I have this annual Chinese New Year tradition with my friend T. Over the past years, we have been visiting Binondo or Manila's Chinatown, which happens to be the oldest in the world. We will eat at Estero, our favorite cheapskate restaurant and shop for tikoy (nian gao) from Salazar Bakery and Eng Bee Tin. 

I forgot to take photos of our foodie indulgences. Blame the intense traffic and hunger! Although on the way to our main destination, I was able to capture a few photos of these most awaited Chinese festivity.

Most of the photos were taken in Lucky Chinatown, the lone mall in the area.

The perfect marker for any Chinatown 

Red paper lanterns, another trademark of every Chinatown 

The lucky tree and the golden sheep

This is a new attraction in Lucky Chinatown

I had mine too :) 

And a few wishes that made me smile 

Someone is wishing for his / her forever :) I say, give this person gift checks from Forever 21 :D 

Someone wants to win the lottery 

So this is the real face of Manila's Chinatown. Years ago, it was all about Chinese traders, restaurants and a myriad of business establishments. Time changed everything and much to my surprise, high rise condominium towers are starting to proliferate despite the fact that Binondo's land area is very limited. The streets could barely accommodate vehicles and the volume of people traffic. I haven't even mentioned the nasty electrical wires that ruins the view. 

The Binondo Church or the Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz is a famous landmark of Manila's Chinatown. I wasn't able to capture photos of the church's facade. What I have are the side to the rear view of this structure established in 1596. 

Almost a vertical garden until I realized that they are unknown climbing plants. Looks like a distraction but I somehow appreciate its presence.

• February 25, 2015
• Binondo

Chinese New Year Tradition

I have this annual Chinese New Year tradition with my friend T. Over the past years, we have been visiting Binondo or Manila's Chinatown, which happens to be the oldest in the world. We will eat at Estero, our favorite cheapskate restaurant and shop for tikoy (nian gao) from Salazar Bakery and Eng Bee Tin. 

I forgot to take photos of our foodie indulgences. Blame the intense traffic and hunger! Although on the way to our main destination, I was able to capture a few photos of these most awaited Chinese festivity.

Most of the photos were taken in Lucky Chinatown, the lone mall in the area.

The perfect marker for any Chinatown 

Red paper lanterns, another trademark of every Chinatown 

The lucky tree and the golden sheep

This is a new attraction in Lucky Chinatown

I had mine too :) 

And a few wishes that made me smile 

Someone is wishing for his / her forever :) I say, give this person gift checks from Forever 21 :D 

Someone wants to win the lottery 

So this is the real face of Manila's Chinatown. Years ago, it was all about Chinese traders, restaurants and a myriad of business establishments. Time changed everything and much to my surprise, high rise condominium towers are starting to proliferate despite the fact that Binondo's land area is very limited. The streets could barely accommodate vehicles and the volume of people traffic. I haven't even mentioned the nasty electrical wires that ruins the view. 

The Binondo Church or the Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz is a famous landmark of Manila's Chinatown. I wasn't able to capture photos of the church's facade. What I have are the side to the rear view of this structure established in 1596. 

Almost a vertical garden until I realized that they are unknown climbing plants. Looks like a distraction but I somehow appreciate its presence.

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I have this annual Chinese New Year tradition with my few workplace friends. 

Days before the Chinese New Year, we braved the narrow and crowded streets of Binondo (Manila's China Town) for our most awaited dinner in Estero.

There are no parking spaces fronting our favorite cheap restaurant. Public transportation likewise doesn't pass in the area. Hence, we have to do a little exercise by walking a few blocks. Quite favorable because as soon as we reach Estero, we are the hungriest. Food therefore tastes way better with our tired legs and empty stomach ;)

Aside from gaining more appreciation for food, we love walking in Binondo because of the red lanterns and decors that never fail to amaze us.

Did I mention that Manila's Chinatown is the oldest the world? Long before the Spanish government colonized my country, we were already trading with Chinese businessmen since 1500s. 

