Balikbayan In Batanes

MANILA, Philippines - Many retirees follow their dream of travel in their golden years. For Philippine-born seniors based in the United States, this dream often includes traveling to Hawaii, South America, Europe, Italy, China, Japan and recently, even Vietnam.  A few include the magnificent views of Antartica in their itinerary, while others look forward to taking in the breathtaking sights at Machu Pichu and the Galapagos.

Unfortunately, only a few have considered visiting the Philippines to enjoy its many wonderful places. The media play given to security issues and political turmoil has deterred our countrymen from exploring our shores.

Having recently attended the class reunion of UST Medicine class of 1962, we had the rare opportunity to visit the North, touring Laoag, Vigan and the Banawe rice terraces, and enjoying the cool breeze of Tagaytay further down South.  The visit made us realize how rich our country is when it comes to tourist spots.

When we heard about Mandy Navasero’s Batanes Photo Safari, we took it as another chance to visit a remote province about which many memorable stories have been told. So it was with much anticipation that we joined a group of total strangers and willingly lost ourselves in this secluded paradise beyond the northernmost tip of the Philippines.

Words cannot fully express our joy not only at viewing, but also at strolling through, the quaint streets of Batanes and exploring its many rolling hills. The landscape of undulating green pastures which hosted grazing cows, carabaos and goats also extended its welcome to a group of young city dwellers as well as aging balikbayans. The treacherous stony beaches, however, seemed to give warning that although guests are welcome, respect for and protection of natural resources and cultural heritage must also be observed.

It was with deep sadness that we bid farewell to Batanes after a brief three-day visit. Like others who have come before us, we stored the parting words  “I shall return” in our mind, knowing that lingering memories will soon turn the phrase into promise. Indeed, before we extol the virtues of many other places in the world, let us first pay tribute to our country’s beautiful sites.  

Remember that list of 1,000 places to visit before you die?  If Batanes isn’t there yet, make that 1,001.

Mandy Navasero’s Batanes Photo Safari is open to adventurous local and foreign tourists, March 13-16 and 27-30 and April 3-6. For details, call 899-1767 or email [email protected].