Hello Beautiful!
Yup it’s a gorgeous picture, flaming in red tassels and gold ornaments.
This wasn’t captured in Hong Kong – but can be found in a busy streets of Binondo, particularly in Ongpin Street.
It was the 28th of January when I visited the Ongpin Street for the first time of my life, to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. I’ve heard many stories about this street, especially how busy the people are, the community and cultures, and what does we can expect when we visit this place.
However, it was an adventurous solo trip for me that day. It was a spontaneous one and my sole agenda is to witness how they celebrate the Chinese New Year and of course to capture souvenir photographs.
So started my journey at around 11:20AM where I took a bus from Market Market Mall to Ayala BGC bus station and paid Php12.00 flat rate fare. Then at 11:46AM I took a MRT train from Ayala Station to Taft Station and paid Php13.00 and another LRT train from EDSA Station to Carriedo Station and paid Php20.00 fare.
I honestly felt a bit confused because it’s been awhile since I did this kind of commuting, usually I hire a GRABCAR to ease the stress during my trips. But that day was different so I took a shot.
It wasn’t that bad actually, just like what most locals are saying about MRT and LRT trains. Or maybe because its Saturday and holiday so there are quite few passengers using the train.
Anyway, lucky me then!
So from Carriedo Station, I’ve used my Google map on my phone to track the way to Ongpin Street, and luckily I made it to the infamous Binondo fountain. Yes it was crowded that day, I realized there are many non-Chinese does celebrates CNY in Binondo.
After taking some few shots (I guess it me more than 30x just to get this arch photo, lol) I braced myself and headed inside the busy street of Ongpin.
My Mom used to tell me that Ongpin street is where you can buy those gold jewelries and Chinese medicines, and yes all of these are lined-up on both sides of the streets.
My agenda was to indulge for a food trip in Ongpin, but I guess that trip needs to reschedule in other days. I underestimate the crowd and I decided to cancel my food trip (as there is no restaurant available, or some are fully booked which is not an option for me either).
So I enjoyed doing a photo walk instead. Well, at least my camera is well fed, lol
Binondo is the oldest Chinatown here in Manila. It has a very unique charm and without these crowd – I guess it would be a different place, definitely not the known Chinatown. Though the best part to get to know this place through food hopping (which is sadly I didn’t make it – such a total bummer).
So that means there is a second part awaiting juts dedicated for the food hopping journey at Binondo coming soon!
During Chinese New Year, it is a familiar sight to see there numerous stalls of vendors selling various kind of lucky charms. From au naturals to something high-end (think about a gold charm bracelets from one of the Ongpin Jewelry shop), each of these charms represents good luck, and prevents you from bad chi leading you to unluckiness for the whole year.
And also watching the dragon dances is one of the exciting activities during Chinese New Year. Each business stores are arranged to be visited by a group of performers of dragon and lion dance, which brings good luck to the business for the whole year.
There wasn’t any restaurant opened that day (I saw a few - some are fully booked, and others are closed for CNY) so I enjoyed picking with some street foods (and hope that I won’t go home with tummy ache, lol). So far its still a good one and also cheap – just like this stick of delight for just Php15.00 (Php3.00 each). But I didn’t gamble to try those street drinks, because that I find a bit scary.
If New Year is something kids enjoys the most like Christmas, here in Binondo I saw kids enjoying the New Year but in a more profitable way. Just like this kid patiently manning his grilled corn business, while his Mom is manning the fruit business next to him.
Because of too much crowd, I didn’t have a chance to explore the adjacent streets along Ongpin. But definitely I will explore it next time during ordinary weekend. And I guess it will be exciting.
This local vendor happily pose for me for a picture with his goods. He sells rooster figures as lucky charms.
He sells these Rooster figurines from Php20.00 up to Php150.00 depending to its designs and sizes.
These could be an awesome paper weight for your office or just a little charm for your desks.
This is the one occasion where you could see grains and root crops with red ribbons, signifying good luck charm. Those grains you could place hanging on your door, and also those root crops (I wonder if you could cook it immediately after the CNY).
More round fruits that signifies good luck charm! And I noticed that fruits and vegetables here are quite cheaper, so it’s hard to ignore it. I bought some to bring home and also some broccolis which are truly cheap! I’ve got 3 huge stalks for only Php120.00.
