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.
One Valenzuela went to Juan Luna Street at Divisoria to search for some floaters and hooks for her new found hobby. Since Binondo is quite near the shopping mecca of Manila, she rode a jeepney to Carriedo and walked her way to China Town.
She has long wanted to visit Dong Bei Dumplings to complete her modified Binondo Food Walk (modified: eat at only one restaurant in China Town per visit unlike the usual trips she has read in many online articles where people tryout many places all in one day).
Dong Bei Dumplings at Binondo, Manila
Ayayay! What to eat, what to eat...
Some of the items on the menu seem pretty interesting. The Dong Bei Dumplings store is quite small. When she got inside, One Valenzuela saw some of the personnel making kuchay and pork filled dumplings. She watched them as she waited for her order.
One Valenzuela asked them, "How many dumplings are sold in Dong Bei per day?". They smiled and said "Napakarami po." (English translation: A lot.)
One Valenzuela's order of steamed dumplings with kuchay and pork filling (Php110, if her memory serves her right; See? She ate the dumplings and forgot how much she exactly paid for it. It's that good.). Drank it with some ice cold Coke.
So how were the dumplings? The dumplings were very soft and light in taste. The kuchay leaves give the dumplings a refreshing taste too. Putting it into words would be a bit hard to describe and so One Valenzuela suggests Valenzuelanos to try it out.
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How to reach Dong Bei Dumplings from Valenzuela City (via public transportation):
From Brgy. Malinta, ride a jeepney bound to Sta. Cruz (Php19.00). Go down in front of Sta. Cruz Church. Walk along Ongpin Street which starts at the Arch of Goodwill. It is quite a long walk but let your eyes feast among colorful fruits, decors, and interesting finds.
Yuchengco Street
You will see the sign of Cafe Mezzanine at your left. Before you reach the said restaurant turn right at Yuchengco (Nueva) Street. Look for the Dong Bei Dumplings sign at your right as you walk along the said street.
Take note that it will be hard to dine at Dong Bei during the Chinese New Year celebration (trust One Valenzuela on this). It is still best to eat here on an ordinary day. Or better yet, take some dumplings for take out.
