Heartbreak comes in many forms: a failed romance; family problems; unhappiness over a career; or the loneliness that comes with isolation and separation from the things and people you love.

Heartbreak happens even to the best of us.  It's part of being human - natural and common. Thankfully, there’s always a way to make the best out of a bad situation.

Maybe it's time for a little soul searching. In Batanes.

Batanes is one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines. Situated at the northernmost part of the country, the province blends natural beauty with peaceful, secluded surroundings; and some of the friendliest people you will meet. Perfect for healing a broken heart. 

Photo from Travel Trilogy, youtube.com

 

Meditation and reflection require peace, silence, and seclusion from the troubles of life. Batanes provides all of that and more. Tranquil and serene, Batanes can kickstart your musings and epiphanies. A solitary walk on the sand-clad beaches, or a bike ride across the picturesque hills, are sure to soothe and calm a confused heart and mind.

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Batanes offers a fresh breath of air. And fresh it is indeed! Surrounded by the beauty of rolling hills, greenery, and the wide ocean, the island is a refuge from the pollution and stresses of city life. Batanes is a different world. It’s not just a change of scenery, but a change of perspective for the better.

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If the scenery doesn’t steal your heart away, then the locals will. The Ivatans are the gentle people of the Batanes islands, and their courtesy, kindness, and friendship will make you wish more city folk were like them.  #faithinhumanityrestored!

 

Source: senyorita.net

Batanes will teach you how to love again. Yes, reality will come back to you once you leave the island, and some of the pain will remain.  But you now have more clarity, more strength to face life and move on. The luscious green hills, the warm tones of the sunsets by the beaches, and the dazzling blue of the ocean, these are sure to bring back color to your world.

Why not check Batanes out for yourself? Visit http://skypasada.com for travel tips about the island. 

Want to escape the clutches of mundane, routinary living or simply bored with the usual fast food take out?

Whatever the reason, we suggest you get yourself to Batanes ASAP! While you’re at it, try out their best local dishes, too! Here are just a few we really think you should try.

 

Uved/ Tabtab

A local comfort food made from grated banana corn mixed with minced fish or ground meat. It is usually rolled in balls (almost like meatballs) but can be served raw or cooked with or without its broth.

 

Supas/ Arroz Balenciana (turmeric rice)

You’ll never miss this staple during festivals or big family gatherings! This delicious yellow treat is rice porridge or congee cooked with turmeric (yellow ginger) pulp or powder mixed with various meats, poultry, and vegetables.

 

Lunyis/ Luňis

Another version of the all-time Filipino favourite, Adobo. Lunyis is pork seasoned and cooked with rock salt until it turns golden brown. The difference is that Lunyis is stored in its own lard for up to months on end to bring out more flavor!

 

Dibang

The local flying fish will literally leap from the water and onto your favorite menu when you try it the Ivatan way. It can be cooked kinilaw style, or what the locals call lataven, where the fish is drenched in vinegar and calamansi juice then grilled to a delicious burn and served with mixed vegetables on the side.

Another way is called maytahes where the fish is cleaned, gutted, sliced open, seasoned, then laid out in the sun to dry.

 

Varied Root crops (Bonus round!)

Technically four more food to try, Batanes also offers uniquely-cooked root crops such as Wakay (sweet potato), Sudi (taro), and Dukay and Uvi (different types of yam) that are steamed, fried, or smoked.

 

But recently, Ivatans and other local food establishments have utilized “modernized” ways of presenting these local favourites like as doughnuts or swimming in sweet condensed milk!

 Drooling yet? Stop waiting and give yourself that much needed break. Book your direct flight to Batanes now via SkyPasada and set out on the food trip you’ve been craving for!

The natural wonders of Palanan, Isabela are off-the-beaten-track--but once you set foot on these hidden pockets of paradise, it will be worth all the effort going on boat rides and all the jet lag for those coming from overseas.

Get ready for some awesome nature-tripping and adventure when you head out to these places:

 

Dicotcotan Beach

Dolphins and humpback whales are just some of the usual sightings here in Dicotcotan Beach. The three-kilometer long white beach boasts of spectacular rock formations, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. If you plan on staying, locals are truly accommodating, plus affordable and freshly-caught seafood are available.

