The country’s widely-practiced tradition of bayanihan is probably the most celebrated tradition among the many notable customs and traits we have as a nation. This practice has spread out all over the archipelago and the world regarded it as one great trademark of the Filipino race. But in the islands of Siargao in the northern part of Mindanao, … Read more
MOUNTAINS
BANAUE, OH BANAUE, AT LAST I’M HERE!
Moving forward, I didn’t notice we had already reached another town as my … [Read More...]
WATERFALLS
REDISCOVERING MAHAN-OB FALLS
Had it not been for Super Typhoon Pablo, I wouldn't have gone chasing … [Read More...]
CULTURE
SPENDING CHRISTMAS IN MY HOMETOWN CATEEL
Merry Christmas! Today, I write this post straight from my hometown Cateel … [Read More...]
BEACHES
FALLING IN LOVE WITH OLANIBAN ISLAND
It was the reverberating sounds of flying fox bats that wakened me up that … [Read More...]
FESTIVALS
TINABANGAY FESTIVAL 2014: A Celebration of Socorro’s Greatest Living Tradition
The country’s widely-practiced tradition of bayanihan is probably the most … [Read More...]
FEATURED PHOTO
TRAVEL 101: SHARE A SMILE. WIN FRIENDS!
The Travel Teller with remaining Aetas of Mt. Pinatubo Caldera I've flown … [Read More...]
RECENT TRAVEL STORIES
TINABANGAY FESTIVAL 2014: A Celebration of Socorro’s Greatest Living Tradition
The country’s widely-practiced tradition of bayanihan is probably the most celebrated tradition among the many notable customs and traits we have as a nation. This practice has spread out all over the archipelago and the … [Read More...]
HASHTAG VALENTINE BIRTHDAY 2014
Dearest God in heavens, Thank you for giving me another year of life. Thank you for all the people who remembered me today by sending cards, and letters, gifts and good wishes. Thank you for all the experience of … [Read More...]
PHOTOGRAPHS FROM HOME: A Year After The Great Storm
Cateel, as you know it, was hard-hit by Typhoon Pablo last December of 2012. It was the most devastating calamity that flattened the whole town and spared nothing including the many beautiful natural wonders we have … [Read More...]
LIFE IS GOOD! Travel!
I have been traveling around the country and our neighboring countries in Asia for quite some time now – maybe about five years. Five exciting years relishing the sheer joy of seeing awe-inspiring places, meeting amazing … [Read More...]
THE JOY OF GIVING BACK: The Travel Teller Year End Special
2013 had been a great year for me and for this blog that I considered a product of hardwork and dedication. It was a very challenging yet amazing year filled with loads of ups and downs but at the end it blessed with so … [Read More...]
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR IN MY HOMETOWN OF CATEEL
Today, I’m compiling all the beautiful snapshots I took during the two weeks holiday vacation I spent in my rustic hometown of Cateel, Davao Oriental. Yes, two weeks of sheer joy, funny moments and exciting merriment … [Read More...]
THINGS TO DO IN KUALA LUMPUR
For many travelers in Southeast Asia, Kuala Lumpur is just a stopover at the airport while waiting for a connection. However, this is one of the most vibrant cities in the region, and it is well worth whiletaking some … [Read More...]
CATEEL: Moving Forward With New Hope & New Beginning
Dearest fellow Cateelenos, good evening! What you've witnessed are vivid images of disaster and tragedy. But behind these disturbing pictures of great catastrophe, you can see real pictures of compassion, dedication, … [Read More...]
TAGUM CITY’S GIANT CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
The Palm City of the Philippines officially welcomed the Yuletide Season as they lighted the city’s grand holiday tree that once said to be the tallest in the whole Davao Region. The traditional lighting of this giant … [Read More...]
2ND DAVAO MEDIA EXCELLENCE AWARD: From The Travel Teller With Love
When I started blogging in 2006, my sole purpose then was to chronicle every adventure and misadventure I have wandering around the Philippines and our neighbors in Asia. As it progresses, it morphed from a simple travel … [Read More...]
QUAYSIDE HOTEL: A Haven of Comfort in Melaka, Malaysia
One of the highlights of my Malaysia trip was my visit to the beautiful city of MALACCA, a UNESCO Heritage City about 3 hours bus ride from Kuala Lumpur. Thanks to the Quayside Hotel, my Melaka Heritage Tour was made … [Read More...]
SAMBUOKAN FESTIVAL 2013: “Know the Tribes, Experience the Vibe”
From Dahican Beach, the colors and sounds of Sambuokan Festival came to life as eight contingents from different schools in Mati City converged at the city’s main street for the Indak Sayaw Sa Sambuokan street dancing … [Read More...]
SAMBUOKAN FUN AT DAHICAN BEACH
Thousands of people from across the region flocked to the famed Dahican Beach in the City of Mati as the city staged the annual celebration of the vibrant Sambuokan Festival 2013, the city’s thanksgiving festivity for … [Read More...]