And when you are in Binondo, you could visit this altar where you can pray, thank the greatest chi for your blessings (and asking for more blessings) and you can light red candles and charms. Am not sure if they have assigned temples in Binondo (if you know somewhere please let me know!).
As when I thought I’ve already get over with my uptight feeling for those poor dyed chicks, I saw these much poor fishes enclosed tight inside these plastic bags, and I feel that cringed of annoyance. I’ll let you my lovely readers’ judge about it.
More charms for your home, or charms that you could wear on your wrist or an accessories to your bags.
If this picture could talk, this sight adds to my annoyance. Who has in its correct mind to throw garbage in this fountain??!!! I admit that our local people needs more education and discipline and sense of responsibility for this kind of matter. It is really shameful to admit that most of our local people doesn’t appreciate cleanliness, but keeps on whining that their place is filthy. Tsk tsk tsk.
Overall, it was a lovely experience for me visiting Binondo, and definitely I will come back for my scheduled food trip. Maybe I’ll tag my girlfriends with me so we could visit more foodie places to share with you guys!
xoxo, Blair
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It look amazing! I would like to go there too! Lovely photos ◡‿◡✿
ReplyDelete* Yadah Vitalizing Mask Pack *
Thanks Gabrielle! Does your place also have a Chinese community?
DeleteI've never seen CNY celebrations, but will be happy to see it next year in London.
ReplyDeleteWhen there is a Chinese community, am sure there will be fun and colorful festivals. You should try to experience it :)
Deleteso colourful and red! can feel the festivities. :)
ReplyDeleteI know Isaac! How's the Chinese New Year in your place? I bet it is more fantastic!
DeleteI would love checking this out! It's so interesting seeing everything that people sell. I feel like I need one of those fish, ha.
ReplyDeleteMost of them are little gold fish, but I felt pity on them.. if only the vendor placed it in a more convenient aquarium. The plastic is air tight!
DeleteWhat an adventure! I am a huge fan of Chinese culture and frequent our local Chinatown all the time for delicious food and food shopping of all sorts of exotic fruits and vegetables! I would feel right at home here!
ReplyDeleteI agree Ivonne, and this place is always feel merry. And the foods in most Chinatown are very affordable. Feels like you Mom cooked for you :)
DeleteLooking like a genuine tourist! hehe. the street is so happening!
ReplyDeleteYeah I was overwhelmed!
DeleteAww such a pretty town! I didn't know people in Manila celebrate CNY as well!
ReplyDeleteOh the oldest Chinatown in the Philippines is located in Manila.
DeleteIf I can, I always try to visit Chinatown wherever I go. Looks olike Ongpin will be on my itinerary should I find myself in Manila. It's an easy enough name to remember.
ReplyDeleteYeah and its a place for cheaper shopping... I've got my vegetables for a cheaper price!
DeleteIt looks like you had an awesome time! I feel bad for the dyed chicks and goldfish too.
ReplyDeleteI know right.. I don't understand why they need to dyed those chicks???!!!
DeleteWow it looks amazing and so vibrant and full of people and things to see! I love street markets and just window shopping in new places - so this looks right up my alley!
ReplyDeleteIt is very tempting to buy many Chinese souvenirs and amulets, but I tried my best not too (because it might end up as a clutter). But I did shopped for veggies and fruits for home coz its very cheap!
DeleteHi Blair, These photos are amazing! It looks like quite a celebration. You look to be having a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteBeth || www.TheStyleBouquet.com
Thank you Beth! It was my first time to celebrate Chinese New Year here in Chinatown and it was a very amazing experience. I think this will be the start of creating new tradition :)
DeleteI love visiting Chinatowns in different cities when I travel, there's always something interesting to explore! Too bad you didn't get to do your food trip but at least you have an great excuse to go back!
ReplyDeleteIndeed Nellwyn, next time it will be a straight foodtrip alone in Chinatown. I've heard many interesting foods and I would like to taste it!
DeleteYou have captured the beauty of Manilla. Beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteThank you! But I believe it will be more beautiful if the local people are discipline enough not to litter. I felt disappointed to see such scenarios.
DeleteLooks awesome. I have never been there.
ReplyDeleteHello Meagan,
DeleteIf you have a chance to visit Manila, add Ongpin to your itinerary :)
Looks like a fun and successful trip! Chinatowns are always fun to walk through! The food, the trinkets, the unique gifts... it's all fun!
