One can only get a good feel of Manila’s Chinatown by walking. It is a little known fact that Manila’s Chinatown is the oldest in the world. Given it’s proximity to China, it is hardly surprising. Interestingly, Binondo Church, a very un-Chinese landmark, marks the heart of Manila’s Chinatown. It is the gateway to a lot of interesting places here in Chinatown. This would be one of the few places in the Philippines where you get to see Chinese signs regularly. Although the younger folk, particularly the ones who grew up here, would already have problems talking proper Chinese, preferring to talk in Filipino or English instead.
Beside the Binondo Church is one rather interesting resident. It is a purple fire engine. It seems fire engines in the Philippines to not adhere to the red fire truck rule. The purple color comes from the fact that it is sponsored by a popular backshop, Eng Bee Tin, whose owner is an avid volunteer fire fighter. So why purple? Eng Bee Tin, is famous for their ube hopia, ube or taro has a distinctive purple color, hence the color of the fire engine. You’ve got to admit, purple looks good.
Continuing on, you will get to see horse drawn carriages, one of only two places in the country where they are still used on a daily basis, the other being Vigan in Ilocos Sur. Ongin St. is lined with a lot of stores manned by Chinese families. Interestingly there is a small little “chapel” if you will, just behind Shopper’s Mart. This is a small niche carved out of the wall of Shopper’s Mart and installed with a cross. Here passer’s by can offer incense, a very Chinese thing, together with their prayers to the cross.
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