For Ivan Man Dy, founder of Old Manila Walks, no two tours are ever the same—even if they follow the same streets.
Ivan has been leading cultural and heritage tours around Manila for two decades. From the cobblestone paths of Intramuros to the bustling alleys of Binondo, he’s conducted hundreds of walking tours, sometimes several in a week. Yet he remains just as enthusiastic today as he was when he first started in 2005.
So what’s his secret to keeping things fresh, engaging, and consistently high quality?
“I always look at each group with fresh new eyes,” Ivan told Financial Adviser. “Also, putting myself in other people’s shoes. Mediocrity or pwede na attitude is not in our system. Each tour experience always has to have close to 100% guest satisfaction rate.”
This mindset—centered on empathy and excellence—has become the foundation of Old Manila Walks, now recognized as one of the leading cultural tourism enterprises in the Philippines. Rather than treat his tours as routine work, Ivan approaches each one as a unique opportunity to connect and educate, adapting to the needs and curiosities of his guests.
Discipline Is Non-Negotiable
Even during peak tour seasons when days get hectic and back-to-back bookings are common, Ivan never compromises on professionalism.
“Yes. Always, always, always be on time,” he emphasized. “The saying ‘Time is gold’ couldn’t be any truer to us. Timing is discipline and professionalism.”
Punctuality isn’t just a habit—it’s a statement of respect, both for the guests and for the craft of storytelling. For Ivan, being on time is part of setting the tone for a seamless, impactful experience.
Mindset Shift: From Passion to Sustainable Purpose
In his early years, Ivan led tours fueled purely by passion. Today, his mindset has evolved to embrace long-term sustainability—not just for his business, but for the cultural communities he represents.
“Yes, definitely,” he said when asked if his perspective on success has changed. Over time, his approach matured into a more strategic view of impact, balancing cultural preservation, education, and business viability.
This outlook influences how he trains and mentors new tour guides under the Old Manila Walks brand. His leadership style blends consistency with creativity, ensuring that every tour—no matter how many times it’s been done—feels authentic and well-researched.
Quality Through Routine
Repetition often breeds complacency, but for Ivan, it’s an invitation to do better each time.
He continuously updates his material, conducts further research, and immerses himself in current cultural trends to ensure the stories he tells remain fresh and accurate. His tours are grounded in deep historical knowledge but are also shaped by real-time insights and guest interactions.
This dedication to detail and passion for continuous learning has helped Old Manila Walks stay relevant in a fast-changing tourism landscape.
Legacy in the Making
Leading the same tour hundreds of times might sound exhausting to some, but for Ivan Man Dy, it’s a way to build a legacy one walk at a time. He sees every tour as a chance to awaken cultural pride and connect people to history in a deeply personal way.
“I always remind myself that for many guests, it’s their first time. So, it always has to feel like my first time too,” he shared.
In an industry often driven by trends and quick gains, Ivan stands out for his discipline, consistency, and heart. His work proves that success doesn’t come from doing something new every time—it comes from doing the same thing exceptionally well, over and over again.
