BATANES — It came as no surprise when Batanes emerged as the most requested destination among Filipinos as announced by Cebu Pacific earlier this week. It remains as one of this writer’s most favorite places on Earth, having been to Batanes only once.

It’s serene, dramatic scenery and idyllic landscape capture anyone who sets foot on the island province. While expensive, not-so-frequent flights to this island remained a hindrance for many to simply visit this beauty, Cebu Pacific is changing the picture. The airline company listened to the clamor of the netizens on social media via
its crowdsourcing campaign launched last year, #CEBFlyMeTo, that asked netizens which destinations in the Philippines they would want Cebu Pacific to fly next.

Other popular choices among netizens included Daet (Camarines Norte), Mati (Davao Oriental), Bantayan Island (Cebu), San Vicente (Palawan) and Siquijor. All top picks were then assessed in terms of readiness for commercial flights, with criteria that included airport infrastructure, safety and security processes, and passenger facilities.

“Cebu Pacific will start flying between Manila and Basco, Batanes on March 25, 2018—just in time for the summer travel season,” the company said in a press statement received by TravelMore.PH earlier this week.

This blogger enjoying the scenic Batanes on a lazy afternoon.

Alexander Lao, Cebgo President and CEO, “Our new flight to Basco is in keeping with our commitment to connect more of the Philippines and make air travel safe, affordable, reliable, and fun-filled for everyjuan. What makes this route more special is that netizens were actively engaged in the selection of our new destination—our customers were part of the process.”

CEB will hold an introductory all-in seat sale for flights from Manila to Basco from February 12 to 13, 2018, or until seats last. For those who plan to travel from March 25 to May 31, 2018, the summer peak season, the special introductory fare is at PHP2,699. For travelers who plan to visit Batanes from June 1 to October 27, 2018, the all-in introductory seat sale fare is at PHP2,399. The year-round fare from Manila to Basco is as low as PHP4,241, all-in.

Maybe it’s time to fly back to this island beauty? More about our experience in this province in our next posts.

This blogger enjoys his time in Batanes

Church wedding? Do it here.