TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: By Cecilia S.Angeles
Batanes offers all forms of excitement to a lensman whether he is an amateur or a professional: upright coral reefs, grassy terrain, picturesque hills, mountains and valleys, turbulent seascapes, very friendly Ivatans, unique architecture.
Batanes stone houses are the only kind in the world. Their walls measure three feet and sometimes more. They are constructed from large blocks of basalt hardened by limestone and lime to resist the hazards brought about by strong typhoons, a constant visitor of the place. Roofs creatively made of cogon weeds are equally very thick.
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A heritage province. Star of the North Sea. Land of
the Ivatans. A shooting paradise for photographers.
This is Batanes.
| | From the air through the window of PAL, Batanes group of islands, 9 in all, glisten like stars: Sabtang, Dequey, Ivuhos, Itbayat, Siayan, Mavudis, Diogo, North Island, and Y’ami. It has 6 municipalities: Basco (capital of the island province), Itbayat, Ivana, Mahatao, Sabtang, and Uyugan.
Taiwan is only 180 kilometers north of Batanes, and Aparri is about 280 kilometers south of this province. Batanes is nearer Taiwan than it is to Luzon. Because of this, it is not unusual for Batanes waters to be invaded by illegal fisherman from Taiwan. In fact, local radio stations catch more of Taiwan music and programs.
Unlike other places which are accessible to photographers either by land, water or air, Batanes is geographically isolated and is a little difficult to reach for photo-hunting trips. The group needs careful planning, time management, and long-time preparation especially in getting a space in the air transportation. There is no commercial ship serving Batanes because of its currents and treacherous seas. Small sea vessels dare not cross the open seas. Though Batanes is a great part of Luzon and is geographically separated by its deadly meeting point between the Pacific Ocean and the China Sea. This point or the Batintang Channel separates Batanes from Northern Luzon. This water area is too wide and too hazardous to cross. As such, only nature knows when it will swallow huge passenger ship or smaller bancas and ferries. The weather is unpredictable. A bright beautiful morning is not a guarantee that a strong typhoon is not coming in the afternoon.
Scenery around from island to island, from town to town, from spot to spot can surely delight a photographer’s viewfinder.
Very unique are the Ivatans. Naïve and strong, many of them live more than a hundred years. Their secret? Perhaps clean air. Simple living. No stress. No worries. No peer pressure.
The ambitious few who study and work in the city or abroad seldom or never return to share what they have learned outside Batanes or to uplift the rather lethargic progress of Batanes. Sad to say, they prefer to stay where they are now – in Metro Manila or outside the country where they find better opportunities for their profession.
But to photographers, Batanes will forever be a photographer’s paradise, because it is PICTURE PERFECT!
If you have an interesting story to share about your memorable trip abroad or in any of the fascinating destinations in the country, send it to us along with delightful photographs to illustrate such unforgettable travel experience. For more details, please call tel. nos.: 527-8121 local 384 / 527-4331 and look for Ronald Jayme, or email at ronald_jayme@yahoo.com.
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