THE NORTH BANK TOUR WITH CARLOS CELDRAN

It was another day of history lessons with the entire stretch of Escolta to Quiapo as classroom, and Carlos Celdran as teacher. I was accompanied by a fellow blogger, Vina (standing behind Carlos in picture above), and my Manila-born and raised nephew, Edick.



















The historical aspect of this walking tour was from the period in which the Philippine archipelago began to experience economic, educational and cultural indoctrinations from its American colonizer during the turn of the 20th century. Escolta and the entire city of Manila seemed to have been the centerpiece of that grandiose renaissance buffet. Sadly, the tangible assets of those efforts were blown into smithereens during the one month Battle of Manila when the entire city was carpet bombed by the U.S. liberating forces.

And the period right after the war — traumatized by a civilian death toll that practically equaled that of Hiroshima — most members of Manila’s society and business elite began their exodus down south — towards Makati. Those whose hearts remained in Manila stayed behind to spearhead the monumental task of rebuilding a war-torn city.



















Since about six years ago until now, Mayor Lito Atienza has been busily resuscitating Manila with his various revitalization and beautification projects. And the gentrified Escolta and Rizal Avenue were some of the areas that Carlos brought us to see and know some of their history.




















Personally, the most exciting moment of this tour was when Carlos brought us to Plaza Miranda in front of Quiapo Church and told us everything we wanted to know about those local cures and amulets sold by the street vendors. I was always curious about them, but hesitant, or I should say, embarrassed to ask a vendor to explain to me what each item was for. Much to my delight, Carlos demystified it all for me!

Now I know which super strength love potion to get should a need arise in the future, or which amulet would be formidable enough to guard myself against evil intentions (I can now retire the evil eye keychain which a friend brought me from Turkey).



















And finally, the highlight of this walking tour was when Carlos led us to the side of the church and then around to a doorway. Behind it is this flight of stairs that leads directly to a plexiglass window behind the church altar with an opening to slip one's hand and touch the foot of the Black Nazarene while asking for three wishes. That alone made my day, because no one else I know — local family and friends — knew about this. Now I have something new to tell them.



















Incidentally, I happened to have spoken briefly with one of those in the tour with us yesterday, a gentleman about my age who either travels a lot, or works outside of his home country. He told me that whenever he goes back home to Holland for vacation, he signs up for at least one of their local guided tours — to water his roots, so to speak. I think Filipino expats ought to do the same thing.

This has been another walking tour guided by Carlos that was absolutely worth my time, effort, and money, for I came away richer with knowledge and pride for the city I was born and grew up in.

*Special thanks to Vina for a bagful of delicious Bacolod butterscotch and tart goodies!