This busy metropolis on the southeastern island of Mindanao is one of the world’s largest cities in terms of land area. Since the 1970s when the city gained the earmark of being the “killing fields” of the Philippines —a “murder city”— Davao has dramatically transformed. But since 1988 it has become the safest city in the country and one of the most livable cities in Asia. Famous as the home turf of once legendary mayor (and now Philippine Preside … [Read more...]
About Junfil Olarte
http://www.travelwritersjourney.webs.com
Junfil Olarte joined Dave's Travel Corner in 2008 as a travel writer for the Philippine Islands. Began his travel writing passion in 2003, Junfil is a member of the International Travel Writers Alliance, the world's largest association of professional travel writers, editors, broadcasters and photographers. He is also a self-published book author. Junfil believes the significance of travel as one of the best medicines that heal many pressures in life and is passionate to making friends of different colors, tongues, and cultures.
Junfil is also the Founder and Editor of the "Travel Writer's Journey". For Press Trip proposals/invitations, contact Author at Dave's Travel Corner.
Cliff Diving In Panglao
The island of Panglao is among the most important destinations to see in the Philippines. It is well known for its white powdery sand and clear waters. Specifically located in the north Bohol Sea, in the Central Visayas region, South-Central Philippines, Panglao Island is famous for its diving spots and is routinely listed as one of top ten diving locations in the world. A number of resorts also dot the southern beaches in this island. It … [Read more...]
The Highlands of Bukidnon
The 7,000+ islands in the Philippines have a colorful history painted through the varied cultures of their inhabitants and at times, dramatic history. But the country's unique setting, perhaps, reveals a more interesting story for outdoor travelers. This is especially true for the southern parts of the country including Mindanao, which is home of Bukidnon province. Its topography features an extensive plateau, however its southern and eastern … [Read more...]
Marriage, Bloodline and Leisure in Bohol
To be in the shoes of a wanderer is to fully experience life and to ponder our own existence. However some places carve out a special place in your heart - places you must return to again. There is a mystery of why this 'pull of attraction' exists within yourself and no amount of restraint can stop you from revisiting. For me, Bohol in the Philippines is that place. It has been exactly four years now since I visited Bohol, its capital … [Read more...]
The Old House in Silay
For many generations the same families have owned and preserved ancestral houses in the Philippines as part of their culture. Several houses of prominent families have become points of interest or museums in their communities because of their historical, cultural or architectural worth. Some of these houses, too, have become endangered because of negligent businesses that have no interests in preserving them. I find “preservation” of these homes t … [Read more...]
Corregidor: A Legacy Of War
Roiling thuds from warship mortars, swishing sounds from fighter planes, the wailing and myriad of death probably depicts the actual scene of the blood-spattered battle in the summer of 1942. All of it reverberates in my mind while my passenger ship passes through the waters of Corregidor. Taking a quick video of the battle site, I can imagine how frightening it was: below a pale grey sky, a huge black smoke perhaps darkened overhead, old Jap … [Read more...]
A Totally Different Light Over Manila
Docking at the wharf of Manila reminds me of my first arrival in the city many years ago: the first of many arrivals I have experienced in the Philippine capital. A sunny climate greets me. The sunlight is intense yet reflecting so vibrantly upon the waters of Manila Bay. Over the years, there have been critics moaning about the city - mentioning its smog and chaotic traffic, its crimes, not to mention the voluminous homes (if such can be called o … [Read more...]
Revisiting Dapitan: A Hero’s Retreat
Dapitan became famous after the Filipino hero Jose Rizal arrived on its shores more than one hundred years ago. Jose Rizal's colorful exile in this place from 1892 to 1896 has had a very significant role in Dapitan's history making it the ultimate "Shrine City of the Philippines". Perhaps, Rizal is Dapitan and Dapitan itself is eternally tied to Rizal. Without him, this place would never be known the world over and never become one of the most … [Read more...]
Wanderlust In Bohol Paradise
"Life without travel is dull." ~The Author Our racing machine sounds like a roaring thunder on the highest gear dashing through lengthy and paved highway that connects Tagbilaran and its neighboring towns, all in the province of Bohol, Philippine Islands. The 8:00am sun has finally put itself clear after days of frequent rains in the island. I still sense the morning dew leftovers as I ride in next to Lloyd, going to one of the world's … [Read more...]
A Trip To Samar
A soft breezy sunrise rouses me as my ship nears the coast and moors at the docks of Maguino-o, off the city of Calbayog Western Samar in the Central Philippines. Sheer weather of the early morning meets the island's pristine seawaters. And I feel like a sixteenth-century explorer reincarnated. "There you are," I whisper upon sighting the shores of Samar. Believing I could reach the location only through history books. One of the very … [Read more...]