HEADLINE
2015 IS THE YEAR FOR ALIWAGWAG FALLS
When Super Typhoon Pablo ravaged Cateel in December 2012, Aliwagwag Falls was not spared. The horrifying winds brought by Pablo severely destroyed its vast rainforests and century-old trees. The mossy forest was left balding. Wild flowers and orchids were gone. Waters overflowed. For barely … Read more
MOUNTAINS
LAKE HOLON: A Sacred Place to Commune with Mother Nature
Weekend wanders seem unstoppable over the past few months. Juggling between … [Read More...]
WATERFALLS
2015 IS THE YEAR FOR ALIWAGWAG FALLS
When Super Typhoon Pablo ravaged Cateel in December 2012, Aliwagwag … [Read More...]
CULTURE
THE WARMTH AND RICHES OF THE T’BOLIS
We agreed to meet by 11:30 on Friday night but I was still home at this … [Read More...]
BEACHES
SAMALAN CAMP AND SEA: Samal Island’s Southernmost Jewel
If you think you’ve been around the whole Samal Island and have seen all … [Read More...]
FESTIVALS
TALAKUDONG FESTIVAL: Wear a Hat and Be in the Groove
“Wear a native hat and be in the groove!” I was told. “Wear it not only to … [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
2015 IS THE YEAR FOR ALIWAGWAG FALLS
When Super Typhoon Pablo ravaged Cateel in December 2012, Aliwagwag Falls was not spared. The horrifying winds brought by Pablo severely destroyed its vast rainforests and century-old trees. The mossy forest was … [Read More...]
HONORING RESPONSIBLE JOURNALISM: A Davao Media Excellence Special
What started to be an online journal is now a very valuable tool I use to tell stories, inspire people and somehow stir change. When I started blogging in 2006, my only purpose then was to chronicle every adventure and … [Read More...]
THE 3RD DAVAO MEDIA EXCELLENCE AWARD
Telecommunications giant Globe Telecom has announced this year's winners of the 3rd Davao Media Excellence Awards who have shown exemplary communication skills in bringing social issues to the attention of the public via … [Read More...]
BARAS BIRD SANCTUARY: A Surreal Sight To Behold
While walking around Baras Bird Sanctuary, Mr. Rey Malana, the owner, mentioned that the best way to observe these flocks of birds actively flying from tree to tree is from the top of the Observatory Deck. I was thrilled … [Read More...]
TALAKUDONG FESTIVAL: Wear a Hat and Be in the Groove
“Wear a native hat and be in the groove!” I was told. “Wear it not only to shield you from the burning heat of the sun or the unexpected drizzles, wear it to blend in with our people as we celebrate and honor the symbol … [Read More...]
GLAN, SARANGANI PROVINCE: Yesteryears’ Heritage is Today’s Treasure
I was wrong when I thought all that matters to Glan is its pristine white sand beach. You can’t blame me. The famous Gumasa Beach where Sarangani Bay Festival is held every year is located in this town and this … [Read More...]
TUNA FESTIVAL 2014: Pyestang Karagatan, Pyestang Lawihan sa Magandang Gensan
General Santos City was in a festive mood again as the city’s main thoroughfares were flooded by the vibrant festival colors of Tuna Festival, one of the city’s biggest events celebrated along with the City’s Charter Day … [Read More...]
SAMALAN CAMP AND SEA: Samal Island’s Southernmost Jewel
If you think you’ve been around the whole Samal Island and have seen all that comprise to make it the Island Jewel of Davao Region, wait until your feet bring you to the southernmost portion of this island city and see … [Read More...]
KAAMULAN FESTIVAL 2014: One Hundred Years of Cultural Legacy
In celebration of Bukidnon’s centenary as a province, the Philippines’s most authentic ethnic festival was made even bigger and grander – the Kaamulan Festival. Originally, this spectacular event is celebrated during … [Read More...]
INDAK INDAK SA KADALANAN 2014: My Struggle to Capture the Kadayawan Vibe
At eight o’clock in the morning, the sun was up scorching at 32 degrees already. Despite the agonizing heat, people started occupying the sidewalk of the city’s main thoroughfare where performers of the Street Dancing … [Read More...]
SAYAW MINDANAW 2014: Appreciating Mindanao’s Indigenous Culture and Traditions
Twenty five participating dance and theatre ensembles converged at Davao City Recreation Center for the annual staging of Sayaw Mindanaw, an annual indigenous-based dance competition held in Davao City as part of the … [Read More...]
BUILDING BACK BETTER: Cateel and Dumang Together
When Super Typhoon Pablo ravaged everything in our hometown of Cateel including the vast coconut plantation which is the town’s major source of income, our people learn to find ways to make the most of what’s left to … [Read More...]
T’NALAK FESTIVAL 2014: From the Land of the Dreamweavers to the World!
Living in a country where colorful fiestas and grandiose festivals are reveled all year round, witnessing a convergence of indigenous colors depicting rich culture and living tradition is such a rare experience. Seeing … [Read More...]
AGUSAN MARSH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY: A Blissful Journey
Imagine you’re in the middle of a vast tea-colored swamp where an ocean of water hyacinths, lotus and water lilies stretches out like large bedspread. You are rowing your old dugout canoe lavishing your impatient eyes … [Read More...]
VIDEO BLOG: Into the Heart of Agusan Marsh
Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in the province of Agusan Del Sur is one of the most ecologically important swamplands in the Philippines. Declared as a protected area and wildlife sanctuary, it is home to hundreds of … [Read More...]
SEEKING WEEKEND RESPITE AT ARAKAN VALLEY
There are places that I’ve visited and stayed that remain so close to my heart. Places that have been etched not only because of their sheer beauty and grandeur but because at one point these places brought me to find … [Read More...]
SARANGANI PARAGLIDE: Up Up And Away
The sun was up scorching at 34 degrees Celsius that day. It’s hotter than I expected. I wish I didn’t wear my tank top. My arms were dreadfully grilled and itching was becoming unbearable. But instead of complaining, I … [Read More...]
LAKE HOLON: A Sacred Place to Commune with Mother Nature
Weekend wanders seem unstoppable over the past few months. Juggling between work and this unceasing travels is becoming strenuous and sometimes all I wanted is to stay at home and do nothing but put my feet up. I must … [Read More...]
THE WARMTH AND RICHES OF THE T’BOLIS
We agreed to meet by 11:30 on Friday night but I was still home at this very hour packing up for this trip I’d been preparing so hard the day I got invited to join. I remembered the last time I had this kind of trip, it … [Read More...]
WHY DO WE NEED TO PROTECT BUILT HERITAGE?
When the provinces of Bohol and Cebu was hit by a destructive earthquake last year, the country mourned not only for the loss of lives of many people and for the devastation of many homes but also for the many century … [Read More...]
THE PARADISE ISLANDS OF BUCAS GRANDE
When God shaped the 7,107 Islands of the Philippines, He favored the province of Surigao Del Norte to be the home of some of the finest and most gorgeous islands and islets in the country. This include pristine lagoons … [Read More...]
FEATURED PHOTO: Cateel At Dusk
Home is where the heart is. – Pliny the Elder I have so many beautiful snapshots of my beloved beautiful hometown of Cateel - from beaches to mountains, rivers to waterfalls, culture to people. If you're an avid … [Read More...]
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
What you've seen are vivid images of disaster and tragedy. But behind these disturbing pictures of great catastrophe, you can see real pictures of compassion, dedication, commitment and love for one’s birthplace and for … [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...]
