Trick or trip

As much as Filipinos like celebrating in advance — such as Christmas from September — October is for the thrills of the spooky month of November! Well, as Filipinos, we have a choice. Either we’re into pop culture and dress up as an old celebrity, a cute Disney princess, or a classy vampire, we could also be the traditional Filipino relative who stirs the ube and kakanin at this holiday time.

In Filipino culture, the day of the dead is marked either the traditional way or the modern way. One thing is for sure, though, either way homecomings are still the main thing.

Whether coming for the reunions on 1 or 2 November, Filipinos always flock to airports and seaports at the last minute. But there’s always the thrill of the journey home that makes it worthwhile. Let’s face it, nothing is scarier than getting stranded at a major terminal. No one wants to spend the holiday in an uncomfortable situation; hence, the Department of Transportation plays a major role in making the travails of millions of travelers worthwhile.

In fact, last Monday, Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) general manager Jay Santiago were already out at the Batangas Port checking its facilities, operations, and personnel to make sure this Undas season will be safe, smooth, and hassle-free.

Philippine ports expect 2.2-million passengers nationwide between 27 October and 5 November, a big jump from last year’s 1.9 million. Thanks to Proclamation No. 727, which declared 31 October a special non-working holiday, the people will enjoy a longer weekend to visit their hometowns and the resting places of their loved ones.

Under “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2025,” the Department of Transportation and the PPA are going all out to manage the surge, deploying their full manpower, suspending staff leaves, and tightening coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine National Police–Maritime Group.

The Malasakit Help Desks, as well as the PPA Facebook page, will be open 24/7 across the ports to assist travelers with inquiries and emergencies. Passengers, though, want to be assured that the online ticketing system will work correctly.

Still, the government’s best-laid plans won’t matter if the passengers don’t do their part.

A little discipline can go a long way. Arriving early, verifying tickets only at legitimate outlets, and following basic security reminders aren’t just formalities; they’re acts of respect for everyone else who just wants to get home, too.

There’s also the matter of our health. With the Department of Health warning about rising influenza-like illnesses, this isn’t the time to power through a fever or ignore that persistent cough. Wash your hands, wear a mask if needed, rest if you’re unwell. There’s no point in rushing home if it means bringing sickness to your loved ones.

And perhaps as we make our way to the ports and terminals this Undas, we shall pause for a moment to remember what this season truly means. Amid the crowds, candles, and chaos, Undas has always been about connection — between generations, between past and present, between life and memory. It reminds us that going home is more than a physical journey — it’s an act of love and remembrance.

So, as the ferries and planes fill up and the roads get crowded, let’s keep calm, travel smart, and carry a little extra patience along with our luggage. Because for millions of Filipinos, the destination is never just a place — it’s a feeling, it’s home. Safe travels, folks! And remember, we are all in the same boat!