The Province of Batanes is the northernmost and the smallest province of the Philippine Republic, both in terms of population and land area. The provincial capital is Basco.
The province is composed of ten islands (called the Batanes Islands) located about 162 km north of the Luzon mainland in the Luzon Strait and is part of the Cagayan Valley region in Luzon. Of this island group, the largest and most economically important are Itbayat, Batan and Sabtang.
The Batanes Islands are separated from the Babuyan Islands of Cagayan Province by the Balintang Channel and from Taiwan by the Bashi Channel.
The northernmost island of the province, as well as of the Philippines, is Mavudis (Yami) Island. The other islands are Misanga, Ditarem, Siayan, Itbayat, Dinem, Batan, Sabtang, Ivuhos, and Diadekey.
Only Itbayat, Batan, and Sabtang are inhabited. The Batanes is about 190 kilometers south of Taiwan.
Batanes lies on a group of islands collectively called Batanes Islands and they are the northernmost islands of the Philippines. They are located between the Babuyan Islands (belonging to Cagayan Province) and Taiwan. The islands are sparsely populated and subject to frequent typhoons.
The three largest islands are Itbayat, Batan, and Sabtang. The northernmost is Mavudis Island.
Almost one-half of Batanes are hills and mountains. Batan Island, with a land area of 35 km², is generally mountainous on the north and southeast. It has a basin in the interior. Itbayat Island, which has a total area of 95 km², slopes gradually to the west, being mountainous and hilly along its northern, eastern coast. As for Sabtang, mountains cover the central part of its 41 km² area, making the island slope outward to the coast.
The islands are situated between the vast expanse of the waters of Bashi Channel and Balintang Channel, where the Pacific Ocean, merges with the China Sea. The area is a sealane between the Philippines and Japan, China, Hongkong and Taiwan. It is rich with marine resources, including the rarest sea corals in the world.
The province is hilly and mountainous, with only 1,631.50 hectares or 7.10% of its area level to undulating and 78.20% or 17,994.40 hectares varying in terms from rolling to steep and very steep. Forty two percent (42%) or 9,734.40 hectares are steep to very steep land.
Because of the terrain of the province, drainage is good and prolonged flooding is non-existent. The main island of Batan has the largest share of level and nearly level lands, followed by Itbayat and Sabtang, respectively. Itbayat has gently rolling hills and nearly level areas on semi-plateaus surrounded by continuous massive cliffs rising from 20-70 meters above sea level, with no shorelines. Sabtang on the other hand, has its small flat areas spread sporadically on its coasts, while its interior is dominated by steep mountains and deep canyons. Batan Island and Sabtang have intermittent stretches of sandy beaches and rocky shorelines.
The terrain of the province while picturesque at almost every turn, has limited the potential for expansion of agriculture in an already very small province.
Kalibo, Aklan
Kalibo is the capital of the province of Aklan, in the northwest of Panay Island, Philippines.
Kalibo is best known as the venue of the Ati-atihan festival, normally held during the 3rd Sunday of January. The term Kalibo comes from the Aklanon word "sangka libo", ("one thousand"), the number of native (Ati aka aeta) people who attended the first Catholic Mass there. After this very first Mass, a celebration was held that was continued annually as the Ati-atihan festival.
From the time of the Spanish colonial administration until the institution of Pilipino as the national language in 1946, Kalibo was spelled as "Calivo".
The municipality has already reached the requirements to be a city but certain issues prevent the municipality from reaching cityhood.
Kalibo is 50 minutes from Manila by plane or somewhat longer by ship through the Dumaguit or New Washington Ports on the northern tip of Aklan. Kalibo Airport is about ten minutes from the main plaza. Kalibo can also be reached directly from Incheon, South Korea through international flights served by Asian Spirit and Pacific Pearl Airways.
The nearest cities are Roxas City in Capiz, and Iloilo City in Iloilo. Both are accessible by bus and minivans.
