The misty, winter morn progressed in a whirlwind. A pace that overwhelmed my sleepless being. I awkwardly joined the blithesome chatter amongst a wacky bunch of characters I just met that day. We’re all winners of SEAIR Batanes Winter Bloggers’ Tour Contest, and were on a road cruise around Batan Island.
My half-slumbering brain struggled as it ingested Batanes facts shared by our guide, Engr. Joseph Dy. Like schoolies on a field trip, every so often we hopped off the van to visit Batan’s famous attractions. The first-timers’ infectious enthusiasm kept me on my toes, and their constant chuckles kept me astir.
After an obligatory snapshot at Ivana’s welcome signage, we alighted on Ivana Bridge. Engr. Dy pointed at the Old Spanish Bridge (most likely the oldest in the province, functional to this day) across us. James sprinted towards it and the rest of us trudged after his footsteps. We found a couple of local kids crossing to the other side, who shyly posed for our cameras.
Not distant from the bridge is the House Of Dakay, where we headed next. This traditional Ivatan house, one of the survivors of a 1918 earthquake, was named after its former owner Jose Dakay Estrella. Descendant Florestida Estrella, fondly called Lola Ida by everyone, is its lone occupant today.
Though a bit sick, Lola Ida welcomed us in her humble abode. Her old age is depicted in her somewhat sluggish movement, but the glint in her eyes expressed a younger aura. Our party of seven fit comfortably in the teeny, sparsely furnished house. We gathered around her and sat on the floor, mimmicking the set of Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang sans granny’s rocking chair.
We listened to her recollection of the past, and how she lives her golden days in this renowned house. I must say, she herself is an attraction. How I wish we had more time to stay with her longer, but we had not even accomplished a quarter of our must see list (plus she was in dire need of rest anyway).
Sadly, we bid farewell much too soon. Lola Ida watched us walk back to our van. Her face, illuminated by faint rays, was perfectly framed by the antique window. A picture I was not able to capture with my camera, but is embedded in my mind.
perfect. old bridge, old woman. old stories. mataas ang aking pagtingin sa mga luma.
Me too Ivan! I really love old stuff!
old stuff is extremely fascinating!
galing at dami pa palang nakekwento ni lola ida. stories like that are priceless
Dong, priceless indeed. Sana we had more time with her.
Hanggang Batanes nasakop talaga ng Spain noon as evident with the bridge. I wonder how did they travel to Batanes during the 18th century period.
Ian, haha… Yeah! They were really keen on taking over the whole country.
one of your best photography mam! living picture!!
Ahihi! Thanks Joni. I’m not really into portraits, but this Batanes trip’s mostly about the people I met 🙂
feel ko napakamagical ang islang to. malayo talaga eh. lola ida astig ka!! hehe. break dance naman jan lola hahaha
I heard about how some locals are now changing their traditional Ivatan homes into more modern designs!
Edmar, “magical” is a very apt description.
Dennis, that’s sadly true 🙁
i always wanted to go there. sigh. nice shots by the way…:)
Thank you for the advertisement..
please follow us http://tourorganizers.blogspot.com
backstage stories of travelers heard from locals are one of those priceless things you gain during travels. i would love to hear Lola Ida’s stories..
aba, extra nanaman ako. salamat sa link kompanera!
teka, usapang matanda ba ito? di ko talaga makakalimutan na tinulugan mo yung higaan ni lola.hahaha
James, hahaha! Wala kayong pruweba na nakatulog ako ;p
This is the place I’m craving to visit someday.
Hope you do someday soon 🙂
minsan talaga may mga moments na forever etched in your heart and mind and even without photos, you can clearly describe that moment… i love lolas talaga 🙂
stories from lola are ALWAYS the best 🙂
Wow, what a precious place you had been… Vintage things and places are really fascinating!
http://mytravelanywhere.blogspot.com/
The rural life in Batanes is something I’ve long wanted to experience!