ONLY IN BATANES

Many have said, being in Batanes is like being in an entirely different world. It’s like visiting a country within a country. And people who have visited have understood why. It seems time has stood still in Batanes. Here are several things about Batanes that have been identified to be unique in the place. They have invariably been reasons why people come back again and again for a visit.

Hedgerows. Tall rows of reeds, trees, grass, or piled stones used as crop protection from wind, typhoons or sea breeze. Makes Batanes landscape appear like vast collection of labyrinths. They prevent soil erosion and double as demarcation lines or boundaries of farms.

“BLOW UR HORN” signage. To make sure that road signs remain in service in the strongest typhoons and the most ferocious winds which reign most of the year, road signages in Batanes are carved out from cliffs or boulders.

Pre-Spanish Boat-shaped graves. A pre-Spanish boat shape burial markers discovered in the islands is unique in the islands and possibly in the Philippines. The markers were noted to be similar with the ones in Europe where the ancient Vikings once lived.

Honesty Coffee Shop. World famous self-service coffee shop in Ivana. It’s very simple: You choose the item you want, check the price in the list, drop your payment in the bowl, then get your change.  It’s a living testament to two Ivatan homegrown character -- honesty and trustworthiness (since there’s no storekeeper to speak of) and hardwork (the owners opt to work in the field rather than man the store). You will definitely pay. A sign on the wall says, “Jesus Christ is our security guard!”

Idjang fortresses. Located in all the islands, these were thought to have been used as ancient habitations of early  Ivatans. Usually perched on hilltops, these fortresses protect ancient Ivatans from invading tribes. Experts say these are similar to the gusukus or castles found in Okinawa, Japan.

Vernacular houses. Nowhere in the Philippines can you find these houses. The typical Ivatan house is made of stone, lime and cogon specially designed to withstand the harsh weather condition of Batanes. The doors and windows are narrow and the meter-thick walls are half-sunk. No steel bars are used.   Because weather is unpredictable in the islands, it is imperative that houses are constructed this way.

Vakul. Famous Ivatan headgear for women made out of Philippine date palm (called Vuyavuy) endemic in Batanes.  It is used to protect them from rain, heat of the sun, and the cold conditions. Only women wear this.

Kanayi. Native jacket specially designed for male Ivatans as protection from rain and mainly cold weather. Made out of date palm leaves endemic in Batanes while others were made of dried abaca stalk.

Kapayvunung. Practice of serving food in breadfruit leaf (locally called Kabaya leaves) during public gatherings like weddings and fiestas. All prepared food items are laid out together in one leaf for convenient distribution. When not used as improvised plates, these Kabaya leaves may be formed as impromptu drinking glass or, when dried, as cooling fan.

Tataya / Fishing Boat. Every town in Batanes has its own version of an oar-driven fishing boat. Usually for two to three-man size, these wooden vessels are specially designed and constructed with the unique current prevailing around the islands.

Kapayvanuvanua. A festival that marks the start of the fishing season of the arayu (dorado) where fisher folks perform a ritual to prayer for a bountiful fishing season, safety while at sea as well us giving food for the spirits by butchering a pig.

Batanes Pit Viper. Considered to be one of the rarest snake species in the Philippines, these endangered snake species are endemic in Batanes. These small viper species live on trees and produce its young from eggs that hatch within its body. They are typically green in color, but some species also have yellow, black, orange or red markings. The snakes are caught mostly for its medicinal value.Scientific name: Trimeresurus flavomaculatus mcgregori

Batanes Flora and Fauna. A few of the flora and fauna identified to be found only in Batanes.

Dius,Diuus, Diuuus. In Batanes, all greetings are prayerful. They are spoken imploring God’s presence and benevolence all the time. There is no specific greeting for each time of the day. The generic greeting of “(Pa)Kapian ka pa nu Dius”literally meaning “May God be good to you” is an accepted all-around Batanes greeting any time of the day. The word Dius (this time, pronounced with a prolonged U sound and at a high pitch) is likewise spoken when entering a house to indicate one’s presence or when passing through somebody’s premises.