ain’t really deep thoughts

  DAY 2

Around 6:00AM the following day, we headed off to San Vicente seaport to catch the ferry ride going to Sabtang island.  Falowa is the Ivatans very own motor boat. The ride was relatively smooth despite the occassional not-so-big waves that approached us every now and then.  This didn’t alert me to worry because aside that there are life vests in the boat, I could see that the young bangkero navigated the sea adroitly.

The Deaprtment of Tourism hailed Sabtang as one of the 12 best detsinations in the country, because it remains undisturbed and unspoiled.  The island has long stretches of white sand beaches, steep mountains and deep canyons with small level areas just along the coastline.  In contrast to the smooth, well-manicured slopes and plateaus of Batan, Sabtang’s terrain is generally rugged.  The traditional Ivatan houses we saw here though have distinct charm.  Probably this is attributed to the remoteness of the island.

After sailing for 45 minutes, we finally disembarked at the seaport of Baranggay Sinakayan in Sabtang.  We headed off right away to the canteen of Ate Nita Lagundino’s canteen to have our lunch prepared.  She had 2 live coconut crabs ready for us, although we were all craving for lobsters then.

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We proceeded to the small village of Savidug.  Because of my fascination for old houses, I instantly fell in love with the place.  It was an exhilirating experience to have tread the pathways of Savidug; to behold and touch the resilient stone houses that stand proud for withstanding the passing of time and the devastations of typhoons and earthquakes.  Yet, there’s a sense of humility in that village and houses.  Perhaps, it is the simple lifestyle of the residents there…

 

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The next village we went to is Chavayan.  This is where the indie pinoy flick "Batanes" was shot.  For those who didn’t know, the lead characters were Iza Calzado and Ken of F4.  Compared to the place, the movie wasn’t really memorable.  The road leading towards the village surprised and awed us with steep green mountains, cliffs and picturesque seascapes.  Too bad I can not post the pictures here now, for friendster limits the posts to 50 at maximum.  We also passed by another Idjang along the way.  But it’s quite far for a trek going there that we decided to capture it in our lenses instead.  Unlike the first village we stopped to, Chavayan is more populated and there are "newer" houses.

 

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We traced back our tracks going to the seaport and had our early lunch at Ate Nita’s papag that is situated few meters along the shore.  We feasted on java rice, steamed coconut crabs, sweet and sour blind lapu lapu, sauteed veggies and a fresh buko juice in its shell.  The lunch costs 250 per head.

 

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After a bountiful feast we headed off to the most remote village in Sabtang - Sumnanga.  This is referred to as the small HongKong of Batanes, because the houses are built on top of big rocks.  If Hong Kong is such place, that I really don’t know.  I haven’t been there yet nor have I travelled anywhere outside the country.  The village didn’t really fascinate me.  If not for the cove of the Duvek Bay I would have regreted for sparing almost an hour drive going there.

 

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Our last stop was at the Naangat White Sand beach.  The place is famous for its Nakaabuang Ark -  an arch-shaped rock formation along the shores.  After taking few pictures, I frolicked with the sea and the sand ,while my companions couldn’t stop clicking their cameras to every angle all over the place.

  

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We went back to Batan through the same not-so-rough waters and waited for the sunset along the shores of Batanes Seaside Hotel where we were staying.

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Oh, I almost forgot to mention… when you happen to stay in the same hotel, don’t forget to try their Uved.  It’s an appetizer made from ubod and fish meat;  rolled into a ball and steamed.  It’s like eating a chinese dimsum with a flavor that is uniquely Batanes.

   

Batanes has always been my ultimate dream destination in our country.  For one, the round trip plane fare going there is almost the same as that in going to Hong Kong.  Second, the trip must be scheduled only during summer, because it is situated where typhoons enter and exit the archipelago. But mostly, it is rich in natural and cultural destinations that are distinctly found in Batanes.

If it were not for Bing, my dear friend, who persistently chided me to join the tour, I would have still been dreaming of Batanes today.  But how could I say no when Air Philippines offered a 50% off discount to their usual 12,000++ round trip fare?  Sad to say though that when we were all set to go, Bing has to forego the trip over her new found career. 

Just few days before we were to depart for Batanes, typhoon Frankie unleashed its inconsolable fury all over the country.  We were too anxious our trip will be cancelled. I myself just can’t easily rebook my trip because of work.  But God is good indeed.  He heard our desperate pleas and prayers.  He blest our three day tour with a sunny weather and a relatively calm sea.  Because of God’s goodness, the whole Batanes experience was worth every penny that we spent; not to mention the good, sweet nature of the Ivatan folks.

The travelling troupe aside from me, were Buboy, Don, our tour guide Kuya Romie, Buboy’s wife and our van driver whose names I fail to recall, am I bad?

DAY 1

Rolling Hills at Sitio Chadpidan.  Chadpidan is an Ivatan word that means Northwest.  The place is a vast area of pasture land facing the north of Taiwan and a part of the South China Sea. 

 

      

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Our next stop was at Naidi Hills.  This is where the Basco lighthouse and some pre-war buildings that were bombed during the Japanese era are situated.  Atop the lighthouse you can actually see how small the Basco town is.

