I'm not a big fan of gyms, and while my neighborhood is nice, walking the same paths can get boring. So, when Jing Ordona announced a new Manilakad Adventure in New Manila, I signed up immediately. Spending All Hallows Eve exploring a historic neighborhood sounded perfect. It was a mix of adventure, history, and an exciting way to hit those 10,000 steps!

New Manila is a prestigious, tree-lined district in Quezon City, rich with history and intrigue. Originally friar lands, it was transformed in the 1930s by Doña Magdalena Hemady, who created spacious lots in a New York-inspired grid. Known for its exclusivity, New Manila quickly became a peaceful retreat for the country’s elite, including President Manuel Quezon, who even built his family mansion here. By the late 1930s, New Manila had earned the nickname "Hollywood of the Philippines." Sampaguita Pictures, one of the first Filipino film studios, opened its doors here, attracting local stars and filmmakers.

The Mansions of New Manila

Balete Drive might usually steal the spotlight for spooky stories, but Broadway Avenue has its own eerie vibes. Jing shared that former residents described Broadway Avenue as the “gate to hell.” 

The creepiest spot is probably Villa Caridad, an old mansion on Broadway. Built in the early 1900s, this mansion has a storied history: it served as a Jesuit rest house, a Japanese officer’s residence during WWII, and later a private family home. Today, Villa Caridad sits in ruins and has served as a filming location for classic horror films like Halimaw sa Banga and Hiwaga sa Balete Drive.

Jing explained that Villa Caridad has long been rumored to be haunted. Every time workers tried to demolish parts of the mansion, they reportedly heard sounds of crying, scaring the owners into leaving it standing as it is. The broken stairways and gargoyles still visible through the gates add an eerie quality, especially under the dimming light of dusk.

The tour also took us past several other grand mansions, each with its own unique story. Renou Space, also known as the "Ice Cream Mansion," is a creative space often used for film locations and concept shoots. We were lucky enough to get a tour of the house, which is filled with stunning artwork. Outside, a Fruits in Ice Cream (FIC) truck was parked, offering us free ice cream samples, a sweet treat during our walk.

We also saw Doña Hemady’s original house, which is now home to the Pastorelle Sisters, who manage the Jesus Good Shepherd School in Imus, Cavite, where I finished elementary.

Another noteworthy property along Broadway Avenue was the former residence of Senator Geronima Pecson, the first Filipina senator and a key figure in education and social work. A historical marker from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines outside her former home honors her achievements, including her role as the first Filipino and woman to serve on the executive board of UNESCO.

An Unexpected Discovery: Wisdom Park

One of the most surprising discoveries on our walk was Wisdom Park, a Buddhist Center and Museum nestled within Quezon City. Visitors to Wisdom Park can meditate, offer incense, or pray around a sacred Bodhi tree. The park features a stupa, a library with free books on Buddhist teachings, and a Dharma Cafe offering vegetarian meals. 

Inside the basement area, my favorite spot, soft lights and rose quartz and citrine crystals forming a lotus create a calming atmosphere. This peaceful oasis was completely unexpected, showing just how diverse and vibrant New Manila’s cultural landscape is.

The Spiritual Side of New Manila

The tour wasn’t all about ghosts, though. New Manila is home to some truly beautiful and historic religious sites. Our first stop was the Christ the King Mission Seminary along E. Rodriguez Sr. Boulevard, a peaceful compound with several important spaces. This seminary, run by the SVD (Societas Verbi Divini), houses the Villa Cristo Rey for retired priests, the Sementeryo ng Mga Relihiyoso cemetery for SVD priests, and the Diocesan Shrine of Jesus, The Divine Word.

In 2008, the serene Garden of the Divine Word was added to the seminary grounds. This columbary, where my dad and sister are at rest, is a hidden oasis within the city. The three-story main building houses offices, small chapels, and niches, while a series of multi-level stairways lead to the garden area. In the garden, a koi pond, Stations of the Cross, and the Grotto of Our Lady of Annunciation create a peaceful environment for reflection. The Virgin Mary statue overlooking the garden feels like a comforting presence, watching over the visitors and those laid to rest here.

We also visited the St. Joseph Convent of Perpetual Adoration on Doña Hemady Avenue, where the Holy Spirit Adoration Sisters, or Pink Sisters, practice perpetual eucharistic adoration. Their pink habits, symbolizing love and joy, are a unique sight and give the convent a special atmosphere. Founded in 1896 by Saint Arnold Janssen, who also founded the SVD, the Pink Sisters focus on prayer and worship around the clock.

Our next religious stop was the Minor Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which has become an important pilgrimage site in Quezon City. This basilica, established in 1964 and declared a minor basilica in 2019, is one of the main centers of devotion to the Brown Scapular in the Philippines. The church, run by the Order of the Discalced Carmelites, has a serene ambiance that draws devotees from across Metro Manila.

A fascinating stop on the tour was the Our Lady of Victories Church, located at the corner of Cannon and Betty Go-Belmonte streets. The church is administered by the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), a traditionalist Catholic group that broke away from the mainstream Catholic Church in 1988. The SSPX was founded in 1968 by French Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, who sought to preserve the traditional Tridentine Latin Mass, which was largely replaced by masses in local languages after the Second Vatican Council. Dedicated to Our Lady of Victories, this church has retained its traditional practices, making it a unique stop on our tour and offering a glimpse into a different chapter of Catholic history.

Our last stop was the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao, commonly known as Cubao Cathedral. By the time we arrived, it was already dark, and the church was closed, so we could only view it from the outside. 

Despite this, seeing the grand cathedral under the night sky was a fitting end to our journey, bringing together the many layers of faith and history we had uncovered throughout the day.