Explore Binondo! (A Melting Pot of History, Culture, and Luck)

I am in love with Manila!
 
It is quite easy to fall in love for a city that has a healthy mix of modernity, history, and culture. I love its raw and tough atmosphere, an aspect that I have initially feared but I have learned to love now that I get to have a weekly personal encounter with one of the country's premiere cities.

Binondo is a melting pot of culture and history.

At the center of Manila's rugged atmosphere is Binondo, Manila's Chinatown. Established in 1594, Binondo is the oldest Chinatown in the world and was once the country's center for finance and business. Manila's initial pomp and pageantry slowly faded after World War 2 and the gradual shift also affected Binondo. But despite of these changes, Binondo remains to be the center for business for our Filipino-Chinese community and was able to keep its rich culture and heritage through the years.

Binondo is the oldest Chinatown in the world.

There are a lot of interesting fact in Binondo that were uncovered when we joined the fray of the Chinese New Year's celebration. Join me as we uncover the history, the culture, and trying to find a touch of our luck as we explore Binondo!
 
Did you know that the country's first center for finance and commerce was in Binondo?
 
There are three popular streets in Binondo and one of them is Escolta - the "Makati" of the earlier years of the country. The street was the first home of the country's biggest players in finance and commerce. Although its glamour has faded through the years, a lot of efforts are being put in to revive the popularity of Escolta.

Escolta Street was once the financial and commerce capital of the country.

You can walk along its cobblestone street to explore the historical structures that line Escolta. Start by enjoying the neo-classical building of the Don Roman Santos Building that now serves as the home of Bank of the Philippine Islands. Walk down the street to enjoy the neo-classical design of Regina Building and the beaux art style. of Natividad Building and Calvo Building - the first home of GMA Network. You can also check out Burke Building where the first elevator in Manila was installed and the First United Building which was once the tallest building in the country.

The historic Burke Building was the location where the first elevator in the country was installed.

The neo-classical Don Roman Santos Building was once the headquarters of Monte de Piedad.

The neoclassical beaux-arts Regina Building was built in 1915.

The Natividad Building is a great example of beaux-arts architecture.

The futuristic design of the Commercial Bank and Trust Company by National Artist Jose Ma. Zaragosa is a stand out among the heritage structures.

The Juan Luna Building and El Hogar Building is known as the "Wedding Building"

While you are at it, do check out the Capitol Theater. The theater was designed by Juan Nakpil with a rare design of having 2 balconies. You can walk the whole length to admire the neo-classical El Hogar Building that was built as a wedding gift. If Taal has the Wedding House, Escolta has the Wedding Building.

Capitol Theater is an architectural wonder with two balconies.designed by National Artist Juan Nakpil.

Calle de la Escolta is a treasure trove for history buffs and there are a lot to explore that is worthy of a separate blog entry. The renewed attention on Escolta paved the way for the drive to reconstruct and preserve these old structures. A move that can clearly state that modernity can mix with history when we give it proper attention.
 
Anyone up for walk at Calle de Escolta?
 
Did you know that the new Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arc at the foot of Jones Bridge is the largest in the world?
 
Standing at the height of 63.8 feet and the width of 74 feet, the new Filipino Chinese Friendship Arc is the largest in the world overshadowing the arc in Washington, USA. The arc was unveiled in 2015 and featured a more modernized look highlighted by three Chinese pagodas. Its current location stands at the foot of Jones Bridge to now include Escolta.

The new Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arc is the largest in the world and stands right at the foot of Jones Bridge.

Just a few meters away is the smaller and original friendship arc that for years greeted locals and visitors to this district of Manila.

The old Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arc stands a few meters away right at the entrance of Quintin Paredes Street.

Although the new arc may have raised some questions from local historians, the arc is very appealing and exudes the vibrance of the culture and heritage of Binondo.
 
Did you know that you can find a small replica of the Statue of Liberty in Binondo?
 