 

Palanan Wilderness Area

If you want to spend time sight seeing, trekking, snorkeling or scuba diving, you can do all these at Palanan Wilderness Area or the Northern Sierra Madre National Park. This place offers a rare glimpse of various wildlife, the natural wonders of Palanan and contains the most extensive area of preserved rainforest in the Philippines.

 

Kanaipang Beach

For certified backpackers and beach lovers, Kanaipang’s beach wonders are worth ticking off your list of adventures.. Travelers say that it is the toughest competitor of  Boracay. Not just for its crystal clear waves that touch the white sanded shoreline, but also as an ideal place for surfing.

 

Blue Lagoon

If Surigao del Sur has its enchanted river, Palanan’s mystery lies beneath the crystal clear waters of Blue Lagoon. Several divers tried but failed to measure the lagoon’s depth but its mysterious  nature continuously allures tourists. Sea creatures are often seen in the area, and the forest trees surrounding it adds more mystical features to its beauty.

 

An amount of patience is essential in reaching the wonders of Palanan--but your patience surely pays off once you arrive. For more travel bucket list  references, visit Skypasada and plan your next Philippine escapade!

Our smartphones are changing the nature of travel photography. Unlike before, you don’t need to bring fancy cameras and lenses when capturing good photos. Nowadays, you just need to grab your smartphone camera and you’re good to go. Photos can also be edited in smartphones through specialized mobile applications. In just a few minutes, you can make any dull photo look like it’s shot by a pro.

In this age of spontaneous mobile advancements, it seems like anyone can now be a superb photographer. But having a mobile camera isn’t enough to post that insta-worthy shot. You need to develop some skills to actually use the mobile tools smartly. Here’s a simple guide to develop these skills:

 

Establish your ‘photographic eye’

Whether it be a DSLR or a smartphone, the secret to having perfect travel photos is measured through your eyes and creativity.

When traveling, look around and pay attention to details as you’re exploring. Batanes, for instance, has a lot of vibrant colors, breathtaking sceneries, and curious silhouettes that you can capture. You can try visiting there to develop your photographic eye.

 

Capture a sense of place

If you want a great travel photo, stop the selfie madness! Use your smartphone camera to catch Mother Nature’s natural beauty!

Travel photos become more precious when it pictures a certain culture. Spend your time capturing local landmarks and interesting architecture. They will make a good subject for your photos.

Not to mention, most of smartphone users globally use their phone to share pictures and videos online. So there are higher chances your travel photos can be the ultimate to-go-places.

 

Include people in your photos

Before doing this, ask permission if you could take a picture of them first. As traveler, it’s best to capture people in their own environment with interesting elements in the background, as if it’s telling a story.

Capturing candid moments of local life is one way of taking photos with substance. Plus, landscapes are better with people in them, right?

 

Look for pattern

Most of the time, we are addicted to patterns--shapes in the clouds, symmetry in buildings, different colors of skies--as it pleases our eyes. Before taking a photo, notice these patterns around you, then capture it!

 

The art of subtle editing

If you want a great travel photo, you should learn to edit like a pro. There are a lot of famous free editing mobile applications like VSCO,Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, Snapseed, and Picsart that offers basic editing: adjusting contrast, exposure, shadow and saturation--all of which adds up to a good travel photo.

Sometimes #nofilter is not enough. Go beyond the filters, start experimenting with your photography skills, and fall in love with the different local tourist destinations. Learn the rules and you’ll start traveling more to capture photos beyond your expectations.

 

If ever you want to explore of Batanes, you can check out Sky Pasada for affordable seats to see breathtaking views that are definitely off for bucket list. 

Unlike other beautiful places across the country, northbound or southbound, Batanes is an eighth wonder paradise overlooked due to its storms and harsh waves. Nevertheless, it’s the risks themselves that attract tourists to visit and repeat the Batanes fantasy.

