Drive Around The City of Manila - Series #03 - Quiapo

Engine started, Helmets and protective gears on.

Welcome to our Drive Around the City of Manila Series #03. The update is a bit late today, and my apology dear Steemians. Because of some errands yesterday, I fell down to deep sleep the soon that I got home. But here we go.

The drive has been an exciting journey for me, I enjoy places that I've been and always looking forward to sharing it with you. The experience is so much fun that I am thinking of leaving my "9 to 5" to have more drive. But I can't...yet.

Without further adieu, may I present to you, the district of Quiapo.

_{Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene Parish of Saint John the Baptist}

Quiapo was derived from a water cabbage or Pistia stratiotes which was called kiapo/quiapo in Tagalog.

Quiapo is literally the center of Manila. And was known as the old downtown Manila back in the 70's. Back then, this town was known for big theaters, cinema, and biggest shopping stop. Back in those days, Quiapo is always the center of Manila's social activities such as trading, fashion, art and other events where only elites can attend.

Hearing those stories, I picture the district of Quiapo as the most vibrant place in Manila. Where people should be in tuxedos, with a top hat while women are in shimmering gowns. But it doesn't seem like that nowadays. Being one of the most crowded places in Manila, it is now grey, dark and gloomy. Noisy, and known for the different street crimes.

Quiapo, Especially the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene Parish of Saint John the Baptist or commonly known as Quiapo Church where famous around the world because of the Black Nazarene.

_{Small replica of the Black Nazarene}

For many Filipinos, the Black Nazarene was granting all our prayers, with the number of devotees every January 9 of every year, it seems that there were a lot of prayers have been answered.

January 9, as the day of Traslación of the Black Nazarene, the district becomes chaotic, as people from different places in the Philippines were rushing to Quiapo, either to give thanks or praise.

But on a normal day, especially Fridays, People still flocks in Quiapo Church to say their prayers. To ask for a blessing.

_{The original Black Nazarene with tis devotees. (I pray as well before taking a picture)}

Peace and quiet inside the church, everything is solemn, everyone prays by heart. It seems like everything will be ok, and all the tears will be wiped upon going out of the church. Everyone is filled with hope.

Aside from being known for religious activity, Quiapo has been famous to many Filipinos as a one-stop shop for almost anything existed in the world.

As one example, anyone can even have their own replica of the Black Nazarene. Upon exiting the church, in front, in Plaza Miranda are numerous stalls selling a lot of replicas.

_{Different images for selling in a stalls in front of Quiapo Church}

Since Quiapo was the place for social elites before, Different trades has populated the district. It even becomes one of the red light districts of Manila.

Just think of anything to sell, bring a table and big umbrella, then you'll start to become an entrepreneur.

_{My path to the church}

Because of the crowded place and plenty stalls that sell goods. I have to park my motorcycle somewhere so that I can feature the district of Quiapo.

And when we say different goods, there is a lot.

During my young age, I remember my uncles always mentioning this place whenever they need things for electronics. Up until today, I as well go here whenever I need anything. Quiapo is the walk-in "Amazon.com" of Manila.

For a price of Php300 (USD6). you can have a pair of running shoes with the brand that you want.

_{Nike for Php300 (USD6)??}

But of course, this is just a copy, this is not as comfortable as the real ones. But if one person has a limited budget, but cannot wear without the brand logo, then this would work.

Just don't use them to play in a league, you don't want what may happen. Either your feet will be full of blisters or a broken joint.

Though, when I was a child since my parents can't afford the real ones, having this kind of shoes as a gift on Christmas days is the most special one for me. Even my classmates tell me back then that it is a fake, I know, and I don't care. My parents still set aside their hard-earned money in order to buy me this one.

Aside from shoes, if you are still on a budget and needed to have something to use for communication or for creating the next post in Steemit. Then come here.

_{My apology for the blurred picture}

Copy of known mobile phones is available here. Running in Android, but the older version because the hardware of this cellphones may not withstand the newer one.

There are all working, don't worry, but not so long as the new model of every cellphone companies were introduced. But if it's just for calling or texting, then it will last. It is also installed with a camera, though some of it is a copy of the biggest names of mobile phones, do not expect to have the same quality. But if you are lucky enough, you can find sellers of the "display units" of the originals.

Does Quiapo has something Original?

Oh yes, of course, not everything on Quiapo is fake or copy. Originals are also available here. I said, that this the walk-in Amazon.com of Manila, yes it is.

This is the place where my wife @essiehime go whenever she needs to replace her eyeglasses. Because of her unclear eyesight (yes, it's true love), her eyeglasses were too expensive when bought in the malls. Until we discover that those eyeglasses were just manufactured here in Quiapo and at a cheaper price. We saved almost 20% with the same brand and quality. Just choose a store.

_{I just forgot the clinic she went to get her glasses}

Aside from that, there are other kinds of stuff too, such as solar panels, generators and party speakers are also available here.

_{Installation not included}

_{They also accept repairs}

_{Let the party started}

How about "toys" for the big boys?

_{Bloody Hell!!}

Airsoft guns are also available here and other "toys" for big boys and girls that starts with a letter "D" and ends with a letter "O" that I cannot take a picture of. I hope you'd understand.

And if someone believes in lucky charms and herbal medicine, you can also find their stalls here.

_{Hey miss, how much is a gram?}

_{Ohhh...Happy 420!}

This place was known as a place as well for the unwanted pregnancy. Because of the herbal medicine that can help regulate menstruation. The medicine becomes known in a wrong way of use.

But for me, I usually go to Quiapo, to buy strings for my guitar or whenever a friend asked me where can they score a locally made guitar. I refer them to...

_{Salonga Music and Sports Store}

though nowadays, they are already selling imported products like Epiphone guitars, and way cheaper from other dealers. And it is original.

Quiapo was once a center of business in Manila and a successful one. One of the successful business that started here and still growing nowadays is no other than Mr. Henry Sy.

_{The first ever SM Mall (Shoemart)}

Mr. Sy started as a shoemaker in this district, he has a small store who is customizing shoes, until he becomes successful and established her first mall known as SM nowadays, which was originally know as Shoemart as Mr. Sy only sells shoes before.

Theaters, biggest cinema, arts, and opera concerts. If it was just preserved the way it is, It must be a beautiful place. If it was not just being abused, we could've still enjoyed its vibrant imagery. But time changed everything, so as our behaviors.

But nevertheless, the history will still remain, Quiapo literally the center of Manila will forever be known for its one-stop shopping center and a center of faith.

This is QUIAPO.

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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.

History Sources:

• General Knowledge
• Wikipedia

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Our Rides:

• Drive Around The City of Manila - Series #01 - Rizal Park
• Drive Around The City of Manila - Series #02 - The Walled City

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Thank You!

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