Drive Around The City of Manila - Series #04 - Chinatown

davinsh (53)in #philippines • 6 years ago

Welcome to Driving Around the City of Manila Series #04.

For the past days, it's been a quite challenge for me to find time to write, so as continuing this series. Due to some errands, my apology dear readers.

Last week series was posted late that instead of Saturday, it was posted the next day. And so as this one, which is too late. But I will not find any reason not to continue the series. As a writer, it is my responsibility to provide an update on my story. Which give me a satisfying feeling once completed and shared. It gives me an unexplainable joy.

So without further adieu, may I present you the Chinatown of Manila, Binondo.

_{I like the colors}

Binondo, or commonly known as Chinatown is hometown to many Filipino-Chinese communities here in Manila, Philippines. Which is noticeable around the place. Aside from the Chinese people around, most businesses here are Chinese goods. From restaurants to a drug store.

Binondo is one of the oldest Chinatown in the world which was established in the year 1594. It was a settlement made by Spaniards near Intramuros for Chinese-Catholic resident.

_{One of the oldest church in Manila, Minor Basilica of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, est. 1596}

Chinese were known to be a great commerce in the Philippines ever since before Spanish era. Spaniards made the place closed to Intramuros to monitor their (Chinese) actions.

Up to this writing, whenever every Filipino encounters surnames like Ong, Li, Tan etc, as long as related to Chinese names, there will never be a moment that we do not think of them as business minded and thrifty. Because to us, Chinese were known for starting a small cart business then turn it to be one of the biggest company.

Some of the biggest names are Henry Sy of SM Malls, John Gokongwei of Robinsons Mall and Universal Robina Corporation, and Lucio Tan of Philippine Airlines to name a few.

Our trades are being led by Chinese even before Magellan came to the Philippines. As they started barter in our country.

In Binondo, this kind of business that starts in a small one is still present. They are still trying their luck in a small cart of vegetables as an example.

_{Fresh and Cheap Veggies}

In this place as well, most people came to buy cheap accessories made of golds. If you are about to get married, this is the place for quality but cheap wedding rings.

_{This is the place where we search for the most beautiful wedding bands}

Aside from that, there are still other businesses that are also present owned by these nationality.

_{Hardwares and everything}

In every small street of Binondo, we can see different kinds of trades that can be offered, with a quality and cheaper price.

The community has grown rapidly and strong, aside from business tycoons, Chinese are known for not letting each and everyone down. If one needed a help, surely one will provide. Not just provide, but guide and help. No crab mentality.

One example is the rumor that John Gokongwei of Robinsons Mall was the one who gave an idea to Henry Sy to establish a Shoemart where he can sell all his customized shoes, which apparently become the leading malls in the Philippines, SM.

But for me what I love about the Chinese, and most especially here in Binondo are their food. mmmm.

Me and my wife usually go here, aside from purchasing some herbal medicine for mother-in-law, our favorite place to eat is...

_{Roasted Duck and Hakaw, here I come!!}

Wai Ying, they served roast duck which I usually order whenever we visit here, while @essiehime will never miss ordering is Hakaw, one of the best the best dumplings they could offer. It's a steamed shrimp wrapped in a wanton wrapper, dipped in soy sauce with calamansi and chili paste. Truly, will make the visit memorable and will return every time.

Just do not expect for a quality customer service, despite Filipino servers are there, they do prioritize the locals in this town. If not only for the best food, we will not come back and wait to get our orders for almost an hour. _{That is also the reason I didn't take the chance to take the picture of the food because I'm hungry that I can eat a whole horse, I don't eat a horse though.}

But after a while, there is still room for dessert, Chinese delicacies are really good as well, our next stop will be...

_{Lord of Egg Tart!}

Lord Stow's Bakery shouldn't be missed. With an only limited branch in the whole Metro, and Binondo is the nearest one, I should not be missed stopping here to get their super-oozing-creamy-yummy *egg tart.

_{I am your slave, my Master}

Every bite is jelly-like-soft filling, this is so far the best egg tart that I ever had. Most especially when newly baked. Because of excitement, I forgot its price. But it's around Php500 (10USD) for 12 pieces. With that price, it is so worth it.

On my way home, since @essiehime knows that I went to Binondo, I should bring something to her, And Eng Bee Tin is the place to be.

_{Mooncaaaaakess!}

Eng Bee Tin is one of the places that is famous when it comes to mooncake, it is a traditional bakery product that being eaten as appreciation with lunar and moon watching, with a circular shape and filled with mung beans and salted egg. It's about 2 centimeters thick with almost all are fillings and thin bread covering.

_{It's hopeless, there's only hopia left}

In the picture is hopia, a smaller version of mooncake. Since Chinese New Year is still present in the atmosphere of Binondo, mooncakes are sold out. So, I think hopia will do as present to my wife. lol.

This Eng Bee Tin is somewhat different from others, as this store was named after Mr. Ube.

_{Huh? Mr. Ube (Taro)}

I don't if it is a partnership between the two, or it's kind of expansion. As compare to their other store which is just a retail store, in here they have fast-food which serves Eng Bee Tin products and Mr. Ube's dishes.

_{Hmmmn, something to cook at home.}

_{Pasta.. or Pansit (Stir-fried noodles)}

Whew, that was another amazing trip with my beloved Ronda (Rouser), my 150cc motorcycle.

But before going home, I went to a place to say grace, Chinese way. that instead of lighting up a candle, we light incense which we believe to drive away the bad spirit and bring luck instead.

_{Thank you, for keeping us safe during our ride.}

Again, this is @davinsh, looking forward to more driving trip around the city of Manila.

_{rrrrmmmmvvvvhhh}

Have a safe ride always, wear helmet+ and other protections.

Don't forget to check our past rides.

All the information shared in this post are mostly general knowledge of the writer. Some words and dialogue used were not meant to harm other people. Some dialogue used is just an expression to have an enjoyable read.

Thank You!

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