He started blogging only in February of this year and his posts, found at www.celdrantours.blogspot.com, are fewer when compared to more avid (and dedicated) bloggers. Still, that has not prevented the outspoken Mr. Celdran from digging up a virtual goldmine of Manila and its hidden, undiscovered treasures. His posts are a must-read for researchers or mere curiosity-seekers since it’s written from the eyes of someone who knows the city so well. Celdran is quite in-demand for his one-man “hysteric-theatric tours” which “utilize theatrics, comedy, costumes, and music to teach Philippine history,” specifically in Manila’s old districts like Intramuros, Quiapo and Binondo. But from time to time, he also throws in his expert advice on other “must-see” places in the archipelago, restaurants to dine in and other interesting stuff. Celdran can be quite unforgiving of people who seek to destroy Manila’s old glory but the rest of the tour-crazy population should find him a joy to read. For the full interview, walk this way please:

Q. I presume you're  a busy person. How did someone like you get into blogging? Did anybody encourage you to blog? How did you find out about Blogger, for example?

A. I'm actually a tech idiot and am not quite savvy with computers as I should be.

I got into blogging because I really needed to create a web presence for my walking tours.  It was  a pain to keep sending my schedules out individually so I just decided to get create a site.  And since creating a website was also a total pain (even the free web templates are a pain).  Blogging was my alternative choice.  I've since learned that blogs are way easier to read and come across as much more personal than a site.  The response has been quite positive.

The truth is I only chose Blogger because it was the first entry when I googled FREE BLOGS.  (I still haven't figured how to use it to properly and as you can see, I'm still using the simplest template available).

Q. Can you share with us your experience setting things up, and configuring your blog?

A. It was rather confusing at first.  But it really does get easier as one goes along.  I am still discovering things until now actually.   I only learned how to upload photos a couple weeks ago.  And it was quite by accident.  I
was just curious what would happen if I pressed a framed photo type icon on my control bar.

Q. Considering that you're a multimedia artist, please name the things you like about blogging? Do you think it's artistic or an art form, or do you think it will be elevated to an art form someday?

I like it for it's instant gratification and its magazine format.  It's just so much more personal with a blog.  With a blog you know there is a person behind all the ideas being presented.  With websites, it’s much more
institutional.

Hmmm.  I don't know if it will be an art form in itself. Maybe it can help artists, or it can help extend an artistic idea.  But as for blogging being an art form in itself, I doubt it.  Can a magazine be art?  It can be artistic but not art.  Art has the capacity of ringing through the ages.

Blogs can get stale easily.

Q. Please describe your blog, in a single short paragraph.

A. It's a blog that will hopefully change the way you see the city of Manila (literally and figuratively).

Q. What were your objectives in setting up the "Walk This Way" blog?

A. To have my schedules updated and available to the public in real time.  My thoughts, and recommendations are just icing.  “Walk this Way” is really just a magazine dedicated to my ego masking itself off as a blog.

Q. Do you think an online presence is important for the industry you're in?

A. Very.  Most of my clients are online.  It's also the best way to get information to people who live outside of the country.

Q. What are your online/blogging habits?

A. Hmm.  I dont think I have that addiction to blogging the way some others are.  My computer is prepaid so I can't surf as fast.  I also try to make it a habit to have only two entries a week.  Too many entries make it seem I have no outdoor life.  Too little and the blog gets stale.

I have been known to give in and do a vanity google just for kicks too.

Q. What are your  future plans for your blog?

A. I'd like to have a custom-made look for the blog instead of the template from Blogger I am using now. I'd also like to learn how to install a counter. I have no idea how many times my site has been visited.

Q. This early, do you have what you can consider a favorite post?

A. Ooh.  I cant say to tell you the truth.  They are all equally interesting and irrelevant at the same time.

Q. In the case that am a tourist with a flight to catch and four hours to spare touring Manila, can you name three places that I "must" see and two restaurants where I can eat?

Definitely Quiapo and Intramuros, Lunch in Ilustrado or Kwatro Kantos in Intramuros.  Or at Pantalan by the Quirino Grandstand overlooking Manila Bay.

If there's no traffic.  Greenbelt too.

Q.  In your own candid opinion, what makes Manila different from, say, Alabang, Makati, Mandaluyong or Quezon City?

It's history.  It's an area that developed naturally and organically.  It didn’t come out of some masterplan created by the Ayala Corporation.  Sadly, its history is largely ignored by Manila's business community and residents.

Q. Can you tell us one travel tip we shouldn't live without?

A. If one can, always make sure to visit a public market in any city you visit. It shows what the people value.  And always have a fanny pack for your passport and valuables.  Don’t keep stuff in your pockets.

(For comments and inquiries, email annalyn.jusay@gmail.com)