Roble Shipping - Cebu to Samar
The easiest way to get from Cebu City to Catbalogan in Samar is to take the overnight Roble Shipping ferry the “Ormoc Stars”.
I brought along a motorcycle so I got the tickets the day before from their office at the pier in Cebu to get a bill of lading and make sure that there were no problems.
The economy fare is 650 pesos per person and it cost me 750 pesos plus port fees for the bike.
Roble Shipping – youtube video of this ferry
A processing fee of 130 pesos and a terminal fee of 50 pesos was paid at the port in Cebu.
A fee of 150 pesos plus a terminal fee of 19 pesos was paid at the pier in Catbalogan. The exchange rate for the US dollar is right at 44 pesos to the dollar so the freight costs were around 25 dollars US.
Travel in the Philippines by boat is a great way to go if you enjoy being on the water. If you take these overnight ferries you save on a nights lodging as well.
Many of the ships used are second hand Japanese ferries that have been reconditioned. They’re not pristine but they get the job done.
The Ormoc Stars wasn’t much to look at but it is a speedy little boat and my friend was impressed with the cleanliness of the head, or cr, or toilet.
This ship has a narrow beam or width so it would probably rock back and forth in a rough sea but it was flat calm on our trip and we made good time.
We left Cebu City around 9pm on Thurs and got to Catbalogan around 6:30am.
It took a half hour or so to clear the port authority and then we were off.
Downtown Catbalogan is very congested with pedal powered tricycles and other vehicles so it doesn’t pay to be in a hurry. Most drivers never stop, they just time their merging so everyone stays on the move.
It takes a bit of getting used to and is probably not a good place to learn how to drive. It takes a surprising amount of concentration.
Roble Shipping makes one trip a week between Cebu City and Catbalogan. They leave Cebu Thursday night and return Friday night.
Samar itself is a neat place to visit but there are no facilities for mass tourism so you have to be prepared to lay a lot of the groundwork yourself.
Roble Shipping – update
Going from Catbalogan to Cebu
The economy fare was 650 pesos but the motorbike fare was 1050 pesos. That is 300 more than it cost the other way but mu port fees were less so it evened out I guess.
This is the Roble office – open on Fridays only.
The office doesn’t issue a bill of lading. You must obtain that from the ship’s officer.
The Philippine Navy bases a patrol boat in Catbalogan.
The port of Catbalogan has character. For me, it’s fun to travel by ship.
The dock workers are a friendly lot.
I had to drive my bike up the gang plank. It was a tight squeeze getting through the companionway but I knew it would fit because I had squeezed through it before.
My pals send me off! The one on the right is my darling.
I arrived in Cebu around 5 am on Sat morning. It is perfect because the traffic is light at that time, so I just went straight down to see my friends in Moalboal 2 hours down the trail.
Sept 2008 update
Cebu to Catbalogan using Roble Shipping
Roble used to have an office at pier 3 but there is some renovation going on there. Head to the main office two lights up the harbor road and take a left.
Passenger-only tickets can still be purchased at the pier, but a bill of lading will have to come from the office.
If you are taking a vehicle or commercial goods you will need the bill of lading. It is required if taking personal goods purchased new (still in the carton)
ie. Tv’s, refrigerators, boxes of food etc. Port tax has to be paid. On a TV I paid around 300 pesos tax plus port tariffs.
On my last trip there were only around 20 passengers and all the bunks on the lower level were loaded with cargo.
I used my own line for lashing because we were on the southern edge of typhoon Olaf and they didn’t have any extra of their own. Roble does a fairly good job securing their cargo. Some operators don’t!
The ticket from Cebu was 650 pass economy and 750 for the bike. With taxes and paperwork fees it comes to around 1,050 pesos for the bike each way. For some reason it costs over 1050 pesos to Cebu but 750 the other way.
What a slippery mess this cargo of margarine would make if it broke free. They lashed it down for the journey before we left.
We ran into a little rough weather but it wasn’t too bad. It’s invigorating for me to be in rough seas.
We missed most of the storm but there was still a good swell here in Catbalogan.
The ship leaves every Thurs night from Cebu to Catbalogan and returns The following day 8pm Fri Night.
