Batanes my Dream, Local Island in Philippines
When I was young, around 9 years old. I’m very curious and interested to know about BATANES Island. I just only saw in the Map of the Philippines this wonderful Island. I wonder if there’s people living there and how they live.
Batanes is an archipelago province in the Philippines situated in the Cagayan Valley region. It is the northernmost province in the country, and also the smallest, both in population and land area. Its capital is Basco located in the island of Batan.
The natives are called Ivatans, most of them are farmers, fishermen and some of the old women are working and making handicraft. The rest are employed in the government and services sector. Garlic and cattle are major cash crops. Ivatans also plant camote (sweet potato), cassava, gabi or tuber and a unique variety of white uvi. Sugarcane is raised to produce palek, a kind of native wine, and vinegar.
When Batanes start to soar high with the Tourism, many tourist interested about their amazing mountain cliff, greenery hills, a rocky shore, the famous light house which is perfect to see the view and star gazing. The stone house, the happy native people and the very unique and famous Honesty Coffee Shop. No wonder I’m craving and wanting to travel and flew in Batanes. (I wish)
Still I cannot afford yet but keep dreaming (who knows in the future). However traveling in Capital City, Manila and visit the Batanes Ivatan Art Gallery makes me feel I've been in Batanes just in a while.
In the side corner of Eugenio Lopez Street corner Samar Avenue in Quezon City this Gallery showcasing the beauty of Batanes. Where you can find amazing paintings, genuine handicraft made in wood, abaca fiber of the vuyavuy palm. They also have organic Blue Tea from Batanes in which I taste it deliciously and liking it. Chili sauce, wall clock, some paraphernalia for decoration, books,T-shirt with Print of Batanes, calendars, hat and some souvenirs like keychain, accessories and ref magnet.
I was amaze and feel entertain well knowing about Batanes and bursting my heart to love more about this Island.
Batanes Ivatan Art Gallery offer and assist bookings for plane tickets in Batanes and Painting Class session for aspiring young Artist and hobbyist. The place is very artful, full of story and represents the existence of the Batanes Island.
I have the chances to experience to wear the Vakul a headgear/hair dress for women, which is used as a protective gear from rains and the sun's heat while working in their farms and the Yuvuk a basket that is commonly use by the Ivatan people. I have so much respect for our Indigenous people and admire those old Ivatan men and women who live in simple way and working so hard. They are totally such an inspiration for living peacefully without any demand in life. Batanes is a paradise.
Philippines have a lot and plenty of amazing Island such Coron, Elnido, Boracay, Siargao, Calaguas, Antique, Cebu, Davao, Bohol etc and many more. But my heart fall in love in BATANES. And to all who been traveled and witness the beauty and breathe taking Island of Batanes you are all fortunate. But meanwhile for those who are same as me and currently no budget. You can enjoy the Batanes Ivatan Art Gallery and enjoy the environment.
Love
Rio