MANILA, Philippines – Huge volumes of passengers flocked to the Araneta Bus Terminal in Cubao, Quezon City Saturday morning, wanting to spend the holidays with their loved ones in the provinces.

Kennedy Donaire is ready for his 24-hour bus rid to Ormoc, Leyte. He brought DVD players as gifts for his loved ones.

But despite his excitement, Donaire had to spend the cold night at the terminal after his trip got delayed.

“Wala pa ‘yong bus... kailangan ko munang maghintay,” he said.

Cecilia Nasiluan, meanwhile, wants to go home to spend Christmas with her sick mother. It has been 10 years since she last saw her.

“Hindi na nga ako nagdala ng maraming gamit,” she commented.

As they waited for their ride, some passengers took the time to take a nap, have a hearty meal and prepare for their long journey ahead.

Despite the huge number of passengers on Saturday, the Araneta Bus Terminal management said it is still low compared to last year.

The Land Transportation, Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said the recent typhoons might be reason some passengers preferred to spend the holidays in the metropolis.

“They have not seen any significant changes sa number of passengers... Mas minabuti ng iba na mag-Pasko sa Maynila,” said LTFRB chairman Alberto Suansing.

The LTFRB, however, still gave permits to a hundred more buses in anticipation of a further increase in the number of travelers in the coming days.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as more passengers began to arrive and many more are expected to turn up as Christmas Day nears.