Congrats to the Living la vida Imelda contest winner!

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.

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.

I want our guests to see a different Manila. I want them to see beyond the chaos and see the beauty underneath grime. Yes, Manila is dirty and disorganized. But when you look hard enough and embrace all its imperfections, you’ll come to appreciate its unique charm.

Most entries focused just on Manila. Intramuros, Luneta, Binondo, Divisoria and Quiapo are favorites haunts. Didi Paterno and Lily Ang were very specific about where they’ll take their guests to eat (and gave me a list of new places to try). Jesy A., cherry and feliz v agreed that the best way to cap off a Manila tour is to watch the sunset and unwind at MOA. Jo Tan goes the extra mile by taking his guests to Corregidor, while Nico Quejano got me curious about this Sto. Niño de Titi that can be found in Quiapo. Kris Ariza has both the Manila Ocean Park and Manila Zoo in her itinerary, as do KC Binay.

Mav, on the otherhand said she’ll show her guests what Broadway theater is like in Manila, though she never specified where. Jam puts some quirk into his/her itinerary, shouting “TAHO” and “PUTO” as soon as they leave the house. Or did he/she meant to say they’d buy taho and puto? April will be taking her guests to Luneta, as she sees that it is “reeking of history, Pinoy culture and the true face of reality what with the nearby squatter area.”

There were those who looked beyond Manila; I did say Metro Manila afterall. Both Juned and Dante thinks one of the must do’s is to ride the Pasig River Ferry to Intramuros. Tina took her guests on both ends of the spectrum: shopping in Bangkal, Makati then moving on to Cubao X in Quezon City. Wheatcliff takes his guest all around the metro, from Manila to Quezon City to Makati, while quiam just focused on QC and Marikina.

Of all the entries, the one I like most is Rolly Nunez‘s that beautifully captures the totally of the Filipino culture:

A foreigner seeks for the culture, food, history and hospitality of the Filipino people. As a teaser, we will ride the cab or taxi down to Intramuros. I’ll treat him to the lokal “turo-turo” offering one day old, the famous “kwek-kwek,” and some dumpling experience for a small break. The walled city hp the best destination for them to introduce the richness of our values. It explains the artistry, talent, bravery, social apt, and among others. We will ride the “kalesa” or the more humane way instead of pallanquin. Like Magellan, we will circumnavigate the vicinity and let him enjoy the area while giving insights of the spots.

Next is the shrine of Dr. Jose Rizal or the Luneta Park. I’ll bring my old paper money and several coins which portrays our National Hero. And I’ll tell him some of his contributions for our independence. He is my idol and role model, for the love of our country after God. A small meal from the local “Mang Inasal,” the most famous marinated chicken. I’ll also explain how to eat it using hands and dipping it to “toyo-mansi”.

The next pit stop is the EDSA Shrine. We will ride the MRT from Taft to Ortigas. Displaying the unity of the people for the past decades. The shrine itself, the Ortigas Ilalim route of bus and the People Power Monument for the few to be proud of. A small snack from the “Mamang Sorbetero” will be special. A bun filled with ice cream is very excellent after walking a half kilometer long journey.

Then, we will use the mass transport system of bus from Ortigas to Cubao. A stroll from AliMALL will shaken up the hot senses from the sun.

After that, we will ride the jeepney routing Cubao and Montalban. “Patok” jeepney is the name of those who have loud music, colorful interiors, overspeeding and very fast jeepney. I’ll explain to him that it serve us by transporting merchant and goods from provinces to rural or urban areas and now, even passengers. We will alight at the Shoe Capital of the Philippines, Marikina. For me, it is our symbol of cleanliness and development. The Marikina River is a great facade for a small talk. And I’ll bring him to our house to accommodate and take care of him. Rest assured, he’ll enjoy the hospitality of us.

Congrats Rolly! I hope you enjoy the Imelda tour as much as I did 🙂