Wednesday 25 January 2012

Chinatown, Manila



Found in the Binondo district, Manila boasts of the oldest Chinatown in the world. It was established in 1594 when the Spanish relocated them just outside the walls creating a place of commerce and culture. Nowadays, Binondo is a mix of old and new and of Chinese and Filipino culture. Take note of the Fookienese dialect used while trading goods, the typical golden waving cat at the entrances of shops, the kalesas right beside a brand new SUV- all of which offers an interesting peek into the most influential part of Filipino society.

San Sebastian Church, Manila




        Nowhere else in Asia can you find an all-steel, Neo-gothic revival Basilica but in the Quiapo district of Manila. After three of its predecessors gets destroyed by fires and earthquakes, it was decided that steel, an unconventional material be used to create a church that would withstand the shaky foundation of Manila.