An important part of an urbanite’s lifestyle is to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life every here and now. The reward psychology, to treat one’s self after a hard day’s work, sure attracts urban Pinoys like myself.
Usual treats would round from a scrumptious scoop of mint chocolate gelato or chocolate and cheese sorbetes in a P10 cone; a nice and quiet cultural walk in Intramuros or a historical tour of the National Museum; and possibly, once in a while, the romantic breeze and panoramic view from the Empire State Building in New York City paired with the Broadway kind of entertainment.
But one time I was taken on a rare air trip, an hour and ten minutes away from Manila, high up to the most northern island among the 7,107 of the archipelago. An hour and ten minutes in the air had passed and the pilot muffled a message about reaching the destination. From the wing row where I could not peek down for a bird’s eye view of the island, I hurried to the front row to see that we were flying low on a vast, limitless ocean. The pilot once again muffled a message about needing to turn around for the heavy clouds seemed preventive of a safe landing and we had to turn our tail back towards Manila…
For a vision so pristine should be revealed only to those willing to embrace the blessing of nature with reverence.
Weeks after our first attempt to guest the island, we took on the adventure again without reservation. This time not a dark cloud hindered our intent prayers to finally set foot on our destination. The plane swifted through the clouds and into the lush mountains. We’ve finally landed in the most awaited valley of Batanes.
Prior to the first attempt to dare the rolling hills, moved in excitement, I gathered descriptive tidbits of the fortunate travelers who were wise enough to destine the precious isles:
Batanes was breathtakingly beautiful. Is breathtakingly beautiful.
They said it was like Marlboro country or Norway. It felt way better. They said it didn’t feel like we were in the Philippines. As far as I’m concerned, its wonder only substantiated the pride I hold for our heritage.
Batanes is our country’s little lush acre where green rolling hills, pristine seas, and quaint villages strike a chord in the hearts of her guests. Beyond magnificent scenery is the Ivatans’ unwavering community spirit that withstands life’s typhoons.
After the haunting experience with the islands, this lowly urbanite can take home only one thought, that is, Batanes is breathtaking in its land, people, and culture.
Usual treats would round from a scrumptious scoop of mint chocolate gelato or chocolate and cheese sorbetes in a P10 cone; a nice and quiet cultural walk in Intramuros or a historical tour of the National Museum; and possibly, once in a while, the romantic breeze and panoramic view from the Empire State Building in New York City paired with the Broadway kind of entertainment.
But one time I was taken on a rare air trip, an hour and ten minutes away from Manila, high up to the most northern island among the 7,107 of the archipelago. An hour and ten minutes in the air had passed and the pilot muffled a message about reaching the destination. From the wing row where I could not peek down for a bird’s eye view of the island, I hurried to the front row to see that we were flying low on a vast, limitless ocean. The pilot once again muffled a message about needing to turn around for the heavy clouds seemed preventive of a safe landing and we had to turn our tail back towards Manila…
For a vision so pristine should be revealed only to those willing to embrace the blessing of nature with reverence.
Weeks after our first attempt to guest the island, we took on the adventure again without reservation. This time not a dark cloud hindered our intent prayers to finally set foot on our destination. The plane swifted through the clouds and into the lush mountains. We’ve finally landed in the most awaited valley of Batanes.
Prior to the first attempt to dare the rolling hills, moved in excitement, I gathered descriptive tidbits of the fortunate travelers who were wise enough to destine the precious isles:
Batanes is the smallest province in the Philippine archipelago but probably the most popular because of its undisturbed and unspoiled beauty of nature, preserved by peace loving people.Such words of wonder wandered in the internet about Batanes that I bated my breath as the gate of my plane opened to the world unknown to the lowly urbanite…
Batanes is different – wind-swept hills and boulder-hemmed shores that lure, challenge, and haunt.
The people are different – a brave and skillful race of hardy, inscrutable survivors. The houses are different – stone walls, whitened with lime, and roofed in thatch of grass.
Ivatans are not only hard working (many we met had two, sometimes three jobs) but go out of their way to please visitors.
Another admirable part of Batanes are the pro-environment signs posted in all towns, simple yet straight to the point; something towns and cities, throughout the Philippines, should follow.
Lush green hills, crystal clear seas, quiet roads, stunning scenery, quaint villages, magnificent walks, well-tended and very productive fields and an outstanding community spirit.
Batanes was breathtakingly beautiful. Is breathtakingly beautiful.
They said it was like Marlboro country or Norway. It felt way better. They said it didn’t feel like we were in the Philippines. As far as I’m concerned, its wonder only substantiated the pride I hold for our heritage.
Batanes is our country’s little lush acre where green rolling hills, pristine seas, and quaint villages strike a chord in the hearts of her guests. Beyond magnificent scenery is the Ivatans’ unwavering community spirit that withstands life’s typhoons.
After the haunting experience with the islands, this lowly urbanite can take home only one thought, that is, Batanes is breathtaking in its land, people, and culture.
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