Discovery Channel Films Itbayat Islands
by Philippine Information Agency - Batanes

Five British and one American comprise a team from Discovery Channel who toured Batanes in early February 2001 and did more exhaustive filming of the Itbayat Islands (inhabited and uninhabited) according to the tour guide Mrs. Faustina A. Cano of Itbayat. They toured the mountains, the caves, historical spots; the coastal zones but were more interested in snakes and their abode. One of them, the serpentologist was so enthusiastic to reach sitio TURING well abode of snakes.

Ivatan houses in Itbayat. Photo: Phil. Info. Agency - Batanes

They also did aerial filming of the island including the northern islands. Seeing the places, the team confirmed that natural riches of the island reveals handsomely a conserve physical resources. Before leaving Itbayat, the tour guide was assured that in June to July, the film shall be viewed on DISCOVERY CHANNEL throughout Europe and Asia.

9 seater "ChemTrad" Aircraft landing in Itbayat airport. Photo: BatanesOnline.com

Coming Back to Batan island, the filming continued in other municipalities. The team experienced Ivatan wedding practices and varied Ivatan activities that exudes our uniqueness from other parts of the globe. Through DISCOVERY CHANNEL, foreigners would rediscover the natural riches found in the dot of the world map.

DISCOVERY CHANNEL Director who was with the group is currently editing the tapes. He said that the tapes will invite more foreigners over the world to come to Batanes.