I have to admit something. I thought one visit to Binondo will suffice. Turns out, I was able to visit Binondo twice this week. This happened despite the fact that I leave work late. Aside from our traditional dinner at Estero, my dearest friend CC treated us for dinner in another restaurant. Heehee

On the way home, we happened to drop by the nearby Lucky Chinatown Mall to check out the festivities. This is what we saw instead.

And you know what happens next,

 Me and CC, with our obligatory feeling-like-a- tourist photo 

Prior to visiting Lucky Chinatown Mall, the employees of Ramada Hotel in Binondo allowed us to take photos of their own version of the money tree

Cherry Blossoms and Money Tree!

  I went home with a few of these Chinese goodies.

Till our next Chinese New Year escapade :) 

• January 31, 2014
• Binondo

Red Lanterns and Money Tree

I have this annual Chinese New Year tradition with my few workplace friends. 

Days before the Chinese New Year, we braved the narrow and crowded streets of Binondo (Manila's China Town) for our most awaited dinner in Estero.

There are no parking spaces fronting our favorite cheap restaurant. Public transportation likewise doesn't pass in the area. Hence, we have to do a little exercise by walking a few blocks. Quite favorable because as soon as we reach Estero, we are the hungriest. Food therefore tastes way better with our tired legs and empty stomach ;)

Aside from gaining more appreciation for food, we love walking in Binondo because of the red lanterns and decors that never fail to amaze us.

Did I mention that Manila's Chinatown is the oldest the world? Long before the Spanish government colonized my country, we were already trading with Chinese businessmen since 1500s. 

I have to admit something. I thought one visit to Binondo will suffice. Turns out, I was able to visit Binondo twice this week. This happened despite the fact that I leave work late. Aside from our traditional dinner at Estero, my dearest friend CC treated us for dinner in another restaurant. Heehee

On the way home, we happened to drop by the nearby Lucky Chinatown Mall to check out the festivities. This is what we saw instead.

And you know what happens next,

 Me and CC, with our obligatory feeling-like-a- tourist photo 

Prior to visiting Lucky Chinatown Mall, the employees of Ramada Hotel in Binondo allowed us to take photos of their own version of the money tree

Cherry Blossoms and Money Tree!

  I went home with a few of these Chinese goodies.

Till our next Chinese New Year escapade :) 

Read More

Some weeks ago, my friends and I braved the crowded streets of Binondo Manila for our annual Chinese New Year tradition. For those who have read my previous posts about Binondo, you are more or less familiar with the Philippines' own Chinatown. Here are some pictures of Binondo's festivties

Since it's the year of the snake, 

 Snake balloons are scattered everywhere

While waiting for my friends who crowded the famous Eng Bee Tin store, I caught a dragon dance along the street.

Too bad because I failed to take a shot of the dragon's head. There were so many people around me that I can't even take a decent photo.

Weeks before the Chinese New Year, the entire street is full of vendors selling variety of lucky charms

From plastic gold items to fruits and vegetables

I never bothered to ask the relevance of each. 

The main reason why we visited Binondo is for these

 Shanghai Fried Rice

 Buttered Chicken

 Fried Spare Ribs

I failed to take photos of our other orders but it was another night of oily but happy overload :)

To redeem my glutton self, we had a long walk on the way to the jeepney station

Till the next Chinese New Year :)

• February 17, 2013
• Binondo

Kiong Hee Huat Tsai

Some weeks ago, my friends and I braved the crowded streets of Binondo Manila for our annual Chinese New Year tradition. For those who have read my previous posts about Binondo, you are more or less familiar with the Philippines' own Chinatown. Here are some pictures of Binondo's festivties

Since it's the year of the snake, 

 Snake balloons are scattered everywhere

While waiting for my friends who crowded the famous Eng Bee Tin store, I caught a dragon dance along the street.

Too bad because I failed to take a shot of the dragon's head. There were so many people around me that I can't even take a decent photo.

Weeks before the Chinese New Year, the entire street is full of vendors selling variety of lucky charms

From plastic gold items to fruits and vegetables

I never bothered to ask the relevance of each. 