                 

                                          

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We then proceeded to the rocky beach of Valugan.  This is the fishing ground of the Baranggay San Joaquin residents.  Valugan is the Ivatan word for east.

 

                                                               

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On our way to Fundacion Pacita, we passed by an Idjang.  It is a massive rock fortress that has interconnecting complex tunnels inside.  Idjangs served as safety havens for Ivatans during the Japanese occupation.  Too bad, I wasn’t able to get a picture of this.  Fundacion Pacita is currently undergoing a major renovation, which will serve as resort for toursits.

 

                             

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We headed to one of the oldest Catholic church in Batanes. This is Santo Domingo de Basco.  The church is dedicated to the patroness of Batanes, the Immaculate Concepcion.

                     

    

                               

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We had our lunch at Saint Dominic College Canteen.  They serve a variety of yummy lutong bahay dishes at very reasonable prices.  This is located at the heart of Basco.  Fancy restaurants are yet non-existent in Batanes, although I noticed a lone Italian diner named Napoli along the palengke strip that really didn’t pique our interest.

Our first stop in the afternoon was at Radar Tukon, a US weather station at a hilltop.  Near to it is the Wind Turbine of Mahatao.

                                                         

                         

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After, we headed to the hexagonal shaped lighthouse of Mahatao on a hilltop overlooking the Diura fishing village below.

                                                       

                         

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We moved further up to the towering slopes of Mahatao popularly known as the Marlboro Country.  This is a communal pasture land that the government manages.  According to our guide, every household in the community is allowed to graze not more than 6 heads of cows or goats to avoid over stacking.  This is one of the income generating activities in Batanes aside from fishing.  This is perhaps one of the must to go places in Batanes for its breathtaking 360 degrees panoramic view and strong gushing winds.  When you’re there you would think that you are in Ireland or in some country in Europe.

 

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We went to the interior road that leads towards down the National Road where the American Navigational Facility is located.  This also where the Old Loran Station and Alapad Beach are.  The latter is compared to the beaches in Hawaii.

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We dropped by the unusually charming and almost ghostly town of Songsong. The village was vastly damaged by the two typhoons during the 50’s.  This prompted the villagers to abandon the place. Most of them left for Mindanao.  The town had been uninhabited for almost 3 decades.  But these days, locals are gradually populating the area again.  Some old houses were renovated for shelter.  Still, the village has a ghostly mystical feel to it.                              ===========================================

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Then off we went to the municipality of Ivana where the reknowned Honesty Coffee Shop is situated.  We had some snacks and drinks to fill up our churning stomachs and dried up throat.  After, we took pictures of the Ivana seaport that was mercilessly beaten by huge sea waves; and the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Batanes - Saint Joseph The Worker.

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Our last stops were at the long stretch of Chatapuyan and the Chawa (means rocky in Ivatan) view deck to witness the dusk.   Too bad it was cloudy that day that we weren’t able to witness the distinct hues of the Batanes sunset skies.

 

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Next entries are from the second day tour in Sabtang Island and to the rest of the destinations in Batan Island…

I miss blogging.  I just don’t miss writing my own stuff, but also reading someone else’s scribbled thoughts.  I have been too preoccupied with work lately that I also failed to constantly keep in touch with my dearest pals.  My apologies friends and i know being busy is a lame excuse… You know too well how precious you are all to me.  I hope in time we will have the chance to get together to reminisce and re-live the good old days.  You know too well who you are… 

I hope that miles and miles of distance will never be the reason for us to burn bridges.  I just read all your blogs and am so glad that you are all happy and living the good life you’ve been dreaming of.  Rest assured, I am equally happy here myself in our motherland - living everyday as if it is the last day there is.

routines and habits make days seem ordinary sometimes.  although everyday maybe governed by small or big alterations; gradual or drastic change of course, still in general and in majority, our days spent here can be ordinary.

happiness is one thing though. it maybe something that is routine that might eventually lose its luster. happiness is something that is decided and conditioned. sure, each of us has his or her own precepts of what happiness is. as for me, i keep it simple but never mediocre.  but lately, i have been holding on too tight to the object of my own happiness that it is slowly seeping out between the small spaces of my fingers like liquid.  this is the same thing that makes my ordinary days worth living - the thing that delights me for settling on to something simpler, because of contentment.

this is one of life’s paradoxes that no matter how hard we try to understand and learn to adjust, we just can’t. our hearts are too stubborn to learn.  our heads aren’t much abled to comrehend such phenomenon.

and sigh is all we can do if not cry or laugh from such circumstances.

hmmm…. perhaps, everyday is not ordinary after all….

at the start of this year, GOD has manifested HIS existence with such intensity that i feel i am the luckiest being to have tread this planet. HIS mysterious ways never fail to compel me. the blessings  HE bestows to me, neither great nor small, for the past 5 months made me feel so loved and significant.  Tori, i tell you, this is a pretty good year for me.

but, decisions have to be made though. that’s the toughest part when all the best things in life you wish for simultaneously smiled their pretty faces at you. but i cant smile at them all.  only one can have my genuine smile. to the rest, a mere grin of apology is all i can afford.