Kalibo is a gateway to Boracay island via the port of Caticlan, just 45 minutes away by land.
Public transportation around the city is by tricycle, multicab and jeepneys.
Kalibo's main industry is agriculture where the primary product is rice and coconuts. Kalibo is also the hub for the Piña Cloth industry of aklan.
The Piña and Abaca cloths are also being exported to various parts of the world most particularly North America. Kalibo is also known for other native products such as handbags made of buri leaves which is a favorite for Caucasian females visiting the town.
Kalibo is a 1st class Philippine municipality. As of 2006, it was being administered by Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo, who led the town's first Foundation Day celebration on November 23, 2005.
According to the 2000 census, Kalibo has a population of 62,438 people in 12,628 households.
Kalibo is best known as the venue of the Ati-atihan festival, normally held during the 3rd Sunday of January. The term Kalibo comes from the Aklanon word "sangka libo", ("one thousand"), the number of native (Ati aka aeta) people who attended the first Catholic Mass there. After this very first Mass, a celebration was held that was continued annually as the Ati-atihan festival.
From the time of the Spanish colonial administration until the institution of Pilipino as the national language in 1946, Kalibo was spelled as "Calivo".
The municipality has already reached the requirements to be a city but certain issues prevent the municipality from reaching cityhood.
Kalibo is 50 minutes from Manila by plane or somewhat longer by ship through the Dumaguit or New Washington Ports on the northern tip of Aklan. Kalibo Airport is about ten minutes from the main plaza. Kalibo can also be reached directly from Incheon, South Korea through international flights served by Asian Spirit and Pacific Pearl Airways.
The nearest cities are Roxas City in Capiz, and Iloilo City in Iloilo. Both are accessible by bus and minivans.
Kalibo is a gateway to Boracay island via the port of Caticlan, just 45 minutes away by land.
Public transportation around the city is by tricycle, multicab and jeepneys.
Kalibo's main industry is agriculture where the primary product is rice and coconuts. Kalibo is also the hub for the Piña Cloth industry of aklan.
The Piña and Abaca cloths are also being exported to various parts of the world most particularly North America. Kalibo is also known for other native products such as handbags made of buri leaves which is a favorite for Caucasian females visiting the town.
Kalibo is a 1st class Philippine municipality. As of 2006, it was being administered by Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo, who led the town's first Foundation Day celebration on November 23, 2005.
According to the 2000 census, Kalibo has a population of 62,438 people in 12,628 households.
Labels:
Paradise Philippines
The Philippine Costs
The Paradise Philippines is one of the least expensive places to visit in Asia and as well in the rest of the world.
Here is a list of prices in Philippine pesos (P).
Flight from London Heathrow to Manila £500 (off peak - Aug - Nov, Jan - April) - £800 peak, economy
Flight from London Heathrow to Manila £1200 - £1800 (P120,000 - P180,000) Business and First Class
Flight from Manila to Singapore - US$115
Flight from Manila to Cebu - US$35
Typical 4-star hotel single room in Manila - P3500/$66.00
Typical 3D/2N hotel suite accommodation in Boracay Island - P14,000/$264.00
Air-conditioned dormitory in Manila - P240/$4.50
Single air-con room with private cold shower and cable TV in Cebu - P500/$9.45
Movie - P100-P160/$2.00-$3.00
Budget Meal - P40 (includes a cup of rice, assorted selection of meat, side dish of vegetables,
and a bowl of clear broth soup).
Taxi - P30 for the first 2.5km and P2.50 for each succeeding 200m
Jeepney - P7.00 (first 4km; P6.00 for Students/Elderly/Disabled) P1.25/KM after the first 4km.
