy showing the stamps, yet he is not satisfied.

I told the representative that how could that be possible to provide such copy where in fact the OCW travels alone by himself and that pertinent document was with him at the time of travel and upon checking in, any traveler are not allowed to go out of the premise. Still he insists that it should be provided. I reasoned out that it was our first time to travel as dependents so I don't know that OEC should be on its original format. He made a lot of side comments, such as "Ma'am, I will allow this for now but next time, you should comply." Then I heard him saying in a minimal tone "next time you'll do the same". I don't want to argue with this nut. I feel great that I have contributed a portion to his salary for the travel tax that I'm paying. Besides, I don't want to suffer from headaches; it will be a long journey for us with two kids travelling with me. I had already processed my children's reduced travel tax in the main office of TIEZA, yet there are no nasty remarks from the officer and she didn't even bother to ask for the original form of OEC. They treated me fairly and courteously like any human being. 

I paid P500 each, P300 for travel tax and P200 for processing fee. I was able to save P3,360. What a relief! In 2011, I also applied for standard reduced travel tax for minors between 2 to 12 years of age. A certificate will be issued to the applicant, thus will be presented upon checking in at the airport.

TRAVEL TAX RATES

	First Class Passage	Economy Class Passage
Full rate	PHP 2700	PHP 1620
Standard reduced rate	PHP 1350	PHP 810
Privileged reduced rate for dependents of Overseas Contract Workers (OCWs)	PHP 400	PHP 300

A Processing fee of Php 200.00 is collected for each certificate issued.

Biyaheng Marinduque

A Trip to Remember

It was my first time to visit Marinduque, a heart-shaped island between Tayabas Bay in the north and Sibuyan Sea to the south. It is located south and west of Quezon, east of Mindoro  and north of Romblon. The province is known for Moriones during Lenten season. It is a religious festival held annually on holy week interpreted by locals; men and women wearing painted masks and costumes (brightly colored tunics complete with armor, shield, lance, and sword) who march around the city for seven days searching for Longinus. 

We are all set to leave as soon as we packed our things. Jam Liner is just a stone throw away from home since we are living beside GMA Network in Quezon City. We have waited for more than an hour and alas the bus is ready to leave the terminal at around 1:42 am of April first, yes it was April fool's day (hope I won't be fooled during the entire trip). Bus fare is basically ₱218; no student's discount given (brought my kids' school IDs). Travel took three and a half hour for a distance of approximately 142 kilometers (88 miles), arriving at exactly 5:12 am in Talao Talao Port, Lucena City. 

First trip going to Balanacan is schedule at 10:30 in the morning so we need to wait for another five hours. What we did is stroll along the area, jog a bit, took some photographs, tried to sleep but it was difficult when you are seated on a chair. I decided to have a little talk with fellow passenger while sipping a hot cup of coffee. Got up from my chair after chit chatting and looked around for ticket seller. 

Booth is already opened and got the chance to buy three tickets, one regular (₱260) for me and the other two for half rate (₱130) for my children. Student's fare is ₱210. Terminal fee costs ₱30 each regardless of age (not sure if below 3-feet in height is free). 

Here's the schedule of RORO (roll-on/roll-off) going to Balanacan Port, returning to Lucena Port and vice-versa. Note: Cawit Port is under maintenance.

leaving Lucena City

 These are the breathtaking and enchanting view near Balanacan Port. I can't take my eyes off from this greatness GOD has created for us.

Image of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage standing on fisherman's wharf of Balanacan Port overlooking passengers and vessels sailing. It can be seen on your left as you approach the town of Mogpog.