Walking

If you're interested to know more about walking, you may find go check these links.

(1)You can find general benefits of walking here.

(2)If you're the type who watches the calories burned for activities, here's a basic calculator.

As for me, I'm contented with viewing interesting things that I would have missed otherwise by opting for a faster means of transportation.

Flyovers

In my first morning rush hour jog in Pasig, I've noticed the developed open spaces under the flyovers. I appreciate the effort on these small "parks" done by local officials on the otherwise wasted space. My suggestion though is take out the benches and wide open spaces. Just leave the needed area for pedestrians. People are not likely to stay there to relax or catch their breaths after a long jog amidst all the noises and pollution. Instead, fill the the entire area with plant boxes filled with Ficus trees or ornamental plants similar to what MMDA have done under MRT. This will help cushion the noise and air pollution. Probably cheaper to construct as well.

On Getting Guides

You can read in blogs everwhere about the various experiences with guides. Oftentimes, you read recommendations and how they made the trip so much fun and easier. On the other hand, there are some stories that the trip could have been perfect if not for the guide.

Personally, I've been hesitant about hiring guides for the trips I had. Some of the reasons include
1) Cheaper cost. Why spend on guide if I can ask around for directions or research for a good itinerary online. There's also a concern that some guides might take you to places where they have partnered with to get commission from your purchases.

2) Feeling of adventure and excitement. Exploring things on my own helps me discover things that I am not expecting. It helps make the trip more spontaneous. I can then share my unique learnings and experiences to others.

3) Bad experiences from previous guides that I had. Some guides make small requests to accommodate their personal errands at my expense (both time, convenience and money). Oftentimes, I accommodate their requests just to avoid bad relationships and negative feelings during the trips.

4) Getting a bad deal. After negotiations with a local, I may later find out that I have paid much higher than prevailing rates.

5) If other backpackers can do it, why can't I. I've encountered lone backpackers without any guides exploring various trails. These people don't know the local language, transportation and culture, yet they do it on their own.

6) Bad attitudes of some guides. I had experiences with some guides that made me regret hiring one. My trip was wasted because instead of bringing home good memories, I end up with bad stories to share.

7) Lack of knowledge of some guides. It's quite disappointing for me to ask the guide some questions which I believe are basic that they can't answer. In some occassions, I believe I know more about the place.

With all that I have listed above, why bother hiring a guide? As you may notice, all my reasons are just about me, my pride and my experience. My reasons are valid since I am spending for the travel for my personal satisfaction. However, with my experiences, I changed my view about this matter. Below is a list reasons why I should hire the local guides:

1) Hiring the locals as guides makes them a stakeholder for the proper preservation of their local culture and environment. This may also be true to a Manila-based guide but there's little he can do to help the community.

2) Hiring local guides help improve their economy by providing jobs. I believe in minimizing my impact to the areas that I have visited hoping that it will help preserve their culture. However, the current reality is that younger generations usually leave their small communities to get higher paying jobs in the city. Earning via tourism is one way to improve their income, thus a motivator for them to stay.

3) Channel for communication. With small talks with the local guides, I was able to share with them my ideas on how they can help enrich or preserve their current environment through their own efforts.

In case you decided to hire a local guide, here are some other suggestions:

1) Be careful with the message you convey with the guides. Don't make them feel inferior about their local customs and that city life is far much better to what they have. Also, don't make them feel that they are being ignored by the government. Make them feel that their local community is the agent of change and improvement.

2) Hire government organized and trained guides. They deliver a more professional service with standard rates. Personally, I'm pleasantly surprised with the efforts of the national and local governments to improve tourism in their areas. Just search the internet and you may be able to find contact information of the local tourism officer. He/she can orgnize the trip for you at no additinal cost.

I still travel for the personal fulfillment of seeing different places within the country. But it wouldn't hurt if the community benefits from my visit.