Coffee, Cobblestones, and a New Kind of Purpose

I’m currently sitting in a small, quiet coffee shop tucked away in the shadows of the San Agustin Church here in Intramuros. Outside, the Manila heat is humming, and if I listen closely, I can hear the laughter of our student group echoing off the 16th-century stone walls.

They’re currently on a scavenger hunt, navigating the "Walled City" with our two newest Filipino guides, Aina and Jacob. Watching them lead is a full-circle moment for Josie and me. Josie actually raised Aina at Consider the Lily, and seeing her now—engaged to Jacob and preparing for their wedding this May—is a living testament to why we do what we do.

But as I sit here, my mind is drifting beyond these walls to the rest of the 7,000+ islands that make up this archipelago. We’ve been thinking, dreaming, and praying about something new: Travel with a Purpose: Philippines.

A Deep-Rooted History

For those who know Gardner Tours, you know we don’t just "visit" places. We connect and live them. For Josie, the Philippines isn't a new stamp in a passport; it’s home. She moved here with her family when she was four, the oldest of five missionary kids. Her parents founded Kids International Ministries, a legacy of schools and orphanages that continues to change lives today.


By the time Josie was 24, she wasn't just thinking about the future—she was responsible for it as the legal guardian of 24 young girls. That was the birth of Consider the Lily.

The Vision: 7 to 9 days + 2 to 3 days

Between us, we’ve spent years exploring the rugged beauty of Leyte, the white sands of Boracay, the soul of Negros—from the ruins in Bacolod to the coastal charm of Dumaguete—and even the historic war island of Corregidor Island… giving us a deep well of places and stories to share far beyond the typical path.


We want to show you the Philippines—the "Gardner Tours way.”


But we want to go deeper. We are designing a 10-12 day experience that balances the two things we love most:

• • 7 to 9 Days of Exploration: Navigate the hidden gems, the history (as a veteran of Cuban history and culture, the Spanish influence here fascinates me!), and the local life.

• • 2 to 3 Days of Purpose: Immerse yourselves in the work of Consider the Lily (or potentially other organizations like Kids International ).

Doing It Right

We’re still in the "logistics and lattes" phase of planning. Because Consider the Lily works with vulnerable young women, we are being incredibly intentional about how we "give back." This isn't "voluntourism"; it’s partnership. We are currently working through a vetting and background check process to ensure that every traveler who joins us honors the safety and dignity of the girls Josie and her team have spent her life protecting.

What’s Next?

The Spanish walls of Intramuros feel familiar, reminding me so much of our years in Havana, yet the spirit of the Filipino people is entirely its own. We are working hard to ensure that when we launch these tours, they deliver the most unique, authentic, and impactful experience possible.


The students should be finishing their hunt soon, likely with Aina and Jacob leading the way with a story and a smile. It’s a good reminder: the best way to see a country is through the eyes of the people who call it home and love it with every ounce of their beings.

Stay tuned. The Philippines is calling, and we can’t wait to show it to you! If you’re ready to start dreaming about your own journey through the islands, you can explore our Custom Philippines Tour options here.

Colby Gardner