So much to see, so little time—this is one of the happier dilemmas often faced by someone visiting the Philippines. Unfortunately, this problem often results in that someone missing out on awesome experiences like those offered by Manila For A Day—simply because they feel that they don’t have a good reason to join a guided tour.

Well, in case you’re facing the dilemma, here are five reasons why you should take that guided tour.

Knowledge is power

Real professional guides come from different backgrounds, but they all share a love for knowledge. I’m a self-confessed nerd myself, and I make sure that I spend a lot of time learning and honing my craft. In this case, it’s spending countless hours buried in research and learning from pioneers of the industry to give our guests only the most accurate and up-to-date information.

I love sharing knowledge, but also understand that you don’t have too much time on your hands. I take hundreds of hours’ worth of research and distill it into its most entertaining and insightful version, ready to be delivered when you take one of our signature tours.

Passion is our virtue

Tour guiding, especially in the Philippines, is not the most lucrative of careers. Most of us are in this field because we feel a deep sense of passion for our country and community. This passion often translates to our work which will give you a deeper insight into the places your visiting, no matter how “touristy” it may be. More often than not, having a passionate guide by your side can transform an entire trip from mundane and boring to an educational but also entertaining experience.

Passion for the job is the principal requirement when we recruit our Cultural Navigators for Manila For a Day. This also ensures that you when you go on tour, you get knowledge and information that you can’t find on a guidebook or travel blog.

This passion often translates to our work which will give you a deeper insight into the places your visiting, no matter how “touristy” it may be. More often than not, having a passionate guide by your side can transform an entire trip from mundane to an educational but also entertaining experience.

Lay of the land

We live and work in the place that you’re visiting. We’re integrated into the community and we know it like the back of our hands. It’s an often overlooked point but there are just some things that you can’t get from guidebooks and websites; an intellectually stimulating conversation about local life. From tips on where to go and what to do, to advice on adjusting to local norms, and even insight into the current political situation, you’ve got a well of information waiting to be tapped.

Bang for your buck

What’s a couple of bucks for a memorable and enlightening experience? The same amount of money you’ll spend on tourist trap souvenirs could also be spent on a well-crafted guided tour. At the end of the day, you’ll get more of your money’s worth learning about the people you’re visiting and understanding who they are than by buying a tacky shirt that says you “heart” their city.

Familiar but offbeat

Last but not least, we put so much of our lives into our work that we often have offbeat and refreshing perspectives on otherwise familiar locations. Having a competent guide with you gives you a fresh look at something you may already be familiar with by regaling you with the deeper stories and intrigues that only years of research and experience can give. This kind of experience often results in companies like Manila For A Day being invaluable to both locals and foreigners alike.

So what are you waiting for?  Whether you do it with us or another with another company, getting on a guided tour is one of the best decisions you can make a trip bar none!