Winter in the Philippines? Not really. But the closest you can get is Batanes, where temperature dips to as low as 7˚C from November to January. Never mind if the province is associated with typhoons, no real nightlife, and yes - regular brownouts. What follows is a list of little things that made me feel good and at peace in Batanes.

- People on the streets smile at each other even they do not know each other personally. - No dust and pollution, the air you breath is fresh, really fresh. - The valleys and seas are in their nature given green and blue color. - You can't make a business bottling mineral water because everybody can drink directly from the faucet without fear of contracting amoebiasis or diarrhea. - Stone houses are refreshing sight. Doors are left open while the owners are out to work. - You can sleep in the park or prettily on the seashore overnight without fear that somebody may harm you. - Coconut crabs, kuyabs and valichits (local migratory birds only found in Batanes) are abundant during certain seasons of the year. - No traffic, no squatters, no beggars, no thieves - you feel confident that somebody who found your lost key will bring it to the local Radyo ng Bayan Station. - The town mayor or the public school teacher also casts their fishnets and till the soil (at least, outside office hours) while the governor rides on his bike to the capitol. - The brilliance of the moon and the stars do not compete with commercial lights.

Travel tip : SeaAir flies direct from Manila to Basco, Batanes. Expect cancelled flights during typhoon season and always be prepared for an extended vacation.