Our Batanes Adventure: The Preparation

Our chapter, the United Architects of the Philippines, Manila Corinthian have been yearning to go on a Batanes trip ever since we found out that one of our members, Ar. Joseph Barsana came from the province and is a part of the prominent families in the town of Ivana where his father Hon. Anastacio Barsana served as the Municipal Mayor for years.

 

Our gracious host, Ar. Joseph Barsana with his adorable 3 yr old son Jason.

The bigger challenge however, started on finding the right schedule for the trip. A lot of factors have to be considered, like the cost of airfare, availability of members and the weather condition.

We all agreed that the ideal time would have to be February, but in order to accommodate the National Events for the organization, and that airfares are more expensive during the summer months, I was forced to take an earlier schedule on the last week of January.

Since June of 2014, I was in the lookout for on-line promo sales for airfares, but it was only in September, when I heard the announcement for the Philippine Travelmart after having travelled with newfound friends who works for Philippine Airlines in Baler.

I waited in line for four hours without lunch just to get a ticket. I would have wanted to buy as many as I can for my officers at least, but I don’t have the cash or credit cards to make the purchase. Also, since it’s the last day, the promo slots are almost filled out, but I was still lucky to get my Manila-Basco at 1,299 pesos. My mistake is booking my return flight on the third day without checking the schedule of the flight. It was only after I checked the ticket that I found out that the return flies early morning leaving me with just 2 full days to explore the province.

After securing myself of tickets, I posted the event invite hoping that more would join. I said to myself, if in case no one would join, I would just go to ocular to better prepare for a bigger group on our next visit.

15 people signified their interest but only 6 actually went!

A lot confirmed their interests but it was only Ar. Alan Co, his wife Ar. Eileen and Ar. Ryan Fajardo who actually purchased their tickets. I was so relieved to find out I was not travelling alone. They were smart enough to book an earlier flight that allows them 3 full days to tour Batanes.

As the day nears, and with 4 confirmed participants, I made contact with Ar. Joseph to coordinate the details of the trip. It was then that I found out that he actually scheduled his annual vacation during the same week to accommodate us. He’s coming four days ahead of us. We were updating each other on what to expect thru Facebook. After a few days, I received a message that Ar. Ana Carangan – Valencia, and Ar. Marc Valencia (who came straight from Dubai) is also joining us.

We scheduled a meeting a week before our flight to finalize everything. Ar. Joseph presented options on where to stay and tour itinerary. We assured him that he need not exert so much effort with the group, and that we are flexible and are very much willing to adjust to anything, even the expenses. I have been to other adventurous destinations with Arch’s Alan, Eileen and Ryan and have seen them get dirty, sleep on the ground and get wet, so adjusting to any situations would not be hard for them.

We were updated by Ar. Joseph days before the arrival of the 1st batch on our final itinerary.

January 26, 2015
Ar. Joseph Barsana's arrival in Batanes

Arrival of Ar. Alan, Ar. Eileen, and Ar. Ryan with our Host Ar. Joseph and Jason
(Photo grabbed from Ar. Eileen's Album)

January 30, 2015
Arrival of Ar. Alan Co, Ar. Eileen Co, and Ar. Ryan Fajardo
Tour of Basco and Batan Island
ETA 9:35 AM
Airport to Villa Bella
Lunch at Vatang Grill
1:00 PM South Tour
Ivana
Uyugan
Rock Formation
Loran
Marlborro Country
Tayid Light House
Mahatao
6:00 PM Back to Villa Bella
7:00 PM Dinner
8:00 PM Bedtime
Estimated budget: 6000php
Approximately 2000/pax

January 31, 2015
7:00 AM Breakfast for 3
7:45 AM Arrival of Ar. Omar Palero, Ar. Marc Valencia, and Ar. Ana Valencia
Tour of Sabtang Island
9:00 AM Start of North Tour
Tukon Chapel
Radar Station
Fundacion Pacita
Japanese Tunnel
Valugan Boulder Beach
12:00 Lunch at Octagon 350/head
1:30 Light House at Basco
2:15 Vayang, Souvenir Shops, Capitol Park
4:00 PM Back to Ivana (free time)
Dinner at Barsana Beach House in Kidpidan Beach
Socials
Estimated budget: 7250 php
Approximately 1208/pax


February 1, 2015
Sabtang Tour
6:00 AM Radiwan port
Boatride to Sabtang
Tour of Sabtang
11:30 AM lunch at Sabtang Beach
1:30 PM Back to Ivana (free time)
7:00 PM Dinner at Villa Bella
Estimated Budget: 13900 php
Approximately 2316.70/pax

February 2, 2015
Departure of Ar. Alan, Eileen, Ryan and Omar
Optional tour of Itbayat Island for Ar. Ana and Ar. Marc.

Tour Package Total: Approx 27,300
Estimated 3.5k - 5.5k/pax

February 4, 2015
Departure of Ar. Ana and Marc.

I was still at work on the day that Ar. Alan and company was scheduled to arrive. I was checking their social media accounts for updates, but no Batanes related news was posted. I figured, that probably there's no internet signal in the province.

I still have a party to attend to the evening prior, but was so excited of the trip that not even the lack of sleep nor the hangover would stop me from going to the airport.

I was able to catch up with Ar. Marc and Ar. Ana at the check-in counter.
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I would have to continue with the story of our flight and my Day 1 adventure on my next entry.

Please stay tuned, because my 2 day stay in Island might be short but its filled with unexpected challenges and the unpredictability Batanes is known for.

