When Ivan Man Dy first started leading walking tours around Binondo in 2005, Manila’s Chinatown wasn’t exactly on anyone’s must-visit list. Two decades later, thanks to his efforts through Old Manila Walks, the neighborhood is now buzzing with cultural tourists, foodies, and heritage advocates every weekend.
“Our Binondo Food WOK tour has changed the face and demographics of tourism in Manila’s Chinatown district,” Ivan told Financial Adviser. “Twenty years ago, not many people came to visit Binondo as a cultural destination, which is not the case today where every weekend now feels like Chinese New Year with so many people.”
Ivan is the founder of Old Manila Walks, a cultural enterprise dedicated to exploring the city’s forgotten corners through heritage-focused walking tours. From Intramuros to Escolta to Binondo, he has spent the last 20 years crafting experiences that educate, entertain, and inspire.
His work, however, extends far beyond tourism. Ivan has emerged as a leader and mentor in the cultural space, using his platform to influence the next generation of storytellers, educators, and entrepreneurs.
Leadership That Begins With Listening
When asked how his perspective on leadership evolved as his business grew, Ivan reflected on the relationships he’s formed along the way.
“My profession has opened doors and became an avenue to meet people in various backgrounds: tourism, academe, government, media, corporate, culinary, culture and the arts,” he shared. “It has certainly enriched and broadened my perspectives in life.”
Rather than position himself solely as a guide or founder, Ivan sees his role as a connector of ideas, disciplines, and communities. His leadership style emphasizes curiosity, consistency, and service—values that he passes on to the new tour guides he trains under the Old Manila Walks brand.
“Consistency, quality, openness and service,” Ivan said, when describing his philosophy on mentorship. “Under promise but over deliver.”
Accuracy Rooted in Research
Maintaining authenticity and historical accuracy is another hallmark of Ivan’s leadership. In a time when viral trends can water down cultural narratives, he insists on grounding his tours in fact and context.
“Through continuous research, education, industry exposure, engagements and adaptation,” Ivan explained. “It’s a multi-disciplinary thing.”
This academic rigor, combined with his flair for storytelling, ensures that Old Manila Walks remains respected across tourism, education, and heritage circles.
Purpose-Driven Storytelling
But Ivan’s true impact lies in how he uses storytelling as a tool for transformation—not just of places, but of people.
He’s seen firsthand how his tours affect guests and communities. From casual visitors who leave with a deeper appreciation for Filipino-Chinese culture to locals who begin to see their neighborhoods with fresh eyes, each tour becomes an avenue for reflection and pride.
For Ivan, it’s not just about walking tours—it’s about walking people through their own connection to history and identity.
Advice for Aspiring Cultural Entrepreneurs
What would Ivan say to young tour operators or storytellers hoping to follow a similar path?
“Try to put purpose in your craft and service,” he advised. “Learn best practices from other industries that you can apply to your trade.”
It’s sound advice from someone who built a movement by blending heritage, entrepreneurship, and heart.
As Old Manila Walks celebrates its 20th year in 2025, Ivan’s work has proven that cultural preservation doesn’t have to live in museums—it can thrive in the streets, on foot, and in the stories we tell.
And perhaps the most powerful legacy Ivan Man Dy leaves behind isn’t just a successful business—it’s a new generation inspired to keep history alive, one story at a time.