ReplyDeleteand always won't hurt your wallet.. well just be careful with your wallet for pickpockets, hahaha
DeleteI'm glad you had a great time there! It looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Krystal! I haven't visited the nearby streets, but am planning to have it on my next itinerary :)
DeleteLooks like you had an amazing day! I love all the fresh food and herbs; looks like a foodies heaven:)
ReplyDeleteOh that is just a street food and many more when I visit next time :)
DeleteThis is a very informative post. I hope one day I can visit and experience CNY at Ongpin Street.
ReplyDeleteThere is always next time Tasheena! Or you can celebrate in other Chinatowns near you :)
DeleteYou went through a lot to get there, wow! I was laughing at the chicks, I use to get those fro spring when I was little.
ReplyDeleteHahaha, it is quite far from my place, but I got so spontaneous and I want to experience different celebration. Yeah I felt pity for the chicks..
DeleteWhat a great feeling of warm and community during the Chinese New Year. It looks like its an amazing tradition and so much fun for everyone of all ages!
ReplyDeleteI agree, everyone is having fun and celebrating :)
DeleteWhat a great post with incredible pictures! Some of those foods look so amazing. Aw, I definitely feel for those poor fish :(
ReplyDeleteI just lucky there is a foodsticks available! Because I might end up eating in the fastfood chain which is not my option that time. I was planning to eat authentic Chinese foods in Binondo.
DeleteLooks like such a wonderful and vibrant place! Glad you had such a great time!
ReplyDeleteYes I did, thank you for visiting Krysti!
DeleteI like it that I think all Chinatown in all over the world has the same look and always as busy all year round. When I first look at the arch in your pic, I thought that was in Malaysia. Hehe
ReplyDeleteOh I see, I would love to visit Malaysia soon!
Deleteit seems so happening there. would love to visit Manila one day
ReplyDeleteHello dear! That's a great Idea!
DeleteI feel sad for the chicks, too. Great post.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what's in the mind of the vendors that they need to color the chicks!
DeleteOooh so many people! For a second I thought you were in Thailand instead of in Manila. Anyway, hope you have a great CNY celebration!
ReplyDeleteOhh hahaha I think when you are in Asian countries, it is quite normal that you feel you are in the same country. However Thailand is way different in Manila. I would love to visit it one day and celebrate the water festival!
DeleteWow~ Don't know Philippine celebrate CNY too! =D
ReplyDeleteYes we are! Most of Filipinos have mixed Chinese blood and we acknowledge this kind of celebration. So in the Philippines, we also have two new year's eve :)
DeleteThis is cool. Being born in raised in the province, I've never got the chance to visit Binondo. I've heard about it being the China Town in Manila, so no doubt that their celebration for Chinese New Year is extravagant.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I actually missed the other parts of celebration because am already exhausted (and lack of planning, lol) Next time I will cover more!
DeleteWhat an experience! I'd love to visit an area that celebrates Chinese New Year.
ReplyDeleteHello Shelby, come and visit Manila and the whole Philippines!
DeleteManila China town is so happening. So many lovely gift to buy and eat too.
ReplyDeleteI agree.. those amulets and trinkets are so tempting :)
DeleteHey Blair, thanks for sharing this post! Its really cool to see photos of how other celebrate chinese new year!
ReplyDeleteThank you DOTT! You can also explore my blog for more travel posts :)
DeleteI love exploring little markets like that. You find so many cool and random things. Also that food looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you Nina! Keep on browsing our pages :)
DeleteI like the emphasis you put on photography to tell the story. Looks great!
ReplyDeleteThank you Christopher! Yeah sometimes you have to give more emphasis just like when you are telling a story to a friend.
DeleteLove these Asian markets bursting with color, fresh fruit andthe smell of street food stalls. Very interesting place - maybe with the exception of the crowds that might make the walk a bit difficult ;)
ReplyDeleteYeah luckily I was wearing my sneakers and wear comfortable clothes because its a bit humid then :)
DeleteThe entire street looks like a shopper's paradise! However, the died chicks and the fish in bags are simply cruel... I have seen similar in Hong Kong and wished to buy them all and release them in the harbour.... :(
ReplyDeleteYeah it is so cruel I don't know why this are not pursuit by the authorities. That is obvious a animal cruelty, of especially those chicks.
