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.

As proof of the merging of Filipino and Chinese culture, notice the side altars scattered in the area which are Catholic in nature but has Chinese incense sticks offered by the residents. Menus, signs and posters have three languages--English, Tagalog and Chinese!
Step into Ongpin street and experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the Chinoys(Chinese-Filipino.) Ongpin cuts through the heart of Chinatown in which you can see the diverse products being offered from the dumplings, to DVDs to ginseng root as medicine. Begin from Plaza Sta. Cruz and walk all the way to the Binondo Church or the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz. Before you even get to half of Ongpin, you’ll be wondering which country you actually are in.
Chinatown surely has a lot to offer so don’t miss out while in Manila!