Q&A with Noli, a Batanes Local

Exactly how do you plan an authentic travel experience? You ask those who know the place by heart, of course. On our Living La Vida Locals series, we feature trusted locals and their insider tips and experiences.

For Batanes, we interviewed professional travel photographer Noli Gabilo.

Getting Around Batanes

This depends on the number of travelers. A big group should travel in four-wheeled vehicles such as vans, Asian utility vehicles, or jeepneys. Couples or single travelers can hire a tricycle or rent a motorcycle. Others may prefer going around on bicycles which are available for rent. If you have the luxury of time, you may go on foot.

The Local Dish of Batanes That Every Traveler Needs to Try

As a proud native of Sabtang, I would recommend every visitor to try the tabtab (also known as uved). It is a delicacy from the core of the root of a certain variety of banana. After it is harvested, it is chopped into smaller pieces then grated. Ground meat and fish are added to it and mixed with spices. It is made into small balls and steamed. A newer serving is the fried version.

The No. 1 Etiquette Rule in Batanes

Do not be disrespectful to the culture.

The Best Tip for a First-Time Traveler to Batanes

If you want to know about and experience authentic Ivatan culture goes around with a seasoned local guide. He or she can bring you to the relevant sources of information and unique spots on the islands.

The Secret Spots or Hidden Gems of Batanes

Our boat-shaped stone-lined graves. Only the Vikings share the same.

The Best Ways to Get to Know the Locals More

Immersion.

The Must-have Souvenir(s) from Batanes

Travelers should bring back souvenir items that are locally crafted. For example, the finely made jewelry vessels called Vuvud or the headgear for women called Suut or Vakul.

What He Loves About Batanes

There are many things I love about Batanes. Of course, it’s my home and there are many things I took for granted until I left and got to travel.

What I love about Batanes is its people and their unique way of life and resiliency in the face of adversity.

Life in Batanes is dictated by the weather and they have adapted to many circumstances that come their way.

They have devised a method of self-help (payuhuan or yaru) to lighten the workload from simple things as clearing the streets after a typhoon to heavier work in building a house. It made me appreciate how culture evolves as man intervenes with his environment.

Batanes in Just One Word

Unique.

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