Thank to everyone who shared their Metro Manila itineraries! It was such a joy to read the replies, specially the ones that included detailed descriptions, significance of the places and means of transport. It gave me plenty of new ideas for when I have friends and family coming to visit. If you’re thinking of places to bring your guest, the comment section of that post is rife with possibilities!

Chyng deliberately disqualified herself by saying outright that she wouldn’t take her guests around Manila, while Cornelio started with Manila, yet ventured out of town and had his itinerary spread for more than a day. I intentionally limited the itinerary to one day and only within Metro Manila. Why? Because most of those who travel to Manila only transit here — they fly in only because Manila is the main international hub and they use it as the jump off point to exploring places outside Manila.

Father Blanco’s garden circa 2006

Allan Reyes said he’d take his guests to Tondo so that they will see the real Manila, and erica yu-b said she’ll take them for a peek at Smokey Mountain so that her guests would help make the Philippines a better place. I understand what you guys are coming from, but let’s face it — those squatters is what the world already have in mind when they think about Manila. That is what’s often depicted in the media. I believe it’s every Filipino’s responsibility to make the Philippines a better place, not our guest’s.
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Let’s start the week right with a contest! Up for grabs is a free pass (for two!) to Carlos Celdran’s Living La Vida Imelda tour of the CCP Complex.

Why don’t I have a photo of Carlos with the Imelda photo? Fail.

I’ve done the Imelda tour last March and the Intramuros tour last April. I thought more people should experience one of Carlos’ tours, and here’s your chance to try it out for FREE!
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It’s been around since 2006, but it was only last April 30 that Ang Pambansang T-shirt was formally launched. Brought to us by Team Manila, you can expect the same funky and quirky feel that made Team Manila a big success.

Carlos Celdran in a colorful barong with a green (of course) Ang Pambansang T-shirt inside. That’s Ferdz and Oggie in the background.

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Mention Imelda Marcos’ name, and the first thing that comes to mind are shoes. Lots of them. But there was no shoes in Carlos Celdran’s tour; just a mention of them. What’s in the tour are two gorgeous buildings designed by National Artist for Architecture, Leandro V. Locsin.

The unmistakable shape of the National Theatre.

So what’s Imelda got to do with the tour?
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On a sunny Saturday afternoon, I, along with Eric, Ferdz, Oggie, Dong and Omar found ourselves inside La Cocina de Tita Moning. We were there upon Ivan Man Dy’s invitation to get a taste of his relaunched Palace, Power and a shot of beer walking tour of the Malacañang Palace.

The Philippine flag in the palace grounds

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Mabuhay Guides is another one of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano’s project to “produce young men and women who will guide DOT visitors to the Philippines, presenting the country in the best possible light in an interesting, intelligent & engaging manner, even as they represent the best the Philippines has to offer.” (from the Mabuhay Guides website)

Not the best thing to wear that Sunday. It was one of the hottest days of summer!

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