Day Blues No. 8

Remember that at any given moment there are a thousand things you can love. - David Levithan

July in Batan Island

Last month's beautiful moments happened almost all in Basco. Encounters July, however, not just settled in Basco, but it also moved to Ivana and Uyugan (three of the four municipalities found in Batan Island). 

Yes, July was wandering. But it's far more inspiring than the previous month. Why? It allowed me to move to another pace of purpose-realization. Now that's a good sign to me. So, with this onward movement, I can say I'm adjusting - officially at least. Haha. 

One of the more memorable transition moments was during a trip to a millet field for our Ivatan rituals class with Dr. Hornedo. Millet, or "rawut", as locally known, is a cereal that's rare nowadays because farmers stop producing it. Therefore, holding a heritage rawut in good shape boosted my confidence for Batanes cultural heritage. 

I'm expecting new transitions these coming days. So, here's a list of 31 beautiful transitions from July. I share this with you in the hopes that they'll keep me going for another month of encounters - the good and the not-so-good kind. 

1. Team Basco victory party till 4AM.

2. Starting up a new "mature" venture with friends. 

3. First OT at work. Para sa Batanes! 

4. Telling people your future plans give you the energy to hustle hard. 

5. Happy 23 years of loving and hating, Ma and Pop! 

6. Four years with Butch. 

7. Received my first art writer perk in the form of registration fee. 

8. First Honesty Ride experience. 

9. First Artists' Retreat experience. Definitely one for the books! :) 

10. Those southern motorcycle road trips. Cue Calvin Harris's Summer. 

11. Sunny photo walks around Ivana and Uyugan. 

12. Swimming just like elementary days. 

13. Happy fiesta, Tukon! You're awkward though. 

14. Early morning walk in Vayang Rolling Hills. Perfect way to start any day. 

15. Seeing more reasons to study. 

16. Did photoshoots at home with Ma. 

17. A cup of Phil's Brew coffee. Feels good bro. 

18. More and more reasons to appreciate things Ivatan. 

19. Unexpected labors of love. 

20. More and more Thomasians going to Batanes. 

21. That rare moment when you meet a Communication Arts alumnus in Basco. 

22. Surprise lunches at work. 

23. When books are more reliable sources than internet. The Peter Principle aka eureka book! 

24. Already earned twelve units from grad school. 

25. First time to see a millet field while wearing all white. 

26. First Green Revolution experience at work. 

27. First time to drive to Valugan. 

28. Committing myself to finish reading Dr. Hornedo's books. 

29. Trying a new time-management strategy. Fingers crossed. 

30. Getting more involved in art, heritage and writing. Yaru Gazette, you inspiring creature! 

31. Witnessing daily proofs of support. Hi, Argonza clan! 

I hope August is as passion stirring as July. 

Day Blues No. 7

These are the maxims I live for. I hope you embrace the current season of your life.

On Four

2015 has been a year about "being at home" for us - Butch went back to Hong Kong while I am currently based in Batanes. At some point, there was something endearing about this kind of setup: we had moved closer to our families, friends, passions and dreams. 

Four years together. Two years long distance. Happy Anniversary, Butch: the man who became home for me in four wonderful years. Thank you for always, always making me feel welcome to be completely myself.

Of course we don't know where we'll end up someday. Maybe Hong Kong, Batanes or somewhere. But in the meantime, do what you gotta do there. Tick those boxes, and make me proud. Like you always do.

Here's to many, many more years of going into the unknown - the near and far kind. 

June in Basco

Life really does have a way of moving too fast. During one of my hectic days last month, I snapped this traditional game called Maninadis (also known as Going to Market). Each team member should carefully pass a set of wakay to her teammate until the last member reaches the finish line. The group which has the most well-cared wakay is the winner.  

I still can't believe that it's been more than a month since I reunited with my homeland. Seriously, it feels like I've spent longer than the actual days. For now, I'll pretend we're just opening the halfway mark of 2015 to make this post more relevant. 

My first month had been all about chasing the loves of my life. From landing a job at my dream company, to taking classes in Graduate School, to trying on a new role as an art writer and to being a full-time daughter and sister, island life is currently whizzing by. 

