Did you ever think of a place where you can spend time quietly and peacefully? I bet you thought of your room but that is not what I meant. A place where you can find fulfillment. A view that feeds your soul and heart. Explore Batanes!
Batanes is a province in Philippines located in the Northernmost part. It has the smallest population and area in the country. The island is located 101 miles north of Luzon mainland and about 120 miles south of Taiwan. The entire province is listed in the UNESCO tentative list for inscription in the World Heritage List. Seven intangible heritage elements of the Ivatan have been set by the Philippine government in its initial inventory in 2012. An Ivatan is a Filipino group living majority in Batanes. Their origin remains untraced but they are known to be an Austronesian group. Ivatans lived before the Spaniards arrived in the Philippines. Culturally, the Ivatans have been influenced by the climate of Batanes – often times, exposed to high risks of agricultural disruption, they adopted strategies that ensured their survival. Due to the frequency of typhoons and drought, they planted root crops that were more resilient to the destructive forces of the environment; these include yam, sweet potato, taro, garlic, ginger, and onion. In addition, the Ivatans possessed a unique skill to predict weather, namely thru the study of animal behavior, sky color, wind, and clouds. The Ivatan have legends that are called kabbata. They have the rawod, chants that chronicle the adventures of the Ivatan's forefathers as they escape a disaster.
Apart from Ivatans, Basco Lighthouse is one of the beauty! There are two lighthouses found in Sabtang, the one that was built during Spanish era and the newly built right beside the sea. The Basco lighthouse built in 2000s is one of the visited for its dramatic view of the sea and the restaurant.
You can stop anytime to take some photos of the beautiful sunset and breath the fresh air coming from the North. Each hill gives you a unique view of the East Philippine Sea, whether pierced by a lighthouse or underlined by a row of stone houses.
So many amazing places and views to see in this place.A time for you to relax and show yourself love. A money and time to spend but a memories to remember.