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Former child star John Manalo has criticized the lack of originality of Philippine tourism projects following his social media post about Benguet's rising tourist attraction.

On Tuesday, January 6, former child actor John Manalo reacted to the construction of the first-ever glass walkway in La Trinidad, Benguet, labeling it as lacking in vision.

John shared a feature from an online page dedicated to Cordillera stories. The post detailed the planned walkway, which is designed with transparent glass flooring and large sculpted hands that appear to be holding up the structure.

He expressed his disappointment in the post, noting that the Cordillera region is naturally beautiful and offers many other possibilities for development.

“Jejemon talaga ng Pinas. Ganda ganda ng cordillera eh. Dami pwedeng gawin,” John wrote in the caption.

In his critique, John also drew parallels between the project and the recurring problems in government: “Kung sino sino lang kasi nakaupo sa Pinas eh. Sobrang jeje anlala.”

In a separate post, John clarified his earlier remarks regarding the Benguet project. He explained that his comments stemmed from a "place of frustration" over what he sees as a repetitive pattern in the way tourist destinations and spots are developed in the Philippines.

He further noted that despite the country's natural beauty, tourism efforts lack the "originality and long-term vision.”

“That post came from a place of frustration—not just about that bridge, but about how things often work in the Philippines, whether in public or privately owned tourist spots,” John wrote.

“The Philippines is undeniably beautiful. But we seem to lack originality and long-term vision,” he added.

John also observed that local destinations are often framed as mere “copies” or imitations of international landmarks, rather than being allowed to showcase their unique beauty.

“Zambales becomes the “New Zealand of the Philippines.” Marikina is called the “Little Singapore.” It's always been like this—our places are framed as copies instead of being allowed to stand proudly as themselves,” he said.

Another point John emphasized is the widespread plunder in the country; despite the Philippines being rich in culture, nature, and talent, people have simply learned to "settle for whatever we're given."

“Our country is rich in culture, nature, and talent, yet we've been plundered for so long that many of us have learned to settle for whatever we're given,” he explained.

He clarified that his statement is not out of hate for the Philippines, but rather an act of love—which is exactly why he remains critical: “This isn't hate for the Philippines. I love the country—that's exactly why I'm critical of it.”

In his statement, he also described those in power as "jejemon." John further pointed out that many politicians hold office despite being unqualified for the specific fields they are supposed to serve.

“But I stand by what I said: jejemon talaga ang maraming nakaupo sa pwesto. Too many people in positions of power are appointed, not qualified—placed there without truly mastering the field they're supposed to lead,” he wrote.

He also observed that many tourism spots are privately owned with ties to government officials, alleging that "laging pinagkakakitaan ang mga Pinoy.”

John concluded his statement by calling for a “better system” and a “better respect” for Filipino identity: “We deserve better, not just better views, but better systems, better leadership, and better respect for our own identity.”

John Manalo first rose to national fame as a multi-awarded child actor and a pioneer cast member of the iconic kiddie gag show Goin' Bulilit. He is now a director, filmmaker, and photographer.

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