With an artists' retreat coming this weekend, maybe a little slowing down won't hurt. So, here's a list of 31 beautiful moments from June. I share this with you in the hopes that if I write them here, they'll grow themselves further into my being and never leave. 

1. My journey in postgrad had officially begun. 

2. 2 AM Philosophy classes with Dr. Hornedo.
3. Candlelight Philosophy classes with Dr. Hornedo.
4. Beer nights with Rhodelyn.
5. Hello, Yaru nu Artes Ivatan!
6. First local exhibit experience: "Vuya Ku Vuya Mu?"
7. First legit drinking session at house with friends. Happy fiesta indeed!
8. Delivered letters to offices and agencies personally.
9. Hello, e-bike! Talk about level up!
10. First hosting stint at work.
11. Now who's ready for the 2016 Election? Hmm.
12. Won P 2,000.00 from a photography competition
13. Back at the softball diamond after seven-year hiatus.
14. Unforgettable Father's Day incident.
15. First Provincial Meet aka Ivatan Olympics at a community level.
16. Got my first Team Basco uniform. Fight Basco!
17. First judging stint at the pre-pageant of Miss Batanes 2015.
18. Crossed out two MA subjects already.
19. Gave Dr. Hornedo a ride.
20. Met a Fil-Am graphic designer based in New York.
21. Watched Peter Webber's Girl With a Pearl Earring.
22. Batted a pitched ball with two strikes already.
23. Discovered Avon's twenty-peso ice cream. Definitely the bomb.
24. Free hair salon services care of Shem.
25. First field work with the Dr. Florentino Hornedo. He's a walking encyclopaedia of Batanes history.
26. Three-minute ride to work. Oh, good life.
27. Missed out mom's first television appearance. Fine with her. Weird mom.
28. Fancy dinner at Fundacion Pacita care of Kamnan.
29. First and last usherette stint.
30. Wee hour bike rides around the town. The best.
31. Bronze look in progress. Heart heart.

I hope July is as surprising and beautiful as June.

Beyond the Beauty

We invite those in Basco for an event this June to experience "Vuya Ku Vuya Mu?" (I Saw. Did You?), an annual art exhibit in celebration of 232nd Batanes Foundation Anniversary by 15 local artists. On view at the Yaru Gallery & art shop. Saturday, June 27, 4pm - 7pm.

Ours to Realize. Ours to Really See. Currently Batanes.

Poster Credit: Rhodelyn Come 

Coming Home

Chapters to start. Events to chart. 

Changes to suit. Vices to quit. 

Processes to love. Experiences to live. 

Flaws to fix. Sweets to mix. 

Challenges to deal. Oranges to peel. 

Goals to tick. Vows to stick. 

Lessons to learn. Praises to earn. 

Dreams to reach. Travels to itch. 

Dooms to expect. Faults to correct. 

Feats to hope. Pasts to cope. 

Rains to bring. Pains to sting. 

Friends to keep. Texts to beep. 

Truths to swear. Blacks to wear. 

Promises to make. Roads to take. 

Lists to begin. Places to be. 

Books to read. Eyes to lead. 

Stories to tell. Colognes to smell. 

Tears to weep. Hugs to squeeze.

Hours to track. Days to slack. 

Coffees to brew. Worries to screw. 

Dates to toast. Mallows to roast. 

Dinners to feast. Tricks to cease. 

Nails to paint. Trusts to gain. 

Moments to snap. Naps to catch. 

Smiles to share. Faces to bear. 

Peaks to climb. Pits to beat. 

Spaces to breathe. Gaps to fill. 

Stars to gaze. Lies to daze. 

Nights to rest. Mornings to rise.

Day Blues No. 6

"Whatever you seek is within reach. What you must do, is reach."

Today I am grateful for specks of hope that still remind me to make the journey - and go with gusto. 

Day Blues No. 5

Because I miss Batanes a little more often these days...

Two years today. 

Take us back. 

Day Blues No. 4

Going through my planner while getting excited for next month's adventures. 

Here's to more soulful escapes to be captured this year!

Tam-awan International Arts Festival

Many of you know that I am a strong advocate of arts and culture.

