March 11, 2009

Friends forever

Welcome to Binondo, Manila's Chinatown. When the Spaniards founded Manila in 1571, they kept the Chinese immigrants outside the walled city of Intramuros. Those who converted to Christianity were given a parcel of land across the Pasig River in 1596 and allowed to govern themselves and it was called Binondo—from binundok, which means mountains or boondocks. Those who did not convert were kept within range of the fortress city's cannons. Before WWII, Binondo was Manila's center of business and finance. Many banks and financial institutions moved to Makati after the war, but even until now, Binondo remains an important center of trade for Chinese merchants. (Please pardon the dirty windshield!)

Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch in Binondo, Manila

19 comments:

  1. OlivierMarch 11, 2009 at 10:14 PM

    la porte est très belle, avec ces dragons.
    the door it's very nice, with these dragons.

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  2. JudyMarch 11, 2009 at 10:55 PM

    Love the arch, looks like a busy place.

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  3. pennyMarch 11, 2009 at 11:02 PM

    Great shot. What dirt? Very interesting history lesson. Thanks, Hilda.

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  4. nobuMarch 11, 2009 at 11:03 PM

    I've seen china town in manila first time.
    I like that big strawberry.

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  5. ReenaMarch 11, 2009 at 11:26 PM

    i love chinatown in manila. that's where i buy my materials...and authentic chinese cuisine and medicines..

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  6. अविनाशMarch 11, 2009 at 11:39 PM

    nice one....will visit if get chance

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  7. Stefan JanssonMarch 11, 2009 at 11:56 PM

    Thanks for the history lesson.

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  8. LoisMarch 12, 2009 at 12:29 AM

    A wonderful shot and some interesting history! I really like the dragons on top!

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  9. SarettaMarch 12, 2009 at 1:24 AM

    Impressive arch! And an interesting story!

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  10. VPMarch 12, 2009 at 2:25 AM

    A dirty windshield can't spoil a good shot and an interesting story!

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  11. UrselMarch 12, 2009 at 3:26 AM

    Great so see those arches in other cities. Thanks for the history about Manila's Chinatown, very informative.

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  12. AnonymousMarch 12, 2009 at 4:26 AM

    It looks like the modern buildings are getting closer and closer to the old Chinese arch. I hope it doesn't become submerged in concrete!

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  13. abcMarch 12, 2009 at 5:14 AM

    I wouldn't have known you took this one from the car. Chinatowns are everywhere aren't they.

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  14. GreensboroDailyPhotoMarch 12, 2009 at 7:51 AM

    How wonderful to learn the origin of the word "boondocks." My home state has many places people refer to as the" boonies," as in out in the boonies. Now we know!

    You are great Manila Daily Photo

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  15. AnonymousMarch 12, 2009 at 10:00 AM

    Binondo came from binundok? Haha! That's funny :) Last time I went there we ate in this dumpling and noodle house and they served the best dumplings and noodles in the world. Too bad I can't remember the name. I can't wait to go food tripping there again.

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  16. melanieMarch 12, 2009 at 2:16 PM

    Ce centre a l'air très vivant. A cette époque ils savent encore construire la beauté.

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  17. escapeMarch 12, 2009 at 11:33 PM

    i already tried walking around china town but never really explored eating. LOL. something i should do soon.

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  18. tr3ntaMarch 13, 2009 at 12:11 AM

    I love this door ways in the city

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  19. J.C.March 16, 2009 at 11:10 PM

    I love the hectic feel of Binondo. It was such a busy place and everyone was occupied with their business.

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Thanks for visiting and letting me know!