Both trips are overnight and bunks are included with the ticket.
Roble Shipping Schedule
Check local papers for updates and changes.
Cebu to Hilongos
4:30pm except Thurs – My Ormoc Star
8:50pm daily – My Beautiful Stars
Hilongos to Cebu
11:00am daily – My Beautiful Stars
10:30pm except Thurs – My Ormoc Star
Cebu to Ormoc
10:00pm daily – My Wonderful Stars
Ormoc to Cebu
11:00am daily – My Wonderful Stars
Cebu to Catbalogan
8:00pm every Thursday – My Ormoc Stars
Catbalogan to Cebu
8:00pm every Friday – My Ormoc Stars
Cebu waterfront – tug pushing Cebu Ferry
Telephone Numbers listed in the May 8 2009 Freeman Newspaper
Roble Shipping Inc
43-C Escario Extn., Cebu City
Tel.# 255-3871 * 254-0583 * 232-2236 * 232-2263
Fax# 416-6117
Lite Shipping
14 G.L. Lavilles St., comer M.J. Cuenco Ave., Tinago, Cebu City
Tel.# (032) 255-1721 to 26/256-1410
Fax# (032) 255-1724/414-9990
Freight & Passage D.L. (032) 254-0383
Super Shuttle Ferry
Asian Marine Transport Corporation
38 Gorordo Avenue Cebu City
Tel.# (032) 2323150, 2310639, 3455581, 3455582, 2344121
Fax# (032) 2335733, 3455583
Aleson Shipping Lines, Inc.
117-R. Palma Street, Cebu City
Tel.# 255-5673, 255-7157, 253-1934
Fax# 255-6277
www.alesonshipping.com
SuperCat
www.SuperCat.com.ph
Freight: 232-7400
SuperFerry
SuperCat Termenal, Pier 4, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
www.SuperFerry.com.ph
Passage: 233-7000
Cebu Ferries
www.cebuferries.com
Text: 0918-9942421
Weesam Express
www.weesamexpress.com
Pier 4 North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
Tel.# (032) 412-9562 * 231-7737
Island Shipping Corporation
15-2 V. Sotto St., cor. McArthur Blvd., Cebu City
Tel.# (032) 422-6329/31; 460-5608; 435-2078
Fax# (032) 422-6330
Ocean Fast Ferries Inc.
Pier 1, CPA Building, Cebu City, Philippines, 6000
Tel.# 255-7560
Fax# 255-0115
www.oceanjet.net
Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, Inc.
M.J. Cuenco cor Osmena Blbd., Cebu City
Passage: 2546491 loc. 222 & 236; 255-7989
Cargo: 2549782., 2533271
Fax# 2557899
www.transasiashipping.com
George & Peter Lines, Inc.
GP Bldg., Arellano Blvd., corner V. Gullas Ext., Cebu City (Pier 2)
Freight: 254-5404
Fax# 254-0679
Passage: 254-6252 * 254-5154
Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Inc.
Don Serging Osmena Avenue, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
Tel.# 2327211-18
Fax# 2316825, 2316826
Carlos A. Gothong Lines, Inc.
Pier 7, Gothong Wharf, F.F. Cruz, Mandaue City
Tel.# 232-9998 loc. 103, 310 * 346-0200
Freight: 0922-8071085 * 0922-5372184
Passage: 0923-3426131 * 0922-5334509 * 0922-4019196
Sulpicio Lines, Inc.
Sulpicio Go St., Reclamation Area, Cebu City
Tel.# 232-5361 to 79
Roble Shipping
Climbing Mount Apo
General Santos
Growing Orchids
Judy's Resto Bar
Logging with Motorcycles
Mount Mayon
Balabac Island
Biri Island
Calbiga Cave
Capul Island
Mangrove Swamp Palawan
Mikes's Resort
May i know your current company contact numbers?
I added phone numbers for several of the shipping companies that I got out of the Cebu Freeman Newspaper above.
Telephone Numbers listed in the May 8 2009 Freeman Newspaper
Roble Shipping Inc
43-C Escario Extn., Cebu City
Tel.# 255-3871 * 254-0583 * 232-2236 * 232-2263
Fax# 416-6117
Always check the local newspaper for schedule changes and phone numbers.
