Daily Tribune
The traditional house in Batanes built with rocks in Chavayan Village.
The sun shines at Ivana Lighthouse in the municipality of Ivana.
San Carlos Borromeo Church in Mahatao, one of the century-old churches in Batanes.
Sta. Rosa de Lima Chapel in Chavayan Village in Sabtang.
One can enjoy the swing, backgrounded by the splendid Pacific Ocean at the Alapad Rock Formation in the municipality of Uyugan.
Secretary Frasco and Malaysian Ambassador Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino bin Anthony watch a weaver on how to make the traditional headdress ‘vakul.’
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco takes a selfie with the Philippine Experience Program of the Department of Tourism participants at Morong Beach in Sabtang.
Secretary Frasco takes a selfie with ‘vakul’ weaver in Sabtang.
Alapad Rock Formation in Uyugan.
Rock House in Sabtang that is sturdy to strong typhoons.
Goats devour the lush hills of Uyugan.
Photojournalist Mark Demayo of ABS-CBN takes shot to a cow eating grasses in Marlboro Island.
The unique tricycle of Batanes made up of cogon weeds.
One of the four remaining weavers in Batanes weaves the traditional Ivatan costume at the National Museum of the Philippines-Batanes.
Kyla Valdez of DoT communications office wears the traditional headdress ‘vakul’ in Chavayan Village. She also shows dried ‘dorado,’ a considered gem fish in Batanes as it costs P1,200 per kilo.
The traditional dress and ‘vakul’ of Batanes.
True to its tagline “Beyond Sceneries…Stories,” every delegate of the Department of Tourism’s (DoT) Philippine Experience Program (PEP) was astonished upon setting foot in the land of the winds, Batanes: the home of the Ivatan tribe, who welcomed delegates with their innate warmth and smiles.
The island, located at the northern tip of the Philippines, is home to unique rock formations, rolling hills, lighthouses, free-roaming horses and cattle, and scenic seaside that offer a soothing and peaceful escape from the hassle and bustle of the city.
Various diplomats from Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Australia and Cambodia, as well as our tour operators, DoT regional officers, and chosen members of the media, including the DAILY TRIBUNE, were privileged to have a 4-day trip to astounding sites of Batanes, namely the San Carlos Borromeo Church at the Municipality of Mahatao; the House of Dakay, Castaño Ruins; the infamous Honesty Coffee Shop; and Nakurang Viewpoint at the Municipality of Ivana; the Alapad Rock Formation, and National Museum of the Philippines-Batanes at Municipality of Uyugan.
On the next day, PEP delegates traveled rough seas from the Port of Ivana to culture-rich Sabtang Island.
The DoT, headed by Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco, also spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony for a Tourist Rest Area at the Sabtang Port.
A trip to Batanes wouldn’t be complete without staying in the charming village of Chavayan (meaning bountiful arrowroot), the heart of Ivatan culture and heritage, which is known for its charming old houses, narrow streets, and historic sites.
Chavayan Village is also home to Ivatan weavers where the traditional Ivatan headdress, ‘vakul’ for women for protection against the heat or rain, and men’s conventional vests, kayani, and salakot, are being made.
Other destinations that are a must see when visiting Batanes are the iconic Basco Naidi Lighthouse; Dibtangan Du Mahatao Farm, the Racuh A Payaman, popularly known as “Marlboro Country,” and the Tayid Lighthouse at the Municipality of Mahatao; Valugan Boulder Bay at the Municipality of San Joaquin; Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Cathedral; the Basco Rolling Hills at the Municipality of Basco; and the souvenir shops featuring the intricate Ivatan crafts and paintings.
Indeed, Batanes’ one-of-a-kind and majestic views are a gem and a compelling destination waiting to be shared with the world.
Its dramatic landscapes, rolling hills, rugged cliffs and crystal-clear waters truly fill someone’s bucket list.