DeleteThe Chinese New Year always brings such joy to people around the world. The markets look like a lot of fun. WOuld love to explore for hours in places like this!
ReplyDeleteYes and they celebrate it with family and close friends. I love it!
DeleteBinodo looks like such a lovely place, I love spontaneous trips they are always the best and you look great too
ReplyDeleteThank you Anosa,
DeleteI always enjoy spontaneous trips and learn the place by myself alone, and get encounter with locals, and discover things... even when am overseas, I also love to get lost :)
Oh, how vivid are the colours of those chicks! And yes, I feel sad for the fishes in the plastic bags, but I respect the customs of different cultures as well.
ReplyDeleteWell selling a colored chicks is not in our customs! It only shows how selfish these vendors are and doing everything just to earn money.
Deleteseems great! am looking for other place to visit this seems like a good one!
ReplyDeleteSuch a diverse range of market stalls with goodies and treats. Looks like a once in a lifetime event!
ReplyDeleteHello Shane,
DeleteHhmmm not really because Chinese New Year happens every year, but this is my first time to celebrate at Chinatown :)
Wow, the place looks super busy! But hey I'm not surprised. Chinatown where I'm from is SUPER crowded during CNY too. Glad you made your first visit there, and hopefully not your last.
ReplyDeleteHello dear,
DeleteI guess it will be the start of my new tradition, and I'm glad and fell blessed :)
Loving all the colour in the photographs! That skewer looks scrumptious, too!
ReplyDeleteHahaha thank you Ritu!
DeleteThank you for visiting dear! There will be more exploration coming to this blog. Sometimes I think I was like Dora The Explorer, LOL
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun solo trip you had! Those dragon dances looks spectacular! The Chinese New Year celebration looks so colorful
ReplyDeleteYes, and pity I missed the acrobat dancing lion - that is more fan because the lion seems flying while dancing :)
DeleteWow I love solo trip! Glad you were able to make it! Haven't been to Quiapo for years. Now I'm craving for Chinese noodles and siopao. Lols.
ReplyDeleteMhaan <3 | Mommy Rockin' In Style - Beauty and Mommy Blog
Oh is Binondo in Quiapo? or Binondo is Quiapo? Wow now am confused! LOL
DeleteOne of the photo look like Petaling street in KL. will be back to Manila soon to explore Palawan and vlogging.
ReplyDeleteAnd hope you'll get many adventures here in Manila :)
DeleteBit of a bummer you didn't get to go on a food tour, but it looks like you had a great time without it! Your camera was definitely well fed haha love all of the pictures, makes me feel like I was there too!
ReplyDeletehaha thanks Tara. Next time when I visit Ongpin, it will be more on foodtrip!
DeleteThis looks like such a nice area. Perfect for shopping and exploring. :D
ReplyDeleteYes and more of foodtrip if only the restaurants are open. But very soon I will share that moment!
DeleteWow! Looks interesting though extremely crowded. I'm kinda allergic to crowded places!!!
ReplyDeleteHahaha me too, but I dared myself, and I succeeded :)
DeleteI think doing a photo walk through the old Town is a great way of capturing the festivities of a place. I can see how much fun you and your camera had. It seems so lively and vibrant... :)
ReplyDeleteHahaha yes and I would do it again in Ongping and in other places of Manila that I've never been :)
DeleteWaa it looks like CNY at Ongpin Street is so happening! I wondering like they are still going during CNY too, the crowds looks crowded too!
ReplyDeleteFree performances and affordable to cheap shopping makes it a super crowded celebration :)
Deleteso colorful and interesting. glad you share this post, I didn't know of this until I see here :D
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting Sherry!
DeleteSome great photos here! I have never been to a festival like this but I really should since I now work in the International District in Seattle. They always have the best foods and things to check out.
ReplyDeleteOh you must participate to these festivals because its really happening and good for international learning :)
DeleteThere is so much to click and see on ongpin street. I am big fan of souvenirs and here I could buy plenty of Lucky Charms for me. But this street seems to be too crowdy too. I really feel pity seeing those dyed chicks and trapped fishes. I wish I could free them all.
ReplyDeleteHello Suruchi and thank you for sharing your thoughts, especially about those chicks. My friends find them cute, but to be honest I hate that photo. It irks me seeing these selfishness just to earn a living.
Delete