Sabtang-Batanes Guide, “The Man and His Trike No 32”

The weather was so inviting! It was our second day in a paradise.

Sitting in a faluwa M/V Sto Tomas, I was so amazed on the calmness that the sea has showed us. I was not wishing for a harsh experience, however at the back of my inquisitive mind was the question “Where are the strong and enormous waves I have read in many blogs?”

Knowing me guys, surely you know what’s next - I felt like the mother sea answered me, “It isn’t for you to experience dear. Here, breath some fresh air, enjoy the adoring embrace of the wind, and be calm as I cradle you towards more and wonderful surprises!”

Mother nature has her ways in giving gifts and surprises. For us it was through-

The Man in Trike No 32, “Accommodating, calm, gentle, easygoing, trustworthy, unstoppable..... man.”

He was in his bright blue long sleeve crew neck shirt matched up with a checkered short pants and a black baseball cap with a welcoming smile uniquely of the Ivatan men when we first met him at the Sabtang Port.

There were hi and hello, I am blah blah ...and soon a request from the excited us, "Can you please..." (eyebrows up and grinning) with both camera phones handed to him. We then stopped in front of the Tourism Center where he informed us that we could stay there but I told him that we wanted to stay in the village.

His driving skill allowed us to glimpse the trailer of what we are about to experience in Sabtang. The view was so stunning everywhere we look. It was so fresh that we could not control our excitement. We were so chatty - can we go swim in there?, I want to hike in that hill!, meeee meeeee (copying the goat) and not very soon, I am hungry!

We stopped at Savidug Village where upon checking the first homestay, my friend and I agreed that it is already good for us. This was the Cervillon Homestay which was big enough for the two of us. And The Man in Trike No 32 upon hearing that we intended to cook our own food but no kitchen utensils available yet in the homestay offered us their rice cooker and even brings plates, glasses and all. Imagine, that was remarkable, isn’t it?

Aside from the regular tour around Sabtang, The Man in Trike No 32 was very creative in dealing with his guests. Words are very limiting but I will do my very best to describe him here. During our stay -

1. He arranges an afternoon of fishing for us. My first to fish and I got 2.

2. He cooks our food. Thank you very much!

3. He takes us to their farm and meets his handsome goats and let me feed Bimby the baby goat. Awesome!

4. He drives us to our favourite spots in Sabtang. Not just once.

5. He brings us to the perfect spot to witness sunrise. Beautiful!

6. He hikes with us. Really, really fun plus the fact that meeting people along the way with their stories adds to the wonderful experience.

7. He is our photographer. Can you please...?

8. He takes good care of us. Camote and fish.

9. He drives safely. Those roads!

10. He is trustworthy.

Who is The Man in Trike No 32?

He is Jimmy Hornedo, a native Ivatan and living in Savidug, Sabtang, Batanes. Enjoying and learning other cultures can best gain by immersing yourself into it and here in Sabtang, Mr Jimmy Hornedo can help you with this. His contact number is 0918 211 6156. Call him.

Now, introducing Trike No 32 another best friend while in Sabtang.

Arriving at the Sabtang Port and noticing the trike, we rushed to sit down then asked Jimmy to take some pictures for us with his trike. After that we headed to the Tourism Center and pay 200 pesos each for the environmental fee.

This Sabtang version of the trike is so unique allowing passengers to enjoy the scenery and the fresh air along the way. But I was a bit disappointed because unlike our neighbouring countries like Thailand and Cambodia where they have tuk-tuk and Vietnam with their cyclo, Sabtang trike version has no unique name yet. It deserves a name of its own because of its distinctive characteristics that I noticed derive from the culture of the Ivatan people. However, I too could not think of a right name. Somebody, help!

Until next travel memories _へ__(‾◡◝ )>

Visit Sabtang and experience the wonderful surprises of nature.

Here are few images during our bonding moments with our guide. Enjoy!