Manila (CNN Philippines Life) — Since the advent of budget airlines, it’s been faster and cheaper to travel long distances by plane. Now more than ever, Filipinos are travelling the length of the country for work and leisure. But is it really, as one airline says in their tagline, “for every Juan”?

Inspired by the long rides I took with my family on ferries to Palawan, Mindoro, and Boracay over a decade ago, I booked a trip from Cebu to Manila and documented the 24-hour boat ride. I took portraits of my fellow passengers, asked who they were and why they’re on board, and captured a momentary life at sea.