The Holy Week exodus has begun—and with it, the familiar surge of vehicles flooding the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).
This year, traffic has already gone beyond the usual daily average. Cars stretch across lanes, engines hum in long lines, and for many Filipinos, the road tells two very different stories.
Pause for a moment—and listen closely.
Not everyone is heading out for rest.
For some, the journey isn’t about vacation… it’s about survival.
“Mahirap po ang buhay,” shared motorist Rolando Cabilitazan.
Life is hard.
“Talo ka kapag bakasyon—gastos.”
You lose when you take a vacation. It’s just another expense.
“Kailangan hanapbuhay talaga.”
You have to keep working.
His words carry the quiet weight of reality—one that many understand but rarely say out loud.
Another driver, Mark Sibal, echoed the same truth.
“Hindi deserve magbakasyon…”
I don’t feel like I deserve a vacation.
With fuel prices rising and basic goods becoming more expensive, rest feels like a luxury.
“Trabaho muna para sa pamilya.”
Work comes first—for the family.
And yet, on the same road… there are others chasing something different.
Relief. Rest. A pause from the grind.
Some travelers chose to leave early—not just to avoid the traffic, but to avoid the stress that comes with it.
“Para mas hindi na sumabay…” said Arnel Intal Jr.
So I don’t get caught in the rush later.
Because with fuel already expensive, getting stuck in traffic only makes things worse.
More time. More gas. More frustration.
Still, for some, the cost is worth it.
“Kahit mahal yung gasolina, okay lang,” said Arturo Carbonel.
Even if gas is expensive, it’s okay.
“Para makapag-relax din…”
I just need to relax.
After a year of nonstop work, even a short break feels necessary—almost deserved.
Meanwhile, NLEX itself is feeling the pressure.
On Holy Wednesday alone, traffic volume reached around 4,300 vehicles per hour, significantly higher than the usual average of over 3,000.
Interestingly, it’s still lower compared to last year—but the roads don’t feel any less crowded.
By early afternoon, congestion began to build.
Around 1 p.m., traffic intensified—forcing NLEX management to act fast.
A counterflow lane was immediately opened from Balintawak to Marilao to ease the buildup.
Additional lanes were also opened for cash toll payments, while support services were put in place—charging stations for electric vehicles and free towing for those in trouble.
There’s also a bit of relief for some drivers.
Trucks and public utility vehicles are currently entitled to toll rebates—a program that will run until May 22.
But beyond the traffic numbers and road adjustments, there’s one reminder that matters most.
Before hitting the road, motorists are urged to check everything—battery, lights, oil, brakes, tires… even themselves.
Because in the end, the most important thing isn’t just reaching your destination.
It’s getting there safely.
“Sana yung magda-drive ay may sapat na pahinga…”
Drivers should be well-rested.
“Nasa tamang kondisyon.”
In the right condition—physically and mentally.
This Holy Week, the roads are more than just crowded.
They’re filled with stories—of sacrifice, of responsibility, of longing for rest.
Some are driving toward work.
Others are driving toward home.
And somewhere in between… everyone is just trying to keep going.