The breathtaking, calm beauty of the blue seas and green pastures make up for its challenging travel. So here are some tips for you to make the most out of your stay:

 

1.     Book your flight at least two months ahead. Time is gold. Time is money. The length of time spent on your vacation is crucial to your stress-free enjoyment. Schedule your flight when there’s a cheap slot available. Airfare promos usually endorse flights up to a year ahead of your chosen travel date. Budget travelers spend as much as P1,200.00 for a roundtrip five days max.

 

2.    Every destination needs an itinerary. First-time travelers often have trouble compiling ideas and activities to include in their list of itineraries. If you’re going on lone ranger mode, the best you can do is go nature sightseeing. Batanes is composed of ten small islands; the entire landscape is filled with scattered hills resting on waters. For starters, the three biggest islands is the most accessible to visitors, including Basco in Batan Island, the provincial capital.

 

3.     But at the same time, be spontaneous. Plans don’t always go the way they’re supposed to. When life gives you lemons, you can always go on a food therapy with Batanes’ native dishes. While it’s no foodie haven, given that produce is quite scarce due to the province’s hoarse environment, their staple seafood (lobsters for cheap!) is worth every penny. If you’re going to be a worrier, at least be a creative one and do something about it.

 

4.     Look for opportunities to make meaningful contact with the locals. You can be whoever you want once you’re out of your comfort zone so you might as well be an extrovert while at it. Don’t hesitate to ask questions; once you get to know them, they’re worth more than just photo subjects on your Instagram feed. Travel teaches you diversity, which helps you distinguish cultures.

 

It’s a well-known fact that flying to and staying in the water-locked nowhere land called Batanes can be costly. That is, unless, you follow the mentioned suggestions. Batanes is a bucketlist gem because it bears no sign of the times. If anything, it’s a little piece of heaven. Follow https://www.skypasada.com/ for more Batanes travel ideas and tips.

Years ago, traveling seems expensive but that is no longer the case now. With the help of backpackers’ itinerary posts online, you can use what they share as guides to explore new destinations even on a tight budget.

With all the new places to discover and experience, travelling as a backpacker is definitely something to be excited about. Before you go on your journey, here are some tips you need to know:

 

Survive or die

Let’s be honest, backpacking can be quite intimidating but with a lot of research and your will to travel, it will be worth it. But then if you’re traveling for the first time and you’re shy, do think twice.

Now is the time for you to step out of your comfort zone. Asking locals for directions during your trip won’t bite you, it can even be a new experience for you if you’re usually shy. Learn to trust yourself and let go of your fears and just enjoy the flow of travel.

 

Do not pack what you don’t need

It’s backpacking, consider having a good and trusted backpack will help you all throughout your trip. It will stick with you the entire time and it will be the storage for your belongings. But then it’s not just about the backpack, but the things inside your bag.

If you want to go backpacking, do not pack what you don’t need like jewelries, laptops or perfumes behind you, it’ll just make your backpack heavy, which you won’t even like while you’re on trip.

Just pack enough clothes, toiletries, medication and snacks. Just chill, don’t overreact.

 

Spontaneous is okay, but not always

You may think that backpackers do not plan because, well, it’s adventure but you’re wrong. You still have to plan ahead, or have your trip ruined, you choose. Consider planning the sites you intend to visit, like creating your itinerary ahead of time.

Remember, it’s still important to be organized, so you won’t be lost. Backpackers seem good at budgeting but even backpacking is low-cost budget, your wallet must be ready in case you spend more than what you expected. Be flexible and monitor your spending.

 

Remember, you’re not a hero

As a newbie, it’s not intelligent to send yourself to an 8-hour hike, your body might not be ready for it. Start slow and choose your route wisely. You’re not a hero, you’re allowed to stop when necessary.

It’s important to assess your fitness level and the time you have, as it will determine what kind of route you should take. However, make sure to consider taking the easy beginner route, so you would look forward to doing it again.

 

You can go solo, but it’s better going more

It’ okay to be excited as a first timer, and you want to go solo. But then it’s still better if you can bring friends who have experienced backpacking before. Chances are you’ll have more fun and at the same time, you’d be guided.

