FIRST DAY AT THE NORTH SIDE

 
February 21, 2010

The planning for this trip to the northern most part of our country started last quarter of last year. It was really a decision to make which involves financial readiness and mind-setting. Three of my friends already booked their flights; it was only until the first week of February that I decided to get my Sea Air pass. I have done a bunch of reading after that, about the usual itineraries, places to visit and boat transfer experiences between the islands of the Batanes.

It was meant to be a surprise to both Bernard and Cicelle that I will be joining this trip, so we decided to tell to our friends that I will go somewhere else. Well, a surprise indeed, they did not even recognize me when they are about to sit inside the departure area at the domestic airport. The APO team is now complete; we are the same group that endeavoured a 9-days journey to the south side (Davao-Cotabato) last April 2009.

 

Honestly, the only two hesitations that I have on my mind before joining this trip were the small aircraft and faluwa (4-hours boat going to Itbayat Island). I am about seeing that in the couple of days. The first is the fleet (Dornier 328) from Sea Air which is like that plane I took going to Columbus, Ohio. It was smooth ride from start to finish.

Upon reaching the Basco Airport, we were welcomed by the Crew of Batanes Seaside Resort where we will stay for the next 7 days. Then we headed straight to Hiro’s Café to meet Tita Lydia, our host. After settling down to our room in the resort, we went back to the café to have lunch. Our menu includes, Sinigang Na Baboy, Paco Salad, Sweet and Sour Tilapia, Calamares with Baby Octopus, Kare-Kare, Relyenong Flying Fish and Suman plus Latik.

After the heavy meal, we are now starting our Basco City tour. On top of the list is the Tukun Church then straight to Tukun Radar station (Pag-asa weather station). Fundacion Pacita can be seen from the top but sadly, this is now private. Next stop is one of the Japanese tunnels in the area (Dipnaysupuan), too bad the stones are full of vandals. Boulders beach is our next agenda which is on the side of Valugan Bay. After the photoshoot in the stoned beach front, a road trip back to center of the town going Naidi Lighthouse then to Vayang Rolling Hills. These hills are definitely wonderful, as pictures depicts, it rolls down to the cliffside of the ocean.

Since our scheduled tour ended at 5:00PM, we decided to drop at the Basco Cathedral to pray and give thanks for our safe travel. We strolled around Abad Street which the main commercial area in the city. After our dinner, we packed our things for another type of experience tomorrow (Faluway Way).

 

The view from our resort hotel is a peaceful harbor site.

Location: Basco, Batanes