Father the Explorer: BRAVING BATANES

I am back! A month after my last blog, now I have returned, alive and kicking and with more stories to share! This time, let me share with you my experience last month in the northernmost island of the Philippine archipelago--- Batanes!

GOING TO BATANES

Cathedral Parish of Sto. Domingo de Guzman, Basco, Batanes

Going to Batanes really is a challenge both in the pocket and in the heart. Philippine Airlines, Skyjet, Sea Air and Wakay fly almost everyday from Manila to Basco, Batanes’ Capital which sometimes would cost you around 15,000 pesos for a return ticket or sometimes even higher, depending on the season. If you are lucky, just like some whom I met in the journey, they chanced a promo return ticket for a surprising 2,000 pesos! So it pays to be online sometimes and wait for promo announcements because tickets really sell like hotcakes! In my case, I waited for a travel expo in SM MOA in Pasay City and patiently waited in line to hopefully get a promo ticket! Not so lucky for me, I did not make it through the lowest promo fare!

Faluwa going to Sabtang

Going around Batanes is also a test of faith. The weather is unpredictable! Enormous waves await an adventurous soul in going from one island to another. One memorable experience I had was going back from Itbayat to Basco via a three-hour faluwa (boat) ride! Just getting into the boat was epic! Since seas are fierce (normal scenario), docked boats at the port, goes up to as high as 3 meters while passengers patiently await for the boat to come down, and jump into the boat safely. Sounds a little scary, right? But, with the help of the boatmen ably assisting you, there is no room for fear! What would you expect for two great seas to collide---West Philippine Sea and Pacific Ocean---gigantic waves and strong winds?

Mt. Carmel Chapel

With this erratic weather condition around the islands, be open for flight and boat ride cancellations. While going to Batanes remains truly a challenge to the budget and to the soul, it‘s all worth the effort seeing the towering cliffs, picturesque lighthouses and breathtaking landscapes and seascapes! On top of that, the resilient and gentle Ivatans (the locals) will make your stay fun, safe and secured in this zero-crime rate island-province.

WHERE TO STAY IN BATANES

Vayang Rolling Hills

Marlboro Hills, Mahatao, Batanes

There are many hotels and lodging houses in Batanes, depending on your preference and budget. Most popular, though, are home stays, which are just few minutes walk from the airport. While Marfel’s Lodge and its other homestay partners (09088931475 /09209764966) remain to be the more popular ones, I would also recommend that you try out other homestays. Asas’ Homestay (09202237361), just a five minute-walk from the airport, owned by Auntie Carmen Asas, is a simple and affordable accommodation. The owner would really make you feel at home and welcome! I remember when I woke up one morning; I was surprised for the hot coffee and my favorite pandesal prepared for me---for free! How sweet! Some newly found priest friends also made me feel at home while I stayed in their convents!

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN BATANES

During the early period of the Spanish regime, Batanes was free from colonial rule and was completely ignored not until 1685 when the Dominican missionaries spearheaded the evangelization to the Ivatans. The early missionaries established Christian communities and eventually put up six churches (parishes), almost alike in design, around the islands. Catholic faith is vibrant in Batanes.

with my new friends enjoying
Chamantad-Tinyan Viewpoint

Boulder Beach in Chanpan Valugan

Batanes, the smallest province of the Philippines in terms of population and area, has 11 islands, but only three are inhabited: Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat. Batan has four parishes namely Sto. Domingo de Guzman Cathedral in Basco (1784) which celebrates it's fiesta today, San Carlos Borromeo Parish in Mahatao (1784), St. Joseph Parish in Ivana (1784), and Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Parish in Uyugan. Sabtang Island, a 45-minute faluwa ride Basco, has San Vicente Parish while Itbayat, a 3- hour boat ride from Basco, is under the patronage of Our Lady of the Rosary (1853). Bishop Camilo Gregorio takes good care of the flock in this prelature where Roman Catholic remains to be the major faith.

Mahatao Spanish Lighthouse

WHAT TO DO IN BATANES

Stone House in Chavaya

There are plenty of things to do in Batanes. Since my main objective is for vocation promotion, I made it sure to visit the six Catholic churches, some chapels, and the only Catholic college in the island, Saint Dominic College. I enjoyed meeting some diocesan priests, being toured around their century-old churches and convents. Bishop Gregorio is an exceptionally accommodating bishop!

Faluwa from Itbayat going to Batan

Declared as protected landscapes and seascape in 2003 by the Philippine Congress, Batanes boasts of its natural wonders. According to batanes.gov.ph, “Batanes was classified as a protected area due to its continuous spectrum of habitat types from the mountains to the sea, the presence of useful, endemic, rare and endangered flora and fauna, its role as a flyway of migratory birds and its rich cultural and social heritage. It is the only province in the Philippines that was declared in its entirety as a protected area.”

If you expect high-rise buildings and energetic night life, Batanes is not for you. But if you are on for the great adventure of your life, you have come to the perfect spot. A more adventurous type of traveller finds DIY (Do-It-Yourself) trip around Batanes easy. One may hire a bike for 25 pesos per hour and be ready for an exciting ride of your life! Ride up to Naidi Hills where a stunning lighthouse awaits you. A good book is a great company in this scenic view. End your day with the spectacular sunset view in this part of the island.

video courtesy of Kevin Chavez

Tricycle is another option but make sure to call or text ahead the office (09297038404) for a pick up. You cannot just ride a tricycle anywhere like that in Manila or any places in the country. Call it Grabtric, Batanes version! Woot. But if you prefer an organized one, then a package tour is fit for you. I would recommend BISUMI Tours and Services and contact Sir Ryan (09192795963 /09158034582) and haggle for an affordable package tour! The good thing about this option is that you will have the chance to meet new friends who will make your journey more exciting and enjoyable! Ask for Khen to be your tour guide! He is so much fun to be with and will truly make the guests well-informed, comfortable, happy and safe!

Batanes is a place for brave souls. Ivatans have been living resiliently for centuries in this part of the archipelago, often visited by destructive typhoons. But this is exactly what makes them strong---facing the unpredictable and overwhelming elements of nature! In our life, we are sometimes stormed by a series of unfortunate events in our studies, jobs, families or relationships. But no matter what, with faith in God, these things will make our heart braver!

Dios mamajes! Vamonos!

For a more detailed info on Batanes, please visit http://tourism-philippines.com/batanes/.