Out and About Manila Part 1: Binondo Church

I was born in Manila but growing up and living in Cebu left me curious about my birthplace. There was so much of it that I haven't seen. I wanted to experience it and breathe history and culture sans the pollution. There was this craving that I had to feed otherwise my mind would explode with questions and what ifs left unanswered. Unlike others, I prefer old city charm and culture whenever I travel. Call me weird or old-fashioned but I'm an old soul lost in a digital jungle. So when my dear uncle (Hi Tito Bob!) asked me where I wanted to go, I screamed Chinatown and Intramuros without batting an eyelash! This was the first stop to our trip. Behold the Binondo Church.

"Ang simbahan ng Binondo: Dito itinatag ng mga paring Dominikano ang misyon para sa mga Intsik noong 1587 at naging parokya noong 1596. Nasira nang pumasok and mga Ingles noong 1762. Inilipat sa paring secular noong 1769 at ibinalik sa Dominikano noong 1822. Ibinalik sa mga paring sekular noong 1898. Ang simbahan at bagong kumbento ay inayos noong 1946-1971."

The Binondo Church: This was where the Dominican priests founded their mission for the Chinese during 1587 which later on became a parish by 1596. It was destroyed by British bombardment in 1762. It was given to the secular priests in 1769 and returned to the Domincans by 1822. By 1898, it was reverted back to the secular priests. The church and convent were renovated in 1946-1971.

Binondo church was a beauty before my very eyes but what I didn't know at the time was that it had to undergo numerous renovations all throughout history for it to remain standing for this generation and those to come. The church was founded by the Dominican priests in 1596 to encourage the conversion of the early Chinese immigrants in Manila to the Christian Catholic faith. The original structure was destroyed in 1762 and a new granite church replaced it by 1852. It's prominent feature was the octagonal bell tower with a mirador or viewing window on top. The said structure was again damaged by an 1863 earthquake. Bombing during the height of World War II left the western facade and the octagonal  belfry as its sole remnants rendering the Binondo parishioners with a roofless church until it was rebuilt from 1946-1971.

The Binondo church is also popularly called by two other names: Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz (Parroquia Basílica de San Lorenzo Ruiz) and Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish (Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario). This is because Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, trained in the said church before he was sent as a missionary to Japan where he was martyred together with his companions for refusing to renounce their faith. He was born to a Filipino mother and a Chinese father. Also, near the entrance of the church is a side chapel that contains one of the oldest colonial paintings in the country dubbed as the Nuestra Señora de Santisimo Rosario.

/div> Just like most Philippine churches, votive or prayer candles can be found in Binondo but instead of the traditional white, beeswax yellow or wine red, you can choose from five different colors each of which have their own symbolism. Red—Health. Blue—Petition. Green—Prosperity. Pink—Thanksgiving. White—Peace.

Since the tone of this post was too nerdy for everyone's sake, I'm leaving you with this photo of me closing my eyes as the rest of my family smile for a snap! Oops.

Binondo Church also known as Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz and Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish is located in Plaza L.Ruiz, Binondo, Manila. Click here for maps and directions.

More of Out and About Manila:
Part 2: Binondo aka Manila Chinatown
Part 3: Fort Santiago and Jose Rizal Museum