Martha Stewart Visits Historical Landmarks And Meets Prominent Filipinos In Her First Manila Visit

All hail the queen (of lifestyle)! 

Martha Stewart, an American model-turned-businesswoman, TV personality, author and goddess of all things homemaking, made her way to Manila for the very first time this week. With a career that spans industries and decades, she has influenced millions of people worldwide, including many a Filipino in the fields of food, travel, entertaining, and design. 

The successful entrepreneur is in the country's capital to deliver an exclusive, one-day talk on leadership and entrepreneurship in partnership with ANC.

But of course, this lifestyle maven wasn't just about business during this tropical escapade; Martha maximized her visit by touring some of Manila's most historic sites—some via a customized E-jeepney!—and guided by none other than the Department of Tourism secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat.

Dressed in a simple white shift  dress accessorized with chunky layered necklaces, tan platform peep-toe sandals, and a tan shoulder bag, Martha looked fresh and bright for the day ahead. 

The walled city of Intramuros, Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and the National Museum of Natural History were some of the places Martha immersed herself in, all the while encountering locals and met with signature Filipino warmth along the way. Judging by photos that captured her mini-sightseeing trip, there were scenes that captured Martha's attention including the San Agustin Church's stunning centuries-old interiors as well as florists hard at work in a side altar preparing for a fiesta, and even massive hanging décor with an image of a tarsier at the museum. 

And to recharge after an active day on foot, Martha enjoyed a sumptuous meal cooked up for the occasion and served at the museum's sweeping lobby. There, she sampled an array of local specialties from appetizers to dessert, all of which gave her new flavor profiles to savor and a culinary experience she won't soon forget!

Of course, a Filipino feast is never complete with good company and for Martha, those who dined alongside her and engaged in lively conversation included Metro group head Christina Lopez, Metro Society editor-in-chief and EIC on the Move host Raul Manzano, Cibo founder and chef Margarita Fores, award-winning and internationally recognized designer Kenneth Cobonpue, food business owner and event stylist Happy Ongpauco-Tiu, food entrepreneur Lorenzo Kiddo Cosio, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Risa Chocolates founder Pam Lim Cinco, and lifestyle writer Mons Romulo, among others. 

Together, these prominent Pinoys happily introduced her to Filipino culture and history, and of course, asked her questions of their own and expressed their enthusiasm at meeting her. At the end of the day, Martha gamely posed for photos with her lucky audience, even joining in on a selfie or two. 

All in all, Martha had a great first look at some of the best experiences that this part of the Philippines has to offer, and many hope that she'll soon be back for a second adventure where she'll discover more about this country and its people. 

For more scenes from Martha's Manila tour, check out the gallery below!

Photos from @eiconthemove_ @tourism_phl @metrosocietyph @happyongpauco_tiu @risachocolates @monsromulo @marthastewart