Gong Xi Fa Cai! Welcome the Year
of the snake – For Chinese, February 10 marks the Lunar or Chinese New Year
2013; a time of dragon and lion dance, Tikoy, red lanterns, lucky charms, red
envelopes and Chinese traditional rituals which I had adopted despite having no
Chinese Heritage; and to complete my Chinese new year celebration, I made a
trip to Chinatown and troop around for food, culture and a whole new
experience.
Manila Chinatown is located just
across the Pasig River opposite the Spanish walled city Intramuros; The main
street in Chinatown, Ongpin street, is flanked by two Cathedrals as landmark at
each end – The Santa Cruz church and Binondo Church, that until now significantly
serves population in the area. Going to Manila Chinatown, my friend and I took
LRT ride from Pasay Station to Carriedo (15 php/person) or you can opt for taxi
cab which is fastest mode of transport getting to Binondo from other place
(going home, I took cab from Lucky Chinatown Mall to SM Sucat for 180 php).
During off peak, Manila Chinatown is best explored with Calesas or horse driven
carriage which is readily available and abundant in the area in reasonable
price.
From
carriedo station, few meters walk is the Chinese Goodwill Arch – key structure
that symbolizes Chinatown. I had encountered several Chinese Arches as I stroll
which I learned acts as a spatial marker to welcome visitors into a different
cultural sphere. Once you pass the arches, you can find icons, institutions and
features typical of Chinatown. It was supposedly holiday; yet, stores along
street are business as usual but the festive and celebration was prominent –
colors of red and gold bannered everywhere, colorful snake balloons, dragon
dance in tune with drums, smell of incense, expectators equipped with their DSLR
angling for one perfect shot and mixture of Pinoy and Chinese in busy street of
Ongpin.
I
was one lucky guy as a Chinese friend of a friend was generous enough to tour
us in Chinatown from its history, culture, religion, food and significant
insights. Our first stop was at The Tea inside Mandarin Square along Salazar
Street – the tea shop was quaint with white and green furniture; I had Rose
Milk Tea with jelly and pearl for 85php, it was refreshing start. It was exact
timing, as gold and violet dragons were on dance exhibition in the premise that
had completed my dragon dance experience.
On
Salazar Street was President’s Teahouse that according to our guide is the
smaller version of President’s restaurant with great and affordable food. They
serve food from dumplings to authentic Chinese cuisine. Salazar Bakery is also
along the street that offers quality and best tasting breads.
Along Ongpin street are home to many Chinese herbal stores,
restaurants, groceries, stalls selling gold, silver jewelries and carts of
chestnut vendors that are crowd drawer. Chinese herbals are still in demand,
even our guide confessed as patronage of all natural medicine, yet, opt for
drugs as prescribed and when needed.
I
had noticed fire trucks in silver and violet, I was told that those fire trucks
are highly prominent features in Manila Chinatown managed by Chinese volunteer
organization. It was admirable to know that their fire engines are often
sponsored by individuals and organizations and even has an Association of
Philippine Volunteer Fire Brigades.
Important landmark we paid
visit was the Binondo Church – is home of the Our Lady of China and in-front of
the church, Plaza San Lorenzo Ruis lies; it is named after Filipino-Chinese
saint, St. Lorenzo Ruiz. Another religious relic on street of Chinatown is what
they call as grotto with a crucifix as central image. The grotto is open to the
public exhibit the fusion of Christianity and Buddhism as it shows the roots of
the Chinese-Filipino, you can burn incense sticks, offer flowers and utter
prayers.
Next stop was at Lucky
Chinatown Mall – is a 5 hectare development of Megaworld Corporation located at
Reina Regente St. corner dela Reina St. Binondo, Manila that opened February
2012. The mall boasts of having the top of the line retail establishments and
food establishments which is not usual in the area. The mall also has a
supermarket anchor to cater to the residential needs in the vicinity. During
the Chinese New Year, there was a cultural show held at the atrium; and there
was also an area allotted for visitors to take part and experience Chinese
culture – lantern making, Buddhist offering, fan making, prayer offering and more.
Pasalubong: Hopia (40 php/
pack); Buddha (150 php); Fried siopao (15 php each) and Tikoy ( had it for
free).
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