Binondo, Manila, Bastion of Chinese Culture in the Philippines

What kinds of people live in the Philippines? Is it just the Aetas, and other natives, like the aborigine of this country?  Why are there Chinese people in the Philippines who speak in Filipino tongue? Simply because years ago, during the 16^th century, Binondo was a trading center in the Philippines and became one of the richest towns in the Philippines after two centuries. The Chinese people were trading porcelain and goods to the natives until the Spaniards caught them. Spanish Governor named Luis Pérez Dasmariñas in 1584 for a settlement for the Chinese Immigrants created Binondo. Because of all the trading  until today, Binondo remains the biggest Chinatown in the country. And is also the oldest Chinatown in the world.

Today, Binondo has many places in which tourists could visit. Such as Binondo church, Santo Cristo de Longos, Ongpin Street, Kuang Kong, Seng Guan temple, Escolta Street, Caravajal Street, and Arranque Street.

The Binondo Church was built in 1596. It is one of the oldest places of Christian worship. The Church is home to Our Lady of China and in front of the church, Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz lies; it is named after a Filipino-Chinese saint, St. Lorenzo Ruiz. Santo Cristo de Longos, is an image of the Crucified Christ, known to be found by one deaf and mute Chinese in an old well in the barrio of Longos. Today, the image is displayed in a niche with a glass cover near the side entrance of Binondo Church. For Ongpin Street, it is a home to many Chinese herbal stores, restaurants and groceries. Kuang Kong, is a Buddhist temple. It is open to the public and is worth visiting, as it shows the roots of the Chinese-Filipino. You can burn incense sticks and utter your prayers. There is also these red wooden half moons you can use to have your fortunes told. Kuang Kong is the patron of Scholars and Martial arts as well as the God of War; it is known as the protector of Quan Yin; the Goddess of Mercy. Seng Guan Temple, another Chinese temple is located along Narra Street, it is usually jam-packed with people burning incense and offering food and fruits to Buddha during celebrations of the lunar calendar. In Escolta Street, you will be able to see the old art deco style buildings. This used to be home of many luxurious fashion brands but has now slowly started to decline in the 70’s after the growth of malls. Along Caravajal Street, you will see vendors selling fruits and Chinese delicacies can be seen from Black Chicken and Sea Cucumber, along it are also Chinese groceries, noodle houses and snack houses. And lastly, visit the wet market of Arranque Market. Fresh seafood and exotic food such as snakes, pigeons, rabbits, frogs etc. can be found. It is often crowded like most wet markets.

For a change from all the city stuff in Manila, or change from all the Filipino surroundings, a Chinese place such as Binondo is a place where you could probably take a break from the city of Manila. Plus, it’s not so far it is just a car ride away and will probably not take a long time to get there.