Fall in love with Batanes

It’s been a while since I last posted. Not that I really mind it but it only means that I’ve been dwelling on loneliness for so long.

Since I got back from Batanes on the 4th of February, I can't help but think about this magical place, a lot. Not a single day passed that I didn’t miss it so badly.

I know, I know, I felt like this in Palanan and I was able to overcome it. It took me months though. But there is something about Batanes that kept me in my shell for so long. All I ever want to do is look at the pictures and reminisce about our brief stay there.

When I boarded the plane going back to Manila, I had such a heavy weary heart. I’ve been wanting to go back as soon as possible. The difference between Palanan and Batanes is, the latter is more accessible what with two regular flights in a week. The more I think of the possibility that I can go back anytime, the more my heart aches.

Why did Batanes took my breath away? For one, I never felt as free as when I was there. I was goofy, I was laughing all the time, and I was just being makulit. I’m not sure if it was the effect of the cold wind, or I was simply enchanted by the wonderful views around me.

On our first day there, we took the rounds of Basco and nearby towns like Mahatao where we found the newly renovated lighthouse. I felt like I was in a painting because the blue sky serves as the perfect backdrop for the lighthouse. Now I know why photographers want to go to Batanes at least once in their life.

I was most amazed by the waters. Batanes is a group of islands in the middle of South China Sea. Anywhere I look, there’s water (duh!). Even if I am a non-swimmer, I just love the sea. The sound of the waters gushing to the shore, is very relaxing. That night, we couldn’t sleep because parang pinaghahampasan ng hangin ang mga puno. The northwind was so strong, we sometimes couldn't stand it. But we wondered, how come the cows, carabaos, and mountain goats seem not to mind the strong winds.

We stayed at Pension Ivatan and we had a perfect vista of the town of Basco. While waiting for the dinner to be served, Raquel and I stayed in the balcony overlooking the lighthouse and we just talked about anything and everything while the sun sets. Whey! I’m teary-eyed now.

The next day, we again rode the jeepney, visited some beautiful places, and took some more pictures. As soon as we got back in Basco late in the afternoon, we decided to take a stroll. And that’s when I fell in love. Yes, the remote atmosphere, the simplicity of all things around us, the laidback lifestyle, and the hospitality of the people, put me in reality check. I mean, this is the life I’ve always wanted. Not the fancy dresses, not the high-end restaurants, not the signature clothes, but this, this life staring at me that can be had if only I can.

We met a couple of dogs along the way, and yep, we played with some of them. At 6 p.m. people in the plaza stopped what they were doing to pray the Angelus. Boy, I am touched, truly touched at the sight of the Dominican nun and two kids on the sidestreet praying. As Raquel put it, the sight was like taken straight out of the textbook.

The real adventure began on our third day, Saturday, when we went to Sabtang island, some 45 minutes of boat ride from Ivana. As I’ve said I love the waters, and I've been looking forward to this boat ride. As I looked around the "rickety" boat, most of the people were quiet while I feast my eyes on the huge waves. I saw some praying the rosary, some had worried looks on their faces. As soon as we got off, the guys told me that it was one of the most horrific rides. Raquel said: Ga-bahay ang alon. And some felt nauseous. Geez, I thought the waves that big were just normal. I was smiling all throughout the ride. We later learned that the boat was actually in trouble. Some things needed some fixing.

There are many more stories that I can never forget on this trip and I wouldn’t want to miss a thing so I’ll try to organize my thoughts and write it down.

I am thinking of retiring there, early retirement. Seriously considering, and currently saving up for it. I cannot see myself spending the rest of my life anywhere else but in Batanes.