I am very interested to meet Maria Russell Figuro who wants to trace her biological roots here in Batanes as manifested in her message posted in this site on April 14, 2008. For a long time, we’ve been searching for any possibility to be in contact with her. Anyone could give us her email or contact number?

I didn’t agree with you first, but last paragraph makes sense for me…

is there anybody can help me? find a website where you can check how much house n lot worth they sell nowadays in batanes? or either way just give me a hint instead. Thanks everyone!

William Gilbert Agravante Says:
April 15th, 2008 at 2:45 am
I love batanes because from what I’ve read it seems so peaceful and there are a lot of sights that would be great for taking pictures. I hope I can visit Batanes this year.

All I can say is WOW! Extremely nice layouts, awesome graphics and great articles. No matter how many times I come here, I am still impressed by the very professional appearance. Congratulations on a job well done….

Batanes is really a dream come true for me. I was able to go there last May 2006. It was a very unforgettable fieldwork. I was a student assistant back then. We climbed Mt. Iraya, Mt. Reposed in Itbayat Island and the mountain in Mahatao, I was with a wildlife biologist and a research associate/professor. We all are females and we were only three in a team. We did floral and faunal inventory through transect walks. When you say floral inventory, it means observing and taking note of the diverse family of plants (particularly mosses for mountains) present in an ecosystem, while faunal inventory refers to studying the species diversity of animals (e.g. birdwatching, to know what species of birds are present in the area, frogging=catching frogs through your bare hands, and even finding snake species inhabiting, say for example, Mt. Reposed).
It was a very risky endeavor for us. But it was all worth it.
We also got to Itbayat from Basco through the “fallowa, ” a big, wobbly boat. Amidst huge waves, we were able to arrive safe and sound. It was a four-hour travel by sea. A bit scary for me because you would have to pass by rough waters (Just a trivia, it is where the Pacific Ocean merges with the South China Sea). Not to mention that I had experienced close encounters with a pit viper (Another info: Golden pit viper is a kind of poisonous snake endemic to the islands of Batanes only). Anyway, I can say that Itbayat is like Switzerland or New Zealand of the Philippines.
I also got the chance to visit Sabtang Island. Also a haven of magnificence for me. The greeneries of the scenery and the old aged stone houses really amazed me. The thing I missed is the opportunity to go to Ibuhos Island, due to unexpected heavy rains that is deemed a danger if you ride a 20-30 minute boat going to the island.
With all the hardworks we had during our stay, it was very soothing and comforting to witness such a beauty as Batanes while you’re in the middle of doing your task. I observed that Ivatans are very friendly. I commend their hospitability. I also regard Batanes having bright individuals, intelligent children.
The place, generally, is very precious. It is extraordinary. Considering the rich biodiversity I myself have seen and studied, completing the package, Batanes, in my opinion, is exceptional. That is what you call “unity in diversity.”
I so love Batanes and wishes to come back soon. It’s great SEAIR now offers flights to Batanes.
*Things I won’t forget most about the islands of Batanes:
1. Great cuisine (e.g. coconut crab and ginataang ‘I forgot the name’ kind of weed plus rice mixed with yellow ginger)
2. The golden dorado in Mahatao Fishing Village
3. The provincial sports fest
4. People that offers warmth and acceptance – that’s why I always want to re-visit Batanes!
5. The pristine environment – the mossy forests, mountains and the ocean, plus the rare wildlife that could possibly become critically endangered/threatened if we lack awareness and initiatives to do biodiversity conservation efforts

i like to walk barefoot in its green grass. get lost in the sea. and get caught in the angry winds of the storm.

i have one secret and i like to be with him in batanes.