A ferry passenger traveling from Puerto Princesa to Manila has drawn attention online after reporting what he described as an unusually high price for a single sachet of Milo onboard a 2GO vessel, renewing conversations about the affordability of basic items on long-distance sea travel.
The post, written by traveler Jason Tesorero, has been circulating among transport passengers and local travel groups. Tesorero said he was surprised to see the chocolate drink priced at 85 pesos. “Nagulat lang talaga ako sa presyo,” he wrote, adding that the amount felt unreasonable for a product that typically costs far less in regular stores.
He said that while he expected higher prices on board, the difference was stark. “Biruin mo 85 pesos ang presyo ng Milo na isang sachet dito sa barkong 2GO na biyaheng Puerto Princess to Manila kung mga 50 pesos sana medyo ok pa,” he said. “Hindi naman po sa nagrereklamo pero hindi naman po talaga makatarungan at katanggap tanggap yung presyo.”
Tesorero said the issue was not the lack of money but the feeling that passengers were being overcharged for basic goods. “May pambili naman kami kaso alam mo yung pakiramdam na naloko ka ng harap harapan kaya parang ang bigat sa pakiramdam,” he wrote.
His post also served as practical advice to future passengers. “Kaya sa mga sasakay ng barkong 2GO na gustong makatipid dala na lang po kayo ng supply nyo para makatipid kayo,” he said, noting that some travelers, especially those with limited budgets, may find the prices challenging.
In his message, he pointed out that not all passengers on the route are tourists with large travel budgets. “Alam ko na madaming sumasakay na turista dito pero hindi naman lahat may budget at hindi naman lahat ng sumasakay ay mga turista yung iba ay lokal travelers,” he wrote.
The concern, he added, was not about preventing businesses from profiting but about fairness in pricing. “Sabihin na natin na business yan pero parang di talaga makatarungan,” he said, comparing the ferry prices to those on flights. “Kung ikukumpara mo sya sa iba gaya ng sa eroplano hindi naman sya ganon kamahal.”
The post comes as sea travel remains a primary mode of transportation for many families, workers, and students across the Mimaropa region. For budget-conscious travelers, price differences on simple items like coffee or instant drinks can create a noticeable strain over the course of long journeys.
As of press time, 2GO has not issued a statement addressing the pricing concern.
