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A Leisure Walk In Manila: Chinatown, My Chinatown! - Page 2

© Eva Goyena

Speaking of heritage, there are three places of worships that mirror the cultural and religious legacy of people who lived in the area. The Binondo church is a fine example of Spanish colonial architecture. Its original edifice was built in the 16th century intended for the Christian baptized Chinese. This church with six-storey octagonal bell tower is where the first canonized Filipino-Chinese martyr and saint San Lorenzo Ruiz served as an altar boy. Now, the saint's statue is one of the must-visits in the church. Another church that was built to accommodate the Chinese who were converted to Christianity is the Sta. Cruz church. It was constructed in the early 17th century, however the World War II bombings completely ruined it. With the help of the parishioners and religious sponsors, the present church was erected. Another religious landmark is the Philippine-Chinese Buddhist Temple, which interiors are ornately outlined in red and gold. It is a shrine to Kuan Yin, goddess of mercy and Kuan Te Ya, God of businessmen.

After that jewelry-store and church-hopping, I heard my intestines whining so I skipped and hopped to locate some food houses. Before long, I found myself again in the street of Ongpin where an array of eateries, noodle houses and cozy restaurants look very inviting. I entered the nearest food house and tested their specialty ---Chinese lumpia, a fresh vegetable salad wrapped in a specially baked-wrapper that is made more mouthwatering with the addition of seaweeds and crushed peanuts. Then I got its perfect combination when I ordered pancit (Chinese noodle) and an ice-cold soft drinks. This less than a hundred-peso meal gave me enough energy to burn while I set for my next destinations…I mean, ours.

But before I bring you there, you might want to know how to get to Chinatown. Here it goes: let us make Luneta (or Rizal Park) our starting point since it is the most known public place in Manila. From there, you can take a public utility jeepney going to the north with signboards like Sta. Cruz, Blumentritt or Monumento. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Sta.Cruz church. You can also take the Light Rail Transit (LRT) from the United Nations station, which is a walking-distance from Luneta Park, and get off at the Carriedo station. This station is already part of Sta. Cruz. The easiest way, however is to get a cab, which you may request to drive you around the area. You may negotiate with the driver as to how many hours you will roam the place and how much you have to pay him. The fairest agreement is approximately P500.00 for a one and a half to two hour-cab-tour.

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