Batanes

Who would not be curiously enticed by the thought of visiting the last northern frontier of the Philippines? Batanes' charm is undeniably captivating that it had been part of the bucket list of most Filipinos. Since Batanes is composed of three major islands - Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat, I have chosen three photos from our trip up, up north.

Let's count to three.

#1. Batan

Batan is the capital of Batanes where you will find the province's airport. The tour around the island can be divided into north and south, which you can opt to do in a day or just chill out and do it in two. There's the imposing Mt. Iraya that seemingly serves as the island's guardian - that amidst the numerous typhoons that ravaged the province, they remain resilient and strong. 

Veering away from the usual post card-esque shots that you normally see from Batan, the light houses towering over the lush green grass with wandering cows, I will show you one of the most mystifying sunset that I've seen:

Sunset at Vayang Rolling Hills

On a clear day, this scene will soothe all your aching muscles from all the walking you did around the island all day long - including the short trek to this area. Watching this at our country's northern frontier is nothing short of amazing. 

#2. Sabtang

In the island of Sabtang you can find the famous stone houses of Chavayan. You can even enter the houses for some photo-ops, just politely ask for permission. Among all the beautiful scenery of Sabtang, personally, I pick Ivuhus Island which is just around 20 to 30 minutes away the main island.

Glassy waters of Ivuhus

This uninhabited island is home to a number of cattle owned by the community in Sabtang - along with some caretakers on rotation. Just imagine how they transport the cattle to and from the island through the katig-less faluwa. There were previous settlements here, our guide said. But they chose to transfer to Sabtang instead because it's more manageable to live on the main island due to scarcity of water source in the island. In fact there are still old boat-shaped graves scattered around the island. Staying in here brings your links closer to our sea-faring ancestors, staying in islands that were previously uncharted and successfully thrive there. To add up to the awesome experience, the Milkyway showed up, as early as 7pm - owing to the absence of light pollution. 

#3. Itbayat

...then there's this boat ride to Itbayat - on a clear July weather. There's really this something about the human soul that finds ways to thrive despite harsh, unforgiving environments. In fact, the island's water source is mainly rain water. There are a number of rain collectors all over the island. Itbayat is believed to be a humongous uplifted coral reef thousands (if not, millions) of years before. That's why, this island has no natural beaches (although we found a rocky "beach" at the secluded Tayawun Rock). So they had to create this port at Chinapoliran, once you get off the boat, you will be welcomed with a very steep incline (probably 70 degrees).  

Splashing off at Chinapoliran Port

The waves are wild enough that you will be thrown off the boat. Yes. THROWN OFF. Not jump. THROWN. You just have to trust the locals who have done this hundreds of times already - it's their normal day at the beach. During my years doing plying the seas with different kinds of boats, this was the first time I really got disoriented that my knees just weakened and I just slumped on the boat due to the voracious rocking of the boat. Just as the saying goes: "Sasakay kang turista, bababa kang mandirigma."