Skip to main content

CHINATOWN PHOTOWALK 2017: Shooting the streets of Manila's "Little China"

CHINATOWN PHOTOWALK 2017: Shooting the streets of Manila's "Little China"
If there’s a trick to enjoying the Chinese New Year, it's by doing a photowalk along the streets of the Manila Chinatown.

This year, the Fire Rooster takes the limelight.

Probably as old as Manila itself, the Chinatown in the Binondo district has been the center of Chinese life and culture in the Philippines since precolonial times. Perennially popular, it’s both a legitimate dining destination and a wonderland of interesting sights.

All the restaurants, shops, streets and alleyways radiates that "Little China" look, enough to attract revelers from all parts of the metropolis to come marching in and celebrate.

Parades, dragon dances, fireworks and marvelous food are a staple. Merrymaking on the streets and dining at the finest Chinese restaurants.

Here's what we saw during the celebration of the 2017 Chinese New Year - the Year of the Fire Rooster. Kung Hei Fat Choi!




Ongpin Street

The entrance of the Manila Chinatown is Ongpin Street which is just across Plaza Sta. Cruz and the Binondo Church. You'll know you're there when you see the "Arch of Goodwill." Ongpin is a busy street with all its vendors and fruit hawkers.

The Arch of Goodwill in front of Plaza Sta. Cruz
The Arch of Goodwill in front of Plaza Sta. Cruz

The Arch of Goodwill, Ongpin Street
The Arch of Goodwill, Ongpin Street

Ongpin street sign
Ongpin street sign

Revelers along Ongpin Street
Revelers along Ongpin Street


Lucky Charms

Peddlers selling all kinds of lucky charms, fruits and Chinese decors are all over Ongpin Street. They're a tad pricey compared to Carriedo and Quiapo so you may want to possess good negotiating skills before you venture into shopping.

Buying for souvenirs and lucky charms
Buying for souvenirs and lucky charms

A young girl looks at me as I take a shot of her mother's merchandise
A young girl looks at me as I take a shot of her mother's merchandise

A man buying his lucky charms along Ongpin Street.
 A man buying his lucky charms along Ongpin Street.

Lucky fruit loops for sale
Lucky fruit loops for sale


Food

Chinatown is definitely a delicious paradise. If you're craving for good food, you're absolutely in the right place. This New Year's day, we opted dining in one of Chinatown's oldest tea houses and got us the original Cantonese noodles in beef wanton soup paired with traditional dimsum siopaos.

Cantonese Noodles in beef and wanton soup
Cantonese Noodles in beef and wanton soup

Cantonese Noodles in beef and wanton soup
Cantonese Noodles in beef and wanton soup

Cantonese Noodles in beef and wanton soup
Cantonese Noodles in beef and wanton soup

Cantonese Noodles in beef and wanton soup
Cantonese Noodles in beef and wanton soup

Castanias
Castanias

Dragon Dances

The Chinese New Year celebration is never complete without the traditional dragon dance. Men and women carrying long rods support the longest dragon costume ever. And people reach out for their cameras to take snapshots. Be quick in shooting those photos, the dragon moves faster than it looks.

Shooting with a camera phone
Shooting with a camera phone

Dragon Dance
Dragon Dance

Dragon Dance
Dragon Dance

Dragon Dance
Dragon Dance

Dragon Dance
Dragon Dance


Lucky charms, figurines

These merchandise are always the bestsellers. They come in all forms: standees and hanging chimes, plastic, metal and wood, clay figurines and vases, feng shui crystals and anti-bad luck charms.

Old man of prosperity
Old man of prosperity

Rooster figurines
Rooster figurines

Deity and rooster figurines
Deity and rooster figurines

Lucky Charms
Lucky Charms

Lucky Charms
Lucky Charms

Lucky palay grains
Lucky palay grains

Lucky charms for hanging

Lucky fruit loop
Lucky fruit loop


Parades, floats and the City Mayor

The parades traditionally start in the early afternoon. Participants in the parades are usually the establishment owners and students within the Binondo district. The city government, represented by the city Mayor Joseph Estrada, has his own float and distributed lucky ang pao's to the onlookers.

Parade watchers
Parade watchers

Rescue truck goes on parade
Rescue truck goes on parade

Models on board a parade float
Models on board a parade float

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada
Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada
Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada

Ati-Atihan dancers
Ati-Atihan dancers

Cosplayer
Cosplayer 

Cosplayer
Cosplayer 

Happy Chinese New Year
Happy Chinese New Year


WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS POST?
Share your ideas by commenting.

Comments

Popular Posts

How much is the penalty for 5 years late registration of motorcycles?

