The rains greeted us in Nagarao island.I t was well and good that it waited until we got on the island, but not after several tense moments when the banca's engine sputtered several times. our boatman, Boyet, told us water got into the carburetor. What usually take 40 minutes to 1 hour took us nearly 1.5 hours to travel. But arriving on the island, I got the familiar feeling I felt in Batanes induced by the howling wind, the waves lashing the shore, and the windswept vegetation.T here was also the feeling of isolation which I welcome. The moniker of "Island of Tree Spirits" was but apt.After settling in and having coffee to while away the rain, the temptation to take a nap and rest our weary spirits became too much to resist. The nap gave us fresh impetus to have dinner by 7pm and lively games of table tennis as we await the rains to abate so we can go nightshooting by the dock. It was lights out by 10pm and good thing the rains trickled down by then. The clouds hid the moon but we're happy just to be out, shooting again.
INFO: Nagarao Island lies off the shore of the towns of San Isidro and Sabang. According to our guide, the dock in San Isidro is not operational anymore so it would be wise to go to sabang instead for the banca ride to Nagarao (or Costa Aguada). • Nagarao Island is owned by a German-Filipina couple. There are several cottages (w/ bath) for rent from P1,500 upwards. Electricity is available from 6-10pm only.