Right now Sulpicio is still hauling cargo only – they have been grounded since a major ferry disaster last year during typhoon “Frank where around 800 people perished.
dp
may i knw ur company’s purchasing contact #?
glenn f. dudalo
sales engineer
St. john bosco machinesystem inc.
Hi Glenn,
perhaps try sending a fax:
Telephone Numbers listed in the May 8 2009 Freeman Newspaper
Roble Shipping Inc
43-C Escario Extn., Cebu City
Tel.# 255-3871 * 254-0583 * 232-2236 * 232-2263
Fax# 416-6117
dp
M.S. TIME SDN BHD
Cranes & Hoists
No. 42B, 2nd Floor, Jalan USJ 10/1B,
UEP Subang Jaya, 47620 Subang Jaya,
Selangor, MALAYSIA.
Tel: +603-5631 7825
Fax: +603-5631 9825
Dear Sir:
Our company is MS Time Sdn Bhd with office address at 47620 UEP Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. We are a private limited company established since 1995. We specialize in the manufacturing and sales of lifting equipment for local and overseas market. Currently, we actually involved in the supply, installation and commissioning of overhead cranes and hoists, both normal and explosion proof versions. And we have the provision of repair and maintenance services for crane of various types and make as well as the supply of genuine spare parts and Generator set.
If you have the requirements feel free to contact us.
Thank you so much.
Best regards,
ROMEO P. CAPUNITAN
International Sales – SEA
MS TIME SDN BHD
Tel: 603-5631 7825
Fax: 603-5631 9825
HP: 6016-7012753
Email: romeo @ mstime.com.my
Good Day!!
Im a 22years young a Filipino Citizen living in Cebu City and I’m Mark Monteron, A Ship Agent from Japan.. Just would like to ask if still your company seeks WaterVessels such as CargoShips/PassengerShips/RoRo/Fastjets/Oiltankers and etc.. Coz we got several units for sale..
Well then if your interested just reply me and the unit you would like to see and get of its “particulars/specs”and “pictures”, and i attach some of the files and examples of our units to sell… Thank you and Godbless!!!
You can contact me with these informations below:
Agent: Mark Monteron
Landline: 2365032/2365038
Email: VLASIATRADING @ yahoo.com
Location: 112 Gorordo Ave.Kamputhaw Cebu City Philippines
Or you can have a direct contact in Japan with this email below:
Japan Contact:
shigeeda2010 @ nifty.com
I Read the information, interesting!
You might be interested to this related
site too, pls do
Check here at :
http://www.efreightdirectory.com/
Thanks! =)
dear sir’s maAm’s
good day .. i am michael cabungcal who want’s to apply as a apprentice mate , and i would like to join your company , with my 3 friends .. We would to apprentice mate in your company and onboard your vessel.
If your interesting on us just text us.. 09051510016 .. because were in manila in valenzuela ,so we can’t apply on our company directly ..
thank you for understanding …
michael cabungcal
Hello michael,
This is not the official page of Roble Shipping but rather a travelers info page about getting around in the Philippines.
Just a bit of advice – good that you are looking for work but you must be more professional in your job search. Try to put together a cv and biodata resume page that is well done and gives a better impression. Try to show what job experience and work history you have that might be valuable experience for the work that you are seeking.
good luck
dp
Hello dutchpickle..
Just want to ask if you know the Gothong Southern since you did not include
it on your list of shipping companies..
Just a query..
thnx
The Manager
Sir/Madam:
Please consider me to apply any vacant position in your company. I am a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Banking and Finance in Bukidnon State College.
I believe I have the potential for making a significant contribution in your company as an employee. I am a highly dynamic person able to achieve beyond expectation. A person to beyond the call of duty, driven and dedicated in whatever task I have. And above all I am very interested to be a part or to work in your company.
Attached herewith are my resume and transcript of records. Should you wish to contact me I can reached through the number above. It would be an honor to be part of reputable company.
