It was one memorable week at Batanes, the so called “Home of the Winds”. The place, as my travel buddy, Marco, would describe as a “Raw Beauty”. And it is a beautiful place, but what’s more important are the people living on the islands. Never have I found a place with people still so kind and gentle, helpful and accomodating, each having a story to tell on their own.
Each of it’s main Islands; Batan, Itbayat and Sabtang, have their characteristics of their own. Right now after organizing my things I would be writing my article. Just reviewing my notes on some events like, being stranded in an airport, waves going more than 5feet high where the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea meets, Our boat tumbling again on departure that made us stranded again on an island, feasting on different Dibang (flying fish) dishes, breathtaking sceneries, kind people, free fish, cheap tours, people stories, sunsets and rich culture.
There are still a lot to go back to in Batanes, but going there is not just expensive but also not an easy task as transportation is an uncertainty. Where people’s lives are dictated by the 4 seasons, the seas and their beliefs. Sigh. If only I could live there.
Tomorrow, it’s back to the reality of urban life. But still the raw beauty of Batanes and its people is still in my mind.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
