Leaving Racuh-a-Payaman meant leaving the town of Mahatao, as our next destination was in the town of Uyugan. The southernmost town in Batan Island, Uyugan is also the newest town, having been designated as an independent municipality only in 1901 when it separated as one of the barangays of Ivana.

The road from Mahatao to Uyugan, and in Batanes in general, are relatively narrow compared to what one from the metro would have been used to. Apart from that, since roads pass along the hillsides, sharp and blind curves are common. It is for that reason that unlike in the mainland where signs not to blow car horns are pretty usual, the opposite is the one common in Batanes.

You have to blow your horn.

There is actually a lot of Blow UR Horn signs in Batanes. Apart from its perceived practical use, one interesting thing about the signs is that the words on them were written in what we would now call as texting shorthand even before texting was invented. Of all the signs scattered along the roads of Batanes though, the most photographed is undoubtedly the one in Uyugan.

So what makes the Uyugan sign special? It’s the location. The most photographed Blow UR Horn sign is located just within the area of Alapad Rock Formation, one of the most picturesque spots in Batanes.

Alapad Rock Formation was formed by the constant crushing of the sea and tectonic movement, and in the course of time, grass eventually grew on its surface giving it its verdant hue. Its location likewise provides a magnificent view of the vastness of the Pacific Ocean where strong currents of wind come from, further contributing to the weathering of the rock formation. Add to that the fascinating view of the road cutting across the rock and what one gets is nothing short of a picturesque landscape.

It was just around 09:45 AM when we left Alapad Rock Formation, but it was as if we’ve been to a lot already. What they say about Batanes is true, that it is a place where time seems to stand still. When in the magical isles, all you need to do is just allow yourself to be cradled by all the wonders around you—the beauty of the land, the majesty of the sea, the breeze from all around and the kindness of the people—and you will be alienated from the concept of time they way you probably know it. In Batanes, there is no point in rushing, because time stands still.

So just blow it.