Hudzan's Cafe

Day 1 has just begun and we finished off with a nice coffee at Phil's Brew over relaxing music and fun talk about the ways of Ivatan's. We plan to have a late night dinner, but according to Ate Crisan most dinner shops closed by 11PM. So off we go to look for Hudzan's. Funny thing is that we couldn't find it first! We were trying to google Hudson's but well in fact it's supposed to be Hudzan's. After finally going along Abad Street, we found this homey restaurant just few blocks from our place.

For your reference, click map  here.

Please expect the place to be jam pack during dinner time. We had to wait for almost 30 min before we had our table which we didn't mind. We lounged in one of their tables outside while we enjoy our starters- cold beer of course!

Everything is affordable, and looks delish! 

We settled for something healthy, grilled tuna, some buttered shrimp and 

a daily dose of green leafy per doctors recommendation! 

Finally finished our dinner and "drinks" when we realized it's almost closing time! Hudzan's probably one of those cafe to eat and drink based on the hefty servings,  affordable price, great ambiance, although serving takes a bit of time, we came to know that now, Batanes is a place where everybody takes their sweet sweet time, so don't worry no pressure! 

Happiness & love,

itsmelory (^.^) 

Phils Brew: Coffee in Basco

My personal mantra is  that any trip (business or vacation)  shouldn't go without coffee!  It was  just too much that we were served instant coffee, (of course it's not serious problem, it's just a problem).  After we ended our day tour, Kuya suggested this coffee place and we were surprise to find this quaint coffee shop within the neighborhood, in fact barely 5 blocks away from our homestay! The best coffee shop in Basco! 

Who's Phil's Brew

What I like most about this coffee shop is that its pretty straight forward, its  like what most French would call au naturele! The shop itself is in fact just a back yard garden with make shift tables and chair, and the coffee? A special blend by the owner itself. Everything is self service. You could order from the counter then she would ring the bell if order is ready. Desserts are also delectable from her own recipe of  Tres Leches, and ube fusion in coconut milk, local version of suman. Enjoy the cold refreshments over some relaxing music, while inhaling into the fresh air of Batanes. It was definitely a treat! Shop opens 3:00-9:00PM

perfect coffee medly in Basco.

Where to have dinner in Basco? Check out Hudsan's Cafe

Happines & love,

itsmelory (^.^)

North Batan Tour

After our simple lunch, we leisurely walked back to our homestay. Can't help but notice that at 11:30AM, Basco is still quiet and people are just starting their hustle. Certainly this place is like no other. Not later than 3PM, Kuya tour guide picked us up to start the tour properly. Since we've been to the Capitol earlier and paid our tourist fees, we head straight to Tukon! 

Tukon Church (Mt. Carmel Chapel)

Built by Butch Abad, this chapel is very distinct for its traditional boulder walls and wooden doors.  Just along the highway, this church stands tall and beautiful, which currently is now 

under restoration. 

PAG-ASA Weather Station 

Further down, we drove to PAG-ASA Weather Station. This is just our 2nd stop but we couldn't help but be amazed at the beautiful 360 view of Batanes landscape on this part of the hill. The weather station and most of its equipment has been severely damaged by Typhoon Ferdie in 2016, but still a worthwhile weather reference point.  

Fundacion Pacita 

Along the way is Fundacion Pacita, famous boutique hotel within Basco. We skipped this place the meantime since we have a full schedule ahead, but we did an afternoon trip here, let me talk about that separately!

Coffee here? Laters baby.

Dipnaysupuan Japanese Tunnel

Next stop is the Japanese Tunnel, reminder to present your environmental fees receipt upon entry. Not really a fan of tight , dark spaces but I tagged along, all for the experience. Quite interesting to know that this tunnel was built during WWII when Batanes was occupied by Japanese. The tunnel served as  shelter and a lookout post, overlooking  and leads to  strategic exit points. After walking through the 250m tunnel which by the end you need to crawl outside in order to get out, I'm happy to be back in the land with fresh air! Oh air, air!  Hehe. Who knows what the Ivatans had to go through that time of war? Only the tunnel walls could tell...

Valugan Boulder Beach 

Batanes is nothing short of picturesque places to visit, another beauty is in fact a very rocky one! Yes Valugan literally translates East because of its location on the eastern edge of Batan Island. This beach is definitely not for swimming, because instead of fine sand, in here you'll find stretch of stones of different sizes plus the raging waves of the sea, dangerous and complementing each other. That dreaded eruption of Mt. Iraya has brought out this unique beauty. Nature has its own way indeed.  

