The island of tradition amidst Manila’s frantic push to modernize. Spanish conquistadors established Binondo in 1594 as a home for Manila's Catholic Chinese residents; only people who had received baptism had the right to settle there. From then on, Binondo developed into the financial center of the Philippine capital, only to be disrupted by British raids in the 18th century and an earthquake that demolished much of the area's traditional Chinese architecture. Due to that, most of the tourists in Manila prefer to visit the other tourist spots in the city that are very close to Binondo, like Intramuros.
Photo: ARRIANNE GUZMAN
Although Binondo is still active nowadays, as it is filled with pedestrians and heavy traffic, it is still the center for Chinese-Filipino commerce to this very day. In the present time, residents are often known as “Tsinoy,” a portmanteau of "Chinese,” and "Pinoy," an informal Philippine demonym. Tsinoys or not, the current people residing here in Binondo are mixed, not divided, in religion, like Catholicism and Buddhism. There is no diversity in religions since both religions continue to coexist in Binondo, influencing the lifestyle of those living here. Aside from being a place of religion, some embody the original culture and tradition of the town. When visiting Binondo, there's no need to put extra effort into looking good in the ancient district of Manila because if tourists are to visit there, they will comfortably be normal as they walk past street vendors, food stalls, and jeeps. Visitors will see normal people, there will be no people in suits because most of the people in Binondo wear slippers, shorts, and simple shirts. They're free to explore, as the place is very open and welcomes anyone visiting.
Comments