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Visit Most Isolated Philippine Province, Experience ‘Batanes Cultural Adventure’ From Pacific Asia Leisure
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Visit Most Isolated Philippine Province, Experience ‘Batanes Cultural Adventure’ From Pacific Asia Leisure
MANILA, PHILIPPINES (March 18, 2008) – Embark on a six-day journey exploring the rich culture and mountainous landscapes of the remote, northernmost Philippine province of Batanes with a Batanes Cultural Adventure from Pacific Asia Leisure. This air-inclusive package starts at $1,775 per person, based on double occupancy, plus taxes (with a minimum group of four).
Batanes, the smallest Filipino province in terms of land and population, offers travelers a chance to encounter a culture and history that has withstood the test of time. The peaceful Ivatans inhabit three of the 10 islands that make up the province – Batan, Sabtang and Itbayat. Since these islands are relatively isolated from the rest of the Philippines by rough ocean waters, the Ivatans have preserved their traditional culture with little outside influence, which is seen in the vernacular architecture (construction methods using local resources) of the houses and structures in Savidug, as well as the traditional Ivatan village of Chavayan, with houses made of limestone walls, reeds and cogon roofs. Savidug Ijang, a fortress built during the Stone Age, is another highlight of the experience.
Native Ivatan sporting a vakul; a traditional headdress worn by women
to protect them from the weather while working in the fields.
** For a high-resolution photo please click www.kahn-travel.com/downloads/batanes.zip
(if the link does not work please copy and past the URL into your browser) **
Spanish colonization greatly influenced the architecture of the Ivatans who are devout Catholics. Examples include a Spanish church built in 1785 located in the town of Ivana; six century-old bridges; and the Church of our Lady of Miraculous Medal, a pilgrim church in Batanes.
In addition to the vibrant culture, and architecture, Batanes offers travelers an adventurous landscape featuring breathtaking panoramic views such as the Radar Tukon, an abandoned weather station located on top of the Hill of Tukon offering an aw-inspiring view of Batan Island, the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea; Vayang Hills, with sunsets featuring colors seen only in one’s imagination; and Payaman, also known as “Marlboro Country,” a communal pasture overlooking rolling green fields, majestic mist-shrouded mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
“Simply put, Batanes is one of our country’s most unique cultural gems, with an enchanting landscape reminiscent of that of Ireland,” said Emma Ruth Yulo, Director of the Philippine Department of Tourism in New York
“While most U.S. visitors are attracted to the white talcum beaches, turquoise waters and wondrous treasures of islands such as Boracay, Cebu and Bohol, Batanes offers an adventurous, culturally jam-packed alternative for travelers interested in exploring a culture with roots dating back to the stone age,” added Yulo.
Batanes Cultural Adventure includes roundtrip international airfare from New York to Manila; roundtrip inter-island airfare from Manila to Batanes; two-nights accommodation at either Heritage Hotel or Dusit Hotel in Manila; three-nights accommodation at Batanes Seaside Resort; airport/hotel transfers in Manila and Batans; tours as specified in the itinerary; hotel taxes and fees.
The Batanes Cultural Adventure starts at $1,775 per person, based on double occupancy, plus taxes (with a minimum group of four). Saturday and Wednesday departures from New York are avalible now through May 14. Black-out dates and restrictions apply.
For more information or to book the Batanes Cultural Adventure, visit www.pacificasialeisure.com or call (212) 661-3270.
For more information on the Philippines, visit www.experiencephilippines.ph.
Philippine Department of Tourism
The Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) is one of the Executive Departments of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines responsible for the promotion of travel to the Philippines, tourism investments, and enhancement and preservation of tourism products in the country. Field offices in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco provide the following services free of charge on a selective basis: dissemination of tourism information, maps, brochures and posters; lending out of videos, CDs and other tourism-related materials; recommendations on places to visit; endorsement of relevant entities; and assistance to those traveling to the Philippines. These offices also engage in a number of promotional activities: presentations to travel organizations, travel trade shows, media inserts and joint marketing arrangements.
The Philippine Department of Tourism is headquartered in Manila, Philippines, with offices in New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.experiencephilippines.ph or www.wowphilippines.com.ph.
Kahn Travel Communications (KTC) is the appointed publicist for the Philippine Department of Tourism, covering North America. Media may contact KTC at (516) 594-4100, or via e-mail at j.kahn@ktcpr.com.
Media Contact:
Josh Kahn/Emily Wilensky
Kahn Travel Communications
Tel: 516-594-4100
j.kahn@ktcpr.com
e.wilensky@ktcpr.com
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