Last week, my sister and mom were staying at Ramada in Binondo. I talked to mom and asked if she wanted to visit Divisoria and Lucky Chinatown since it's been ages since we last went there. But then, I suddenly remembered the reason why we stopped going. I don't want to drive there anymore as it's far and the route is not very ideal for me after a long day of shopping. I'd be too tired to focus on the road. Plus, one of the last times I drove there, we got caught in a typhoon and a flood! I was driving, with mom in shotgun, while the water around us was rising quickly! I remember that the highest flood level was in front of La Salle University. We were stuck there for quite some time. Thank God, we made it home safely. And thank my driving instructor for making me drive through a typhoon, in a flooded narrow street in manual transmission all those years ago! Thank you, Sir Egdon!
Booking a Grab (our version of Lyft/Uber) was also not ideal as it's so hard to get a driver in that area. So, my sister, overhearing the phone convo, said to just book a stay at the hotel. So, we did. Basically, we booked a hotel to go shopping! You can't get any more soft luxe than that! 😊
The Journey to Binondo
I traveled to Binondo with fresh, tourist eyes. I've been going there since I was a little child, but I never looked at the journey through a tourist's eyes before. I'm either driving (no time to sightsee), or a passenger, busy talking to mom (who is my usual companion), or on my phone.
This is Philippine Normal University, which was established in 1901. It was primarily established as a school to train teachers. I took photos while telling my son about this place. This is the beauty of homeschooling. My son keeps learning new things wherever we are.
They've kept most of the original architecture. Just zoom in to look at those windows. Very
Calle CrisologoThis is Manila City Hall. I wasn't trying to take a photo of city hall itself, but of the street lamps! I like looking at beautiful street lamps. Just zoom in to see.
The Bonifacio and Katipunan Revolution Monument
More beautiful lamps on Jones Bridge
I was trying to get a shot of the LRT way across, but I'm not sure if you'll be able to see it when you zoom in. 😅 But here's a shot of a jeepney. 😁
Entering Binondo
You will never miss Chinatown because of this huge, elaborately designed arch. It welcomes you with all its majesty and you know instantly you're entering a different world.
Early Filipinos traded with the Chinese, so we really have a long history with them. There were many Chinese settlers here who got married and established roots. I, for one, am a product of one of them. I have Chinese blood. My great grandfather from my mom's side was Chinese.
I think this was the site of the OG Savory, a famous Chinese restaurant, but this branch is no longer operational. There are lots of Savory restos in malls though.
And if you think that beautiful arc wasn't enough, there's one more! This is the Filipino-Chinese Frienship Arch
The lamp posts all over Binondo are like that! How beautiful!
Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central
We arrived way too early for check-in, but front desk said it's alright to register so that I'll just get my keys later. While talking with front desk, my son snapped photos of the tiny pop-up book shop.
All photos by ZSL
They also gave me a map of Binondo and Manila central. This is very useful if you're a tourist. I really love this touch. Good job on this, Ramada!
This is what will greet you upon entering the hotel.
I'm not sure if the merch are for sale, though. I didn't ask front desk. 😆
While waiting for mom to go down, I checked out the books and here are some that caught my eye:
I love history and the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade was one of my favorite topics in school.
Stay tuned for Part 2: Shopping at Divisoria
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