The Rugged Charm Of Batanes : Ivatan Hospitality At Its Finest

As the tricycle came around the bend giving me a clearer view of the port, my heart started pounding.  Waves were crushing onto the port walls and strong winds were blowing. Will the boat to Ivana depart in this foul weather?

No boat will be leaving for Ivana until the weather improves, was the information given by the port-in-charge.  

I waited at the tourism center located across the church in the town center and distracted my self from worrying by watching the ball-games on the grounds.  A municipal sport-fest was going-on that Saturday participated by all the baragays comprising Sabtang island.

A group of visitors from Manila were also in the tourism center waiting for the weather to improve.  They were together with the master photographer George Tapan.  Of course, I did not let the opportunity pass without having my picture taken with the master!

That's the master back-riding on the tricycle on their way to Bgy. Savidug for some photo-shoot.

The rains had stopped but the waves were still high and the winds had become stronger. I went to the light house to check out the view from there and the houses nearby and did some 'photography' of my own.

The Sabtang light-house from afar.

The waves and Batan Island in the horizon, Ivana side.

A mix of modern and traditional housing materials.

Then, came the news I had been dreading to hear, all boat trips to Ivana for the day was cancelled and will resume first light the following day.

Where to stay?  The only available accommodation is the Tourism Center but its full due to the stranded guests.   Where to eat? There were no 'carenderias' that day due to the sports-fest.

The answers to the above were a showcase of the Ivatan hospitality ...

The folks of Barangay Malakdang invited me to join them during snacks and dinner.  They were having a cook-out for the players of their barangay and there were plenty of food for everyone.  

There was no need for paper plates and plastic spoon and fork. Bread fruit leaves were used, instead of the plate; the hands for the spoon and fork.  I haven't done this kind of eating for a long time and I enjoyed the experience once again!

It was also my opportunity to interact with the locals allowing me to observe the Ivantans up close and personal.

Meal-to-go

Bonding time.

Having a break from cooking.

The congressional office of Congresswoman Abad became my accommodation for the night.  It has three bedrooms on the second floor of which the two were vacant.

As went to sleep that night, I cant help but say a prayer of thanks for the opportunity of being able to 'bond' with the Ivatans of Bgy. Malakdang. Being around them during that day somehow eased my worries on being stranded in the island.

Dios Mamajes to the beautiful people of Bgy. Malakdang, Sabtang Island, Batanes.