Elevated Train in Manila - P12-15 (LRT 1 and MRT 2), P10-P15 (MRT-3)
Internet use (1 hour) - P20-P50; depending on the Internet Café
7-Eleven: can of Coke - P16, 1.5 liter Coke - P35, Hotdog - P20, Donut - P16, serving of Spaghetti - P32, serving of Pork Adobo with rice - P35
Buffet in Cebu - P130
Buffet in Davao - P99
Buffet in Manila - P350
International Herald Tribune - P70
Economist Magazine - P160
Here is a list of prices in Philippine pesos (P).
Flight from London Heathrow to Manila £500 (off peak - Aug - Nov, Jan - April) - £800 peak, economy
Flight from London Heathrow to Manila £1200 - £1800 (P120,000 - P180,000) Business and First Class
Flight from Manila to Singapore - US$115
Flight from Manila to Cebu - US$35
Typical 4-star hotel single room in Manila - P3500/$66.00
Typical 3D/2N hotel suite accommodation in Boracay Island - P14,000/$264.00
Air-conditioned dormitory in Manila - P240/$4.50
Single air-con room with private cold shower and cable TV in Cebu - P500/$9.45
Movie - P100-P160/$2.00-$3.00
Budget Meal - P40 (includes a cup of rice, assorted selection of meat, side dish of vegetables,
and a bowl of clear broth soup).
Taxi - P30 for the first 2.5km and P2.50 for each succeeding 200m
Jeepney - P7.00 (first 4km; P6.00 for Students/Elderly/Disabled) P1.25/KM after the first 4km.
Elevated Train in Manila - P12-15 (LRT 1 and MRT 2), P10-P15 (MRT-3)
Internet use (1 hour) - P20-P50; depending on the Internet Café
7-Eleven: can of Coke - P16, 1.5 liter Coke - P35, Hotdog - P20, Donut - P16, serving of Spaghetti - P32, serving of Pork Adobo with rice - P35
Buffet in Cebu - P130
Buffet in Davao - P99
Buffet in Manila - P350
International Herald Tribune - P70
Economist Magazine - P160
Labels:
Paradise Philippines
The Philippine Famous Feasts
The Paradise Philippines offers plenty of regional festivals, often linked to the feast of the patron saints of the town or city holding the festival. Parades and processions, marching bands, floats and dance displays are usual activities. A number of important festivals include the following:
Black Nazarene (Paradise Philippines) - held in Quiapo Chruch Manila in January.
Panagbenga (Paradise Philippines) - the flower festival held in Baguio every February
Chinese New Year (Paradise Philippines) - celebrations coinciding with the coming of the Lunar new year, held in many urban areas, particularly in Chinatown in downtown Manila
Ati-Atihan (Paradise Philippines) - also held to commemorate the feast of the Sto. Nino, but this time in Kalibo on the island of Panay. The Queen of Philippine Festivals and said to be the Filipino version of Mardi Gras.
Moriones (Paradise Philippines) - held during the Lenten Season in Marinduque. These are passion plays meant to depict the crucifixion and eventual resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Pahiyas (Paradise Philippines) - held every May in Lucban, Quezon to celebrate the feast day of San Isidro Labrador. There is a town-wide house decorating contest held during the festival. The colors and designs used are a feast for the eyes.
Flores de Mayo (Paradise Philippines) - flower festival held in every May. Many towns celebrate Flores De Mayo with the community congregating in the afternoons to pray the rosary, offer flowers to the Virgin Mary, and share homemade delicacies and snacks. Children and adults wearing their Sunday best, sing and dance to welcome the rains that will water the new crops.
Kadayawan (Paradise Philippines) - held in Davao every August, Kadayawan means a Thanksgiving celebration for the good harvest, were most flowers and fruits are available during the season.
Bangus Festival (Paradise Philippines) - not as popular as the other festivals. It is held annually in Dagupan City, Pangasinan. The usual events are a parade and 101 Ways to Cook Bangus. A "Longest Barbeque" was also held during the festival one year.
