"Walk this way please..."
Manila is always portrayed to be poverty-stricken, pathetic and ugly in most films, international news and other media like it is such a loathsome place. Sure its rough around the edges but hey, its not THAT bad.
2 Saturdays ago, I invited Olein and Ellona to experience a historical trip with a guy who is not only unbelievably funny but also proficient in Philippine history. Donning a top hat with his messenger bag, cassette and other props... he's just an amazing tour guide slash entertainer slash teacher.
The meeting place was at San Agustin Church and we started the tour by singing the Philippine National Anthem while his left hand waved a tiny Philippine flag. Ayos! I was happy actually and proud at the same time. We started our tour at San Agustin Church and Museum which was built in 1586 and is the oldest stone church in Manila. There, Carlos talked about the Spanish colonization of the Philippines with a black clear book full of interesting photos. I should've recorded his breathtaking one-minute spiel on Jose Rizal for the benefit of the tourists and balikbayans who doesn't know the country's national hero.
My favorite part is Carlos noting that Jose Rizal is just 4'11... Ellona kinda caught everyone's attention when she loudly told O that they were of the same height. Carlos commented, "don't worry, its a very presidential height!" (President GMA is also 4'11) We stayed at Father Blanco's Garden where Carlos talked about the Spanish to American rule. When English was declared the official language and Six hundred American teachers were imported aboard the USS Thomas. Philippines was considered to be an American colony, and the American administration aimed to develop the country and encouraged the eventual establishment of a free and democratic government.
Afterwhich we proceeded to a crypt where Carlos lighted a candle and requested us to pray for all the lives lost during World War 2. The place served as a memorial to prisoners killed by the Japanese and other innocent victims. Japan attacked the Philippines on 1941, just ten hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Manila was the second most-destroyed city after Warsaw. It is interesting to note that whilst other countries were destroyed by their enemies, Manila was destroyed by... Americans who aimed to liberate the city from the Japs.
We went to Casa Manila after, an almost accurate representation of a private home in Intramuros in the past. That part of the tour was filled with Carlos talking about uniquely Filipino habits, traits and customs. Everything was just soooo Pinoy!
I've never met a guy as passionate as Carlos about the country and its just really amazing. I love my country, everything about me is very Filipino and with that I mean... a mix of everything - part of me very American, a part of me very Spanish. I love my country that I even refused to leave although that might change sooner or later, I don't really know.
I just hope that every Filipino can have a deeper understanding that underneath all the noise and pollution is one of the most fascinating cities on earth just like what Carlos wants to convey.
----------------
Carlos Celdran Tours
http://celdrantours.blogspot.com
(0920)9092021
Manila is always portrayed to be poverty-stricken, pathetic and ugly in most films, international news and other media like it is such a loathsome place. Sure its rough around the edges but hey, its not THAT bad.
2 Saturdays ago, I invited Olein and Ellona to experience a historical trip with a guy who is not only unbelievably funny but also proficient in Philippine history. Donning a top hat with his messenger bag, cassette and other props... he's just an amazing tour guide slash entertainer slash teacher.
The meeting place was at San Agustin Church and we started the tour by singing the Philippine National Anthem while his left hand waved a tiny Philippine flag. Ayos! I was happy actually and proud at the same time. We started our tour at San Agustin Church and Museum which was built in 1586 and is the oldest stone church in Manila. There, Carlos talked about the Spanish colonization of the Philippines with a black clear book full of interesting photos. I should've recorded his breathtaking one-minute spiel on Jose Rizal for the benefit of the tourists and balikbayans who doesn't know the country's national hero.
My favorite part is Carlos noting that Jose Rizal is just 4'11... Ellona kinda caught everyone's attention when she loudly told O that they were of the same height. Carlos commented, "don't worry, its a very presidential height!" (President GMA is also 4'11) We stayed at Father Blanco's Garden where Carlos talked about the Spanish to American rule. When English was declared the official language and Six hundred American teachers were imported aboard the USS Thomas. Philippines was considered to be an American colony, and the American administration aimed to develop the country and encouraged the eventual establishment of a free and democratic government.
Afterwhich we proceeded to a crypt where Carlos lighted a candle and requested us to pray for all the lives lost during World War 2. The place served as a memorial to prisoners killed by the Japanese and other innocent victims. Japan attacked the Philippines on 1941, just ten hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Manila was the second most-destroyed city after Warsaw. It is interesting to note that whilst other countries were destroyed by their enemies, Manila was destroyed by... Americans who aimed to liberate the city from the Japs.
We went to Casa Manila after, an almost accurate representation of a private home in Intramuros in the past. That part of the tour was filled with Carlos talking about uniquely Filipino habits, traits and customs. Everything was just soooo Pinoy!
I've never met a guy as passionate as Carlos about the country and its just really amazing. I love my country, everything about me is very Filipino and with that I mean... a mix of everything - part of me very American, a part of me very Spanish. I love my country that I even refused to leave although that might change sooner or later, I don't really know.
I just hope that every Filipino can have a deeper understanding that underneath all the noise and pollution is one of the most fascinating cities on earth just like what Carlos wants to convey.
----------------
Carlos Celdran Tours
http://celdrantours.blogspot.com
(0920)9092021
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