Batanes Isles: The Day I Stripped

I would like to think that I was born free. I would like to think that I was made free. There is a scientific and a romantic illustration; and there is an evolution that only the heavens or the universe would know. For now, I would like to focus on freedom. And the feeling of being free.

Maybe, what caused me to even think of starting to scribble thoughts in my mind is the feeling of being prisoned by an indiscernible normality and scheme of things. When I felt that I can no longer move. That moment when I can no longer sense. Days when I am drowned with matters that I do not consider basic and important to even breathe a year longer. It is bizarre. But I am sure many experience the same way. And in times like this, I always imagine that hero in a movie who was riding a horse, ready to battle and shouted, “Freeeeeeee-doooom!”. Yes, Braveheart. I also picture myself riding a horse, by the chasm, viewing the sunrise in an island, and shouting the same word, “Free-dom!” Or another scene would be me, aboard a boat, in a vast open sea, with dolphins around, with not-so-big waves, and while approaching the island would yell, “Free-dom!” And another scene of me, on top of gorges, being swayed by really strong wind chills, and would dive from the cliff to a clear beach, uproaring “Free-dom!” Wherever you would like to visualize me in those scenes while I scream   “Free-dom” on top of my lungs, so be it.

Itbayat, Batanes Isles: Not Too Far to Reach

The best part when I travel is when I go brainless. Going with the flow is what contradicts the planned days and hours that I have in the city. The feeling of just waiting for things to happen may sound pathetic. But that is precisely what I have been doing since I arrived in Batanes Isles. Having wandered around much from North to South, including the island of Sabtang, is a product of just doing what comes into mind. So thoughtless. It is opposing to the Ivatan culture of hard work and secured living. C’mon. Give me a break! I deserve it much.

itbayat, batanes isles

Itbayat, Batanes Isles: My Woozy Ride To Itbayat, Island

Let me start this with much appreciation to many friends who allowed me to bring 29 kilogram of stuffs boxed in two, which I brought to Itbayat Island. The trip to Batanes was coupled with a longing of my heart. I had no particular destination, no schedule for twelve days. Then friends in Basco told me, “You have to go to Itbayat then.” When I heard that, I just smiled. If you know how I travel, you would sense that the smile was just a sincere smile. And if you dig deep within my thoughts, there is nothing there. If you know what I mean.

On Sunday.

I grab the bike from the neighbour on a Sunday afternoon. I stroll to the port. But what I am looking for is not there. The Itransa office is closed but is filled with cargo waiting in front of their office. What is amazing is that they are untouched by the many people who pass by the streets during the celebration of Three Kings in Basco. There is no one I can talk to.

Then, sometimes, the heavens just lead you to people who can make your life easier. Is there a boat tomorrow to Itbayat? Xandy, the Itransa staff answers, “It Depends.” On the winds, on the waves. So I start to pray. So I can got to Itbayat.

at Basco Port

Batanes Isles: Batan Island’s Stunning South

Is it really important that I know where I am headed to? As you know, I have been travelling without a map and Wandering in Batan Island made me lost my sense of direction. I need a compass, I thought. On second thought, I want to get lost. I usually am, unintentionally. 

So I went South, I think. So that is where the marine sanctuary is. I was promised to be given permit. In this chilly windy day? No way. I might get out of the water frozen and cannot let go!

Batanes Isles: Rocked in Sabtang Islet

I just wanted to go anywhere. So they asked me if I want to go to Sabtang. Surely, wherever that is.

Excitement embraced my senses and that gave me a sleepless evening. An early ride on a chilly morning with the view of the sea in a dark blue horizon made it lovelier and romantic. Coming back here on this same route is as astounding as the tour in broad daylight.

Waiting for the boats and other visitors till the day got brighter made me still. I did not want the crowd allergy to get triggered by some unnecessary clatter that can spoil my tranquillity. I think it was a dire idea to have someone who has never travelled to tag along. I think it was unnecessary too for someone to coordinate for my meals and all. I got biscuits, water in my backpack. I travel independently. And I do not have an itinerary. It annoys me sometimes to have people ask what I want. Because when I travel, planning comes along the way, so naturally. I go with the flow and the heavens just bring what I just need. I did not have to prove that to anyone. The heavens know they just occur.

The man who was seated beside me waiting for the same boat in Ivana started to talk to me. After that I got a ride. He mentioned that we ride the other bigger boat which was more comfortable than the other one. In our conversation, he was trying to ask me where I will stay. And some other men were suggesting too. And I just said, I will sleep in an old stone house. Actually, I have not seen Sabtang Island even in photos. I do not know anything about it. And I just somehow knew there might be some families I can talk to where I can be adopted. I was willing to stay for days. Because that is how I get to know the culture when I am immersed long days in my journey. I can see how worried they were that I seemed not prepared for my trip. Do not know where to eat and where to sleep. And no definite time to go back. May sound crazy to some. But that is the real thing.

Batanes Isles: My Walking Tour Around Basco

Journeying around in Basco, in Batanes, entails roaming with motorcycle and bicycle.  I travel many times through riding in tandem in a motorcycle and through a bike that I borrow for free. But one fine day, I choose to walk and visit again those places around Basco. 

I walk to the plaza, sit under the tree, and look at the kids who wrestle in the grass, while I stare at the light house on the hill in Basco.

I stroll uphill to that light house, sit anywhere and gaze to the ocean while the winds brush through my hair braids. 

Batanes: Simply Savor

enjoy your adventure. arrive, walk, bike, explore, travel the way you do;

be the kind of traveler that you are.

you have been to more places than i do. you are more brilliant. smarter.

you will know when you arrive there.

activate that traveler instinct.

help the people and purchase your needs, be a consumer.

there is no environmental fee in basco yet. yet the roads and people are friendly. they deserve an economy. sabtang has (P200).

there are many scenes that only your heart can capture.

so stop shooting once in a while.

and breathe all the fresh air.

the gods in the heavens will provide all that you desire to see. just go with the flow. and bring all the positivity back home.