Three months ago, I received an unexpected message in my inbox. I was invited by Xavier Abelador, the chief local artist and one of the founders of Yaru Nu Artes Ivatan Gallery and Art Center, to be part of the Ivatan delegation attending this year's Tam-awan International Arts Festival (TIAF).

I haven't attended a legit cultural convention, so you can imagine my excitement when I discovered that it's a week-long event consisting of art exhibits, performances, artists's talks and cultural shows.

And on that note, thank you Kuya Awe and Yaru, for this wonderful opportunity.

Day Blues No. 3

The first encounter with Andy Warhol was brilliant, like an eternal inspiration. 

January 5, 2013. 

Never forget. 

Getting Step One Done

Let's face it: Doing the first step is always the toughest. You get your daily dose of doubt. You feel anxious about "What's next?" You're curious on things like how you're going to get there, when it will pay off. And on top of it all, once you do it, there is no going back.

I've been working at a real estate firm for one year and six months. And after writing about different natures of homes, I realized that I wanted to feel at home. Just like our goal for the clients.

Feeling at home is often about finding solace in places after a tiring day at work. Feeling at home is also about getting comfortable when it comes to picking the subject you never get tired of writing about. By finding my own subject - something that's close to my heart and my DNA - I found my purpose and immediately knew where I want to be and what I must do.

I quit.

I quit in order to get closer to that path and am now counting the days till April 30.

Honestly, actualising the first step was no less than worrying. It seems like the longer I wait, the harder it is for me to make that essential start.

I didn't wait for the perfect time because there was none. I did it because I knew it. I believed it. I've never been more sure of anything in my life and I really can't wait not to do it.

Finding your "purpose" is quite cliché. But truly, it's something I'd never ever imagined doing. It became the driving force behind my unexpected life choices now and the how to why I survived step one. 

Yup, the first step is always the hardest. But it's the only way to reach the second.

Day Blues No. 2

That 11:30 am storm? 

It did hurt. 

I might have speak understanding words. 

Put on a caring face. 

But there was something inside me that stung. 

Watch it grow.

Photo: Butch Domingo 

Day Blues No. 1

In a northern sky 

Only you and I

A part of me returns to you

Though we're miles apart 

In a Northern Sky by Fossil Collective

Photo: Butch Domingo 

Through the Eyes of a Local: Revisit Basco

Disclaimer: I am no Batanes or travel expert, but I'd like to believe in my knowledge and instinct as a full-blooded Ivatan. For the underrated places and activities in Basco, let me show you how. 

I've been asked quite a few times by Manila friends to personalise a Batanes itinerary for a "quick" visit. Ivatan Bulletin... According to local tourist guides, visitors need at least four days and three nights stay to give Batanes justice. 

While I put this kind of itinerary together, I find myself in a very perplexing situation. Aside from the obvious reasons (e.g. convenience, relentless bias), it's restraining because it requires me to adjust in a tourist's shoes, plus the limited time to see the province. Going home, to me, means staying there for months (not just a week or a few days). But being open to possibilities... WHAT IF, what if I go for a weekend visit? What could be MY itinerary?

So, why did I open this question from my life?

Because I'd like to share with you my personal list to make the most of a weekend in Basco. And why Basco, you ask? Cause it is where I've lived, and it's the perfect starting point to revisit the Ivatan way of life.

Below is a list (in no particular order) of stuff I miss. Expect some familiars, a bit of reminiscing and a lot of just being at home. You're a first-time visitor? No problem. Repeat visitor? You might want to try some of this. A local who resided in the city? We share the same sentiments. Trust me.

1. Take a morning bike ride to Chanarian 

     Small idyllic hills, granite cliffs and untamed forests along the way will put you in relax mode in minutes.

2. Hop on a bike and head to Valugan Boulder Beach 

     Watch sudsy waves crash on craggy boulders in the bay or laze on the rocks while overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

3. Enjoy a bowl of mami at SDC Canteen 

     Mami with egg and muffins and barbecues are enough reasons to keep coming back.

4. Take a quick dip to Kanyuyan beach

     Tempered with the calm breeze of South China Sea, it is no wonder a night swim or day here feels chillier.

