Ongpin: Manila’s Chinatown
Posted by on July 16, 2007
When one mentions the name Ongpin Street, an inexplainable feeling of joy immediately sinks in to me. During the olden times Ongpin was formerly called Sacristia Street. This is because the doors of the sacristy of the Binondo Church is located on this street. In the novel Noli Me Tangere, Don Crisostomo Ibarra has been treading this street on several occasions.
For the longest time the narrow street of Ongpin has been equated to as Manila’s Chinatown. Where angpao is being sold side by side with gold necklaces. Dumplings are sold opposite an apothecary. Ongpin is host to a variety of business lining the street. There are eateries, a chocolate factory, jewelry shops, Chinese wedding gift shop, a Church, and whole lot more.
And once in Ongpin, don’t be surprised if the people here no longer speak Filipino or English. Many locals here speak Mandarin or Cantonese. Many locals here actually were born in Mainland China and just moved to the Philippines to do business.
At its present state, many Filipinos raise an eyebrow when we say Ongpin. It is because the street is very narrow. Often prone to traffic jams. And the smell of Chinese foods and medicines which seems alien to the uninitiated. And the stinking smell of estero. The odor is just foul. But despite its imperfections, its reeking smell and all, I still love Ongpin. It is these imperfections that make Ongpin unique and stand out from the rest.
I will always love Ongpin for its delectable foodstuffs and fond childhood memories. I was just there yesterday with the kids for lunch
Ongpin… everytime I hear that what comes to mind are food, weird medicine smells and jewelry. ^_^
who doesnt love ongpin? wow.. hopia, dumplings, siopao.. btw. i love the photo… great angle.
love ongpin. and you, siyempre.
…can i rip this for a future entry..? i’ll credit you of course.
kain tayo minsan sa Wah Yuen (letse. puro tayo balak. hindi naman matuloy-tuloy.) Ahahaha.
I drool whenever i hear the word ongpin. hehehe
I dont know anyone who doesnt love chinese food.
huwaw,, asteg na ng blog mo ha.. photoblog na pala.. hehe.. anyways, im back for blogs nga pala…
hehehe… nid dis pix. 4 my report 2rwm.. tnx 4 dis..u
My wife is from Leyte, I am from United States, and on our honeymoon we were in Manila. Her brother lives in Ongpin, and I loved it! It was so off the beaten path, I did not see any other white guys there, so I felt like I was really seeing something that most of the tourists might not get to see. I asked my brother-in-law about living there, he mentioned that no one will rent to a westerner, only Chinese and Filipino. I found this interesting, but I understand. I also had the best Chinese food of my life there (I’m from Southern CA. where we can get decent Chinese food), and I can’t wait to visit again.
i will put a chinese restaurant there just you wait!
manila are you ready for some real chinese food?
BYAHILO PHOTO HUNT