Cover Discover how ‘Anthro on Foot’ alters our perspectives on travel and history (Photos: Raizel Albano; stylised by Angela Nicole Guiral)
Discover how ‘Anthro on Foot’ alters our perspectives on travel and history (Photos: Raizel Albano; stylised by Angela Nicole Guiral)
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Raizel Albano’s Unesco-recognised ‘Anthro on Foot’ reveals hidden histories, transforming how we experience culture—one step at a time
When the travel industry started gravitating towards mainstream destinations and experiences, Raizel Albano’s walking tour project offered a refreshing approach. Recognised by Unesco for its inclusivity, Albano’s initiative, known as Anthro on Foot, is redefining how heritage is experienced and understood, particularly within the underexplored corners of the Philippines.
Albano, a Filipino applied anthropologist and a writing consultant for UNICEF Philippines, embarked on this journey with a vision to make cultural exploration affordable and accessible. From the project’s first recording in 2020 to its initial launch earlier this year, Albano spent years meticulously planning, researching, writing, testing, editing, recording, and publishing 57 itineraries covering the 17 regions in the Philippines.
“The idea was to create something that would not only highlight historical landmarks but also bring attention to intangible cultural heritage,” Albano explains. This dual focus allows participants to engage with the visible and less visible aspects of a community’s history.
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Above Raizel Albano during the UNESCO Silk Roads Awards 2024 (Photo: Raizel Albano)
Above Raizel Albano with fellow awardees at the UNESCO Silk Roads Awards 2024 (Photo: Raizel Albano)
Raizel Albano during the UNESCO Silk Roads Awards 2024 (Photo: Raizel Albano)
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How it all started
Initially a passion project, Anthro on Foot began with a series of drafts and field tests. Albano’s first walking tour script, crafted for Angeles City, was a humble beginning, intended to explore the city’s cultural and historical dimensions. The subsequent tours, including those in Nawang City and Ilawag, were iterative developments, each adding layers to the project’s scope.
By 2020, amidst the global pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, Albano found an unexpected opportunity to refine and expand the project. “With more time at home, I revisited the scripts and conducted further research, often integrating feedback from beta tests,” she recounts. This period of introspection and development culminated in the official launch of the tours in January 2024. What started as a few tours rapidly evolved into a comprehensive collection, each designed to offer a unique glimpse into the Philippines’ diverse cultural landscape.
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Above Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte walking tour (Video: YouTube/Raizel Albano)
Exemplary practice in inclusivity—Unesco on ‘Anthro on Foot’
Unesco’s recognition of the project is a testament to its innovative approach. Unlike conventional heritage tours that often spotlight only well-known sites, Albano’s walking tours emphasise lesser-known communities and the often overlooked aspects of Filipino history. This approach not only democratises access to cultural knowledge, but also empowers local communities by giving them a platform to share their stories.
“What sets our project apart is its inclusivity,” Albano notes. “We focus on mainstream and marginalised histories, providing a more holistic view of our heritage.” The tours cover pre-colonial, colonial, and modern periods, and delve into intangible cultural heritage, such as local traditions and oral histories. By doing so, the project bridges gaps between different historical narratives and fosters a deeper appreciation of the country.
The impact of Anthro on Foot extends beyond mere tourism. It has become a tool for cultural preservation and education. Albano’s dedication to accuracy and inclusivity is evident in the meticulous research and community engagement that underpin the project. “We’re not just presenting facts; we’re telling stories that have often been neglected or forgotten,” she says.
Above Raizel Albano took her BA in Anthropology from the University of the Philippines-Diliman and served as the batch head of their field school programme (Photo: Raizel Albano)
Above For the past 13 years, Raizel Albano has been a part of initiatives that contribute to strengthening a grassroots approach to community heritage research, policymaking, and consulting (Photo: Raizel Albano)
Raizel Albano took her BA in Anthropology from the University of the Philippines-Diliman and served as the batch head of their field school programme (Photo: Raizel Albano)
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Plans ahead
Albano envisions expanding the project to include more voices and perspectives. Plans are underway for future seasons, which will further enrich the existing collection of tours. This expansion aims to incorporate a broader range of stories, including those of indigenous cultures and other historically marginalised groups.
Despite the challenges—ranging from funding constraints to the logistical hurdles of fieldwork—Albano remains unwavered. “The most significant challenge has been ensuring that the project remains true to its mission of inclusivity and accessibility,” she says. Yet, the project’s success and recognition by Unesco validate her efforts and underscore the importance of preserving and celebrating diverse cultural narratives.
Raizel Albano’s Anthro on Foot is a reminder of the value of exploring and honouring the less visible facets of history. Through her walking tours, she charts the cultural contours of the Philippines and paves the way for a more inclusive and reflective approach to understanding our collective past—one step at a time.
For more information, visit anthroonfoot.com.
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Angela Nicole Regis Guiral is the assistant digital editor of Tatler Philippines. She studied journalism and has since written features that look closely at how culture, lifestyle and social impact converge, while occasionally wandering into the worlds of style and travel.