Tucked along Juan Luna Street is an old building that was once one of the biggest malls in the country. The Aguinaldo Mall was a 6-story building that was inaugurated in 1931 under the ownership of Leopoldo R. Aguinaldo & Co. It was involved in the trading of footwear supplies, women accessories, and hair products.

Aguinaldo Mall along Juan Luna Street was one of the biggest mall during the time that it opened.

The mall had already ceased operations but the current structure remains standing along the busy street of Juan Luna. Except for some business on the ground floor, the building shows its age.

Aguinaldo Mall's facade has a miniature replica of the Statue of Liberty, one of the few that you can find in the Philippines.

However, the building facade still has its iconic human sculptures although it is camouflaged within electric wires. The building has a small replica of the Statue of Liberty, one of the few that you can find in the country. It stands side by side with the image of Andres Bonifacio, which is an irony since the the mall is called Aguinaldo. The two images show the fusion of two cultures in one venue.

Ironically, Aguinaldo Mall also has the image of Andres Bonifacio standing alongside the Statue of Liberty.

Did you know that the first Filipino Saint was born in Binondo?
 
Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz is at the heart of Binondo's bustling community. The public square was originally called Plaza de Binondo and served as an economic hub for the locals. It was later renamed to Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz to honor the first Filipino saint who was born in Binondo.

The sculpture of San Lorenzo Ruiz in prayer is the main highlight of the plaza.

The public plaza is one of the few open parks in Manila. It is highlighted by a sculpture of Lorenzo Ruiz at the center. Interestingly the plaza has two fountains on both ends which are part of the original strructural installations during its earlier years.

One of the two original fountains of the Plaza.

The plaza is one of the few open space parks found in Manila.

It also has a number of memorials installed within its perimeter that honors local heroes.

It is also used for local activities like dragon dances during the Chinese New Year celebration.

Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz was once considered to be one of the "most impressive open spaces in Manila" because of its aesthetics. Although the park has evolved from greens to a concrete park, it was able to retain the trees that are peppered in the area. It still remains a center for activities where major activities for the communities are staged here.
 
Did you know that the octagonal belltower of the Binondo Church is the only original structure from the 16th century church?
 
The massive Binondo Church has gone through a lot of reconstruction after being damaged by natural calamities and the only original structure from the 16th Century is its belltower. The church is huge with its high ceiling interior. One of its highlights are its painted ceilings that depict the life of Jesus Christ.

Binondo Church is one of the iconic images of Binondo.

The altar is also a point of interest as it was loosely designed to look like Vatican's Saint Peter's Basiica.

The massive and beautiful interior of Binondo Church will simply captivate you.

Enshrined in one corner of the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz is the Sto. Cristo de Longos - a blackened image of the crucified Christ. The image was said to have been found in the 16th century by a deaf-mute Chinese. The image is said to be miraculous that the deaf-mute was able to speak right after his discovery.

Binondo Church in the midst of the Chinese New Year celebration.

One of the sacred images inside the church.

Binondo Church is also the home of the Sto. Cristo de Longos.

Did you know that you can enjoy a feel of Hong Kong’s side market in Carvajal Street in Binondo?
 
Carvajal Street may look like an unassuming street that connect Quintin Paredes and Yuchengco. But when you walk along Carvajal, it will transport you to a different place. The look and feel of the street is very similar to the market side streets that you see in Hong Kong.

Carvajal Street is a small street that connects Quintin Paredes and Yuchengco Streets.

Carvajal Street is a street of all market trades. The street is lined up with fruit and vegetable vendors, meat and fish vendors, small eateries, snack houses, and small businesses. Interestingly, there are stores near the Yuchengco end that also sell Chinese products from the popular ones to the “exotic” ones.

Lucky charms being sold at Carvajal Street.

Carvajal Street gives you a feel of a sidestreet in Hong Kong.

