History series uncovers a ‘hidden’ Philippines

History Channel host and first-time visitor Anthony Morse left the Philippines with a backpack of souvenirs and a treasure trove of “wonderful” memories.

He spent two weeks here last August, traveling across the archipelago, taping an hour-long episode of “Hidden Cities,” an original History channel program.

He visited Intramuros and Malacañang Palace in Manila; the World War II island-fortress in Corregidor; the Iwahig prison in Palawan; and the mountain tribal villages in Kalinga.

He found the trip to Palawan a “pleasant surprise.” The show describes Iwahig as a prison with “invisible walls.” “I was struck by what the prison’s director told me: ‘You can help people change by restoring their dignity,’” Morse told Inquirer on his second Manila visit last month for a promo tour of “Hidden Cities.”

‘Incredible’

Morse, who had worked as a volunteer in a Tennessee prison, thought Iwahig was “incredible.” He elaborated, “It’s more than a correctional facility… the prisoners are encouraged to build a community.”

In Corregidor, he met a guide who casually told him, “We are now in a section where the Japanese stored dead bodies.”

In Intramuros, he was introduced to the young students of Escuela de Talyer. “The kids were studying traditional building techniques in preserving the Spanish fort. From the rooftop of the Manila Hotel, we took panoramic shots of the walls of the fort.”

Up north, he was immersed in the “rites of passage” of the ancient Kalinga tribe. “I’ve always been fascinated with issues of faith and belief systems,” said Morse, a Theology graduate. “The tribe leaders slaughtered a pig and checked its liver to see if our visit would be fortuitous.” Luckily for Morse and his team, “all five lobes of the liver were intact, which was good news for us.”

Warm smiles
Throughout his August stay, he recounted, he was greeted with warm smiles and genuine friendliness everywhere. “It’s the people that make a place unforgettable,” he said. “Once, a hotel staffer greeted me with, ‘If only every day was as beautiful as your smile.’ I made a mental note to use that as a pick-up line.”

He also had a close encounter of the Imeldific kind, a one-on-one with former First Lady Imelda Marcos. “I had never met a more energetic 82-year-old,” Morse said. He didn’t get to check out the legendary shoe collection, “but I saw miniature pairs at her place.”

On his next visit, he hopes to meet P-Noy (President Aquino) and Pacman (Manny Pacquiao). “Those would be dream interviews,” he said.

(The Philippine episode of “Hidden Cities” will be aired on the History channel on Jan. 4, 2012. History is available on SKYCable channel 25, Cablelink channel 44, Dream channel 27 and Destiny channel 56.)