Our Batanes Adventure Day 2: Sabtang Island Tour

After surviving the death defying cross from the port of Ivana, we were so glad to set foot on the Island of Sabtang.

We were told to be back by 2PM for our ride back, so we made the most of our stay.

As our other tour companions register at their tourism office, I was busy taking photos of the house across.  The bright green doors and windows against the grey walls was a perfect selfie backdrop.

Tourist are asked to pay 200 pesos to explore the many attractions of the Island.  Afterwards, we made a stop at a small eatery beside the port.  The ever curious me can't wait to see the sights, and went out to admire the Lighthouse at the distance and the houses that lined the street while waiting for our coffee.  Apparently, that's the only item they serve since most of the residents are attending mass that morning.

Lighthouse at Sabtang

Houses Near the Port of Sabtang

The house just a few steps from the eatery where we had coffee.

Before we rode the rented van for our tour, the Town Mayor returned our tourism fee being guests of the former Mayor of Ivana.

The ride to our first stop was so breathtaking.  We were passing through hills that doesn't seem to end.    Its difficult to get a bad shot even from a moving van.

Tinyan Viewpoint

The entrance to the path to the hills and the view of the cove is surrounded by stores selling souvenir items and delicacies.  Having missed breakfast, we got ourselves cones of Sweet Potato Fries coated in Sugar.

From the shops along the road, a trail leads tourist to the cove.  The wind was blowing hard that morning that we can hardly keep our eyes open.  I was only able to reach halfway, and was rewarded with a beautiful view of the cove below.

After the Viewdeck, we boarded the van again to reach the town of Chavayan.  Armed with my smart phone, I took the opportunity get shots of the beach along the road.

Sabtang Weavers Association

The Ivatans are known for their Vakul.  The traditional headress to combat sun and rain made from abaca fiber.  Keeping the tradition alive are the Sabtang Weavers Association.  The elderly ladies can be found right at the entrance of Chavayan, demonstrating how these pieces are made.  You can bring home finished products from their hut.

Chavayan

Chavayan is a Baranggay that showcases the stone houses Batanes is known for.  The main street and side streets showcases how these meter thick walls and cogon roof protected residents against the unpredictable and sometimes unforgiving weather of the island.

My throne is actually the steps to the main door.

Chavayan Chapel at the end of the street.

The interiors of Chavayan Chapel

The rows of houses ends to a narrow road leading to the beach.

This circular hut shaded my new found friends!

The children of Chavayan granting my request for a Groupie!

Sleeping Beauty

Enroute to our lunch destination, our van driver stopped to show us the Sleeping Beauty.  The peaks created a profile of a face with the foreground mountain responsible for giving the gender as a lady.

Sleeping Beuty! Can you make out the body parts?

Morong Beach

Among the Iconic shots of Batanes would have to be the Limestone Arch at Morong Beach.  This is the photo that greeted us at the airport, and were very much grateful of having seen it for ourselves.

The famous Limestone Arch!

I was tempted to take a dip, but the water was just too cold.

Panoramic view of Morong Beach

The beach is ideal for swimming on summer months, but the waves were really strong and water cold during our visit.  A beach hut restaurant served our lunch for the day that included lobsters.  That was actually my first time to try one.  As much as would like to have more, I'm worried of my allergic reaction to shellfish.

Our Lunch!

Unfortunately, the coconut cabs were not available, but who's complaining when we have lobsters!

Tipolo Leaf, widely used in Batanes that functions much like the banana leaf.

After the filling lunch, we drove back to Sabtang Port.  Almost all of the touring passengers who came with us that morning are all waiting for the ride back.  This time, the Coast Guard ha become more protective of not allowing us to cross.

As the Mayor once again negotiated our departure, I took the opportunity to take photos of the  sites I've missed within the vicinity.

Sabtang has their version of the Honesty Cafe named Conscience Cafe.

Concience Cafe, Sabtangs version of the Honesty cafe.  Photo grabbed from Ar. Marc Valencia

Right beside it is Sabtang Church.  From my previous post, I mentioned the irony of locating churches from port to port.  We are once again close to offering prayers for divine intervention granting us the ride back.  It was the Mayor who once again negotiated our return.

Coming out of the breakwater in Sabtang was even more challenging than Ivana.  We are going against the waves this time and our Faluwa was being rocked vigorously from side to side.  I think, God is granting my other wish of making this trip memorable.  The first half of the ride was the worst, but the waves became a bit calmer as we approach Ivana.  As soon we stepped on land, we were once again thankful of the opportunity to visit Sabtang and ofcourse our safety.  It was a huge risk to cross, but the experience was well worth it.

Morong Beach

Our Batanes Adventure Day 2:  The Faluwa Ride to Sabtang
Our Batanes Adventure Day 1 (Batan Island)
Our Batanes Adventure: The Preparation
Our Batanes Adventure: Helpful Tips

Carcar: A Glimpse of Cebu's Past

As an Architect, we are naturally drawn to beautiful structures everytime we travel.  For this years Architect's Assembly in Cebu, the local Chapter made sure that we get a taste of the province's past by organising a tour of Carcar.  

Carcar is a City 40 kilometres down south.  What previously made the towns popular are its products.  It used to be known as the Marikina of Cebu with Baranggay's devoted to shoe making and is still known for their Chicharon.  Now, Carcar City is being promoted as a heritage destination boasting of preserved Pre and American Period Mansions and Houses. 

