Gong Xi Fa Cai! A Visit to Chinatown in Binondo, Manila for Chinese New Year 2014
And One Valenzuela thought that she'd miss Chinatown yesterday! Comparing it from last year's celebration, there were more people who visited the place. Though it is jam packed with visitors, the cool jacket weather provided a lot of comfort.
For those who weren't able to go to Chinatown (and for those who can't get enough of Chinatown!), here are some of the sights and scenes in this year's festivities.
A view from LRT Carriedo
The Arch of Goodwill, your pass to Ongpin Street.
Dragon statues all over Chinatown give the place an old world charm.
At Plaza Sta. Cruz, you will see the Arch of Goodwill and Carriedo Fountain.
The whole family enjoyed watching the dragons dancing in front of several establishments. Just the sight of the colorful decorations and lucky charms dangling on their stands will definitely make your day.
Dragons a midst the sea of people
Going through! Dragon watching along Ongpin Street
Now that's what we call Dragon Dance!
Other than the dragons, you'll also see some other cool stuff like this man dancing with balls!
Most bracelets go for Php50.00.
Find out what they do to the bracelets that you buy.
As always, there is a long queue for Shanghai Fried Siopao. Cheap and delicious at Php16.00 per piece.
Fish shaped tikoy at Php50.00 (small) by Ha Yuan Restaurant
Sincerity Cafe & Restaurant at Yuchengco Street is known for their good tasting chicken.
Carvajal Street
Various preserves and nuts at Carvajal Street
Quick Snack along Carvajal Street is known for their fresh lumpia.
Blind man singing Country Road by John Denver
"Ako'y isang bulag na umiibig sa'yo". He sings well! Found him near Carvajal Street.
"Ubos na po ang hopia!" said an Eng Bee Tin personnel.
No more hopia? A lot of people still flock to Eng Bee Tin to buy tikoy and their other products.
Beautiful Binondo Church
Roman Ongpin (1847-1912): Patriot, Civic Leader, Philanthropist
More about the man behind Ongpin Street
Photo opportunity with Mr. Geric Chua of Eng Bee Tin, son of Filipino-Chinese businessman Gerry Chua.
Dong Bei Dumplings
Hong Bon Bridge: A fast way to Lucky Chinatown Mall
Lucky Chinatown Mall entrance
One Valenzuela's family ate at the mall since the popular restaurants in Ongpin are full. After checking out the boutiques in Lucky Chinatown, they went back to Ongpin Street to see a few more places that they missed before heading back home.
A Korean store along Ongpin Street: bought a blueberry and raspberry flavored ice cream bar (Php60.00) for dessert.
A peep at the "Estero". Look for LGA Fastfood and try out some frog legs!
Til next year Binondo! Or maybe soon for a food walk! More luck and prosperity this year for everyone!
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How to reach Chinatown in Binondo, Manila from Valenzuela City:
From Brgy. Malinta, ride a jeepney going to Monumento LRT (Php10.00). Next, ride the train and go down Carriedo Station (Php15.00). From there, Plaza Sta. Cruz is just a 5 to 10 minutes walk.
Carriedo Station
As always, One Valenzuela advises that you enjoy having your Binondo Food Walk on a regular day if you wanted to avoid the long lines in restaurants there. Bring water and avoid wearing flashy jewelry. It is suggested that you also put your valuables in a sling bag.
Saan po banda yang hong bon bridge at paano umuwi ng valenzuela galing LCM without using pedicabs (nataga kami minsan sa pasahe 150 siningil sa amin) ?
Hi, Nel! Pag pupunta ka sa Dong Bei Dumplings, diretsuhin ninyo lang yung Yuchengco Street at makikita na yung bridge. From LCM, bumalik lang kami ng Ongpin using the same bridge kasi nga, nakakalito rin yung instruction nung guard- sabi eh ang labas namin ay sa D.Jose. Tapos LRT Carriedo nalang ulit.
Saan po banda yang hong bon bridge at paano umuwi ng valenzuela galing LCM without using pedicabs (nataga kami minsan sa pasahe 150 siningil sa amin) ?
ReplyDeleteHi, Nel! Pag pupunta ka sa Dong Bei Dumplings, diretsuhin ninyo lang yung Yuchengco Street at makikita na yung bridge. From LCM, bumalik lang kami ng Ongpin using the same bridge kasi nga, nakakalito rin yung instruction nung guard- sabi eh ang labas namin ay sa D.Jose. Tapos LRT Carriedo nalang ulit.
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