Grazing cows and green hills welcomed me when I peeked through my window. The 32-seater SEAir plane is about to touch down after more than an hour of travel from Manila. I quickly snapped some photos of this rare moment; heart is throbbing fast, *EXCITEMENT* is such an understatement, all I can say was “WOW!” I think I mentioned that word 7 times (and I don’t care if I was being repetitious). At last, I can now kiss you, Batanes, my dear…
Grazing cows on the rolling green hills of Batanes, 5 minutes before touch down.
Having won the SEAir Batanes Tour because of my love letter to Batanes, “Ichaddaw Ku Imu.” (Batanes, I Love You) I present to my dear readers the love story that blossomed while I was in Batanes. Let me be a little bit cheesy this time as I am definitely in love with this group of islands in the northernmost part of the Philippines.
It was still winter when we arrived, it was cold and my jacket is a perfect companion. Unfortunately, some didn’t, now, if I may advise you, try to bring something from mens clothing and be ready for the chilly weather.
The smiles that painted the faces of the Ivatans I met still linger on my mind and all I can do is to reminisce the memories I had through the photos I took (I will share it with you sometime soon.) For now let me give you an idea of what to expect on the following days as I recount my days in Batanes.
You can click the photo of each title to read the post about it 
The Colorful Churches of Batanes
Cockfighting at Diura Fishing Village
Lola Ida- From Silay City to the House of Dakay
Quotes & Reflections at the Honesty Café
Chill Time with the Ivatans at Mahatao Lighthouse
Chill time with the Ivatans (Photo credit: Kompañerong Leon P.)
10 Foods to Try While in Batanes
I want to visit this beautiful province once again but for know I just hope that these posts will persuade readers to have a desire to explore the blessed Batanes.
That short 4-day trip would not be memorable if I am not with other cool bloggers:
Pinay Travel Junkie aka Gay Backpacker. You ROCK!! I am a fan of your blog and I even “starred” your first comment on my blog. Kampañera, Shakira, Iya, more travels!
King Leon aka King Leon. Kompañero, astig ng mga shots mo at idea. Isa kang alamat! Sana maging DOT Secretary ka someday, Mabuhay!
Bless of Travelistas. Thanks sa mga shots and sa pagpapahiram ng MRT card. Hope I can refer clients to you.
Izah of Tripadora. I know that you will be a pro photographer someday soon. Happy for you and
Bosing Joseph. Hats-off Sir! We will not be able to see most of what Batanes can offer without your connections. Hope to dive with you sometime (yung backpacker price lang ha).
Sir Mike. Sir, I’m still looking for your articles, can’t remember most of the details of our trip, the names, dates, etc. More power!
More jump-shots guys?
***This happened during the Batanes Bloggers’ Winter Tour last February 11-14, 2011. The trip was made possible by SEAIR. My heartfelt thanks goes to Tita Lydia of Batanes Seaside Lodge & Restaurant and Dir. Bless and the rest of DOT Region 2 staff.
Tara na uli sa Batanes kompanyero!
oohh yeah! iwannagoback there, mga 2weeks and visit itbayat island at ung iba pang isla
yey. finally you reached batanes.. im happy for you.. batanes is also one of my dream destination..since i had sagada this summer, my friends and i are determined to have batanes on our list nest summer.. really looking forward to it..
happy easter journeying james..:)
thanks! happy easter too
you should book a flight to batanes quick!
book this early? ganun ka hirap mag book? how much do you think will a 3 days cost one person? travel, food and lodging. super thanks.. btw, i watched kapuso last sat.. and yah, we saw you..
di naman, mas mura lang kapag maaga ng book. fare is 14K round trip kapag walang promo.
prepare at least 1,500 per day that includes accommodation, food and tour fees. make it 4days para sulit at makapunta ng sabtang. sabtang island is a must!
and thanks for watching KMJS,
16k na round trip as of January 2012
aw….salamat james!
nice shots, by the way 
sana matapos ko na rin ang mga backlogs ko. kakamiss ang batanes. magkikita kaming muli next year
haha. kelangang bumalik ng summer 
this comment, coming from you, WOW! salamat izadora! kainggit, asar ka!
try mo bakasyon don around dec to feb,..experience the winter season,..sobrang lamig,.. mas malamig pa sa winter Baguio
faye, i was with tripadora when we went there, it was feb din. feb 11-14
Wonderful pics, James. And I like your watermark! So cool!
thanks thanks! ngayon mo lng napansin yung watermark? haha
of course, its a runner with a backpack! haha
Already looking forward to the coming posts.
its mostly pics lang pre.. medyo nakakahiya ngang mag post ng pics kasi im not a good photographer
Thanks for considering our province…Batanes!
More Travel…:-)
God Bless
yep ryan! thanks to the warm welcome. i wanna go back and stay longer.
batanes is sooooo beautiful!
wow! now i miss my home. Batanes!
hanep! kainggit!
mararating ko din yan.. hehehe
Batanes is my ultimate destination in the Philippines. What prevents me from going there is the air fare, its way too expensive, but i know it all worth it. I hope before 2012 ends I’m able to travel there and experience the wonderful places in Batanes just like you did.
try to join travel expo to the north, usually they offer the tickets 50% off.
hope you visit this lovely place soon!
when is this travel expo to the North? i want to join also