UPDATED December, 2020 Got late in your motorcycle registration renewal? Driving an unregistered motor vehicle carries with it a fine of P3,000 if apprehended by Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officers and P10,000 if by LTO traffic personnel. Worse, if the non-registration exceeded one month, the vehicle will be impounded and released only once the vehicle has been registered and the corresponding fines and penalties have been paid. To help you prepare for your visit at the LTO, here's a brief guide on how much money you're going to spend on your motorcycle registration renewal. READ: Complete Guide To nCoV: How Not To Misinform Yourself About The Coronapocalypse What's covered in this guide? 1. LTO penalty formula by weeks 2. Sample computation (if 5 years late) 3. How to renew your motorcycle registration  - Requirements  - 5 step guide YOU MAY WANT TO WATCH:  Motorcycle Transfer of Ownership and Renewal of Registration

What to do when you get a HIT on your NBI clearance

A "Hit" on your NBI clearance after your long queue at the NBI satellite office. UPDATED January 2020 Department of Justice (DOJ) Circular 017, or the multi-purpose clearance does  away with the usual separate applications for domestic employment, travel abroad, gun licensing and many others, thereby making it easier for people to obtain and use an NBI clearance. Are you applying for your NBI clearance? The National Bureau of Investigation office has stopped entertaining walk-ins after the implementation of the fully online application process for NBI clearance. The registration and appointment system for the NBI clearance are done online nationwide. Applicants may accomplish the application form at www.doj.gov.ph/nbi , www.nbi.gov.ph , and clearance.nbi.gov.ph . READ: Complete Guide To nCoV: How Not To Misinform Yourself About The Coronapocalypse After registering online, applicants may proceed to any of the NBI sites nationwide for the payment and biom

Your complete guide to NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX exits, gas/food stops

UPDATED January, 2020 Are you from Metro Manila and considering a holiday getaway to the north? After a rough week at work, there's nothing like packing your bags, channeling your inner adventurista, and heading to Subic, Baguio or Vigan for glitz and good times! If you're considering making the drive, here is a complete guide to the NLEX, SCTEX and TPLEX exits, interchanges, gas stations and food stops. What's covered in this guide? 1. NLEX Northbound Stopovers 2. NLEX Southbound Stopovers 3. SCTEX Stopovers  - Subic bound  - SCTEX bound  - Tarlac bound  - NLEX bound 4. TPLEX Stopovers Northbound and Southbound 5. Smoking Areas 6. Quick Notes  - TPLEX Petron Km 134  - Auto Sweep RFID NLEX North Luzon Expressway - 84 kilometers Northbound Stop-overs Balintawak Toll Plaza Mindanao Toll Plaza (Smart Connect Interchange) Valenzuela Exit Meycauayan Exit Petron Stopover (Gas/Food/Toilets) Km 23 Jollibee, Kenny Rogers, Starbucks, Army Navy

Taste the fusion of 7-Eleven and SPAM® in these newest Japanese and Korean Snack Drops

A single whiff of a golden brown-fried SPAM® can instantly bring nostalgia to any Filipino. This luncheon meat is a no-fail comfort food choice many of us reach for due to its savory flavor and because of how easy it is to prepare. But while the country has fallen in love with its rice and hot pandesal pairings, there are now more ways to savor it like the first time. Convenience go-to 7-Eleven takes it with a twist by joining hands with SPAM® for its newest delectable duo under the 7-Fresh line: SPAM® Egg and Cheese Onigirazu and SPAM® Egg and Cheese Korean Egg Drop Sandwich. Whether it’s the always-on-the-go, work-week warriors, or foodies who like all things trendy, 7-Eleven sure knows how to tickle everyone’s taste buds with its buck-saving and unique innovations. Just last year, the 7-Fresh line introduced its Beef Bulgogi Onigirazu and Korean Egg Drop Sandwich which both became hits. This time, customers can enjoy these goodies with anothe

What the LTO says about changing mag wheels, rims and tires of your car, motorcycle

The new LTO PMVIC, or the Land Transportation Office - Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers, has started operations in some parts of the country for inspections of cars and motorcycles due for registration renewal. Dubbed as MVIS (Motor Vehicle Inspection System), it aims to test the roadworthiness of private and commercial vehicles prior to their registration. This also includes the checking of modifications, upgrades and accessories that have been installed on your vehicles - whether factory or aftermarket. If they don't meet LTO standards, you fail the test. Failing the MVIS test means you have to retake the inspection and worse, you can't register your vehicle any more. For purposes of discussion, I chose to talk about wheels and tires because they are the most frequently modified parts of our cars and motorcycles. Now comes the question: Is it considered illegal to replace your wheels with aftermarket mag wheels? Can those u