Vayang Rolling Hills  

Probably one of my most favorite places (duuh its just first day, and I just decided that noh) I can literally sing the hills are alive with the sound of music in my head! Vayang simply translates to our local dialect "wayang" meaning open plain, or broad valley. We are connected!  The struggle to walk on top is worth this panoramic view, yes you had to do a bit hiking towards the top thankfully the afternoon sun is almost gone. Whats motivating is the great view of the mountains, lush greens, cows grazing slowly taking their quiet time, the vast  clear sky on top and overlooking deep blue sea. I certainly feel the  tranquility amidst all of this! 

The beautiful Basco Lighthouse

Probably the most iconic and famous structure, Basco Lighthouse stands on Naidi Hills overlooking West Philippine sea towering at 66ft, this famous landmark serves as a guide light to the sea farers across the sea. 

Groufie as we go on our way to our last stop of the day! 

Santo Domingo Cathedral

History tells that with the establishment of Basco town,  a group of Dominican priests went on a mission to evangelize Basco. It was speculated that the image of Immaculate Concepcion was brought during that time therefore the first church was dedicated to the Immaculate Conception. The church bears the name Santo Domingo in honor of St. Dominic de Guzman. Santo Domingo Cathedral was rebuilt to its original form after earthquake aftermath in 2000.   

Ended our tour here, just in time for a prayer of gratefulness for this chance to visit  Batanes, so blessed for this experience!  Too late for coffee? We don't think so, we headed to Phil's Brew for some caffeine intake!

Read here: Phil's Brew : Coffee chill in Basco

Happiness and Love,

itsmelory (^.^)

Basco, Batanes

Basco is the provincial capital of Batan. Quite a small municipality of about 8,200 inhabitants. Basco itself could easily be toured within the day with using motorbike or tricycle or if you're the old fashioned one, you could walk around Basco to mingle with the Ivatans, that's how they call themselves.

So first stop: The Provincial Capitol. Since we're first time tourist, we asked around the capitol for places to visit, and paid necessary tourist and environmental fees. Remember to keep the receipts as this is required when you travel to tourist spot. Afterwards, obligatory photo at the Capitol. 

Nailed it! 

Just across the Capitol is the pasalubong center, 

but stalls are still closed at 10:30AM, will come back in 2 days yah?

Emoterang turista be like..

Further down, we went to some sort of sports complex where 

most people run or bike, or for the likes of us, observe the people. Lol.

yes all for the gram..

We were trying to find some open cafe for some refreshments to kill time  but we found out that most shops are not open until afternoon. Wow, Batanes. We come acrossed one open karinderia and we asked if at least my lutong ulam na for lunch, and she said, "Ay, maya pa ko mgluto ng lunch." No pressure ang mga Ivatans! Time passed by so slow in Batanes. When we walked farther we come acrossed another open small eatery for some fish stew. Day 1 is simply no pressure, where time seemed to stop, Batanes can't wait to get to know more of you! 

Excited to be exploring soon, 

itsmelory (^.^)

Breathtaking Batanes

I know, I know, my post for this tour has been pushed aside for a loooong time but finally, eto na nga. I could not help but still feel that major major summer vibe in my heart when I think of the Northernmost  island of the Philippines..back in the small, nature ladden island of Batanes. The island  approximately 162 km north of Luzon and 190km South of Taiwan is a greenfield haven that will surely take your breath away! 

We arrived 7AM Basco airport via Skyjet. My God I almost panicked when the plane's about to land when I can't even see the landing strip from atop because it was so cloudy!  Thankfully after what feels like my stomach just had a plummeting drop, we alight the plane safely. Let's get it on Batanes pa rin kahit groggy! Lols.  

Basco Airport doesn't have luggage conveyor. All bags are manually loaded in a room, 

the ticket and bag tag will be inspected upon leaving the airport. 

Homestay @ Crisan Lodge

Time to check in to a nearby inn. Crisan Lodge is merely 5 mins from the airport and a within Basco capital. This homestay is a medium sized 3-storey-building with about 3-4 rooms , shared bathroom per floor, and a convenience store on the ground floor.   Ate Crisan prepared some welcome breakfast for us.  

Ready to explore Basco!

Our living room on the 3rd floor with TV, and a free water refill! 

Dining area, breakfast is served!

OMG, rice na this! 

We do not have anything planned in the morning so after our hefty breakfast and after the coffee has kicked in, we decided to walked around Basco proper.