maybe, in some years to come the oppurtunities I did not grab will be knocking to my doorstep again.  by merely keeping my fingers crossed on this is not enough, i know.  surely, an oracion is needed for these lost oppurtunities to come walking by again, because the odds are 99 to 1.

now, i really need to make up my mind before i lose them all.

oh GOD, what do you suggest?

while on my way home yesterday, a question crossed my mind…

isn’t it a big wonder how couples keep their love for each other alive throughout a lifetime?  it must be surely tough to love that way. love is not merely romance that it has to wither when the excitement and the kilig factor are all gone.  to love is to take a responsibility - to commit to do anything to the point of making sacrifices for the to relationship to linger.

as soon as i was home, i got me a pen and a paper.  then the words poured forth…

When all words are exhausted

And you had all my pieces sorted

Will my presence bring bliss no more?

Will I still be the man you always adore?

When you’ll meet a new attractive face

As we go through these ordinary days

In your thoughts will there be left a space

For me to run around to keep you in daze?          

If romance has to burn too soon

Will you still stay to be my moon?

Will you continue to shine this bright

Only with my constant love left at your sight?

i should be feeling alone.  not really lonely, that sounds too tragic for someone who’s passed the so called quarter life crisis.  i’ve had a nearly normal childhood that angst was a ghostly emotion.  but not until i discovered how cruel it could be to live independently in a third world country as ours, especially if you’re just a mere middle class honest citizen. i have been surrounded with a lot of genuine friends that i havent felt alienated anywhere.  but not until i had my dumb inexperienced heart hammered into pieces by some pirates cloaked as royalties.  i have never desired to have much earthly possessions as long as i get to enjoy little luxuries.  but that’s not until i have learned to dream big so i could have sufficient resources to spend, so i could live comfortably during my dawning years - if GOD permits.

I should feel ALONE because i think i havent been basking with the mainstream.

I should feel ALONE because i still am fulfilled with my present job, despite the fact that i have to deal with the bullshits of some fellows with attitude problems at work; and mostly despite the fact that the system is being run like by the politicians in the philippine government.  God, how i love to squirt these crooks between my two thumbnails like we mostly do with a lice. 

I should feel ALONE because my colleagues and friends at work who are all dear to me had left. But I don’t.  I’ve had been ENVIOUS. SAD.  SENTIMENTAL through it all. but i am also HAPPY for them.

Yes, I should feel ALONE. but am not.

I wonder why… 

Obviously, I was inspired to write this poem after watching the film with the same title. I was heady. soaring with all the love and tenderness I absorbed after watching it. This is my all time favorite romance flick. so simple. so true.

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BEFORE SUNSET

Come, my dearest one
Let me take you by the hand
For a trip to a familiar land
Hurry my love, while up is still the sun

Follow the cadence of my strides
I promise this won’t be a bumpy ride
For from youth’s recklessness I learned
To ashes have gone that easily burned

Come, our footprints we will retrace
Through the sweet, bitter memory lanes
Recapture those blissful days
And bury past hurts and pains

Before the sky cloaks itself to slumber
Let me behold the loveliest face
That shimmers under the sun’s soft rays
Whose soul I shall always remember

this is my personal reality.

exhausting 8 hours every day in the urban jungle of concrete and steel thronged by hopeful and cynical souls alike to earn a decent living.

this is my personal fantasy.

to spend the rest of my days when i am filthy rich enough in my little castle in the sugarcane kingdom.

5 years. the figure seems short, but it surely was a hell of struggles to become fulfilled and self sufficient. i’ve had several sips of glories. but i also have gulps of disappointments, frustrations and miseries. i can’t help to be emotionally tragic, even if i am an optimist at heart. it’s just that i fancy life’s dramas that i tend to be melodramatic and hysterical at times. but this malady rarely occurs, though.

5 years. people dear to me have come and gone. but there were some who stayed. perhaps, they found my shore too comforting that they decided to linger a little longer. i just assume. but sooner or later they will inevitably go, too. or maybe, it’ll be I who will leave them on my shores. i don’t know… what emobides life are uncertainties and surprises after all.

5 years. i felt old after seeing friends and loved ones getting married, bearing children of their own and managing their own business. but odd, because not a single thread of youth seem not to have snapped from our fabrics. we are like our old childish selves when we would gather to catch up and have fun. We still laugh the same laughters when we were innocent and naive then.

5 years after college…

10 years after high school…

those were pretty good years.

NOW. it’s a pretty good life. GOD untiringly pours down HIS blessings to me.

indeed, LIFE is sweet.

foundations that once stood proud began to crumble into infinite pieces. some debris were even reduced to the tiniest particles of dust, blown away to never-where by the fierce winds of change. What once was can never be “IT”.

to be robbed of something that you held precious is an awful experience. to lose something that gives you a sense of security, pride and a reason to dream bigger dreams is like being murdered at that very instant.

a series of unfortunate surprises invaded me this week. I have been lonesome. but I won’t let them bring me down for too long.

may the souls of those heartless pricks now burn on earth, so that they will be reduced to smoking ashes when they will be damned in hell.