Don’t be afraid to admit that you don’t know much yet, but you’ll get there.

 

It’s not a party, it’s backpacking

When backpacking, it’s necessary that you’re well prepared and of course, well clothed. You’re up for adventure, you should know the essentials so could survive like tent, compact stove, water, and kitchen supplies.

You won’t see any fast food chain or restaurants up there, so better be prepared, or you’ll starve. Wear the proper attire, you’re not going to a party. Choose clothing made of quick-drying, and moisture-wicking fabrics. It’s better ready than regret it afterwards.

 

If you wish to book your first backpacking experience, you may visit http://skypasada.com.

Either you’re dating, engaged, or married, there’s always a reason to add a little fun and adventure to your relationship. Instead of going on a typical fine dining restaurant, why not treat your special someone on a weekend getaway?

Here, take your pick from these picturesque Philippine destinations perfect for your #RelationshipGoals:

 

Batanes

Batanes seems too far for everyone, because it’s located at the most northernmost province of the Philippines. But then it’s the perfect place to bring your partner for date or simply being with nature and enjoy a different world.

If you don’t want to get exhausted and sunburnt, consider visiting this place. It’s also best for the ultimate #RelationshipGoals because of its well preserved attractions, breathtaking landscapes and warm, honest locals.

Fortunately, Batanes has made a lot of people fell in love and it’s no wonder if you and your partner would have the most romantic spending quality time together.

 

Pangasinan

Known for their famous bangus, white-sand beaches, and the Hundred Islands, it became one of Philippines best-made, but Pangasinan is way more than these. Even better, couples who wish to go out of town, the coastal province is travel friendly since the food and accommodation prices are well within the average budget.

It’s perfect for couples who are up for fun and adventure since they’d be spending most of their time exploring rides like ATV, enchanted caves and eating delicious delicacies of the place. Their cheap fruits and seafood are the bomb.

So aside from being travellers, you and your partner could be the ultimate food buddies!

 

Maconacon, Isabela

Isabela province is the second largest province of the Philippines, and most of us didn’t know that there’s a lot of undiscovered paradises in the place, which is perfect for #RelationshipGoals because discovering new places is much more romantic than going to your “usual” eating place.

The province will exceed beyond your expectations because of its people, city, wild nature and the unspoilt landscape. In other words, it will surprise you and you won’t expect it. Being in love, it’s not enough that you’re just two in the relationship.

 
 

Tuguegarao

If you’re kind of couple who loves history with a touch of adventure, Tuguegarao is the place to be. There are few spots that will definitely surprise you like their, historical churches, longest bridge in the country, and their delicacies.

It’s like going back to history you never been into and experience a travel back time. Moreover, it’s perfect for your Facebook wall and Instagram feed. They also have great accommodations in the place which makes a good stay for you and your partner, that’s far from the city and stress.

 

It will be fun if you’re open to visit new places and meet exciting new people along the way, that will help you spice up your relationship. That’s the real goals.

If you wish to visit any of these breathtaking paradises, you may visit http://skypasada.com for bookings and flight promos. 

If you’re on an adventure to taste the best local food in the Philippines then you wouldn’t regret a single moment of stay in Tugegarao.

Tugegarao City is the provincial capital of Cagayan in the northern part of the Philippines. While it has that ‘laxed “provincial” feel, the city basks itself in modern architecture, natural attractions, and man-made beauties.

But if there’s one more thing we bet you won’t forget about the province, it’s the food. So, without further ado, here’s a list of must-visit food places in Tugegarao that would make you wish you live there.

1. Kainang Pilipino

FB Page – Kainang Pilipino, Tuguegarao

Address - Maharlika Highway, Pengue, Tuguegarao City

If you’ve recently just arrived in the city with your family and looking for some recommended places to stuff your starving tummy, Kainang Pinoy is a buffet restaurant that serves a variety of delicacies. From other local dishes to your choice of kakainin, to DIY halo-halo station, your family will surely enjoy your time here gobbling all the food you want.

