Day 3- South Batan

Rakuh A Payaman- I can say that today is one of the highlights of my stay here in Batanes. We visited the Marlboro Country, locally known as the Rakuh a Payaman. This is actually a communal pastureland in Uyugan Batanes. The plain sight of this view got me a bit emotional. The place is just extraordinarily marvelous that words nor photos could never describe. I ran, I jumped, I skipped, I hopped, I rolled myself down the hills, and I danced just to be captured on camera. I channeled in the Maria Von Trapp in me. It was like I was re-enacting the Sound of Music there for awhile. And oh, yeah! The hills are freakin’ alive! I knew that the gusty winds was nature’s way of welcoming there. I swear, this vision would be kept forever in my heart. Truly, Batanes is where the land, sea and sky meet to make this breathtakingly beautiful view.

Tayid Lighthouse– Built on the early 2000’s, this is another must-visit spot in Batanes. It’s breathtakingly exquisite, simply captivating. Design wise, this lighthouse is unique in terms of shape as it possesses a hexagonal base. Most lighthouses in the province have circular bases.

After taking bajillion photos, we headed out for lunch at Paulvanna’s Canteen at Mahatao, near the San Carlos Borromeo Church.

San Lorenzo Ruiz Church- It is said to be the birthplace of Christianity in Batanes. It is where the first mass and baptism in the Island was commenced in 1682 AD. This was also the location where the Holy Cross was set up but the original materials were already damaged.

Our Lady of Miraculous Medal- Kuya Nelson narrated that whenever travellers come to this church, their wishes would come true. Well, there’s no harm in trying! LMAO

Song-Song Ruins- We just passed by the place but its history is really quite sad. During the 1950’s, this barangay was badly hit by a tsunami for two consecutive years. This was during the leadership of President Ramon Magsaysay. Records shows that most of the families have been relocated in Tawi-Tawi.

Imnajbu Point / Alapad Rock Formation- This has got to be one of my favorite spots in Batanes. The road cuts through two hills creating a massive sculpture-like rock formation. My anticipation heightens as we pass by every winding road for I cannot wait to see the next beautiful scenery that awaits to be unfolded. The sign “Blow UR Horn” is noticeably present in every curved road around the province. In the 1900’s, the locals already abbreviated the word “YOUR” into “UR”, hence, making the Ivatans the first ones to use the text speak.

Honesty Coffee Shop- I finally got to experience this ever famous Honesty Coffee Shop. The Ivatans are known for their utmost honesty. The store is unmanned, no standby seller. Get what you want, write it in the log sheet, leave the payment at the designated basket, and that’s it!  Just pure HONESTY.  Owned by a teacher, Ms. Elena Gabilo together with her husband Mr. Jose Gabilo, the store was put up to cater to the fishermen and passengers at the Port of Ivana going to Sabtang Island. I couldn’t help but feel happy and sad, both at the same time. Happy, because somehow, in this cruel and dishonest world, there’s this small town that carries the value of honesty. Sad, because for most, it has just become a tourist spot where they can just visit and just forget about it. Has honesty already become that rare?

San Jose el Obrero Church (Ivana Church)- This church is just a stone’s throw away from the Honesty Shop in Ivana. It was built by Dr. Jose Fausto de Cuevas in 1784. Different from the other churches in Batanes, this church is the only church with a separate belfry which was constructed 30 years later. In 1866 to 1969, the façade was constructed by Fr. Fabian Martin. It is said that this is where the Katipuneros commanded by Capt. Perea landed on September 18 to liberate the province from the Spaniards.

House of Dakay- Aside from being of the heritage treasures in Batanaes, this has got to be to most photographed Ivatan House. The House of Dakay is recognized as a world heritage building by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization or (UNESCO).It was originally owned by Luisa Estrella, later on passes it on to here favorite nephew, Jose “Dakay” Estrella. Major parts of the house are still intact and kept in good condition, as well as the shutters and the floors. It is said that the thatched cogon roof of the house is replaced every 30 years since 1917. Moonsoon frontiers, these designs are! We were able to meet the caretaker of the house who happens to be the grandson of the original  owners.

Old Spanish Bridge- This was constructed as part of the main road of Ivana leading to the doorstep of the church. Luckily, the bridge is still utilized by pedestrian and small vehicles. The design kind of reminded me of those ancient Roman aqueducts.

San Carlos Borromeo Church– This church was initially built with lightweight materials in 1787 before it got renovated using stones in 1798 during the patronage of St. Charles Borromeo. Over time, the church was devastated by a strong typhoon. It was then renovated into a baroque style church as seen on its undulating façade design.

In 2001, it was awarded as a National Cultural Heritage Treasure by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Standing outside the church are two stone lamp posts that were used as guide for the fisherman on the shore during the Spanish Colonial Period. This church is also known by its name as Mahatao Church.

Chawa View Deck– This is an exquisite view showcasing the beauty of the West Philippine Sea. It has roughly about 150 steps that one can descend to fish and take pictures or even just frolic in the water.

On our way to the deck, we passed by the Mahatao Port but we were not allowed to stop by due to safety concern. We had the chance to take a peek at the Spanish Blue Lagoon, however, it wasn’t blue enough at that time because of the strong waves. 

This pretty sums up our 3- day tour in Batanes. What can I say? I’m really captivated by the charm of this Island that I would want to continue to explore more of what it has to offer in the succeeding days. Stand by for more updates of what you can do around the place when you have plenty of time to spare!