I ❤ Batanes

BACKSTORY. Back in March, as we were deliberating on our summer getaway options, Dan wanted Siargao. I wanted Batanes. We couldn't meet halfway. And then I suggested we draw lots. Fair and square. We let fate take its course.  Lo and behold, the odds were in his favor. Siargao it was. 

My heart broke into a million pieces. Batanes has always been my dream Philippine destination. I can't take my mind off its beauty and grandeur. Dan probably saw a hint of sadness in my eyes when I found out I lost. For a short time, there was an awkward silence in the air. And then out of nowhere, he whispered, "O sige, hanap ka na ng flight to Batanes." 

He has always been selfless. Even if it means setting aside his personal desire, he always chooses to make me happy. Thank you, abadoo!

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It was a short plane ride (read: propeller plane) from Clark. Surprisingly, the aircraft was filled with tourists who, like me, wanted to take a bite of this small island which is mostly known for the devastating storms it had weathered through the years. 

Batanes has exceeded my expectations. It is much more lovely and breathtaking when you experience it firsthand. The documentaries and travel features did not quite capture the real beauty that lies in the very core of this tiny island.

It almost did not feel like I was in the Philippines. It's true when they say it's similar to New Zealand. I have never been to NZ, by the way. But the truth is, the mighty Creator really placed the island in this part of the world to showcase the beauty of the Philippines.

Every spot in Batanes is picturesque. Every corner magical. Every local is a living proof that man is naturally good.

The sights have a way of making you feel grateful to be alive and to be a witness to God's wonderful creation. I wish there were more people who will be drawn to its natural beauty and magic.

I pray that Batanes will not suffer the same fate as Boracay. When tourists started flocking Boracay, problems arose. However, it looks like the Ivatans really want to preserve the island by not welcoming industry players. You wouldn't find a single Jollibee store or 711 or a supermarket in the area. The locals assert that the only ones who should enjoy and earn from the local industry are the Ivatans themselves. 

They may lack modern conveniences but essentially, they have everything they need. The Ivatans live simply and they are happy with what God provided them with. 

Magical Batanes

If a genie would appear before me with the promise that he would take me anywhere in the world, I would ask him to take me to nowhere else but beautiful Batanes. 

I had been struggling with something personal a few days leading to our Batanes trip. I was close to having the whole trip cancelled but thought otherwise because Dan and I didn't want our hard-earned money to go to waste. Furthermore, I knew I needed a well-deserved hiatus to take my mind off all the emotional stress that hounded me (and is still hounding me to this day). 

So we flew to the northernmost tip of the Philippines to get away from everything. As I was taking in all the breathtaking sights of the island, I realized how a change of scenery can alter one's disposition and mindset. I learned to appreciate everything  because I allowed myself to see places with fresh eyes, and hear sounds with an open heart. 

The four days we spent in Batanes calmed my spirit and restored my faith. If the people of Batanes can be genuinely happy with the little resources that they have, stripped of the modern conveniences that we all have been accustomed to, I can be as happy. 

A heart that is at peace fears nothing. So to the Future whose plans I will never know, I am ready!