May 13, 2025
Eye Opening Experience - Being an American born Filipino, this was my first time ever traveling to the Philippines. This tour gave me a true look at the life of local Filipinos and really put a lot of things into perspective. Tess was very friendly and a great tour guide that provided a lot of information and more insight into things I had just heard about from relatives/seen on the internet. Would recommend to anyone not seeking an atypical tour of Manila.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 16, 2025
5 Stars an unforgettable experience - Our tour with Mari was absolutely amazing! From start to finish, she was knowledgeable, friendly, and incredibly passionate about the area. She shared fascinating stories and hidden gems we never would’ve discovered on our own. Her enthusiasm made the whole experience so much more engaging, and she went above and beyond to make sure everyone felt included and comfortable. This tour was a highlight of our trip—highly recommend to anyone looking for a fun, informative, and memorable adventure!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Apr 2, 2025
Next up for city sightseeing is this tour - I joined because I wanted to know the daily life of the local people, not the glitzy Manila these days.
This was my fifth trip to the Philippines, and I had only been to tourist spots where I could go on my own between work and family transportation, so this time I joined because I wanted to learn with a local guide and also because I wanted my son to learn.
Although we were the only participants, they were cheerful and courteous, and their shy son seemed to learn a lot.
Both parents and children lacked English skills, but thank you for your patience.
When I come to Manila again, I want to go on a volcano tour or bar hopping tour next.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mar 12, 2025
Real, Authentic Manila Culture Experience - This tour was fantastic and authentic. Mari took us through the area she grew up in, which is an area most tourists would probably avoid. The people were so kind and welcoming. Zero safety issues. We also rode a Jeepney, Lamborghini, walked around the open markets, and through Chinatown.
Mari was a wonderful guide who was happy to answer any questions we had about her culture. She did a great job of making everyone in the group feel welcome. She also donates a portion of the proceeds from this tour to helping the people in the area she grew up in.
I recommend booking this tour, as it's one you won't find anywhere else.
Review provided by Viator
Mar 1, 2025
Great way to see Old Manila - A fantastic way to see the depths of Old Manila. Mari leads you thru an adventure off the beaten path thru residential neighborhoods and the meat and vegetable markets where everything originates. And she took such good care of us along the way!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jan 26, 2025
If you want to see the “real” Filipino lifestyle, take this tour! - We like to do tours with local guides when we travel. This is the most authentic “Hidden Gems” tour we’ve been on. Mari is very knowledgeable about the experiences on this tour, as she grew up in the area. In fact, you may meet some of her relatives as you wander through the alleyways on your tour. It was very interesting to learn about the daily lives of people in Tondo and it was exciting to ride a Jeepney and a “Lamborghini” tricycle! This was definitely one of the highlights of our time in Manila!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dec 31, 2024
Great day in Tondo with Mari - Absolutely recommend this tour, we really enjoyed our day in Tondo. Mari was the perfect guide, friendly, funny and knowledgable. We visited places we would never go by ourselfs and learned about life of people of Tondo. We lived the Jeepnie and Lamborgini ride as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dec 25, 2024
The Manila you must experience! - TL;DR version: Book this tour, it will be the best part of your visit to Philippines.
Such an amazing experience with an amazing host, and meet some amazing people along the way. Mari is a great ambassador for not only Manila, but all Philippines. I must note how gracious and understanding she is as well. I booked two tours with her, but accidentally booked the hidden gems tour on the incorrect date. Even after waiting for me on the incorrect day I booked, not only was she understanding of my mistake, she even suggested combining both the hidden gems tour and the night market tours on the same day to make it more convenient and cohesive for us all. I cannot express how grateful I am to Mari! The residents of Tondo Manila are so warm and welcoming, and allowed me the humbling experience to play candy Santa to the kids. Jeepney rides, navigating the street markets, learning about the history of the area, interacting with the real locals, learning just how connected we all are, it's almost spiritual and experience. Just book it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dec 25, 2024
The Manila that you don’t expect. - We had the opportunity to visit some hidden places that you will not experience in any other tour.
We tried all local transports, meet so many local people who welcome us to their places.
We tried some typical food and visit the biggest market in Manila.
Mari, the tour guide is a real star!
I will never forget this experience and Mari.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dec 19, 2024
The real Manila with Maria - The tour is perfect for those who want to discover the real Manilla, have contact with local people and get in touch with the local culture. Maria is a dynamic guide who you can ask for anything and will explain everything with detail and patience. His English is great. Highly recommended I will never forget the human contact that gave me this experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
