Arts and culture
Conducted by well-known political activist and artist, Carlos Celdran, the ‘Walk This Way’ Intramuros tour is a three-hour no-holds-barred walking tour of Philippine history. The walled streets of Intramuros take you back to the Spanish era, when the Philippines was under long-term colonial rule from 1556 to 1898, and Celdran has some choice words about this period. The tour progresses through to the American colonial times of the early 20th century, when Manila was at the height of its glory days, when its German-made trams and buildings were constructed in art deco style, and ends with a refreshing cooler.
The Filipinos’ love for music is world-renowned, and gave way to such musical legends like Lea Salonga from the West End hit Miss Saigon. The frontman of the American rock group Journey, Arnel Pineda is, believe it or not, a Filipino too. The Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Philippine Educational Theater Association andthe University of the Philippines in Quezon City all present stage plays and musicals, with regular screenings of indie and artistic films taking place as well.Resorts World Manila also runs a schedule of live band shows, acrobatic performances and children’s shows to cater for the whole family throughout the year.
Art fans should seek out the Ayala Museum (open Tue-Sun, advance booking recommended) in Makati Central Business District. Updated often, the exhibition features talented local artists from across different genres of painting, drawing, photography and various installations. Indigenous art takes centre stage along with modern works and permanent displays of contemporary art. Among the highlights is the Philippine Diorama Experience, a visual narration of Filipino milestones reflected through 60 handcrafted dioramas (3D models).
