Binondo is Manila's Chinatown. It's name could have come from the tagalog "binondok" or sent to the mountains. During the time of the Spaniards, Binondo was the *enclave of the sangleys or those Chinese that had embraced the Catholic faith. For safety and commerce, they built their homes under the walls of Intramuros. The Binondo Church, where the Blessed San Lorenzo Ruiz served as a sacristan, and the large plaza in front is the center of this community.
Today, Binondo is still home to Filipino-Chinese who are fondly called Tsinoys. It is a vibrant, prosperous community where many of the streets are recognized by the businesses or *guilds that set up shop there. The entrance to Binondo, right after the Jones Bridge, is marked by the Friendship Gate on Juan Luna St. Here, one can find the appliance and paper stores. On Ongpin St., are the jewelry stores and restaurants, including the hopia bakeries and champuy stands; on Gandara St., most shops sell canvas and leather by the rolls. Although, it is no longer made there, Jaboneros St. used to be known for the soaps (jabon) they made. One can take a tour through Binondo by calesa. The ride may be slow and dusty but worth every bump. Many old but still beautiful buildings line the streets of this unique community.
Nothing to do this weekend? Drag your parents to Binondo for great food, lots of shopping and a bit of history and culture.
Glossary
Sangleys - name given to christianized Chinese by the Spaniards
Sacristan - altar boy in Spanish
Plaza - public square in Spanish
Hopia - Chinese sweet made of mongo beans
Champuy - pickled dates and fruits
* An enclave is a community of foreigners.
* A guild is an association of people with the same skills and interest.
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