Respectfully yours,
Ruthielyn M. Roble
Career Objective
wish to apply any vacant position
Academic Background
Bachelor of Science in Business April 2007
Administration
Major in Banking and Finance
College of Business Administration & Information
Technology
Fortich Street Malaybalay City Bukidnon State University
Sto Niño High School March 2001
Poblacion Dangcagan Bukidnon
Special Skills
Proficient in MS Word & MS Excel
Excellent verbal & written communication skills
OJT Experience
Bureau of Internal Revenue – RD 99
Fortich Street Malaybalay City
Work Experience
Rose Pharmacy Inc. May 2008
Puerto Highway Cagayan de Oro City
Misamis Oriental
Hello ruthielyn,
You have a great resume and I wish you success !
“dutchpickle” is an information site only – you should try to apply or send your resume to the Roble office in Cebu city k?
ps I removed your contact info from this post
dp
do make an updates here… its frustrating
greetings!
sir im allan eric valenzuela i am graduate of Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation…Im just looking a jobs i already work on roble shipping lines…but i didnt finish as a apprenticemate..beacause there is a problem on my ships captain….sir i want on to have a contact number to sir hapon….cp number beacause i wanted him to talk..thanks…
Hello allan
You will have to contact the Roble office. This website is just a travelers information site and does not have any official connections to Roble or any other shipping company. I hope that you have success in the future!
dp
Dear Sir/Madam,
Good Day!
Just want to know if you have service from Manila to Calbayog City Samar.
We are cargo freight forwarder and we’re looking for a shipping line that will cater our needs for shipments going to said destination.
Thanks,
Hello Leane,
The “dutchpickle” site is a travelers blog and does not make reservations or sell tickets for any of the transport companies that we write about. We just wrote about some of the travel options available in the Philippines that we have used.
It is best to call the Roble Shipping office direct to get more info.
Roble Shipping had a weekly run between Cebu and Catbalogan Samar which I had taken several times but I do not know of any Routes to Calbayog with this company. Be sure to call :)
good luck
dp
Dear sir madam”
May 5,2011
sir: I am lawmerce oliveros i am a graduate of Bachelor of Science Marine transportation as apprentice mate and who wants to join your company,,i do my best a succesful mariners on your board ship;;; i think we a part on your vessel
if you are interesting text my number 09485197506
godbless..
Hello :)
Please contact the Roble office directly. This site just covers basic travelers information but we are not affiliated with any of the shipping companies or ferries that we write about.
best wishes with your application
dp
May 19, 2011
The Human Resource Manager
Robles shipping lines
Sir/Madame,
May I have the honor to apply as one of your Front Office Staff as a Receptionist or F&B Crew as food and beverage attendant. Any of the two which you think I am qualified for the position I am applying for.
I am Jacinth Eve C. Lantin from Kidapawan City North Cotabato, a graduate of Hospitality and Restaurant Services of Systems Technology Institute of Kidapawan City.
I believe that being a part of your company will mold me to become much effective in Hospitality Industry and I am also confident that if given a chance I will be an asset to your company.
I would appreciate it much if you will merit this application you can contact me thru this number 09485125638.
Respectfully yours,
Jacinth Eve C. Lantin
Hello Jacinth,
Please contact the Roble Shipping office directly I wish you success in finding a job with Roble but you will have to go through their office k?
The dutchpickle site is simply a travelers info site but we are not affiliated with any companies that we write about !
Good luck !
dp
Good day…Im From Northstar training located at sucat paranaque..i would just like to inquire if you are accepting shipboard trainees?..My contact num is 09332513111. We would highly appreciated your response to this message.Thank you and God Bless.
Hello airene,
Please contact the Roble Shipping office directly and inquire about your application. The “dutchpickle” website is just an information site but we do not have a connection with Roble Shipping even though I used their vessels many times and was very pleased. I do not know if they have an office in Manila so it might be difficult for you.
There is an office in Cebu that would probably be a good start.
Does your training school assist the students with job placement? They might know who to contact .
Good luck and best wishes : )
dp
dear roble shipping,
i just want to send my resume in your good office coz i have to apply as second mate. can i have your email add pls??
you can tx me at 09053358170
tanx
jun
Try to get in touch with the Roble office in Cebu ok? This website does not have the email address for Roble.
Good luck
dp
Good Evening…
I am Kevenn Cuico , Graduating Student taking up Bachelor of Marine Transportation
i am here to apply To your Company as APPRENTICEMATE to fulfill my BS Degree.