Kagay-Anon Festival (Paradise Philippines) - Every 28th of August, Cagayan de Oro celebrates the feast of Saint Augustine. In 2007, the city unveiled the new name of its annual city fiesta, the Kagay-an Festival. It is highlighted by the Miss Kagay-an Tourism beauty pagent, Sakay-Sakay sa Lambago fluvial parade, street dancing in native costumes and the Golden Float parade.
Black Nazarene (Paradise Philippines) - held in Quiapo Chruch Manila in January.
Panagbenga (Paradise Philippines) - the flower festival held in Baguio every February
Chinese New Year (Paradise Philippines) - celebrations coinciding with the coming of the Lunar new year, held in many urban areas, particularly in Chinatown in downtown Manila
Ati-Atihan (Paradise Philippines) - also held to commemorate the feast of the Sto. Nino, but this time in Kalibo on the island of Panay. The Queen of Philippine Festivals and said to be the Filipino version of Mardi Gras.
Moriones (Paradise Philippines) - held during the Lenten Season in Marinduque. These are passion plays meant to depict the crucifixion and eventual resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Pahiyas (Paradise Philippines) - held every May in Lucban, Quezon to celebrate the feast day of San Isidro Labrador. There is a town-wide house decorating contest held during the festival. The colors and designs used are a feast for the eyes.
Flores de Mayo (Paradise Philippines) - flower festival held in every May. Many towns celebrate Flores De Mayo with the community congregating in the afternoons to pray the rosary, offer flowers to the Virgin Mary, and share homemade delicacies and snacks. Children and adults wearing their Sunday best, sing and dance to welcome the rains that will water the new crops.
Kadayawan (Paradise Philippines) - held in Davao every August, Kadayawan means a Thanksgiving celebration for the good harvest, were most flowers and fruits are available during the season.
Bangus Festival (Paradise Philippines) - not as popular as the other festivals. It is held annually in Dagupan City, Pangasinan. The usual events are a parade and 101 Ways to Cook Bangus. A "Longest Barbeque" was also held during the festival one year.
Kagay-Anon Festival (Paradise Philippines) - Every 28th of August, Cagayan de Oro celebrates the feast of Saint Augustine. In 2007, the city unveiled the new name of its annual city fiesta, the Kagay-an Festival. It is highlighted by the Miss Kagay-an Tourism beauty pagent, Sakay-Sakay sa Lambago fluvial parade, street dancing in native costumes and the Golden Float parade.
Labels:
Paradise Philippines
The Philippine Best Beaches
The Paradise Philippines Beaches can be found aplenty on this nation of 7,100 islands. These beaches come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and fineness of sand. Some are in well-secluded islands while others are just a short ride across a causeway from the city. Among the most notable are the following:
Boracay (Paradise Philippines) - Boracay Island off the island of Panay has the White Beach. It is also one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It has fine, powdery white sand stretching on for several kilometers and is an excellent spot for sun-worshippers. Boracay also has several other lesser-known beaches. Outrigger boats to Boracay depart from Caticlan Port, just a short flight from Manila.
Mactan Island (Paradise Philippines) - in Cebu, the Cebu airport is actually on Mactan Island
Pagudpud (Paradise Philippines) - in Ilocos Norte, several hours north of Metro Manila
Panglao (Paradise Philippines) - small island off the island of Bohol, a short ride from the capital of Tagbilaran, which in turn is a short fast ferry ride from Cebu City. From Panglao, you can easily schedule an excursion to the Chocolate Hills for which Bohol is most known.
Puerto Galera (Paradise Philippines) - on the island of Mindoro. Ferries to Puerto Galera depart from Batangas Port, a couple of hours drive south of Metro Manila
Samal Island (Paradise Philippines) - off the coast of Davao
Camiguin Island (Paradise Philippines) - an island-province north of Mindanao. Also known as the Lanzones Capital of the Philippines, it can be reached directly by plane or ferry.
