Breathtaking Batanes, until next time.

October 12, 2025

Day 6 – April 5, Saturday

It was our last full day in Batanes, and it turned out to be such a nice one. Made even better by the fact that Kuya Mang Taho from days 3 and 5 passed by our hotel. Of course, I got myself one!

For the day, we decided to ride around the whole Batan Island following the main road. We managed to visit Blue Lagoon (Huhmurun), White Beach (Maydangeb), a few churches we passed by, and even saw the ancient Stepwells (Baori). We also stopped for a quick snack at the Honesty Store before heading back to Uyugan and Racuh a Payaman (Marlboro Hills).

We even witnessed a real “Bayanihan,” where locals were helping each other prepare a feast for an upcoming wedding. They were so kind, even calling us over to join, but we didn’t want to impose. Still, it was such a heartwarming moment to see. Another highlight for me was seeing so many farm animals along the road, and even a bunch of horses near the cliffside. Man, the views were insane — everywhere you looked was beautiful.

We got back to town in the afternoon, and as we got near our hotel, we caught the smell of freshly baked bread. We followed the scent and found a small bakery right next to our hotel. They sold bread by packs to sari-sari stores around the island, and we managed to buy some straight from the oven. Still warm and so good. We brought them to the plaza and ate there again. That night, we had dinner at Beehan, our last dinner in Batanes. I loved every bit of that day.

Also, happy senior year to my father. We didn’t get to celebrate on the actual day, but the family celebrated early for his 60th.

Day 7 – April 6, Sunday

It was the day we had to go back home. We had been on leave for a whole week, and it was time to return to the jungle and work our asses off. During our whole stay, we always woke up early to start our day and make the most out of our vacation, and this one was no different.. After breakfast, we headed to the end of the airport runway and waited for a plane to land. Asis and I were such random people, just sitting by a small playground near the airport, watching planes take off and land.

Before returning the scooter we rented, we roamed around town and bought a few local delicacies and food to try. We brought them to Vayang Rolling Hills and stayed there for a while, just taking everything in and trying to remember the moment. It might take a long time before we return, so we simply stayed there, grateful to be in that place and to see it all with our own eyes.

We went back to town, returned the scooter, and walked to our hotel to pack up. By around 11 am, we were ready to check in at the airport, and just as we were about to leave, Kuya Mang Taho showed up. As usual, I had to buy myself one last cup before flying out. Our flight left around noon, and a little before 2 pm, we landed in Clark. From there, we hurried to catch a bus back to Quezon City and grabbed a late lunch-slash-early dinner at Trinoma before heading home. When we finally arrived, our baby Ochre was waiting to greet us — the best kind of welcome home.

This trip, our first wedding anniversary celebration, was something we’ll always remember. Asis and I loved every bit of it.