The Future of the Hermit Kingdom

Photo by Random Institute on Unsplash

Now that the news about the death of Kim Jong-Un's has been circulating online for days, North Korea's future hangs by a thread. Some say that his younger sister, Kim Yo-jong, could take over. But, in a patriarchal and reclusive nation, that's a very tough sell. Is this the perfect time for the two Koreas to reunite again?

So it's official: Taiwan is Visa-Free for Filipinos!

Starting June 1, 2017, Filipinos can now visit Taiwan visa-free! According to the Taiwan Embassy's website, the visa-free access for Filipinos is only a trial period valid for one year. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the embassy will extend the trial period just like what they did to Brunei and Thailand passport holders. I am hoping that my fellow Pinoy travelers won't abuse this new immigration law of Taiwan.

Now, here are some of my favorite photos during my first and second visit in Taiwan.

Taiwan it that way!

Luxury living made easy at Dusit Thani Residences in Davao

There's a new project in Davao!

The property developer of Davao’s first township project, Ciudades, announces its plans to construct a luxury residential hub set to become a spectacular new landmark at the heart of the city. Dusit Thani Residences is the latest project of Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation (Torre Lorenzo) in partnership with the Asian hospitality brand Dusit International.

Dusit Thani Residences distinctively creates a haven for refined elegance and style, transforming 1.2 hectares of land into a sprawling full-services development. The project is comprised of 168 luxury serviced suites with varying studio to three-bedroom dimensions. Each unit is thoughtfully appointed and designed with attractive fittings and furnishings to offer residents and guests the ideal ambience for sophisticated urban dwelling.

Audition: The Amazing Race Philippines Season 2

For those who didn't know, The Amazing Race has always been my favorite show and I'd always look forward to watch the upcoming seasons. I have always been a fan of this show since Season 3 (I was only 12 or 13 that time). Ten years later, the show still didn't fail to surprise me. The Amazing Race is still AMAZING - full of twists, unexpected results, and real drama.

For Filipinos, it is impossible to audition for this show because firstly, one has to be a US citizen. I believe it is still difficult to audition for The Amazing Race Asia if you're only a Philippine passport holder. Boom. But as years went by, more and more countries acquired a franchise of this show, and one of them is our beloved country, Philippines! Dreaming of becoming one of the contestants of the show is now possible.

Now, are you up for an adventure of a lifetime?

Radar Under Maintenance: Expect Flight Delays this Week

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If you are flying in and out of Manila this week, expect intermittent flight delays due to the unservicable radar of Manila Approach. The radar is currently under maintenance and will last for about a week. But, before you complain about this inconvenience, let me explain how the ATCs, particularly assigned at Manila Approach, handle this kind of situation.

The Geek Travels: Finalist for MBA Best Travel Blog

Finalist for MBA! Yahoo!

I created this travel blog last June 2011 simply because I wanted to document my travels. I never thought that I'd get serious into blogging though. In November 2011, my blog was one of the finalist for the Philippine Blog Awards under the category of Best Travel Blog. Even though I did not bring home the bacon, it was the best moment of my blogging life during that time. My blog was barely five months old and it was such an honor to be part of that prestigious blogging event.

A few days ago, I received an email from Mindanao Blog Awards. And yes, it's official: The Geeks Travels is once again a finalist for the Mindanao Blog Awards - Best Travel Blog category. Yey!

Beauty and Sheer Madness

Zamboanga sunset.

As of this writing, the Zamboanga crisis is already on its ninth day. I was at the Manila Area Control Center, delivering ATC clearances to Manila Approach when I heard my seniors talking about the security situation of the city. At around 7:40 in the morning, they informed us not to give clearances to all Zamboanga bound flights; we still have to verify the situation of Zamboanga through Mactan Control. Ten minutes before nine, we were informed that all commercial flights to Zamboanga were suspended and only the military flights were allowed to fly in and out of Zamboanga. And at that very moment, I realized that the situation is worse than I have imagined.

The Best Careers for Adventure Junkies

Lovers of travel made the industry sing to the tune of $564 billion in 2011, according to USTravel.org. Although most of us enjoy the occasional foray to visit grandma or lay around on the beach, some of us crave more. What if you could make money traveling instead of being another part of a spendy statistic? You could experience the highs and lows that the world has to offer with the spirit of adventure blowing your sails onward. Or, you could pursue a career in one of these fields.

Of Ruined Vacations: Cancelled and Delayed Flights

The Art Of Waiting. Photo taken at Mactan-Cebu Int'l Airport

Janelle Tan (not her real name) had already planned to have a grand vacation in Boracay with her college friends. It has been years since their last adventure. She and her friends availed a promo fare to Caticlan months before their Boracay escapade. As the date of their vacation drew nearer, Janelle couldn't contain her excitement. She had already packed her things, and updated her social media accounts.

"Boracay, see you in three days! #vacation #MyLife #MainggitKa", her Twitter account said.

The day of their flight came. They were scheduled to leave Manila at three in the afternoon. At 1PM, they were already inside NAIA Terminal 3. Everything went well; they did not encounter any problems. After 20 minutes, they were already at the pre-departure area. It was rather full of people, as expected. Every summer, there is a significant increase of flights in and out of Manila, mostly coming from the domestic sector.

They were expected to board at 2:40 PM, as indicated on their boarding passes. It was already 3PM and there were no any advisories regarding their flight. Janelle was expecting this, maybe a 15 to 20 minute delay. At 3:30 PM, they were advised that their new ETD (Estimated Time of Departure) will be at 3:40 PM due to air traffic congestion over Manila.

Tokyo Tokyo Finally Invades Davao

I love Japanese food. Yes, I do, I really do! In fact, I would crave for Sushi, Sashimi and California Maki whenever I'm stressed. But usually here in Davao, Japanese restaurants are too expensive. But, I shouldn't worry about it now because Tokyo Tokyo, the country's number one Japanese fast food chain is now here in Davao!

SM Lanang Premier: Davao's Newest Shopping Destination

I am proud to say that I am born and raised here in the City of Davao, a city where peace and harmony exist amidst the developments of the city. Davao City may be a very big metropolis in terms of land area, but one wouldn't feel that it's really big. To answer that minor predicament, SM Prime decided to put up its second SM Mall in Davao, catering the needs and wants of every Davaoeños.

Now, it's about time to bring all those good things here in Davao!

Those 22 Unheard Voices

I used to be one of the grandest and the most iconic buildings of Davao City. For decades, I stood there with pride as one of the national artists of the country designed me. I used to see people crying and waving to their loved ones as they board the plane, the impatient faces at the waiting shed area right in front of me, and those who were doing their business within my garden.

The old terminal of Davao International Airport

But on the fourth day of March 2003, everything went black, chaotic, then hazy.