Out and About Manila Part 2: Manila Chinatown

Binondo Manila Chinatown
Chinky-eyed and thrifty. These two perfectly define me so I guess it wouldn't be a complete surprise if I had an ounce of Chinese blood in my veins. My maternal grandmother's side of the family has a one syllable three letter family name. Majority of the family is chinky-eyed too with eyes tending to thin out as we smile or laugh. Alas, no one knows how to speak Mandarin. Lost in translation perhaps? I don't know really but I'll stop these random bits of whatnot and get this introduction over and done with. In my previous post, I mentioned that we had this little jaunt around some of the sights and places to see in Manila. This is part two. Behold Binondo aka Manila Chinatown!

The term "Binondo" was coined after an antiquated Tagalog word "binondoc" which means mountainous. This was because the place where Manila Chinatown sits used to have a hilly landscape. It is also known to be the world's oldest China Town. Dating back to its foundation in 1594, Spanish Governor Luis Pérez Dasmariñas established it for purposes of permanent settlement for the Sangleys, a Spanish term for Chinese immigrants, who converted to Catholicism. It is through this that many intermarriages occurred paving the way for a new mestizo class called the Tsinoy or Chinoy. The first Filipino saint, St. Lorenzo Ruiz, belonged to this class with a Filipino mother and a Chinese father. Trade and commerce strive in the area such that Binondo, particularly Escolta street, used to be the country's center of commerce before Makati. I wanted to go to Binondo for two main reasons: food and splashes of color. That is what I exactly got plus a dip into the Chinoy culture.

Binondo Manila Chinatown
Binondo Manila Chinatown: Santo Cristo de Longos Shrine
Binondo Manila Chinatown: Santo Cristo de Longos Shrine
Binondo Manila Chinatown: Santo Cristo de Longos Shrine
People of different race and religion can live harmoniously together and the Santo Cristo de Longos Shrine is proof of that. Located just on the corner of Ongpin and San Nicolas streets is the synchronicity of Catholicism and Buddhism decked with red votive candles, incense and sampaguita garlands. Legend says that a deaf-mute Chinese regained his speech and hearing after finding an image of the crucified Christ on an old well here. It was dubbed as the "Santo Cristo de Longos". The original image can be found in the side entrance of Binondo church encased in a glass. The shrine was made on the site of the very well where it was found and people can light candles, burn incense and say their prayers here.

Binondo Manila Chinatown: Lucky Charms
Binondo Manila Chinatown: Lucky Charms
Binondo Manila Chinatown: Lucky Charms
Binondo Manila Chinatown: Lucky Charms
Binondo Manila Chinatown: Lucky Charms
This was the splashes of color that I needed. I'm known for my preference over soft and pastel hues but sometimes I just like seeing bold colors and details. Manila Chinatown is decked with all sorts of lucky charms or "pampaswerte" as my uncle would have it. Whether you need luck in terms of wealth, love life, health, career or whatnot, you are bound to find something here for you. Many people here in the Philippines, Chinese or not, believe in Feng Shui, a Chinese philosophical system of harmonizing oneself with their surrounding environment. I didn't buy any for such purposes though because I've always had this belief that we create our own luck. Optimism need not have a tangible symbol. Of course, that's only for me. We have our different beliefs and opinions on this matter. To each his own.

Binondo Manila Chinatown: Roasted Chestnut "Kastanyas"
Binondo Manila Chinatown: Sugar Cane/div>
Binondo Manila Chinatown: Cherries
The Philippines is known for its wide variety of street food and delicacies. Each town, city or province have their own fair share of these. While walking around Binondo, I found loads of circular fruits and sweet delicacies. Growing up, older relatives always tell me that circle not only represents money, coins being round, but also unity and oneness. Sweetness on the other hand refers to close family ties since many sweet foods tend to be sticky. Pictured above are chestnuts that are being roasted on the spot, fresh sugar cane and cherries!

Binondo Manila Chinatown: Shanghai Fried Siopao
Binondo Manila Chinatown: Shanghai Fried Siopao
For ₱18 or $0.40, you can already taste Manila Chinatown's infamous Shanghai Fried Siopao! These flavorful stuffed steam buns are an infamous Filipino-Chinese snack. The siopao is often stuffed with pork but overtime, recipe variations have come out and you can even have a vegetarian version for yourself. Unfortunately, I have only seen a few establishments that offer it. In Binondo, you will find the above photographed "fried siopao". It is very popular so much so that you will find a swarm of people lining up for it. It is also cooked fresh as the bun was pretty warm when we got them. I had to persuade my sister to hold it on her palms without flinching. Locals and tourists were not mistaken about its delicious taste. 

