Babuyan Claro: My Clear Dreams

Attention Islanders!

I usually dream about the next destination. Pack then arrive. Wander. Wonder.

Palawan's El Nido: My Sanctuary, Talikwas EcoLodge

It is always a good time to be back in a beautiful island. It will be short but I am certain to make it sweet. All I wanted to do is delight in every way and appreciate whatever comes my way.

And the best thing happens. It always does occur in my very spontaneous travels. That moment when you are not ready for anything that even the petty things become surprising. That feeling when that moment comes and you become amazed by the consequences. And that feeling when you know your spirit would like to stay behind. Linger more. And just be trapped.

I make myself vulnerable for bombshells of freedom when I travel. I make sure that I am prepared to be stunned. I sort of attract the good vibes and make myself feel self-assured that there will be a good thing that will emerge. 

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.