I’ve always wanted to own a lomo film camera. I love both its characteristic lo-fi quality and quirky effects. Sadyly such camera carries with it a hefty price tag, especially since one has to pay for film and developing fees. With the advent of Instagram, my wish to produce lomo-like quality photographs has come to fruition without the fees associated with it.

I love taking Instagrams while on the road. It’s like giving direct updates on my travels to my readers. And while in Batanes, I was able to bring my readers with me on the road—taking them from the airport all the way to Batan, Sabtang Island, and back again.

I have only a few simple self-imposed rules when taking Instagrams. It has to be taken by a phone, it has to be filtered, it has to be square, and it has to be posted as closely to the time it was taken as possible.

Armed with the new Nokia Lumia 1020, allow me take you back to Batanes through filtered photographs.

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Our flight to Batanes was set at six in the morning. We decided to camp out at the airport instead—bringing along our favorite travel mat. Unfortunately, we were chased away by roving guards at our favorite sleeping spot at the ground floor of the NAIA Terminal III.

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The wind was whipping cold as we arrived in Batanes. After a quick hunt for lodging, we quickly went our way, exploring the nearby Basco Lighthouse and Naidi Rolling Hills by foot. It only took a single bottle of Red Horse beer to knock us down for the night.

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Continuing the North Batan Tour on foot, we started early after a hearty breakfast. We have a lot of walking ahead. On our list, the Mount Carmel Chapel, the Tukon Radar, Fundacion Pacita and the Japanese Tunnel. It took hours before we got back to town, but it was all well worth it. Red Horse time!

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The South Batan Tour was too far to walk through, so we hired a tricycle. We did the usual jaunt to the viewing decks and churches. Like my previous Batanes expedition, my favorite part is still Marlboro Country. I love how hazy the sunsets are here.

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We were deciding if we’re going to Sabtang Island or stay one more day at Basco. The Ivatans are celebrating Three Kings, and apparently, it is a big deal for them. We decided to stay and celebrated the festivities like locals.

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We finally pushed for Sabtang Island. The day started before sunrise at the roof of a jeepney zipping through the darkened zigzags of Batan Island. Sabtang is beautiful. Much more beautiful than Batan. Much more beautiful than I imagined Batanes to be.

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Where are all the people? Sabtang seemed to be lacking of people. We stayed overnight at the town of Chavayan. It was magical sleeping at a place that time forgot. On the way back to Basco, we hitched a ride on a cement mixer after getting tired of waiting for the local jeepney that never really came.

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Our last day in Batanes. But I’m pretty sure this really isn’t the last.