hazygrains

Day 2 – April 1, Tuesday

We woke up early and had breakfast at Anvelayo Inn, which was included in our stay. By 6am, Kuya JD, our driver, picked us up and drove us to Ivana Port, about a 30-minute ride from Basco. The port was right next to the famous Honesty Store and across from San Jose de Ivana Church. There, Kuya Robert, our tour guide for the day, welcomed us and handled all the arrangements. We boarded the ferry around 7am, and in less than 30 minutes, we arrived on Sabtang Island. A tricycle was waiting for us to take us around the island, hopping from one spot to another.

Our Sabtang Stops (not chronologically):

• San Vicente Ferrer Church
• Savidug Community
• Tinyan Viewing of the Pacific Ocean
• Vernacular Houses
• Chavayan Community Vernacular Houses
• Ahaw Arc
• Morong Beach

Kuya Robert mentioned that there was still so much to see on the island and that we should have stayed for a night to explore the other side. Bummer, we definitely had some regrets!

Riding a tricycle from place to place made the experience even better. We could feel the wind and sunlight, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the views as we moved from one stop to the next. It was calming and refreshing. My favorite spot was Tinyan Viewing of the Pacific Ocean. Asis and I both agreed it was one of the most stunning views we had seen in Batanes. So beautiful.

Before heading back, we also tried the traditional vakul, the headgear worn by Ivatan women, and the talugong, the men’s version. We had lunch on the island as well. By around 12 noon, we were back on Batan Island, tired but happy with the experience. It was a short trip, but the journey had been really tiring. When we got back to our inn, we freshened up and took a siesta. We only went out to roam the town again around 3pm.

Sidenote: I had a mini panic moment while on Sabtang because I thought I wouldn’t be able to buy the V2 lightstick of SB19. Reception was really intermittent just as we were about to board the ferry back to Batan. Thank goodness my friend was able to secure one for me.

I also realized I had lost the shutter button of my point-and-shoot film camera. There’s still half a roll of unused film inside, which was a bit sad since it was the only film camera I brought. I ended up using the half-frame film camera that I had lent to Asis instead. Hahaha, it worked out in the end.

April 1st turned out to be such a nice first day of the month. ✨

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