Cozy and big, with decorations of Cagayan sites hanging on the wall, your Kainang Pinoy experience is best enjoyed with Crispy Pata, sizzling Kangkong, Dinengdeng, Halabas na Hipon, and Dinakdakan.

 

2. Jeff’s Panciteria

FB Page: Jeff’s Panciteria

Address: #70 Caggay Highway, Tuguegarao City 3500

Who wouldn’t want a mouthful of this restaurant’s Pansit Batil Patung when it won several times in Tuguegarao’s local cooking competitions?

Jeff’s Restaurant is a famous restaurant in the city and is easily accessible through a single tricycle ride. Its famous dish, Pansit Batil Patung, is a special wheat-based noodle, topped with beans, chicharon, egg, and mixed with calamansi from Isabella, vinegar, soy sauce, and chili. In short, it is the noddle dish with the all-time favorite Filipino ingredients.

The restaurant might look like a simple carinderia on the outside, but the interior will let you feast on accolades and recognitions hung proudly on its walls. Now, that’s what I call stand proud and humble!

 

3. Luna Food Park

FB Page - Luna StrEat Food Park

Address - 19^th A. Luna Street, corner Burgos Street

Luna StrEat Food Park is the best place for travel groups and families to gobble down food. From pares to churros, form bacon to milk teas, this foodie hub is a good place to chill at night after Tuguegarao’s hot daytime climate.

Try setting this place for your barkada’s get together and a food trip galore. Your eyes and stomach will definitely not regret it!

 

4. Lokal – Kanan + Pasalubong

FB Page - Lokal - Kanan + Pasalubong

Address - 01 Airport Rd. Pengue Ruyu, Tuguegarao City

Ybanags (Ilocanos) know this place as one of the best servers of authentic and delicious native cuisines – plus, locally made pasalubongs! Your techie kids (if you have some) would also love this place because it has a built-in charging station (up to 8 devices)—charge-free!

Their sinanta (flat noodles with clam soup) and pinakfu (sugar-coated, fried rice flour cake for dessert) will make you reminisce childhood memories, back when your grandmother used to offer merienda in a hot, summer afternoon.

With affordable price for all budget-tight travelers and interesting furniture too, this place would surely stay in your heart – and stomach – for a long time.

 

5. The Fatkidinside

FB Page – FATkidinside

Address - #5 Maharlika Highway, Pengue-Ruyu, Tuguegarao City

Let’s move on from local cuisines and put our focus on every millennial Ybanag’s favorite fast-food place in Tuguegarao: Fatkidinside (FKI). FKI has branches in other parts of the country, especially in Metro Manila.

But that’s not what’s awesome about FKI, what’s nice about this place is that it’s not like those greasy, unhealthy fast-food you’ll get in urban cities. Their burgers are soft and chewy, makes you think that they’re handmade from scratch. They have buffalo wings too!

Tuguegarao City may be scorching hot but so is the quality of their food. It’s a place in the northern Philippines that you must visit not because it’s trendy, but because it’s worth it.

If you want to take a peek at Tuguegarao’s wonders, try booking online at Sky Pasada at https://skypasada.com/. Booking a flight at Sky Pasada is easy and quick. It’s also affordable unlike other airline companies.

Your dream trip to Batanes is finally about to come true. You filed your vacation leave, booked your plane tickets, reserved a hotel room, and packed your things. All that is left to do is prepare your itinerary. Where should you go first? What should you see first?

Well, don’t worry! Here are 7 Instagram-worthy sights you shouldn’t miss:

1. Marlboro Country/Racuh a Payaman

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Bring out your inner Julie Andrews and sing the hills are alive… in the majestic rolling hills known as Marlboro Country or, as known to locals, Racuh a Payaman. You can also take selfies, jump shots, or just marvel at the beauty of nature, listen to the singing winds, and gaze at the livestock grazing at the lush hills.

 

2. Basco Lighthouse

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This lighthouse was erected in Naidi Hills in 2003. Naidi Hills was once an American telegraph facility and was destroyed by the Japanese in their occupation in the 1940s.

