Walk this Way: A Walking Manila Tour by Carlos Celdran

It was definitely different from the other walking tours I have taken. The tour guide was like no other. The encounter with Carlos Celdran himself was a unique experience. He was so passionate and could get really intense on some topics particularly on the part when Manila was caught between the war of United States and Japan and thousands of Filipinos were killed and Manila was bombed, destroying the beautiful city. The 30+ mix of Filipinos and foreigners laughed and cried with him as he shared facts and events in the past that affected the way we are today in Manila (and Philippines in general).

Thank you, Carlos Celdran, for such an amazing experience. It was not only an informational tour but an eye opener even for us Filipinos. I will never look at certain things the same way again.

Loved the calesa ride! Definitely an experience for our Canadian guest

San Agustin Church. The oldest church in the Philippines. The only one of the 7 churches and 1 cathedral in Intramuros that survived the bombing in WWII.

Last stop was a Barbara’s where halo-halo was served while Carlos was wrapping up the tour. Amazing tour! Carlos got a big applause from everyone.

We walked a few meters a way to take a look at the Manila Cathedral which was under renovation.

Love this poster! I will definitely take another Walk This Way tour

For tour schedules, visit http://www.carlosceldran.com.

To reserve, text (63) 920 9092021.

Meeting place is at Fort Santiago, Santa Clara Street, Intramuros.

What a Grand Day!

It was the most anticipated day of David Archuleta’s 3-week stay in the Philippines – the culmination of all the hard work David has put into making his first real acting project and the day fans get to show David how much they love and support him.

My Kind of Perfect

David performed this well-loved song much to the delight of the fans (video taken by @jackryan4DA)

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Interview with Eula and Jasmine

Eula and Jasmine joined David onstage for a mini-Q&A.

Another view of the interview that shows David doing the dougie at the end

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Nandito Ako Trailer

We did not expect it and neither did David, Jasmine and Eula, but TV5 premiered the Nandito Ako trailer during the Grand Fans Day.  It was a real treat to share the excitement of watching the trailer the first time with David, Jasmine and Eula <3

I love this version from Ustream as it showed David’s reaction while watching the trailer. I also tried to watch David from my seat and I could see him laughing and giggling at times… some during the romantic scenes, some when David is crying.  Gosh, what a mess I was! My tears kept flowing uncontrollably not only because of the story that slowly unfolded before our eyes, I was SO PROUD OF DAVID! Who knew David would be SOOOOO GOOD in acting. He was such a natural, like what Mac Alejandre kept on saying about David on Twitter. None of his acting in his scenes looked forced. DAVID THE ACTOR HAS ARRIVED! And I wasn’t alone in that sentiment. All the fans in the cinema squeed in unison and everywhere I looked, I saw misty eyes

Here’s a clearer view taken by @ascphil:

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Archuleta Philippines’ Tribute and Pledge

For weeks, Archuleta Philippines has been planning a sendoff tribute for David. We did not know how we are going to present it to David at that time. We just went on planning and preparing for it. We knew somehow we’ll find a way to show our tribute to him.

Our initial plan was to sing a medley of David’s songs plus an adaptation of Nandito Ako to tell him how we will always be here even if he’s gone for two years. A week before Grand Fans Day, TV5 graciously gave us 4 minutes to perform for David. Since we only had limited time, we decided to just sing an adaptation of the whole Nandito Ako song. As we practiced the full song for the first time after the mall tour in MOA, emotions ran high knowing that this will be our only chance to let David know how much we support and love him before he leaves for his mission.

I am so glad Ustream captured our performance and David’s reaction while watching us.

David got teary-eyed which made us even more emotional during the song. We could hardly sing, but it did not matter. David heard our message <3

David watching our presentation (cr @madelasuncion)

Here’s a video from another angle where you see more of Archuleta Philippines performing. At the 5:00 mark, @kricket_rc234 handed over to David the Certificate for the adoption of 21 trees planted  in his name and a CD copy of our tribute video showing how Archuleta Philippines celebrated his 21st birthday last December 28, 2011 – we planted 21 trees, we packed relief goods for typhoon victims and we had a mini birthday celebration for him! (cr. seceew)

Here’s a copy of the tribute video :

The lyrics that were given to David

Nandito Kami

It was such an emotionally fulfilling experience for all of us. Thank you, David!

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Talentadong Pinoy Taping

Right after Grand Fans Day in Megamall, we rushed to Skydome in SM North Edsa where David was to tape a performance at Talentadong Pinoy.

David first sang Nandito Ako (to be aired on February 5). He looked so handsome in his suit.

The performance as aired on TV5.

He next sang Wherever You Are (to be aired on February 19).

This was a first time for many of us, to join the audience during the taping of a show. Only for David. Ha ha!

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Press Launch

We tried to go to Meralco Fitness Center to hopefully watch the Press Launch live. However, it was a by invitation event so the group decided to watch it via livestream instead.

Along with @nareejo, @jackryan4DA, @kricket_rc234, @KarissaCortez, @carlacharisse, @feeshda and @cmaecy, we went to Persiana for dinner. We watched the Press Launch from @jackryan4DA’s laptop and from our iPhones.

David sang Nandito Ako flawlessly for the press. We also got to see the cast sing Nandito Ako at the start. What a lovely cast!

Thank you again, Mr. Preci Intalan and the TV5 management for believing in David and for engaging the fans throughout the entire process.

Can’t wait to watch Nandito Ako. It will be a big hit. I know it for sure

Archuleta Philippines cr. Marion Chong