ONE SHOPPING DAY IN CHINATOWN

One Monday morning found us on a happy walk, savoring a slice of that unique enclave in Manila known as Binondo.

- VICKY VELOSO-BARRERA

I have been to a few other Chinatowns around the globe but our Chinatown, which is, in fact, the oldest in the world, has a character all its own. Modernity is fused into the historical, and while it is ever evolving, its Chinese heart remains the same.

This is the magical quality of Binondo, where what has been lost, what is new, and whatever traditions have been given a new spin, and come together into a delightful mix of experiences. It is the subject of a photography exhibit and forthcoming book titled, Binondo Ever-changing, by photographer, historian and tour guide Anson Yu. We are fortunate that Anson is always happy to share with us his beloved Binondo where he has lived, studied, and worked all his life.

We started off on one end of Dasmariñas St., walking and talking, with a bit of sightseeing and shopping thrown in but mostly eating our way through the streets of Binondo. With the days getting cooler, this is one of the most pleasant things you can do.

We turned the corner into T. Pinpin when we reached the original Chinabank building that was built in 1920. Here, founder Dee C. Chuan realized his dream of starting a bank to help the Chinese community better participate in business and building the economy. Even if you have no business to transact, step inside briefly to admire the marble pillars, grillwork and chandeliers that take you back in time to that decade.

On the same street is Toho Panciteria Antigua, one of the oldest and most enduring restaurants in Binondo. Asado is surely one of the reasons that it survives, and the juicy pieces of roasted pork were so yummy that we ordered a kilo to take home.