Discover the Philippines’ breathtaking shores with 7-Eleven’s Summer EsCUPades

In the midst of the summer heat and longing for a refreshing escape, 7-Eleven is treating the country to another round of drinks and exciting getaway trips. This time, customers are invited to rediscover the beauty of the local scenery through the Summer EsCUPades Raffle Promo. As part of its 40th anniversary celebration with over 3,800 stores nationwide, this year’s adventure will be all about exploring the wonders that lie within the islands of the Philippines. With Summer EsCUPades, drinks and destinations go hand in hand as 7-Eleven gives customers a chance to travel to the top luxury destinations in the country: Siargao, Palawan, Boracay, Bohol, and Cebu. All it takes is a large cup of GULP or CITY PRIMA or a medium City Cafe to secure a raffle entry. Customers just need to drop by any 7-Eleven store from March 27 to May 21, 2024 and choose a cup designed for their desired destination. Once decided, all that’s left to do is scan the QR

Before Duterte, there was HENERAL LUNA. Here's 12 badass quotes from the original badass hero

It's Independence Day! So let's talk about patriots and heroes. President-elect Rodrigo Duterte had been hugging the headlines lately with his engaging but very delightful rhetorics. Let's admit it. All those "tough talks" remind us of the original badass hero of the country. Here's a few quotes from the movie, "Heneral Luna": 1. "Artikulo Uno: Ang hindi sumunod sa utos ng punong heneral ay tatanggalan ng ranggo at ipapapatay ng walang paglilitis sa hukumang militar." 2. "Mga inutil! Hindi tayo namamasyal!" 3. "Para kayong mga birheng naniniwala sa pag-ibig ng isang puta!" 4. "Ganito ba talaga ang tadhana natin? Kalaban ng kalaban. Kalaban ng kakampi. Nakakapagod." 5. "Nasubukan mo na bang hulihin ang hangin?" 6. "Negosyo o kalayaan? Bayan o sarili? Pumili ka!" 7. "Ano bang akala niya? Ibang bansa na ang Cavite?" 8. "Nasa ibang ulo ang utak ng inyong ka

All-New Suzuki Raider/Satria F150 New Decals, Price, Specs, Color Range

For 2021, the all-new Suzuki Raider/Satria F150 gets new decals with a youthful color range, bringing a fresh look and strong style highlights. The Raider/Satria F150 gets a powerful sporty design with aerodynamic bodywork, inheriting DNA from Suzuki's large displacement racing bikes. With the new 2021 version, the Raider/Satria F150 is stamped with colored decals in a new youthful color range, bringing a whole new look and style for the rider. The new Raider/Satria F150 still retains the high-performance DOHC engine, 4-stroke, 4-valve, 6-speed, liquid-cooled for powerful performance and outstanding acceleration. It is also equipped with advanced electronic fuel injection (Fi) technology to save fuel combined with the Suzuki Easy Start System to give its customers that great driving experience. The all new Suzuki Raider/Satria F150 2021 version is now available in Indonesia and Vietnam with a price of 25,760,000 IDR and 51,990,000 VND

Quick guide to having your car blessed in Manaoag church

UPDATED January, 2023 Buying a car is always exciting. Comparing features, choosing the color, and the multiple test drives. If you have already bought one, it's likely that you've now mapped out your schedules and  travel itineraries for the next two months. That said, you do need to make one more step to make sure you have everything covered -- and that is to have your new car blessed. Why bless your car? You are most proud of the blessing that God has bestowed upon you, so it's just fair to return the favor by having your car blessed, too. When I bought a new car a few months ago, I had it blessed at the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag in Pangasinan. What's covered in this guide? 1. How to get there via NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX and Toll Fees 2. Binalonan Exit to Manaoag Church 3. Car blessing schedules 4. Attending the Holy Mass, visiting the museum, etc. 5. Where to get food, souvenirs, pasalubong HOW TO G

Celebrate Easter Sunday with your kids’ favorite cartoons at Ortigas Malls

Give your kids a memorable Easter Sunday at Ortigas Malls’ colorful, cartoon-filled celebration on March 31. Ortigas Malls will bring beloved cartoon characters to GH Mall, Estancia Mall, Tiendesitas, and The Strip to bring joy and fun to kids and their families. Expect games, entertaining performances, and of course, Easter egg hunts! Egg-splosive Easter Fun with Dibo the Gift Dragon GH Mall, G/F East Wing from 1pm to 4pm Dibo the Gift Dragon is gracing GH Mall’s Easter event, with colorful activities like Easter egg painting, decorating your Easter bunny, tote bag painting, and more. Shoppers can join the Easter celebration at Estancia by presenting a single receipt or accumulated purchase worth P2,500 at the concierge to claim your free ticket with your Ortigas Community Card. Easter Paw Party Tiendesitas, Level 1 Building A from 1pm to 3pm Let your kids meet the adorable cartoon characters at Tiendesitas’