Binondo Manila Chinatown: Bee Tin Grocery
Binondo Manila Chinatown: Bee Tin Grocery
Binondo Manila Chinatown: Bee Tin Grocery
Binondo Manila Chinatown: Bee Tin Grocery
Binondo Manila Chinatown: Bee Tin Grocery
If you are looking for Chinese goods and products, look no further than the Bee Tin Grocery along Ongpin street. They have a wide selection of goods from tea, herbs and spices, flavorings, noodles straight from Hong Kong, mushrooms, nuts, candies and pretty much everything. You can also find an assortment of oriental spices from other Asian countries here.

Binondo Manila Chinatown: Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli
Binondo Manila Chinatown: Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli
Binondo Manila Chinatown: Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli
Binondo Manila Chinatown: Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli
Binondo Manila Chinatown: Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli
Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli is another very popular shop in Binondo. In fact, you will see many of its branches spread out across the metro. It is most popular for its ube flavored hopia. I have never tasted anything like it. It's soft, sweet and delectable down to the last bite. I am not a fan of ube but I seriously love their hopia so that is saying something.

There was so much more of Manila Chinatown that I wanted to see and experience, the infamous "estero" being one. We only walked past it but didn't linger too long as we were headed to Intramuros right after. My uncle told me that the estero had numerous food stalls filled with fresh sea food choices. You can pick which ones you'd like to eat and have them cooked according to your preferences. Oh well, at least I'd have another blog entry should I go there and visit again right? Yay more food! *cue food babies in applause*

More of Out and About Manila:
Part 1: The Binondo Church
Part 3: Fort Santiago and Jose Rizal Museum

61 comments:

Rea Alducente said...

I've always been curious of Manila Chinatown. Haven't been there. The place looks iconic! And ohhhh tikoy I love!

fume said...

Such lovely photos! I want to go there! haha >3<

I'm following you <3

fume,

sleepy-deer.blogspot.com/

Anne said...

It does! I'm not a fan of tikoy though but my grandma loves it.

Anne said...

Thank you!

Maggie Dallospedale said...

Beautiful and chic pictures

kisses

MaggieD

Fashion Blog - Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary

gloriadressup said...

WOW, amazing pics. ciao gloria

Gloriadressup

Hilary said...

Always wanted to go to manila, thanks for sharing this post<3

follow for follow?:)

xoxo

http://hilarynirvana.blogspot.com/

Lenya said...

Beautiful pics of an amazing place. Thx for sharing. Lovely blog here btw! Would you like to follow each other on GFC? Please let me know on my blog so I can follow back. Thank you.
xox
Lenya

FashionDreams&Lifestyle

monic dzej said...

great photos, great architecture etc, i want to go there !! :)

Anne said...

Thank you Maggie!

Anne said...

Thank you! :)

Anne said...

You should come and visit it then! Tick an item off your bucket list?

Anne said...

Thank you Lenya!

Anne said...

This is only a small amount of what Manila has to offer! You should see Intramuros with its old world architecture. :)

Stripes n Vibes said...

Wonderful photos, thanks for sharing this beauty!

Tanya
www.StripesNVibes.com
BlogLovin

Anne said...

Thanks Tanya and you're welcome!

Tine Despares said...

Beautiful photos Anne! Thank you for visiting my blog. Love the fact that you share some historical facts to us also. I always wanted to go to Manila,someday hehehe


love lots,
Tin


mypoeticisolation.blogspot.com

Raindrops of Sapphire said...

It looks amazing! China Town here always has some really cool things. Loving the paper look of your blog too!

Raindrops of Sapphire

RGMENDOZA said...

This is one of the places I wasn't able to visit when I went to Philippines :(
Glad I was able to read about it on your blog ! It's definitely going to be
a must see for me when I come back to the Philippines to visit !


<3,
RG @ rgmendoza.blogspot.com

Antonella_7694 said...

Very nice post:)))
xoxo
Antonella
beautylove7694.blogspot.com .

Anne said...

Thank you Tine! You'll get to visit Manila someday too.

Anne said...

Thank you so much! I'd love to see Chinatown in other countries too and see how they differ.

Anne said...

Oh yes a must try! You'll get a whole lot of walking and eating here.

Anne said...

Thanks Antonella!

crafty-zone said...

Sounds like amazing place, I especially like photo of Shanghai Fried Siopao, it looks so delicious ;)

http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/

Shayne said...

You really do look Tsinoy, through and through! I really love Binondo, but I hardly get the chance to go when we visit Philippines. Not enough time, and no one wants to stay in Manila. :(


Also, fried siopao is really a gift from God hahaha

Gabrielle said...

Gosh what a place, there's so much colour! I love how many images of food there are in this post too haha, it's so great to have a glimpse into another place in the world that I don't have 'easy access' to :)

Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x

perlasancheza said...

I loved your post! Your pictures are so beautiful, I love the colors of all the figures. I hope I can visit Manila one day! :D

http://perlasancheza.blogspot.com/

Anne said...