The main reason why we visited Binondo is for these

 Shanghai Fried Rice

 Buttered Chicken

 Fried Spare Ribs

I failed to take photos of our other orders but it was another night of oily but happy overload :)

To redeem my glutton self, we had a long walk on the way to the jeepney station

Till the next Chinese New Year :)

Read More

Kung Hei Fat Choi...... in case I have Chinese blog readers. :)

Today, the Chinese community is celebrating their own New Year. I don't have an inch of Chinese blood in my lineage. However, I grew up being exposed with their culture and traditions. For those who are not familiar with the history of my country, a significant number of our populace is comprised of the Chinese. During the ancient times, some Chinese migrated and ventured to different businesses in the Philippines. These Chinese men later found their stable livelihood and started to build their respective families here.

The dominance of the Chinese community later led to the establishment of the Manila Chinatown in Binondo.

It is believed that Manila's Chinatown is the oldest in the world. Situated in Binondo, this was established in 1594, when the Philippines was still colonized by the Spanish government.

Aside from discovering history and the culture of the Chinese, Binondo is famous because of the best Chinese restaurants in town. One of the restaurants I regularly visit with my friends is Estero. I already blogged about Estero in this post.

For those who regularly read my blog, you are more or less aware of our mini Chinese New Year tradition. Together with my few workplace friends, we visit Estero before the actual date of the Chinese new year.

Before we reach  Estero, allow me to share some pictures on the way to the place

The surroundings may not be too pleasing because Binondo is characterized by its narrow and busy streets. Since Binondo is a business district, expect the regular crowd of people that doubles during the Chinese New Year.

Stores selling different charms are always present in any street.

Here's how Estero looks like from the outside

It doesn't look so pleasing but they provide clean and airconditioned dining areas

Ambiance is definitely not a find in Estero. They compensate though for the best, clean and cheapest food in Binondo

Here's what we pigged out :)

From left clockwise, Calamares (Breaded Fried Squid), Shanghai Fried Rice, Breaded Beef in Oyster Sauce, and Buttered Chicken, all for less than Php 600!

I hope my blog friends abroad enjoyed this post. Most of you told me that you enjoyed reading something about my country. So here it is!

Wishing everyone a great week ahead! :)

• January 23, 2012
• Binondo

Another food trip for the Chinese New Year

Kung Hei Fat Choi...... in case I have Chinese blog readers. :)

Today, the Chinese community is celebrating their own New Year. I don't have an inch of Chinese blood in my lineage. However, I grew up being exposed with their culture and traditions. For those who are not familiar with the history of my country, a significant number of our populace is comprised of the Chinese. During the ancient times, some Chinese migrated and ventured to different businesses in the Philippines. These Chinese men later found their stable livelihood and started to build their respective families here.

The dominance of the Chinese community later led to the establishment of the Manila Chinatown in Binondo.

It is believed that Manila's Chinatown is the oldest in the world. Situated in Binondo, this was established in 1594, when the Philippines was still colonized by the Spanish government.

Aside from discovering history and the culture of the Chinese, Binondo is famous because of the best Chinese restaurants in town. One of the restaurants I regularly visit with my friends is Estero. I already blogged about Estero in this post.

For those who regularly read my blog, you are more or less aware of our mini Chinese New Year tradition. Together with my few workplace friends, we visit Estero before the actual date of the Chinese new year.

Before we reach  Estero, allow me to share some pictures on the way to the place

The surroundings may not be too pleasing because Binondo is characterized by its narrow and busy streets. Since Binondo is a business district, expect the regular crowd of people that doubles during the Chinese New Year.

Stores selling different charms are always present in any street.

Here's how Estero looks like from the outside

It doesn't look so pleasing but they provide clean and airconditioned dining areas

Ambiance is definitely not a find in Estero. They compensate though for the best, clean and cheapest food in Binondo

Here's what we pigged out :)

From left clockwise, Calamares (Breaded Fried Squid), Shanghai Fried Rice, Breaded Beef in Oyster Sauce, and Buttered Chicken, all for less than Php 600!

I hope my blog friends abroad enjoyed this post. Most of you told me that you enjoyed reading something about my country. So here it is!

Wishing everyone a great week ahead! :)

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