Negros Island (Paradise Philippines) - Negros Occidental (north-western half of the island, in the Western Visayas region) offers fine white sand beaches, and nearby Danjugan Island Marine Reserve. Danjugan Island is bursting with thousands of species of marine life and home to the endangered White Breasted Eagle. Negros Oriental (south-eastern half of the island, in the Central Visayas region) is home to Dumaguete and numerous beach resorts in Dauin that can take you to Apo Island, one of the most magnificent diving spots in the Paradise Philippines.
Boracay (Paradise Philippines) - Boracay Island off the island of Panay has the White Beach. It is also one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It has fine, powdery white sand stretching on for several kilometers and is an excellent spot for sun-worshippers. Boracay also has several other lesser-known beaches. Outrigger boats to Boracay depart from Caticlan Port, just a short flight from Manila.
Mactan Island (Paradise Philippines) - in Cebu, the Cebu airport is actually on Mactan Island
Pagudpud (Paradise Philippines) - in Ilocos Norte, several hours north of Metro Manila
Panglao (Paradise Philippines) - small island off the island of Bohol, a short ride from the capital of Tagbilaran, which in turn is a short fast ferry ride from Cebu City. From Panglao, you can easily schedule an excursion to the Chocolate Hills for which Bohol is most known.
Puerto Galera (Paradise Philippines) - on the island of Mindoro. Ferries to Puerto Galera depart from Batangas Port, a couple of hours drive south of Metro Manila
Samal Island (Paradise Philippines) - off the coast of Davao
Camiguin Island (Paradise Philippines) - an island-province north of Mindanao. Also known as the Lanzones Capital of the Philippines, it can be reached directly by plane or ferry.
Negros Island (Paradise Philippines) - Negros Occidental (north-western half of the island, in the Western Visayas region) offers fine white sand beaches, and nearby Danjugan Island Marine Reserve. Danjugan Island is bursting with thousands of species of marine life and home to the endangered White Breasted Eagle. Negros Oriental (south-eastern half of the island, in the Central Visayas region) is home to Dumaguete and numerous beach resorts in Dauin that can take you to Apo Island, one of the most magnificent diving spots in the Paradise Philippines.
Labels:
Paradise Philippines
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This Web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every Web site that collects personally identifiable information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this Web site.
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We use outside ad companies to display ads on this site. These ads may contain cookies and/or web beacons to collect data in the ad serving process and are collected by our ad companies, and we do not have access to this information. We work with the ad companies: Google Adsense. Google, as a third party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on this site. Google's use of the DART cookie enables it to serve ads to our users based on their visit to this site and other sites on the Internet. Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy. Please check their websites for respective privacy policies.
Contact Information
If users have any questions or suggestions regarding our privacy policy, please contact us at: paradisephilippines07[at]gmail[dot]com
Log Files
Like most standard Web site servers we use log files. This includes internet protocol (IP) addresses, browser type, internet service provider (ISP), referring/exit pages, platform type, date/time stamp, and number of clicks to analyze trends, administer the site, track user’s movement in the aggregate, and gather broad demographic information for aggregate use. IP addresses, etc. are not linked to personally identifiable information.
Cookies
A cookie is a piece of data stored on the user’s computer tied to information about the user. Our site don’t use cookies. However, Some of our business partners use cookies on our site (for example, advertisers). However, we have no access to or control over these cookies, once we have given permission for them to set cookies for advertising. If you wish to disable cookies, you may do so through your individual browser options.
Links
This Web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every Web site that collects personally identifiable information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this Web site.
Advertisers
We use outside ad companies to display ads on this site. These ads may contain cookies and/or web beacons to collect data in the ad serving process and are collected by our ad companies, and we do not have access to this information. We work with the ad companies: Google Adsense. Google, as a third party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on this site. Google's use of the DART cookie enables it to serve ads to our users based on their visit to this site and other sites on the Internet. Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy. Please check their websites for respective privacy policies.
Contact Information
If users have any questions or suggestions regarding our privacy policy, please contact us at: paradisephilippines07[at]gmail[dot]com
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