1 week ago
10
Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!
Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.
Visit Suniway.ph to learn
Published April 10, 2025 9:36pm
Batanes is the first destination of GMA Integrated News' "Summer Past-yalan" series, which will take viewers on a tour of places that are fun, relaxing, and offer a glimpse of the past.
According to Darlene Cay's report on "24 Oras," Thursday, Batanes' total population is only nearly 19,000. The Ivatans greatly value the environment, so instead of changing it, they adjust to it.
Here are five things to check out in Batanes when visiting its islands.
1. Stone houses
Batanes is often struck by typhoons, so the residents have strengthened their houses using stones, hence the name stone houses.
The stone houses also reflect the resilience of the Ivatans, who have learned to live in the midst of storms.
2. Uvud
The Ivatans' strength and resourcefulness is also reflected in their food.
Their traditional food, uvud, is made from the part of the banana tree that is buried in the ground.
"Laging kasama ang takot, kasama ang bagyo dahil lagi kaming binabagyo, so when everything is blown down, nothing is left except the tuber. Kinakayod namin 'yan, we mix it with ground pork and ground fish, and to us, it is already a viand," resident Jessica Viola said.
3. Honesty store
The Ivatans are also honest and respectful by nature, which is why the "honesty store" began in the province.
Customers will just list the items they're purchasing in the notebook, drop their payment in the box, and get their change from the dish of coins.
Honesty store owner Elena Castaño-Gavilo said that in her store's 30 years, she has never experienced getting robbed.
4. Vakul
The people of Batanes also made headgear suitable for their environment.
Called vakul, the traditional headdress of Ivatan women, serves as protection from the hot weather.
"Kailangan ito kasi mainit ang panahon tapos umulan pa 'yan, mababasa ka," Vakul maker Josephine said.
5. Winding roads and 'Blow your horn' sign
Batanes' winding roads are already considered the most adventurous part of the province, knowing that the place is hushed.
There is a popular area for photos with a "Blow your horn" sign, which reminds motorists to honk their horns first in case of incoming traffic because of the curved roads. —Carby Rose Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News