  

Happiness & love,
itsmelory (^.^)

F na F Journey

I've been planning since late last year to do something about my break-outs but my experience from that Pink facial center is still fresh and gave me phobia to try anything new especially that I have a wedding to attend to. Means I'm back to my regular routine, Nivea micellar facial foam, toner and light moisturizer, but man, I break out a lot! I had to change my BB cream and powder twice this quarter but still nothing major major change. Maybe time for another facial eh? But many times I had to postpone my facial plans because I had to travel often on the first quarter, and the late night sleep, stress is giving me precious pimps. 
So after I decided I have enough of this, it's time to face them professionally. I went to Flawless clinic in Megamall to try their facial. The lady gave me their list and I'm confused which one to try with all the facials I want done on my face- but the lady judging on my condition suggested the Acne control advanced with Rejuvelite to eliminate acne and speed up the healing process to reduce redness and inflammation, next is Acnelan treatment for the red ones or active ones used as in house treatment for controlling acne and prevent pimples. It works as skin renewal system to provide permanent solution to acne problems.
Ok I'm on it, it's now or never. I stepped inside, the specialist assisted me to put my stuff under the bed and gave me the key. Great. Then my balik-beauty regime is 3 part treatment starting with cleansing: 

1. Initial cleansing using a gentle facial foam to clean and massage my face then wipe with moistened pads.
2. Next she puts me some eye cream and eye pads. Nap time it is.
3. Then there's facial steaming for 15 minutes. While on steam, my hands were wrapped with hot towel and was later on massage. How relaxing.
4. Then some light cream massaged to calm the pricked area
5. Next is my favorite part- the oxygenating mask. Thick and icy cold cream applied to your face to revive dull and tired skin. The cream solidifies and sits on your face , eyes and also lips for about 15mins, don't be surprised there's also some shoulder massage

After 15 mins, she removed the mask and puts me eye pad, and ear pads. Second part will be the Acnelan treatment. I did not wait too long because Doc arrived na and started with the procedure, she asked me which session I'm on? and I told her my first. She gave a quick introduction that there will some stinging sensation for less than 3 mins, and it will be over. Ok Doc lets do it. 

1.  She applied the treatment using a brush on my face, and immediately I felt the painful stinging sensation I winced tbh.  
2. She sprayed some neutralizer fast, I supposed you had to let the bubbles go off as she was instructing the facialist, once the bubbles were gone she wiped it off with some pads, and the stinging was immediately gone.

The facialist was very nice and was asking me if I'm feeling a lot better, which I am now. Five minutes after we move to our next and final part which is the Rejuvelite. From the website: Rejuvelite Mask for 10 good minutes is powered by LED technology which activates collagen production and boosts skin rejuvenation. The treatment works by allowing the skin to absorb the light for cellular activity to increase natural healing and regeneration. She covered my eyes and then the positioned the LED light to cover my entire face.

And finally, that was it! The specialist reminded me to wash my face next day, not to use any moisturizer or make up next day, but use generous amount of SPF instead. She also suggested to get SAS soap for acne prevention, and the SPF gel for everyday use. Treatment cost:

•  Acne control advanced with Rejuvelite Php1,800
•  Acnelan Php 3000
•  SAS Soap Php 150
•  SPF Gel Php 330

SAS Soap and SPF Gel

Day 1 after the Acnelan Treatment, skin feels tight and dry overall ok.

I put SPF Gel and leave it for now.

Day 2, the peeling shows slightly a bit, so the best is not to touch it,  and a dose of SPF SPF!

Day 3 and the most unattractive state is on the 3rd-4th day . The face peels like a lot!

Also pointless to put any make up, so the best is again SPF and mask to cover the face. The area where pricking was done is also dry and also gone this time. 

6th day and the peeling is almost gone but small peeling at the nose area, but not too obvious actually! Also skin looks fresh after the peeling, I could now use bb cream with light coverage and the scars are not obvious!

In conclusion, I am very happy and satisfied with my Acnelan treatment, I am scheduled for my 2nd treatment. The anti-acne facial needs to be maintained at least once a month of course together with the mild soap, SPF and accdg. to my research I have to go through at least 3 Acnelan sessions to get the optimum results. Well, I only wish I knew Acnelan years back, maybe that saved me from all my pimps dilemma!

2 weeks after the Acnelan treatment, and face never looked better,

I could almost cry! hahaha. Thank you Flawless. :)   

Happiness & love,

itsmelory (^.^)