THE TRAVEL TELLER IS BEST TRAVEL BLOG FINALIST TO THE MINDANAO BLOG AWARDS 2013
I am from Mindanao, a very proud son of Mindanao! One week from now, bloggers from different corners of Mindanao will converge in Davao City for the staging of the most anticipated Awards Night of Mindanao Blog Awards … [Read More...]
DAY ONE IN MALAYSIA: Captivated By Petronas Twin Towers
At home, I have two souvenir stuffs given by friends who came back from a trip in Malaysia. And just like most of souvenir pieces brought from this country, these cute stuffs are miniatures of Petronas Twin Towers made … [Read More...]
DAY ONE IN MALAYSIA: Genting Highlands and Downtown KL
Davao ✈ Manila ✈ Kuala Lumpur, a pleasant flight summing up to five long hours from my home in Davao City, Philippines to Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur. This is the start of THREE ASEAN COUNTRIES | TEN DAYS … [Read More...]
ONE WORTHWHILE WEEKEND AT POLOMOLOK
When a grade school friend invited me to speak before a group of students for a Travel Photography and Blogging Workshop, I never hesitated to say “YES” even if it was scheduled on the week after my 10-day ASEAN trip. I … [Read More...]
THREE ASEAN COUNTRIES | TEN DAYS
VACATION HANGOVER. This is what I feel now as I tried to recharge myself from the recently concluded 10-day trip I made to three ASEAN countries. I am back now to where this journey started but my mind and heart are … [Read More...]
MESMERIZED BY THE RICE TERRACES OF BONTOC
From our quick stop at Mount Polis, our trip went on. It was already past 3:00 o’clock and we had to get to Sagada before dusk. Hence, we all agreed not to make any stopovers as not to delay our trip. But of course this … [Read More...]
THE ROAD TO SAGADA: Quick Stop at Mount Polis
I’d like to stay longer at Banaue and savored more time with this childhood-dream-come-true experience but there are still other wonders of Cordillera that waited for me and my 11 equally bold friends. Thus, I left … [Read More...]
THE COLORFUL PAGEANTRY OF MODA MINDANAO 2013
Aside from the famed Indak-indak Sa Kadalanan and Pamulak Float Parade, another colourful event I always look forward to see every year is the Moda Mindanaw, a fashion event of vivid colour and pageantry held annually as … [Read More...]
KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL 2013: Indak Indak Sa Kadalanan
A celebration of life, A thanksgiving for the gifts of nature, The wealth of culture, The bounties of harvest and serenity of living, These among others are the reasons of celebrating Kadayawan Festival! And so, … [Read More...]
BANAUE, OH BANAUE, AT LAST I’M HERE!
Moving forward, I didn’t notice we had already reached another town as my mind wandered around thinking about this whole Cordillera trip until Andrew announced, “Welcome to Banaue”! Hearing this, I instantly shivered in … [Read More...]
DREAMING OF YOU, CORDILLERA (The Beginning)
“I have so many beautiful stories to tell about my recent trip to Ifugao, Mountain Province and Benguet but I don't know where to start. Sa sobrang dami at sobrang ganda ng napuntahan ko, di ko alam paano ko … [Read More...]
KADAYAWAN FIESTA AT THE APO VIEW HOTEL 2013
In the weeks to come, the people of Davao will once again converge at the city’s downtown district to celebrate the annual celebration of Kadayawan Festival, the city’s grandest thanksgiving festival for the bounty of … [Read More...]
A BEAUTIFUL SEA GYPSY
She sailed her rugged wooden boat from port to port not as a fisher not even as a seafarer but as a trained diver forced to dive in seas for coins tossed by tourists and bystanders. She dressed in wet clothes, dived … [Read More...]
CARAGA’S SAN SALVADOR DEL MUNDO PARISH CHURCH
There are many reasons that make Davao Oriental one of the most interesting provinces to visit in Mindanao. Aside from its famous beaches, majestic waterfalls, verdant mountains and pristine natural wonder, another … [Read More...]
KOPIAT ISLAND: The Unspoiled Island Gem of Compostela Valley
I have great love for unexplored territories and little-known places. It is a penchant that brought me to a number of destinations sheltered from commercial and irresponsible tourism. And off the waters of Davao Gulf, … [Read More...]
A Brief Guide to Thailand’s Best Beaches
A destination known first and foremost for its beaches, Thailand appeals to every type of beach lover, whether you want to sail in a traditional longboat or relax on a sun lounger. For those seeking adventure, serenity … [Read More...]
BAHAY NI TUDING: A Home Away From Home
San Pedro Street is one of the oldest streets in downtown Davao City. The bustling road is home to Davao’s famous landmarks that include San Pedro Cathedral, Urban Parks, the Legislative Building, and the old City Hall … [Read More...]
FOR THE LOVE OF TRAVEL JOURNALS
Cameras, iPad, Ipod, X-mini and smartphones are the basic gadgets I carry with me whenever I hit the road. But long before these gadgets become part of my exciting travels, there is one thing I can’t travel without even … [Read More...]
MY FIRST DAVAO WILDWATER ADVENTURE
Braving the wild rapids of the Upper Davao River is something I always dreamed of doing. I have tried tubing and river rafting in the other parts of island but never in my own city of Davao. Thus, when I had the chance … [Read More...]
