(SPOT.ph) Exploring a city by foot is always a good option if you really want to discover its hidden gems. This is especially true for the historic streets of Manila, which is best enjoyed through walking (or biking) tours—it could be the mystery-laden activity by Manila Who or a bike hunt by Bambike. But before these options, there was Walk This Way—a walking tour in Intramuros that was punctuated with improv acts and humor by the late Carlos Celdran. In homage to the legacy of the "Pied Piper of Manila," cultural groups are holding the last ever Walk This Way on October 19 at 4 p.m.
Celdran hosted tours-on-foot for about 17 years. He migrated to Spain and left the Philippines on January 22 "due to an aggressive political climate and human rights reasons," according to his blog. Despite the distance, he continued promoting the beauty of the country and retelling its history through "The Jose Rizal Walking Tour of Madrid," which retraced the steps of the national hero from Museo Nacional de Antropologia, through Retiro Park, and Palacio Cristal. He even scheduled tours all the way until the end of October 2019. News of his passing broke online on October 8.Â
He Walked This Way: A Tribute to Carlos Celdran will be hosted by improv artist Gabe Mercado. It will start from Fort Santiago at 4 p.m. and will run until 6:30 p.m. The day will culminate with a night of toasts and tributes at Puerta Real.
For more information, visit He Walked This Way: A Tribute to Carlos Celdran's event page.
Main image by Ted Barrera, Flickr (L); and from Carlos Celdran's blog (R)