We were first taken to their town plaza.  I can't help but marvel at the sight of their City Museum with it's latticework, semicircular transom, carved barandillas and stained glass accents.  The structure used to be the town's Dispensary inaugurated in 1937.

Photo Grabbed from Ar. Silvestre Seno's Album

Closer view of the Transom, Latticework and Stained Glass.

The interior is just as elaborate as the facade with the latticework continuing at the Calado and the Carved Arches.  It also houses the city's collection of period furniture.

The author enjoying the view from the balcony of the dispensary.

Behind the museum is the site of the City's public pool.  It's now used as a venue for public events and gatherings.  Our lunch that included Humba and Chicharon was served in this area.

Beside the dispensary is the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria.  We were not able to enter the church anymore because of a funeral ceremony that afternoon.

There were notable houses around the city, but we just drove past them since they were privately owned.  It would have been better to get a closer look, but we were pressed for time.  Among them is the Mercado, Yap and Silva house.   The oldest can be found on Sta. Catalina St.

Before leaving the City, we passed by the Mancao House.  Another American Period Mansion that's still being used today.

I took a photo of the portrait.  Its difficult to get a good shot with 4 bus loads of tourist.

We were given loot bags of samples of OTAP, empanada and chicharon.  Our last stop was at the outlet store of the locally made footwear.

From Cebu City, Carcar was just a stop for tourist going to the more popular Oslob for the Whale Sharks.  On your next visit, make sure to include this in the itinerary and get to appreciate the province rich history.

Zubuchon: Why I Keep Coming Back to Cebu

This year, the United Architects of the Philippines scheduled their joint area assembly last February 20-21 in Cebu.  Aside from the assembly itself, what I'm most excited about this trip is the chance to once again have a meal at Zubuchon.  The lechon chain is made more popular by Anthony Bourdain's remark on it being "the best pig ever" during his visit to the country.  Coincidentally, the hotel were staying is just a few blocks away from their Mango Branch.

I arrived late afternoon the day before and took the chance to eat here for my dinner.  I'm dieting in preparation for summer, so I ordered the one with Munggo hoping that the protein makes me feel less guilty.  

I ordered the Lechon with Munggo to make me feel less guilty.

While waiting, plateful of this popular Lechon topped with portions of the crispy skin pass by me as waiters make their way to other tables.  I finally gave in and ordered myself the original, without the rice of course.

Crispy skin over the succulent meat!  Who could resist this?

Complementing my meal was their Kamias Shake.  The sweet and sour combination cuts the oiliness of the pork.

The waiters also introduced me to the ritual before eating.  The preparation of your dipping sauce.  Teaspoon full of onions, tomatoes, pepper and chillies were served for you to combine with vinegar, soy sauce and oil.  The proportion depends on your taste.

I left the restaurant a few pounds heavier, but a lot happier having fulfilled my craving.

On my social media post, I associated the closing of Fitness First in Cebu to the popularity of Lechon.  Who could resist this!  My mouth is watering writing this entry.

Arctic Landscape in the Tropics?

We were gifted with this view as we hover over Visayas on our way to Cebu.  The blanket of clouds looked like an endless Tundra that reminded me of the North Pole Expedition I was watching on National Geographic a few days ago.

50 Strands of Grey

Check out the hottest love team of the season!

When forever means 50 Strands of Grey to the nth power!

My 70 Day Challenge

During the start of the year, I made a commitment to make myself better, financially and in health.
I started the 52 week money challenge and just recently my 70 day Workout challenge.

I have been doing the workout challenge for 2 years now.  The results were good, because I have maintained my BMI to normal levels the entire year.  This year, I want to push myself further on attaining my ideal body weight and fat percentage.

I have downloaded an app that documents my progress, but since they only keep for a week.  I'm also documenting my progress with this blog.

Here are my starting stats.

Dumbbell Lunges
15 x 10lbs
12 x 10lbs
10 x 10lbs
8 x 10lbs

Squats
15 x 10lbs
12 x 12.5lbs
10 x 12.5lbs
8 x 15lbs

Deadlift
15 x 12.5lbs
12 x 12.5lbs
10 x 12.5lbs
8 x 12.5lbs

Dumbbell Row
15 x 18lbs
12 x 18lbs
10 x 18lbs
8 x 20lbs

Dumbbell Bench Press
15 x 18lbs
12 x 18lbs
10 x 18lbs
8 x 18lbs

Incline Dumbbell Bench Press
15 x 18lbs
12 x 14lbs
10 x 14lbs
8 x 14lbs

With Grip Lat Pulldown
15 x 35lbs
12 x 40lbs
10 x 40lbs
8 x 45lbs

Push Up
20
8
7

Dumbbell Side Lateral Raise
15 x 6lbs
12 x 6lbs
10 x 6lbs
8 x 6lbs

Dumbell rear Dealt Row
15 x 6lbs
12 x 6lbs
10 x 8lbs
8 x 8lbs

Barbell Seated Overhead Triceps Extension
15 x 8lbs
12 x 8lbs
10 x 8lbs
8 x 8lbs

Lying Barbell Triceps Extension
15 x 8lbs
12 x 8lbs
10 x 8lbs
8 x 8lbs

Alternate Dumbell Hammer Curl
15 x 10lbs
12 x 10lbs
10 x 10lbs
8 x 10lbs

Alternate Pro Curl
15 x 12lbs
12 x 12lbs
10 x 12lbs
8 x 12lbs

6th Week of My 52 Week Money Challenge

48 Weeks and 135,700 to go!

5th Week

4th Week

3rd Week

2nd Week

1st Week, Getting Started