If These Walls Could Talk (a walking tour of Intramuros led by Carlos Celdran)

Highly Recommended!

I've been hearing and reading raves about Carlos Celdran's tours since last year. Finally, I was able to go on one of them. I am so happy I brainwashed Carlo (and wife Ry) to join me (and treat me hehe) for this tour! It's a great way of rediscovering our beloved Manila. I can't wait to join the other tours (the Imeldific tour, the Escolta/Quiapo tours etc) when I come home again in December (and/or August).

So whether you are a foreigner, a Manileño, a balikbayan or a bum/tambay, go for this tour. This is a theatrical tour, mind you (Carlos Celdran is, apart from being one of the best guides in the Philippines, a performing artist as well). Even if you are not a history enthusiast, you will still find this tour interesting--just keep an open mind and don't leave your brains at home. The tour is fast paced and you need to keep your ears tuned to the many facts and stories you will hear from Carlos.

Don't expect any typical "on your right, you will see bla bla bla" stuff. It's more like going through your history class but in a more colorful, humorous and dramatic way. I promise, there are some controversial stuff in store for you.The things you will learn are things that were mostly left out of our history books. Carlos is one passionate lad who will make this tour fun and informative--he'll make you love and appreciate Manila for all its glory and gory :)

Carlo was the one who booked us for the tour. He just texted the contact number in the site and got a confirmation message that we are booked for the 4 Jan tour session. Celdran tours didn't even ask for a payment. As Carlos said when he started the tour: "Payment will be made after the tour. If you did not like the tour, then don't pay." Everyone paid, everyone finished the tour. No one left at all.

The original site of Ateneo de Manila. T'was mentioned that there are restoration plans going on.

Meeting place for the tour group was in front of Manila Cathedral at 3pm. There were a lot of people in the area, especially since there was a wedding (as usual) that Sunday afternoon. I kept telling Ca that we might miss Carlos. But who would miss a man who is in full costume: he wore a top hat, loose black pants, leather sandals, and an 1800s-inspired white shirt – with an intricate gold tambourine necklace around his neck. He looked like he stepped out of a history book! (I heard that Carlos is always in costume during his tours like he'd wear bell bottoms for his Imeldific tour since it's about Manila in the 70s).

I was spellbounded by his story telling that I wasn't able to shoot many photos. A visit to the crypt gave me the chills. The way Carlos retold the story of how the glory of Manila was destroyed by World War II gave me the goosebumps! But Carlos promised after his spiel: "The tour will be fun again, don't worry."

Carlos had this black folder that contains many intriguing and unique illustrations and photos. All his props are inside that messenger bag. Aliw!



I was planning to write a full account of the tour but I don't want to spoil the fun for you. You must experience it!!! The drama, the intrigues, the darkness, the humour! Please, go and sign up for his tour. I assure you that it's so worth it! Imagine, ME, a person who hates walking, actually loved this WALKING tour and I actually didn't mind it AT ALL!!! I didn't even notice that we walked from Manila Cathedral to Intramuros Walls, to the old Ateneo de Manila Campus to San Agustin to Plaza San Luis.

To know more about Carlos and his tours, visit his blog or click here for the tour descriptions.

Carlos famous line: "I can’t change the way Manila looks, but I can change the way you look at Manila".


He has indeed changed the way I looked at Manila. He will change yours too.

For the nth time, let me just say: Can't wait to go back and go for his other tours.