5 days Ago By The Vogue Team
In this Vogue Reviews series, Victory Liner First Class aims to redefine the modern bus experience with their Volvo B8R coaches Traveling by bus in the Philippines has long been a rite of passage for Filipinos, especially before or during holidays like All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day, and Christmas . It connects cities and provinces, serving needs related to work, school, or leisure efficiently and cost-effectively, avoiding expenses for gas, tolls, and maintenance that come with owning a car. For those heading to Baguio City, the country’s Summer Capital, the journey is part of the experience.
With over 1.7 million visitors each year, Baguio draws people in for its cool climate, scenic views, strawberry and ube-infused food, and unique activities you won’t find in its neighboring provinces and cities. To make bus travel more appealing to city dwellers, Victory Liner introduced an upscale version of its buses through the First Class bus.
It features the best-in-class Volvo B8R bus coaches to make each trip faster and far more comfortable, with travel times as short as four hours and a new emphasis on enhancing the passenger experience. These buses are powered by the latest Volvo D-8 engine, renowned for its efficiency and smooth performance. First impressions from Manila to Baguio If you’ve ever ridden a bus to Baguio (or any commuter bus in the Philippines), the journey is usually simple: hop on, settle in, and wait for the hours to pass.
The journey starts at the Victory Liner terminal, First Class ticket holders have access to an exclusive air-conditioned lounge with unlimited coffee refills, and Internet access. From the outside, he bus itself was noticeably larger and more sophisticated than typical commuter or provincial-route buses in Manila. Boarding the bus, you will be greeted by a member of the cabin crew and the driver, who wore a suit, an uncommon sight for bus travel in the country.
The interior features cool blue lighting and the plush leather seats in black with dark red accents are spacious and are arranged in a 2×1 configuration. Each seat was equipped with cupholders, seat pockets, USB and USB-C charging ports, a leg rest, and a dedicated aircon vent. Once on the road, the quiet engine and smooth ride are immediately noticeable.
The Volvo B8R’s modern suspension system and D8 engine make for a ride that feels stable and controlled, especially compared to the bumpier experiences you might associate with buses. Complimentary snacks and water added a nice touch, although the limited charging speed of the ports could be a slight drawback for power users. The trip was express, meaning no stopovers, which was convenient but necessitated the use of the onboard toilet.
While clean and well-maintained, navigating the restroom during transit required some balancing. Nevertheless, the handles offered stability. The First Class bus also enhances the travel experience with CarPlay infotainment and surround sound audio, providing a seamless way to enjoy entertainment while maintaining a quiet cabin with minimal music and announcements.
However, there’s one thing you’ll want to prepare for: the motion sickness that can come with winding up Marcos Highway to Baguio. While the bus’ careful driving minimizes sudden stops or jerks, it’s still advisable to bring some motion sickness tablets for the ascent. Upon reaching the Baguio Victory Liner Terminal, we were ushered to an open-air lounge, a refreshing change from the enclosed terminals in Manila.
The natural ventilation was a pleasant surprise, reinforcing the contrast between the two cities. The return journey After spending time in Baguio, the return journey is equally relaxing, especially during a nighttime trip. With less traffic on the roads, the bus moves smoothly, giving you time to reflect on the comfort of the experience.
The Baguio terminal, designed to resemble an airport, reinforces the feeling that you’re not just on a bus, you’re part of a modern travel experience. Victory Liner also offers Royal Class, a sleeper bus with a fully reclined seat akin to a bed, but for a four-hour trip, the First Class is more than sufficient. Victory Liner’s First Class service challenges the traditional idea of bus travel as an option for those without cars.
With a smooth ride, high-tech features, and extra attention to passenger comfort, it’s clear that the way we think about buses is changing. Whether for leisure or necessity, Victory Liner’s new range of buses offers a premium yet practical alternative to driving, making journeys not just a means to an end, but an enjoyable part of the trip itself. To book your tickets, visit Victory Liner’s official website .
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