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. 

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 

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.