It tastes delicious too. :)

Anne said...

It's a really huge and busy city. Besides, the Philippines has 7,107 islands each one with their own charms and beauty. It's hard to pick when you're here!

Anne said...

Oh yes food! I hope I didn't make you hungry?

Anne said...

Thank you so much! I wish that you could fulfill that wish too!

Isabeau Jane Gomez said...

omg eng bee tin!!! this for me is the best hopia ever as in ever. i know im speaking in superlatives but yes best hopia ive had my whole life. i could finish a whole pasalubong box in less than a week. ako lng nag eat.. ehhehe this post made me feel like i missed out on my manila stint. never got the courage to go to binondo. may be next time!

Anne said...

I feel you Isa! They are the bomb when it comes to ube hopia.

Shayne said...

Yup! I think my favorite region is Ilocos, but I'm biased because that's where my family is from hahaha. I did love traveling further down south though. The islands there are a little more untouched and so pretty!!!

Sybil said...

so much culture in this place!!!

i miss those chestnuts!! :D

Animated Confessions

JHANZEY said...

I can no longer remember the last time that I've been here! :(


Ganda ng pictures mo Anne :D
www.jhanzey.net

CAOLANO said...

I miss Eng Bee Tin and eating at Estero. Binondo is such a great place for a food trip. I hope to swing by Chinatown in my next Manila trip.

Breakfast girl said...

What a colorful post! I haven't been here before but I've got a taste by means of pasalubongs. Hehehe Send us a few goodies Anne! I miss you!

Anne said...

That's true. :)

Anne said...

Thank you so much Jhanzey!

Anne said...

I've seen quite a lot of Eng Bee Tin products sold in some groceries in Cebu. I remember seeing them at White Gold once. They had an entire rack but the prices tend to double if not triple.

Anne said...

I hope I don't eat those pasalubongs all up at the airport. Haha!

Jazmine Llaguno said...

Oh I remembered going there few years back with a couple of friends. Since we were lost, I remembered we walked from Divisoria (or was it? Forgot na..) to this bridge that connects to Chinatown. Man, we were such noobs. Hahaha. Can't believe we walked that far. But along the way, we learned to appreciate the beauty of the place; it's like being transported to a different dimension or something.

Fledermaus said...

What a fun and fascinating walkthrough! I haven't been to Binondo but the way you describe the place makes it sound so intriguing!

Anne said...

I guess so since it's around the area. We actually came from Divisoria and road a jeepney to Chinatown during this trip. It's not that far but on foot i think that's quite a long walk.

Anne said...

Really? I didn't mean for it that way but I'm glad you're pretty intrigued to want to check it out. :)

Channel Imperial said...

I always wanted to go to China Town! I really love the photos. Very colorful and full of life. I wanna go there and just tambay there look for something to buy then eat siopao or tikoy ^_^

Ashley Uy said...

I haven't been to Manila Chinatown before but that looks like a place my mother would have a field day in. The house of the best tikoy and hopia being her favorite. And Haw flakes! My dad loves those. Thanks for sharing your adventure! :)

Anne said...

Thanks Channel! Don't forget the hopia and the fresh seafood at Estero!

Anne said...

You're welcome Ashley and thank you! Tikoy and hopia seems to be a favorite among many.

Jeane Louise Mainit said...

FOOOODDDDD!! :) I may not have inherited my Lola's chinese heritage and features but there is still a portion of me that unconsciously roots for Chinese food like Siopao and Tikoy. Every new year or even the lunar new year, i would always buy tikoy, hopia and round fruits and consume noodles believed to be a sign of Long Life :) I will definitely go to Binondo once I set foot in Manila again. :)

Anne said...

Oh yes the undying custom of round fruits, noodles and sticky dishes!

Vernon Joseph Go said...

our china town isn't as vibrant or organized as in MAnila or Davao for from history, the chinese in Cebu integrated and was able to expand their businesses beyond the 'chinatown' but yeah the chinese products looks so awesome!

Anne said...

Indeed. I also like how it transports you into a different place once you step into the gate.

Emjae Fotos said...

I am always amazed with places that makes you feel like you're in another world and indeed Binondo is really vibrant. I've never been to a china town and I hope I could have a photowalk there too like you did. Nice pics! :)

Anne said...

I bet you will take even better photos Emjae!

Eimear ♥ said...

I have never been to the Philippines so this post is really interesting for me! Your pictures are so bright and colourful, I'm going to follow your blog :-)

Anne said...

Awww thank you so much Eimear! I hope you get to visit someday.

Bella Bucchiotti said...

I think I need to put this on my travel wish list! Thanks for sharing.

http://xoxobella.com/

Anne said...

You're welcome Bella!

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