If you hire me i’ll Do my Best to Serve your company with all my Strength.
Hello Kevenn,
Please contact Roble Shipping directly with your application :)
Best wishes !
dp
Hi dutchpickle,
I really love this job site :) i mean travelers info site… LOL… just kidding. i used to do walk-ins at the ticket office everytime i travel (i do not really travel a lot) which ends me up not catching the schedule or maybe too early with the scheduled trip. I am lazy of calling the office ahead of time either. hehe. This page is really a lot of help for lazy people like me. Thanks much, dutchpickle. Looking forward for more topics on this page and more jobs offers too, kidding strike 2. :)
Louie
may i know the exact fare -(from cebu to hilongos-at 1:pm M/V ORMOC STAR and
(from CEBU TO HILONGOS-at 9: pm M/V BEAUTIFUL STARS
Check the rates at the Roble office just up the street from the pier.
dp
good evening…
i just want to ask the complete address of Roble shipping
tnx.
hello Sir,
How can I get to Catbalogan, I am here in Cagayan de oro city.. what are the possible ships that I will going to ride on…
Thanks.. I need Your help and fast reply..
jovery.
Hello jovery,
sorry the late reply
all I can suggest to you is to get to Cebu City, Cebu from CDO using whatever ferry suites your budget – once in Cebu City check the possibility of Roble Shipping going direct to Catbalogan, Samar ( one trip per week only )
if not available – take a ferry across to Ormoc City, Leyte
and then bus from Ormoc City to Tacloban, Leyte to Catbalogan, Samar
there will be no boats going direct from Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao to Catbalogan, Samar
happy trip
dp
hello,i am looking for an agent that will help ship a container from manila to general santos,it’s a 20′ container from the USA.i live in kidapawan city,this would save me a trip to manila and many days waiting for custom clearence.thank you.
Hello Paul,
I am pretty sure that Roble Shipping does not make the run from Manila to General Santos. I do not have information on container ships that do that run either. Would it be easier to just have a trucking company make the run from Manila to Kidapawan?
It would probably take 3 days and is not a difficult run. Buses and trucks from Manila to Davao take the National Highway throuh Luzon to Matnog in southern Bicol (Luzon). They cross on the ferry to Allen Samar and continue south bound to the San Juanico bridge connection Samar Island to Leyte Island.
From Liloan in Southern Leyte on Sogod Bay they take a ferry to Surigao, Mindanao and it is a direct run from there to Davao using the Highway. Kidapawan is just a few hours past Davao.
cheers
dp
thank you very much,,,
the route you suggested looks very good,i may do the driving myself.
Sir/Maam,
I would like tro apply in your company(roble shipping lines) in the position of apprentice. I am a basic seaman course graduate with complete basic safety training
certificate and sirb…
I want to have a experience onboard with your vessel.
Im willing to come an interview in your convenient time.
Very Truly Your’s
Genesis R,Mencias
Hello genesis,
I do not have information about applying with Roble Shipping for a job, but they do have an office in Cebu City that you might be able to get information from. (There are many shipping companies based in Cebu city)
good luck
dp
hi iwanna inquire of updated schedule cebu-hilongos hilongos cebu and how much is the fare..roble shipping or kinswell please..thank you
roble shipping lines services last monday hilongos-cebu was delayed 4hours already, a lot of passengers were caught off-guard of the situation, some passengers have international flights 6:15pm, 7:20pm, 8:45pm 9:20pm, the sk southern leyte too has a boat trip 8pm to cagayan de oro city, mind you roble shipping lines management..trans asia give sk southern leyte 15 mins after 8pm departure time to cagayan yet ang barko wala pa maka dock sa pier unya pirting dugaya sad tawn pagpanaog sa damyo…TARONGA TAWN NG INYO SERBISYO SA KATAWHAN, naa pai mga crew nga pagka walay mga modo
surabaya – always allow additional time if you are planning on catching an international flight. Weather can delay airplanes and ships and buses and it is never a good idea to cut things too close. There is to much to risk if you miss your flight.
For international flights I suggest being at the city of departure the day before the flight is scheduled to leave.
dp