MVP Guided Tour of the National Museum of Fine Arts
On March 23, 2024, MVP visits 16 of the 29 Galleries of the National Museum of Fine Arts.
MVP Taguig Tour
On April 13, 2024, the MVP group explored the town of Taguig. At 6:45 AM, we gathered the group and headed to Mercado de Lago (Market by the Bay) where we were welcomed by a traditional breakfast of champorado, dried fish, and puto. From there, we proceeded to the Napindan Port near the Pinagbuhatan Ferry Station of Pasig for the boats going to the Napindan Lighthouse. From the lighthouse, the MVP group was brought to the Melon Farms of Taguig.
After which, we proceeded to the Minor Basilica of St. Anne, and then to the Gabaldon School across the street - one of the few remaining preserved school buildings designed by Parsons in the early 1900s.
For lunch, the group was served at the Gabaldon School with an array of dishes that showcase the culinary tradition of Taguig, mostly of fresh water bounty and ingredients from Laguna lake.
After lunch, we went to visit the historical area of Tipas: the birthplace of Felix Manalo, the founder of Iglesia ni Cristo and the Dambana ng Kawayan (St. John the Baptist) - the oldest place of Catholic worship in Pasig.
From the plaza, we went to the original Tipas Hopia Bakery and finally, the last stop was a visit to the La Luna Bakeshop and Restaurant - a heritage home that was converted to an adapted use location - showcasing the effort of the city Government of Taguig to preserve heritage homes in the city.
MVP Visits the Jewish Synagogue
On the 8th of March, 2021, MVP had the opportunity to visit the only Jewish Synagogue in the Philippines which is in Salcedo Village, Makati. The visit covered a guided tour of the facilities, a short talk by the Rabbi and kosher lunch which was set up for social distancing including see-through acrylic panels to protect people facing each other. A typical Jewish meal of Zucchini soup, beef and chicken shawarma, vegetables, pita bread and side dishes like hummus, tahini and Israeli salad were prepared for us in their kitchen. A dessert of orange chiffon cake wrapped up our lunch.
MVP Pasig River Ferry Tour
On October 19, 2024, in partnership with Renaciamento Manila, MVP toured the sites around the Escolta and Sta. Ana Ferry Stations. Highlight of the tour is the visit to the Lichauco Ancestral Home where the group took a photo in front of a 200 year old Balete Tree. Ms. Sylvia Lychauco gave us a tour of the lovely home her mother lovingly built and preserved.
MVP Bird Watching Tour with the Wildbird Club of the Philippines at La Mesa Dam Ecopark
Members and friends from MVP grudgingly pulled themselves out of bed at 4:30 AM to be at the Park for assembly time.
Waking up this early was so worth the effort and the trip to Quezon City as the birds including hard to find endemic and migratory birds gave us a show.
MVP Kalbaryo Tour in Poblacion Makati
The group was given a short history of the over 100 year old lent Kalbaryo tradition in Poblacion, Makati, which now hosts over 50 private chapels comprised of community organizations hosting the "Pasyon" or the Philippine tradition of chanting the Passion of Christ. The group visited 15 of the Kalbaryos and provided information about the community group that hosts them.