One of the best things in making return trips is the fact that one can focus on the small details, in this case, the food they serve in batanes. And also equally important, how they serve it. The Dorado or dolphin fish is a prized catch in the waters off Batan and Itbayat. The fish has a chicken-like texture when served as is and not dried out under the sun. In lieu of the usual banana leaf, the Ivatan at times serve their rice and viands on the kabaya leaf. The huge, sturdy leaves of the tipoho tree, usually bigger than the large dinner plates, also do double duty as they are also used as a fan to stave off the afternoon heat and as shade when the sunlight is too much to bear or one has left his/her umbrella at home.
One of the best things in making return trips is the fact that one can focus on the small details, in this case, the food they serve in batanes. And also equally important, how they serve it. The Dorado or dolphin fish is a prized catch in the waters off Batan and Itbayat. The fish has a chicken-like texture when served as is and not dried out under the sun. In lieu of the usual banana leaf, the Ivatan at times serve their rice and viands on the kabaya leaf. The huge, sturdy leaves of the tipoho tree, usually bigger than the large dinner plates, also do double duty as they are also used as a fan to stave off the afternoon heat and as shade when the sunlight is too much to bear or one has left his/her umbrella at home.
