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Content about Bicol Express

June 9, 2011
Bicol Express is back

It has been more than 30 years when the average Bikolano took a train ride to Manila. Those who saw the heyday of the Bicol Express, now in their late 40s and beyond, have the chance to travel through memory lane. For a whole young generation who has not experienced a train ride, lucky for them - Bicol Express is back for them to cherish.

MANILA, Philippines (June 8 2011) - After getting neglected for more than 3 decades, Bicol Express fully resumes plying the Bicol-Manila railway route starting June 29 this year.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda issued a press release today confirming what Philippine National Railway (PNR) manager Junio “Jun” Ragrario announced two weeks ago - that regular train trips from Manila to Naga City shall roll again starting on June 29, one month ahead of schedule.

July 1, 2011
Bicol Express' maiden trip safely arrives 4 hours late

Manila Philippines (June 30, 2011) - Now an object of nostalgia, the Bicol Express of the olden days in reality never attained a reputation for timely arrivals - nor departures. There was no big deal ordinarily when Bicol Express Train 611 arrived in Naga City this morning 4 hours late - were it not on its much anticipated maiden trip after years in limbo.

Manila Philippines (June 30, 2011) - Now an object of nostalgia, the Bicol Express of the olden days in reality never attained a reputation for timely arrivals - nor departures. There was no big deal ordinarily when Bicol Express Train 611 arrived in Naga City this morning 4 hours late - were it not on its much anticipated maiden trip after years in limbo.

The cause of the delay was a recently discovered eroded portion of the railroad less than 40 kilometers away from the train's destination, Naga City.

June 24, 2011
Bicol Express completes final test run

MANILA, Philippines (June 24, 2011) – Bicol Express has completed its final test run this morning when a 6-coach assembly carrying a 157-member contingent arrived at the Tutuban station at 8:45 A.M. from its overnight return trip from Naga City.

MANILA, Philippines (June 24, 2011) – Bicol Express has completed its final test run this morning when a 6-coach assembly carrying a 157-member contingent arrived at the Tutuban station at 8:45 A.M. from its overnight return trip from Naga City.

June 17, 2011
Bicol Express: 1 more test run before regular trips

Naga City (June 17 2011) - Leaving nothing to chance on matters of safe and reliable travel, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) shall do a final test run of the Bicol Express on June 22, one week before the start of its regular runs.

Naga City (June 17 2011) - Leaving nothing to chances on matters of safe and reliable travel, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) shall do a final test run of the Bicol Express on June 22, one week before the start of its regular runs.

The test train that rolls in several air-conditioned and sleeper coaches shall travel at night from from Manila to Naga City to simulate the usual travel environment and schedules.

The Bicol Express did 2 previous test runs last year and 1 back in May.

December 14, 2010
Movies and Trains

EVERY NOW AND THEN, I would hear murmurs of queries on when train services to Bicol will resume. Most of these queries morph into desires and nostalgia to see the classic iron horse back clanging and honking along the tracks of our region.

EVERY NOW AND THEN, I would hear murmurs of queries on when train services to Bicol will resume. Most of these queries morph into desires and nostalgia to see the classic iron horse back clanging and honking along the tracks of our region. For now, as said in one of my poems, “the train station is quiet,” literally quiet—no personnel, no passengers, no vendors, no trains, only remnants of the rich past, memories of trains chugging to a complete halt at the station where throngs of passengers were caught in the noisy, liminal stupor of waiting and saying goodbyes.