China in Manila!

This pair of itchy feet has brought me to places from where I have observed enough of different Asian cultures and mores. I have gone to three nearby countries ─ Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. All of which are peopled with Chinese. Do you know where the oldest Chinatown in the world is? Unknown to many, you can find it at the heart of Manila.

Opportune to visit Binondo after Chinese New Year, three of my friends and I pulled ourselves to tread the long avenues of Chinatown. Dropping by at the nostalgic Seng Guan Temple, I felt the goosebumps running in my arms. Reared away from all this kind of statues, it frightens me seeing them. My imagination makes them alive! Nevertheless, I found the place rich with classic traditions of the Filipino-Chinese living here.

Our next stop was Binondo Church facing Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz. Looking at it, I can say that this probably was where the young Chinese people used to play hide and seek! When Binondo Park was mentioned, I even thought of a big greenery awaiting us. I was surprised to see the dusty and dull area where street children now gather around.

We also dropped by the most prominent eatery in town, Eng Bee Tin. I so long to dine here and try their dishes but the experience we had displeased us. With all honesty, the place was nothing extraordinary. You can eat similar meals that other stores do have. Perhaps it’s the trademark that people continuously patronize their products. I cannot forget how unpleasantly we were served. The senior lady attendant doesn’t even know what good customer service is all about! At the counter area, she asked with an unloving approach what our orders were. I pointed her my friends’ table, a few steps away from the counter. After noticing that I was standing while placing my order, she “commanded” me to sit down and discourteously told me that if we leave the area, she woudn’t bring us our order. How nasty, right! Trying to avoid further argument, I just parked myself there. I ordered lechong kawali and rice meal, and to spice it altogether, she made me wait for nearly thirty minutes to give me my food! No apologies, no words. She just put the meal on the table as if I was not owed of the wasted time. If not for my friends who eagerly tried to divert my attention, I would have flared up and left something memorable in this place. It was a totally unhappy meal time!

After the fusion of fun and displeasing experience that lazy afternoon, I uttered silent thanks to God for making me a Filipino. I am blessed to be one and ‘though I am using a Chinese name online, I will always be proud that the blood running through my veins is purely Pinoy!

Posted in: itchy feet,key to sanity,Luzon