Our Batanes Adventure: Helpful Tips

Batanes had always been my dream destination.  My recent visit offered so much more than a dream fulfilled.  I strongly recommend Batanes to a foreigner who wants to get to know the Philippines.  It's the best representation of everything that's good about our country being blessed with beautiful landscape, history, culture and the most polite and hospitable people.

It's also a place every Filipino should visit.  To be able to do that, I would like to share some tips on getting the best deal to get there.

1. Schedule you're trip but be flexible on days and dates

According to the tourism guide, summer is the best time to visit the province from March to May, but if you want to experience a cooler climate, schedule your trip on January to February.

The advantage of summer months is that flights and boat transfers are less likely to get cancelled allowing you to visit more attractions.  The disadvantage is that it can be really hot especially on the mountain plains and grasslands that has no shade or cover.

On the colder months, winds can be strong making your inter-island transfers unpredictable.  The advantage is that going around is more comfortable.

2. How to catch the Cheapest Airfare:

The best time to buy should not be less than 6 months before your planned arrival.  So far only 2 airlines regularly fly the route to Basco from Manila, Philippine Airlines and Sky Jet.  There's a greater chance of getting a good rate with PAL.

Also, always be on the lookout for on-line sale.  Join the mailing list for updates or check the official FB Page for announcements.

Another option is to snag deals through Travel Expositions.  The Travel expo is usually held every February and the TravelMart, where I purchased my promo tickets is held every September.  Try to come on the first day because they only offer limited seats.  The earlier you make your booking, the more chances they're available on your preferred dates.  Be prepared to endure long lines.  It took me four hours to reach the counter from my end of the line.

3. How long should you stay;

Flights for Basco only lands in the morning.  You can use the remaining day of your arrival to start the tour but very little can be done on your departure date.  A tour of Batan and Sabtang can be compressed in two days (3D/2N) on a good weather, but Batanes is known for its unpredictability.  The most ideal would be 4 days and 3 nights.  One day for the North Batan Tour, another for the South attractions and another for Sabtang.  Grab the chance to go to Sabtang Island as soon as you arrive.  The boat ride only takes 30 minutes, but the winds and waves can be treacherous. In cases boat rides are cancelled on the 1st day, you still have 2 more days as a back-up.  Should you want to visit Itbayat, allocate another day or two.

4.  Type of Accommodation:

Homestays allows you to be immersed on history, culture and the people.  Villa Bella, The ancestral house we stayed was only 11 years younger than the oldest house in the Island.  Imagine yourself protected by the thick stone walls typical of the Ivatan house, with narrow windows allowing just enough light and wind to circulate.  What's even more priceless are the stories shared by the homeowners themselves.

Villa Bella
Contact Ate Ching: 0929-4436866

5. Which town to stay?

Basco, where the airport is located has plenty of home stays and pension houses you can choose from depending on your budget.  Commercial establishments like restaurants and souvenir shops are also easily accessible as compared to the other towns.  

Ivana where we stayed located on the South of Batan Island is more laid back.  Here is where the oldest house and the popular Honesty Store is located and within walking distance from our home stay.  The port in Ivana is where Sabtang Island bound boat leaves every morning.

I recommend travellers to stay in Ivana.

6.  Are there cellphone signals?

Yes, most networks have cell sites except on some remote areas, although 3G on-line connection is still not available.  Take advantage of restaurants and pension houses offering free wi-fi for emergencies or that "I'm in Batanes" status update complemented by a selfie photo at the lighthouse.

I hope these informations were useful.  These were the things I wish should have known before coming to the province.

5th Week of My 52 week Money Challenge!

47 Week and 136,300 to go!

4th Week

3rd Week

2nd Week

1st Week, Getting Started

#TheVCExperience: Pageant Viewing More Fun at Victoria Court

The Philippine candidate to the Miss Universe failed to take home the elusive crown, but even from the start of her journey, Mary Jean Lastimosa is blessed with millions of filipino supporters.

For the live airing of the pageant, Victoria Court offered its rooms to viewing parties.  This year pageant enthusiasts were invited to HIVE Party Room in Pasig for a fund raising event benefitting HASH.

As early as 7AM, guests started arriving in excitement to see her performance and the result.  Pageant Sashes representing the favourite countries were handed out bringing the intensity of the competition to the pageant viewers.

As the Top 15 were called, the viewer counterpart wearing the sash screams with excitement.  Photos were taken during commercial breaks up to the 10 semi-finalists.

The TOP 15

The Top 10

 All were disappointed when she didn't make the Top 5, hence, the absence of the photo.

Just the same, the pageant and party continued until the crowning of Miss Columbia as the 63rd Miss Universe.

Miss Philippines quest might have ended earlier than expected, but nothing can beat the enthusiasm and dedication of the Filipino Pageant supporters.

Promo Alert: Cebu Pacific Offers Piso Fare

Grab this chance to avail of amazingly low fares from Cebu Pacific.  Booked Iloilo, Bacolod and Cagayan de Oro for less than 3,000 pesos for 2 persons!

I also downloaded the app on my Iphone. Making bookings here is more convenient. To search for the best rates, just change the dates and click search!

4th Week of My 52 Week Money Challenge

48 weeks and 136,800 to go! Yey, my 1st 1k!

Miss Universe Viewing Parties at Victoria Court

I'm not really into pageants.  It's something I would watch only when I have the chance.  That was until I met my partner.  

It was through him that I was introduced to a group of people who lives and breathes pageants.

Now, we're not contented on watching local pageants on TV but would really make an effort to see it live.

That is the reason why, for the 63rd Miss Universe, I suggested to my boss that we tap the pageant market for viewing parties.

Since it was my idea, they put me in charge of the concept and the production.

With the help of the talented Group Digicrack under the direction of Blake Sarion, this is what we came up with.

My crowning moment!