Steering through the upland regions of Bukidnon to the highly elevated vicinity of North Cotabato can be the most tedious journey I've ever done in Southern Philippines. The vast land area, long and winding trail had taken us 7 hours to reach the intended destination. Such a wearisome travel was later exchanged with excitement, as we arrived in the city being warmly treated by intimates who, too, were part of the important visit. Situated off … [Read more...]
About Junfil Olarte
https://www.facebook.com/junfil
Junfil Olarte is a creative writer, author and musician who began documenting his travels in early 2004 after leaving a career in the aviation industry. He is also a freelance editor for poetry books working with several authors from different countries.
Joined DTC in 2008 as a travel writer for the Philippine islands, Junfil is a member of the London-based 'International Travel Writers Alliance', the world's largest association of professional travel journalists.
He is much into experiential travel with primary interests in historical and cultural topics, outdoor traveling, nature - including food and wine - and has gone press trips with Dave's Travel Corner.
For international or domestic press trip proposals, contact Junfil at Dave's Travel Corner.
Spending 104 Days In Singapore
PHOTOS BY WILLIAM CHO International Freelance Photographer, Singapore The 7:30 twilight already swathes the entire vicinity as I amble along and pass through the hallways of Changi Airport. My Singapore Airline flight has not given much of a jet lag. But then, routinely, a worker and a traveller desperately need to move out from the terminal. The intended place is in Jalan Kuang, East View Garden, about 10 minutes away from the Singaporean … [Read more...]
Dapitan: A Living Legacy in the Philippines
Roused from sleep, I sat up. Something was excitingly moving at my seat that afternoon of April 14, 2007. It was 2.30 p.m., and the thrill in the voice of a woman beside me was unmistakable. "Wake up, we're about to arrive!" Over the years, I'm used to travelling to places alone: domestic and foreign. And an easy acquaintance with foreigners isn't new to me. "We must book accommodation to Dakak right away," Sandra, the German tourist … [Read more...]
Philippine Samal Island: A Hidden Paradise in the South
(From the August-September 2009 issue of "Bayang Magiliw" Magazine, Kingdom of Bahrain. Copyright 2009. Used by Permission) The alluring beauty of the Far East is seen not only through its contrasts of culture, lifestyle, and climate. But also through the way nature has brought it into being. It is where the sun rises. It is where oriental charm lives where many travelers have found the most interesting journey experience. Despite the … [Read more...]
A Journey In The Gold Coast:In Ghana
It was breezy late afternoon as I descended boarding EK 781 in the fertile soil of Ghana, a country in Western Africa. Indeed, it was my first visit to an entirely Black African nation with hospitable people. The uniqueness of humidity caught my attention next as we steered through traffic. Accompanied by my Ghanaian lawyer from the airport going to the place I was to stay. Ghana has a typical tropical climate: two rainy seasons in the … [Read more...]
Splendour of the Far East: The Philippines
My plane bucks like a wild horse on the final approach before landing through disturbing clouds that crowd late afternoon summer skies over Manila. Beside me a Singaporean Flight Engineer and his wife eagerly peer out the window for a first glimpse of the city. "We've been visiting the islands a number of times," she explains, reminding me of how neighbouring Asians refer to the rest of the country, "and can't wait to get back. Philippines are … [Read more...]