John Manalo Reacts to Viral Benguet Glass Walkway Proposal
JOHN MANALO — The actor drew online attention after criticizing a proposed glass walkway project in La Trinidad, Benguet. The former Goin’ Bulilit star shared a post about the planned attraction, which is being promoted as the first glass walkway in the area and is intended to boost tourism.
According to the shared information, the project will feature a transparent glass floor supported by steel frames, allowing visitors to see the landscape below. At the end of the walkway, large sculpted hands are planned to serve as a visual centerpiece and a popular photo spot. The concept is similar to glass walkways found in other countries, which are designed to offer visitors a thrilling experience and scenic views.
The post quickly sparked mixed reactions online. Some netizens welcomed the project, saying it could help attract tourists and improve the local economy. Others criticized the design, pointing out that it appears to copy famous attractions abroad, particularly Vietnam’s Golden Bridge. Many suggested that the project would be more meaningful if it highlighted local identity, such as Benguet’s mountains, pine trees, or agricultural symbols, instead of adopting a foreign-inspired design.
Safety was another major concern raised by the public. Several commenters questioned whether the structure would be safe, especially given the frequency of earthquakes in the country. Others emphasized the importance of using strong materials, installing proper handrails, and strictly managing the number of visitors to prevent accidents.
John Manalo expressed disappointment over the project, saying the Cordillera region is already naturally beautiful and does not need copied concepts to attract visitors. He implied that poor planning and leadership often result in developments that lack creativity and respect for local culture. His comments reflected frustration over what he sees as missed opportunities to preserve and highlight the region’s natural charm.
“Jejemon talaga ng Pinas. Ganda ganda ng cordillera eh. Dami pwedeng gawin. Kung sino sino lang kasi nakaupo sa Pinas eh. Sobrang jeje anlala,” he wrote.
As of this writing, the local government of La Trinidad, Benguet, has not issued any official response to the criticism or public concerns.