CNN’s Quest’s World of Wonder Unleashes the Heartbeat of Manila in a Dazzling Filipino Adventure

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the latest exhilarating episode of CNN’s Quest’s World of Wonder, the indomitable Richard Quest lands in the vibrant chaos and soulful harmony of Manila — a city that refuses to sleep, where tradition wrestles with modernity, and where every corner thrums with stories waiting to be told.

From sizzling street food to surreal folklore, Quest embarks on a spellbinding journey through the Philippine capital, not just as a curious tourist, but as a cultural explorer unearthing the treasures that make this Southeast Asian archipelago unlike any other.

A Culinary Welcome Like No Other: Kamayan and the Boodle Fight

Quest’s first stop is a feast not just for the belly but for the soul. Led by local guide Maul, he plunges into the heart of Filipino culinary tradition with Kamayan — a hands-on, no-cutlery, banana-leaf-laden banquet designed to be shared with laughter, stories, and unbridled joy. At the center of this cultural ritual is the “Boodle Fight,” a military-born dining practice that has transformed into a communal celebration across the country.

“The Kamayan Boodle Fight is an absolute institution here,” Quest muses as he gleefully partakes in grilled seafood, crispy fried chicken, and steaming mounds of rice. “You can see why — it brings together family and friends in this wonderful spirit of friendship and unity.”

Morning Rush and Midday Madness: Surviving Manila's Commute

As the sun rises and Manila’s roads buckle under the morning surge, Quest finds himself in the studio with local radio legends Chico Garcia and Markki Stroem, co-hosts of the popular Morning Rush show. Between witty exchanges and rapid-fire banter, Quest flips the script, becoming the interviewee.

For Stroem, whose résumé reads like a multi-hyphenate marvel — actor, singer, pageant king — the show is more than just a reprieve from traffic. It’s a platform for expression, identity, and even advocacy. “Pageantry in the Philippines is like the Super Bowl,” Stroem explains, recounting his victorious portrayal of the Tikbalang, a mythical half-horse, half-man figure, during the 2024 Mr. Universe pageant. “But mine wasn’t feared — it was a protector of nature.”

Into the Wild: Mysticism Meets Conservation at Masungi Georeserve

Quest then journeys to the lush Masungi Georeserve, a living testament to the Philippines’ fierce environmental spirit. Nestled within its limestone-rich terrain and cloud-kissed cliffs is an unfolding story of resilience and restoration.

There, conservationist Ann Dumaliang shares her life’s work, treating the reserve as kin — a “little brother” she’s watched grow from barren wasteland into a thriving sanctuary. From the towering Balete tree — a legendary gateway to the supernatural — to forest spirits requiring whispered greetings of “Tabi Tabi Po,” the ethereal becomes real in this oasis of biodiversity.

Pageants and Pride: The Philippines' Fascination with Beauty and Brilliance

No exploration of Filipino culture would be complete without diving into its pageant phenomenon. Quest finds himself in the presence of Rodgil Flores, a titan in the beauty pageant world, who has spent over three decades sculpting queens who command not only the stage but the hearts of millions.

“It’s more than beauty,” Flores says. “It’s identity, pride, and the Philippines rallying behind a single person — a symbol of hope, grace, and victory.”

Rolling with the People: The Iconic Jeepney Ride

Finally, Quest hops aboard a Jeepney — the gloriously gaudy, chrome-plated chariots of the masses. With fares less than 25 cents and routes woven into the very veins of Manila, these vehicles are more than transportation — they are culture in motion.

“I think what I really love,” Quest laughs over the cacophony of traffic and street vendors, “is that a ride in a Jeepney assaults all of the senses. The noise, the smell, the people — it’s got the lot!”

More Than a Destination — Manila is a Feeling

Richard Quest’s Manila escapade isn’t just about ticking off tourist spots. It’s a love letter to the Philippines — to its people, its passions, and its pulse. Through food, folklore, and festivity, Quest’s World of Wonder unveils a metropolis that dances between the ancient and the modern with unapologetic flair.

Catch the full Manila episode of Quest’s World of Wonder on CNN International on the following dates:

Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 6:30pm HKT

Sunday, April 20 at 3:30am, 9:30am, and 3:30pm HKT

Tuesday, April 22 and Wednesday, April 23 at 4:45am HKT

Saturday, April 26 at 1:30pm HKT

Sunday, April 27 at 12:30am HKT

Monday, April 28 at 5:30am HKT

Don’t miss it — because in Manila, every moment is a world of wonder.

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