You can see the Mt. Iraya, Basco, and West Philippine Sea from the lighthouse. It also where some scenes of the Nora Aunor movie Dementia were shot.

 

3. Mahatao Viewdeck

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Cosy and peaceful—that’s how you can describe this view deck. You can see the lush hills and the sea, and contemplate life from here. You can also have lunch and immerse yourself in the Ivatan culture and cuisine.

 

4. Valugan Boulder Beach

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You wouldn’t see even a single grain of sand in this beach. You couldn’t even swim in it (if you love your life). Valugan Beach is the ultimate product of nature—when the once-active Mt. Iraya erupted, it spewed out boulders and stones, and then the Pacific Ocean directed these to what we now know as Valugan Beach.

Even though it’s not swimmable, this beach is popular because of its breath-taking view.

 

5. Vayang Rolling Hills

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This is the perfect combination of the land and sea. You can see the greenery and the vast ocean and just be amazed on how wonderful God’s creations can be.

 

6. Fundacion Pacita

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Fundacion Pacita is once the home and studio of the FilAm artist Pacita Abad. Now a hotel and museum, part of its earnings go to their foundation that supports young Ivatan artists. Its fees may be pricey, but expect it to be fully booked all year round.

 

7. Chanarian Beach

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You can visit this beach at sunset for the perfect sunset photo. After taking some photos, you can swim for a bit. You will never regret this.

 

These sights are only a few of the beautiful sceneries of Batanes. Explore, take beautiful #nofilter photos, and fall in love with Batanes.

If ever you want to go back (or you dream of going) to Batanes, you can check out Sky Pasada for affordable seats to one of the most beautiful destinations in the Philippines.

Air travel can quickly turn into a nightmarish experience if you’re not prepared for the stress that comes with being in an airplane.

But there are certain things that can help you get that comfortable experience – and a jetlag-free feel after you’ve reached your destination.

Here are some essentials you should bring in a flight to get that perfect air travel experience:

Earphones or noise-cancelling headphones

If you’re easily annoyed with engine and cabin noise, these are essential for you to have a peaceful time. You can also use your earphones to listen to your favorite bands non-stop and keep you relaxed or soundly asleep!

 

Scarf

When you go up in the air, the temperature inside the cabin can drop, which is why you should always bring with you a scarf. It can be used as a pillow, as a blanket, or simply just a fashion statement. It can be used in a variety of ways.

 

Small pillow or a travel pillow

Airplane seats might be just an ordinary seat when boarding, but after a while, it can become a seat from hell – really uncomfortable! That’s why it’s really advisable to bring your own pillow to help you rest and sleep nicely.

 

Emergency kit

Nothing ruins a great air flight than a paralyzing headache, or worse, an explosive diarrhea. So it’s extremely important to bring an emergency kit with you. This kit includes items like medicine, toothpaste and toothbrush, wet wipes, tissues, band aids, pain relievers, allergy medicine, sun block, and more. Just don’t forget to bring the required amount of liquid and gels.  

 

Slippers or socks

You might not think of it but bringing some warm slippers and socks with you can make a difference in your overall comfort. As mentioned above, the cold temperature in the cabin can leave your feet cold so a sock and fluffy slippers can help. Moreover, slippers can also help you avoid the dirty floor of bathroom and aisle floors of the airplane.

 

Beauty kit

The waiting and the whizzing sound of the engine can eventually make you look haggard. Stay fresh despite the cold, recycled air in the cabin with your favorite lotion, moisturizer, eye gels, and essential oils. Not only will this kit make you feel comfortable, it can also make you get insta-worthy travel shots!

 

Eye mask

If you’re the type of person who can’t sleep with lights on, you’ll have a problem because it’s impossible to have a total blackout in the airplane. For this reason, an eye mask would definitely help you buzz off.

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Of course, everyone’s needs differ when it comes to comfort but these essentials will more or less help you alleviate stress in a flight. Getting a hassle-free and worry-free flight is one big key to an overall happy vacation.

WCC Aviation’s Sky Pasada offers an online booking that’s reliable, quick, and safe. Be informed about their latest offers here at https://skypasada.com/