The New: A Bustling Town Called Binondo

**Thank you, Google for all the photos and research done for this article.

Binondo is the place to be for those who can’t travel to China. The sights, the sound, the smell and the taste of the Chinese Culture is very much alive in this part of Manila. Binondo is known to be the center of commerce and trade of Manila being run by the Filipino-Chinese community. It is now being revived by the government to bring back its glory and highlight the past. Join me as we look into the streets of this world’s oldest Chinatown.

LIVE

Come see Noble Place. It exudes first class living in Manila. It is one of the projects of Megaworld Corporation. It is located on the corner of Dasmarinas Street and Juan Luna Street. It is a 47 Story high Jade Shaded All Glass Tower. It will be delivered in the first half of 2018, with this Megaworld will also develop the Plaza in front of the condo and lit up the streets for everyone to enjoy Luxury Living at its finest. 

The convenience of living in an area near everything is here in Binondo. It is near all modes of transportation. This area of Manila can be reached through private vehicles, LRT1 (Light Rail Transit), Provincial Bus Stations are nearby, Jeepney Stops, Taxi Cab Stations, or through the MMDA Ferry Boats that pass through the Pasig River. If you are up for an adventure, you may try the kalesa or the Pinoy Style Horse Drawn Carriage. This dates back in the 18^th century during the time of the Spaniards colonization of the Philippines. This type of transportation used to be for nobles and high-ranking officials only. It is the Rolls Royce during that time.

If you prefer to take a more scenic route, you may walk around to explore, use a bike or opt to take the trike. These are motorcycles with a sidecar and can easily accommodate 2 to 3 passengers. They can go everywhere especially on smaller roads where Jeepney, buses or cars are not supposed to pass by. In short, they can take you to side streets where you can enjoy and experience Binondo. Be ready with your camera to take photos of your experience and be prepared for new discoveries you will stumble upon.

WORK

Our Chinese brothers have created businesses that are doing well across all industries. Finding work or putting up a business won’t be hard. There are all sorts of companies, suppliers, and manufacturers that can be found in this town. Binondo is located close to multinational companies, medical institutions, and financial institutions. Try to go around and you will find a homegrown business that already prospered and made its name in their chosen field. Other cities are also nearby if you are assigned in one of them. The commute will be short and hassle-free because Binondo can easily be reached. Cities and areas nearby are Caloocan, San Juan, Sta. Mesa, Quezon City, Makati City, Mandaluyong City, and the rest of Manila. You will not get lost in Manila because everyone is friendly and speaks English.

 

PLAY

Going around Binondo is easy. Now the question is where to go. There are so many places to see, so many food to taste and so many experiences to do in this old town. Let us explore your options. Would you want to visit museums, old churches, watch a movie, go to amusement parks and go to casinos or watch a play? You will never run out of options to do.

Let us start with old Roman Catholic churches, you may visit Binondo Church, this is one of the oldest church in Manila that was built by the Spaniards. Sta. Cruz Church is also nearby which was built in the 17^th Century. The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, known as the Manila Cathedral can be found in Intramuros. This church has been known to be the church where a Pope has held their masses when they visit the country. It also houses lots of religious artworks and relics and serves as the resting place for the remains of former archbishops. Quiapo Church or The Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene is also nearby. It is known to do miraculous things for those who believe in the Back Nazarene Friday is a Church Day for the believers.  San Agustin Church and museum is also inside The Walled City of Intramuros and is named as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.

You can also tour the Walled City of Intramuros and see the oldest district in Manila. It was built during the Spanish colonial period during the late 16^th century. Intramuros is filled with Museum, historical sites and beautiful architectural buildings for you to enjoy. I will name a few places you can visit—Fort Santiago, Rizal Shrine, Bahay Tsinoy Museum (Chinese House), Casa Manila, San Agustin Museum, Baluarte de San Diego, Bagumbayan Light and Sound Museum, National Commission for Museum and Arts, and much more. You can actually ride a trike and they will give you a tour or tour in style on a bike or Segway.

There are more places to visit in Manila I can tell you about. Watch out for future posts on this topic.

LEARN

“Obey the law and help the cop. Always love your Mom and Dad. And if you want to reach the top, never let your learning stop.” That is an excerpt from a Nursery Rhyme I learned in my earlier years. Well, it really makes sense. We don’t stop learning so we focus on our Child’s Learning and Institutions near where we live. The best schools in Manila are within reach when you choose to live in Binondo, Manila. Chinese Schools are nearby – Chiang Kai Shek College, UNO High School, St. Stephen’s High School, Hope Christian High School, Philippine Tiong Se Academy and Philippine Academy of Sakya. For Higher learning, Top Colleges in the country are nearby because we are near the University Belt. You may choose any of the following – University of Sto. Tomas (UST), University of the East (UE), San Beda College, Centro Escolar University (CEU), Far Eastern University (FEU), Lyceum of the Philippines, Mapua Institute of Technology, University of the Philippines Manila, De La Salle University, Letran Manila, Philippine Cultural College and Philippine Jin Nan Institute.

SHOP

Binondo is known to be the shopping destination for all sorts of things. Entrepreneurs from the North and the South of Luzon and nearby provinces converge in the famous shopping district in Binondo called Divisoria – It is a popular destination of wholesalers of all things under the sun. From nuts and bolts to hardware supplies, car accessories to fruits, vegetables, seafood, bake supplies, textile, ribbons, laces and accessories, school and office supplies, novelty and party favors, wedding and formal gowns, bags, overruns, Chinese food, and other authentic cuisines and a whole lot more.

When you want to eat something different, you may try the Hokkien Cuisine, Tikoy, Mooncake, Dim sum, Peking Duck, Dried & Candied Fruits, Kiampong, Siopao, Fried Siopao, Noodle Soup, Chinese Lumpia, Sugar Cane Juice, Different Herbal Tea to name a few. If you are into finding something different, you can get these only here in Binondo – Ginseng, Exotic Ingredients, Herbal Medicines, Sharks Fin Cartilage, Deer Horn, Dried Snake, Birds Nest, Animal Testicles, Chocolate Tablea, Charms & Crystals, Talisman, Gold, Silver, Jewelries, Chestnuts and a lot more. It’s all here in this magical town called Binondo.

Binondo indeed beams with pride and confidence from its rich cultural heritage, architectural buildings, and gastronomic authentic delicacies. Come visit this part of Manila and see what life offers you in this side of town. We would love to tell you more about our properties and tour you around. For inquiries, contact us so we can assist you.

You may discover the Old Binondo by reading the Firs Part of this Series “The Old: A Bustling Town Called Binondo”