5. Find a spot of tranquility at the Basco plaza

     To soak in the normalcy of life, come in the afternoon, at a time when the sun is setting.

6. Hang out at the Old Tennis Court 

     Go for a spot of catching up with friends. 

7. Drop by to the port for sunset viewing and fishing expeditions 

     The magic begins at 5pm every afternoon.

8. Spend peaceful moments strolling by Rizal Park

     The easy, 10-minute walk ends in front of National Food Authority office where a majestic view of Mount Iraya awaits.

9. Inhale the vibrant (and fishy) vibe of Abad Street 

     Welcome to the busiest street of Batanes!

        

10. Swing by the lighthouse for a bird's eye view of the island

     Let the sweeping scenery take your breath away.

11. Set up an overnight camp in Kural beach

     Take a break from the town sights and sounds.

12. Take an early morning dive in Kural 

     Two thumbs up for this serene setting with clean waters and rich marine life.

13. Dine under the stars in Bunker Café

     Be rewarded with an Ivatan meal and glistening night view of the island and beyond.

   Photo courtesy of Yaru

14. Get arty at Yaru Nu Artes

     Art lovers, unite! Pick up a souvenir or take home a painting made by local artists.

15. Eat smoked flying fish 

     Locally known as pinasu dibang, it's the to-go viand for supper. Best season is April to June.

16. Get yourself a serious dried flying fish for breakfast 
     There's something comforting about the taste of paw-paw. Best paired with a bowl of fern salad.

17. Pick up a roll of Brazo de Mercedes from SDC Canteen 
     Nothing complements a Saturday afternoon snack with family quite like this cake.

18. Get a back massage from Lola Ninay
     No week is complete without at least a bodwork from grandma.

19. Dine with family in Octagon 
     You won't go wrong with old-time faves and local cuisines.

20. Ride a motorcycle around the town
     Motorcycle rides make for fun day or night in the road.

21. Play badminton or frisbee in Basco Plaza
     Reminiscent of softball and volleyball practices, it also became a happy place for the family.

22. Listen to Radyo ng Bayan 
     Get a dose of anything Ivatan, from current news to happenings to songs.

23. Visit Batanes National Science High School 
     Science High holds a special place in (almost) every Ivatan's heart.

24. Make time to order farm-to-table pizzas from Casa Napoli
     This is one snack fix you won't regret.

Knowing that these things will always be waiting for me at home, I just can't wait to go back and tick off every item, time and time again.

Pinto Art Museum Sitting Pretty in Antipolo

My boyfriend and I have a common aversion for extravagant celebrations or cheesy surprises on a day like Valentine's Day. While we're not fans of candle-lit dinners, flower arrangements or heart-shaped chocolate gifts, we don't wait for once a year occasions to go the extra mile. Mostly because, we made up on the 364 days of the year. 

Speaking of year, four years ago, I remember succumbing to make a big deal out of Valentine's Day. (There goes that phase in life, haha.) So, during that adjustment period as couple, I recall booking a dinner reservation at Bellini's for our first February 14 together. Then, the succeeding February 14s were treated as, uhm, normal as our after-class dates way back college. 

But today, the idea of quality time has changed (matured) quite a bit. (Blame almost two years of far-flung relationship!) Let's recall one recent experience, shall we? 

This Valentines, we went to go see the Pinto Art Museum. I love art. He loves art. I can't think of a better way to channel this love than spending an afternoon in a museum.  

Tucked into the Grand Heights Subdivision in Antipolo, it's an art enclave that's definitely worth a visit. 

A few artistic scenes from Pinto Art. 

Upon registering, we were met with a lot of people due to the occasion's doing. I'm not complaining, though. Like I said in a past post, going to galleries is to build a community of like-minded artists. Ahem.

Anyway, Pinto Art is a great exploration of space, color, shape and nature. 

A beautiful spread of Elmer Borlongan's paintings grace the first three spaces and here are some photos. 

While in the upstairs gallery... 

Get a peek at some of my favourite pieces...

If you know me or if you've been reading this blog, you'll know that indigenous arts is something close to my heart. So you can imagine how happy I was when I discover this quaint museum. It's the right finale for a welcome visit. 

Photos snapped with an iPhone 5.