Think you’ve attended the best historical tour? Meet this
guy and say that again.
My friends, who were obedient followers of Lonely Planet,
told me we should attend a tour by Carlos Celdran. (Never heard of him before.)
This was the thing to do in Manila. I agreed mainly because the history
proportion was ridiculously small in that amazing city. Every time the locals
wanted to do something with us we ended up hanging out in a mall slightly
bigger than the previous one.
Every now and then when abroad I’d like to wear a t-shirt
saying “I’m not American.” Silly I know, but history usually means events that
took place within the past fifty to hundred years and the Americans have kept
themselves (or their army) busy globally within that time frame. Emotions run
high when visiting historical sites and you don’t want to share them with
someone whose nation caused some of the pain.
What Carlos Celdran took us through was heart breaking,
controversial, interesting and amazing. I didn’t have that t-shirt with me, but
because of my appearance I didn’t feel the need of one saying “neither am I
Japanese or Chinese.”
The Philippines is a wonderful country. Best part of it is
the people. (Nature comes close second.) My Filipino friends were shocked
during the tour just as I were. They hadn’t heard all the historical back
rounds to some of the most bewildering events in their country. It was not all
in what was said but rather how it was said. There was an artist at work.
In Vietnam and Cambodia I have felt numb, empty, sad and
ridiculous after getting to know how cruel a human being can be to another.
This is why I have to regulate my original venue history doses. However Mr.
Celdran tried to avoid that. His tour had a message of hope and an idea of a
better future. He did not cry for help from abroad, he believed in the country
he loves. The wonderful Filipinos.
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