I always dreamt of going to Batanes most specially whenever I read the beauty of this place on a blog. Yeah, it's just a dream for me. Mainly because the airfare is too expensive! But as I research more about this dream travel I learned that it can be done, I really can go here someday. I just need timing.
And truly, on the right time my prayers are answered...a SEAIR promo has arrived! Thanks to FB that SEAIR was able to post their promos immediately to everyone who likes their page. And me being one of those likers was lucky enough to grab that once-in-a-blue-moon promo. I browsed immediately for the dates of travel and how much it will cost me. To my shock it's still expensive for Php6,972.20 RT all-in per person! That started my having second thoughts. :(
I'll be traveling with Melvin, so that will be Php13,854.40 for both of us! Kinda expensive but I still proceeded with booking the trip. At the back of my mind I am saying "Aileen, you still have Cebu-Bohol and Coron trips on February and April. Aren't you saving for the house and the bike?" I battled with my conscience and said "If I don't do this now who knows when I still can?" And me won! Hehehe!
As usual, Melvin, doesn't know anything about it. Not until it's finally booked, no more second thoughts eh?! But to my surprise, he was more excited than me! Well, I know he's dreaming of a Batanes trip more than I do just because he's older than me hahaha!
Now after booking the airfare, our problem is the accommodation, itinerary, food, and whereabouts. Good thing that my officemate, Grace had been to Batanes a few years back and told us what to expect and where to go. I started asking GT once again about the things we need to know. After a long conversion with Grace, pangungulit on my GT sisses and emailing pension contact persons, we finally came up with a good deal. The secret to this is "haggle"! From the original price of Php7,500 per person for the January 14-16, 2011 Batan island tour, food and accommodation, I was able to haggle it down to Php6,650 per person and they will include Sabtang island tour already! Just an FYI, from other pension houses where I've inquired the Php7,500 per person is the original/common rate for the Batan island tour only. Emailing with Ms.Noemi of DDD Habitat was so easy! Her messages are direct to the point and clear. She even sent me pictures of their rooms where I can choose from. Without having second thoughts I closed the deal and deposited Php2,000.00 as an initial payment and reservation fee in one.
I am getting more excited that ever since our Batanes trip is just a few days away. We haven't packed our backpacks yet. Well, I know it's too early to do that. But aren't we too excited anyway?! I just hope everything will happen as planned and may God guide us all throughout.
