Binondo

BINONDO Why “Binondo”? That’s because before the city was formed, Binondo sat on marshy wet lands planted with tubers and surrounded by tributary systems of the Pasig river called “binunduk,” which in Filipino, literally means “hilly.” Probably because it is surrounded by water that the area’s center seemed to “protrude” from the ground in those times. Located across the Pasig River from Intramuros is the Binondo area.

At present, the entire district is filled with all things Chinese from herbal medications. It is also where Manila’s bargain center, Divisoria market, may be found. It has been said that the commerce in Binondo that starts at dawn in the market places and continues throughout the day at the bazaars are so numerous that Makati trade is nothing compared to it.

Walking along Binondo’s busy streets and getting the all-present whiff of incense and different smoked foods to set the ambience make for a walking tour that is unique to say the least.

Tourists may start their walking tour with Binondo’s Ongpin street (also called 24-karat street for the large number of jewelry shops in the area) which is lined with Chinese tea shops, traditional medicine shops, jewelry stores, acupuncture clinics, kung-fu schools and mah-jong parlors (mah-jong is a Chinese game).

From Ongpin, tourists may head on to Plaza Santa Cruz to visit the Santa Cruz Church, a church set up by Jesuits to accommodate the Chinese Christian converts. Here devotees are often seen walking on bended knees to prostrate themselves in front of the altar as a symbol of their faith.

Each street in Binondo caters to different clientele needs. Customers looking for canvass and upholstery supplies may find the materials they require in Sabino Padilla formerly Gandara Street.

An alley of Nueva Street called Carvajal, is host to fruit and vegetable stalls where imported fruits like Chinese fragrant pears, grapes, dragon fruit, fresh cherries and tangerines may be bought cheaply.

Also along Ongpin may be found La Resurrection, a store famous for their old-fashioned chocolate tablets and cacao used for cooking cups of hot cocoa in the way it has been prepared since Spanish times.

Further down the street, good luck talismans, red and gold charms, incense and brass holders may be procured at numerous Buddhist religious supplies stores.

Visiting Chinatown will not be complete without visiting Eng Bee Tin, famous for ube hopia which now being exported all over the world.

Numerous gastronomic delights also await the Binondo day tripper. Steaming hot congee, dimsum and assorted dumplings may be found. Some of the restaurant/tea house such Wa Ying, David Tea House,Shin Ton Yok, Mazuki, Royal Garden, Maxim Tea House, Tunay ba beef. Other new restaurant such as Settle Best, Rosso Cafe, Teriyaki Boy, etc