May 16

May 16 Walk This Way, Intramuros Performance Art Tour

Manila gets a bad rap sometimes. I've heard people say Manila has no soul and they aren't necessarily drawn to Manila because it is deemed as a 'big city with a lot of malls, people and no heritage/culture'. I will not deny that our first year here in 2009 I did think it was a big city with a lot of malls BUT if you have talked to me in person or read anything I have written on social media in the last few years you know I have found so much more in Manila. There are difficulties but I really do love Manila. There is heritage and culture here and it starts in Intramuros. *Photos from our first visit in 2009. Before I had my own babies when I was still a baby. Man, Manila you have been with me every step of the way. I will always hold a special place in my heart for you. I hope you do the same for me.*

monument-depicting-how-150000-philippines-died-in-1945-1.jpg

replica-of-original-church-everything-was-destroyed-in-1945.jpg

We first visited Intramuros a few weeks after we arrived in 2009. We did the horse and buggy tour and really enjoyed learning more about the Spanish Filipino culture and history. To be honest, we hadn't been back until last month for the Walk This Way Tour. I heard it was a one man show. I assumed it would be entertaining. I had no idea how loud and informative Walk This Way Tour of Intramuros would be. It really is quite the show. It throws culture, history and very strong opinions in your face. I have never met a person as passionate as Carlos Celdran. His convictions are strong as he tells the story of how Manila got to it's state today. Truly fascinating and inspiring. He did his job well and has me convinced that I absolutely need to spend more time in Intramuros and get Manila back on the map with Intramuros at spot #1. So, I'm writing this post so that you will also learn to love Manila and Intramuros! *Not a sponsored post. I just want others to understand Manila a bit more and grow to love it.

In his own words,

"I will analyze Philippine architecture, culture and history as we stroll through it's storied streets. Learn ALL about Manila literally one step at a time. There will be humor, drama, candy, and carriage rides. Promise. Disclaimer: This is performance art in the guise of a walking tour."

"I believe that Manila can be a reflection of your state of mind. Being a city of extreme contrasts it can easily become an intense personal experience. Manila can be chaotic and spiritual, dirty and divine, gritty and gorgeous all at once. If you don't find beauty and poetry here, you will not find it anywhere." Calros Celdran.

There's not much more I can add to that. The words mirror what I feel and I hope you strive to see the good here as well. Perhaps starting with this tour will lend an understanding to this place we call home.

*Tours can be booked here.