Basco Batanes - Fundacion Pacita Batanes Nature Lodge

Character . Fundacion Pacita used to be the home studio of the late Ivatan artist Pacita Abad, hence the name. Pacita’s brother, Budget and Management secretary Butch Abad, continued Pacita’s love affair with the arts and Ivatan culture, renovating the studio to incorporate stone architecture as inspired by Batanes’ stone houses with decorative pieces collected from Pacita’s many travels to Europe and Africa.

Setting . A peaceful place, away from it all, with fine accommodation, furnishings and fixtures, a 360 degree view of mountains and seas including the Pacific and the South China Seas. Location . Hovering above Basco Town, right on top of a hill in Brgy. Tukon, about 10-15-minute ride from Batanes airport. 

Rooms . Tastefully decorated, mixing modern and traditional pieces. Lots of private memorabilia around including sculptures, paintings, books. All rooms, including its detached cottage, have a verandah. Amenities include air-con, hot and cold running water, a mini bar, queen size bed and WiFi access.

Food. Local vegetables, fish and meat dishes are staples and the chef can always accommodate requests for

favorite dishes, provided the ingredients are available. A lot of the island’s dry goods are still flown in from

Manila. Must try are the tatus or coconut crab cooked in butter and lemon, local flying fish and Ivatan adobo or soy and vinegar stew.

Couples will love . Being in a far far away land with no chance of bumping into anyone you know at all,

where the land is enthralling, the seas captivating, and the unique places to propose, endless. Go on heritage

tours and see old churches, lighthouse-hop, or take a map of Batanes and find your way around while on-board a bicycle.

Rates . Start at P6,300 per night for a terrace suite. Other suites fetch a bit higher.

Contact info . +63927/ 290 2404; email myla.pisig@fundacionpacita.ph; visit www.fundacionpacita.ph

— Report by Moni ca De Leon

Photo and Article Source : Mabuhay Magazine (PAL)