So do not miss out on Carvajal Street to get that authentic Chinese street feel when you are in Binondo.
 
Did you know that Ongpin Street is a melting pot of all trades?
 
Name it and Ongpin Street has it. From food establishments to jewelry shops, Ongpin Street is probably the most iconic among the three popular streets in Binondo. I mean, Binondo is always equated to Ongpin, right?

Ongpin Street is a great place to look for lucky charms.

The street stretches from Binondo Church to the Santa Cruz Church and it is lined with all kinds of trade – hotel, food establishments, Chinese Drugstores, Chinese Charm Stores, groceries, and jewelries. It is a major artery of the district and has always been the center of Filipino-Chinese commerce in Manila.

Ongpin Street at the height of this year's celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Expect the crowd to fill Ongpin Street during the celebration.

Enjoy watching Dragon Dances. If you are lucky enough, you can even catch the longest dragon on parade.

The best time to visit Ongpin Street is during the Chinese New Year celebration where you get to see the whole street burst out in revelry, not to mention the crowd. The whole stretch of the street is colored red and with activities happening left and right. You get to enjoy watching Dragon Dances, both the authentic and the innovative ones. You can also enjoy checking out Chinese Charm stores to get a dose of charms that will give you good luck.

You can also expect a lot of Chinese charm shops along Ongpin selling lucky home decors to personal lucky charms.

But one thing that you will enjoy in Ongpin Street is trying out the authentic Chinese dishes from the restaurants located along Ongpin Street and its side streets. The gastronomic delights of Ongpin Street is worthy of an independent blog entry soon. And just before you head home, drop by Eng Bee Tin to buy your favorite take home treats – hopia and tikoy!

The celebration has leveled up to include character warriors roaming Ongpin Street.

Entrance to Ongpin Street fronting Santa Cruz Church.

Innovative dragon dance with creative costumes by street children.

Catch a glimpse of the largest tikoy in the country as you shop for take-homes at Eng Bee Tin.

On a side note, you can also check out the largest tikoy in the Philippines on display at Eng Bee Tin during the Chinese New Year Celebration.
 
Did you know that there is a temple in Binondo where you can seek advice for your future?
 
This was my second time to visit Kuang Kong Temple along Kipuja Street. This temple dedicated to Chinese deity Kuang Kong is one of the few Buddhist Temples that are open to the public. Kuang Kong is known as the Goddess of Mercy and is also the Patron of Scholars and Martial Arts.

Drop by at Kuang Kong Temple and have your future read by its elders.

As from my previous visit, the temple had a lot of visitors offering their prayers and requests while burning incense. There were even devotees who offered fruits as their offerings. For those who want to seek advice for their future, you can approach the elders of the church who can give you insights of it. They can also advice you on what to do to attract the positives in your life.
 
Post Travel Notes:
 
Binondo is a district in Manila that simply brims with pride when it comes to their unique heritage and culture. It is amazing that despite the urban decay that happened in Manila, Binondo is one district that has managed to sustain its urban charm. It is one of the most vibrant district of Manila with its eclectic atmosphere making it one of the preferred tourist destinations in Manila.

In the sea of people of Metro Manila, I am out to explore the cities down south. Are you ready to explore the city with me?

There are still a lot of nooks and crannies to discover in Binondo. There are food spots to check out and, with the renewed attention on Escolta, discover its development that attracted the younger crowd. All these things are worthy of another shot to walk and explore Binondo again.
 
Getting There: One can take the LRT 1 train and go down Carriedo Station. From the station, you can walk towards the Plaza Lacson. You can start your walking tour from the Roman Santos Building and Escolta.
 
“Explore Manila!” is a personal project to go around the cities and the lone municipality of Metro Manila to discover its tourist destinations and what it has to offer. I plan to continue the project on the second half of 2017 to discover what the cities, located down south, have to offer. If you are up for a city exploration, leave a message or shoot me an email so I can update you of the schedules.