Through Faded Walls and Silent Distant Calls

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Ever since we were kids we would know Manila as two things, the Capital City and the location of the historic Intramuros. When I started College, I saw more of Manila in my everyday journeys to and from my house to my school. From the train you can see the old glorious architectures and its faded beauty. One would marvel at the intricate and detailed designs seen in almost every house, building, and store that lined the streets of Doroteo Jose to Vito Cruz, where my stop was. There was this one particular building that caught my eye. It was “The Pink” building, as I used to refer to it. Every time I would see its majestic façade and unique architecture, I would always hope for a chance to get a glimpse of its interior, and how it would feel like to be part of the MET experience.

It was during my senior year in College when I found out about a tour inside the MET and its surrounding historic buildings. I jumped on the opportunity for 2 reasons, one because (honestly) it was free and two because I rarely back out on an adventure. During that time (Around 2012), I was becoming quite emotional about Taft and the views I saw on my everyday commute. I would surely miss its vintage appeal and its quaint – hispanic feel.

I got in touch with the tour guide, Mr. Rence Chan who was a contact of my old highschool classmate. He is part of the Royal Heritage group. When I arrived at Liwasang Bonifacio (our assembly area), I didn’t know exactly what to expect from the tour, I was repeatedly thinking that this might have no difference from those old fieldtrips I saw as a kid. I was alone, so obviously I didn’t know anybody from the number of people who were starting to gather in front of the Post office. When the tour began, it was Sir Rence Chan who stood as host, detailing to us all the “fun-facts” of each building we passed by or we went into. As I moved with the crowd from building to building, I was intrigued by how so little of our history is taught in schools. What we read as kids is just a gist of what really happened from a perspective of a number of scholars. I would say I was listening, but I shall admit, that I was listening half-focused because the other half of my mind was anticipating the final stop, which was the Metropolitan Theatre.

Badjao Rebolution: The Most Anticipated Jejemusical of the Season

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Catch the most anticipated jejemusical of the season, Badjao Rebolution!

Badjao Rebolution is a story about making dreams and making steps to make it happen. The musical is about three children who have taken wing under the care of a syndicate go on a journey from being orphan, to beggars, to beggars with stolen identity, to wishful thinkers, to rebels then to liberated thinkers.

It is inspired by an everyday occurrence along the highways in Taytay where “Badjao” children hitching jeepneys, give out dirty envelopes asking for money to buy food while hitting a make-shift drum out of empty milk can or carrying month-old babies on a blanket wrapped around their chests.

More than reaching for their dreams, it is a story of hope. As Netnet says it, “Balang araw maririnig nila ako”. As Menggay says it, “Tingnan nyo, baling araw makikita niyo”. Hope. Hope that we could chase bigger dreams for ourselves. Hope that we could always do better if not best. Hope that we could reach and become our yesterday’s dreams. Hope that one day we can also say “I did it!”

If you’re tired of maturity lectures from the elderly, let Wayang, Netnet, Menggay, Monchi and Anching teach you how “...dapat ganito ang mga bata” and lecture you on life with their brutal honesty from their point of views yet unobstructed by norms and yet dictated by social construct.

ADB-Canada Assures that PH Hotels Ready for Global Market

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Philippine hotels and resorts in key island destinations are ready to compete in the global marketplace, according to the initial findings of a team of International Accommodation Assessors (IAAs) who joined the Department of Tourism (DOT) in conducting a national review of accommodation standards last month.

The team of IAAs composed of ten experts from different countries said Philippine hotels and resorts including the small players have 'very high standards' in keeping the unique Filipino hospitality, one of the country's competitive advantages.

“The warmth of welcome for guests in all types of accommodation is almost unique among international destinations. There is a real potential for the Philippine tourism industry. Some hotels and resorts need to invest to improve, but the new rating system can help identify where to focus that investment,” the initial report noted.

New standards under the Hotel and Resorts Quality Assurance and Accreditation System aim to assist visitors in terms of the quality, service and comfort provided by accommodation businesses of all sizes and types in the Philippines.