Manila Chinatown

Arches guard the entry points of Binondo (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

The Manila Chinatown or more popularly known locally as Binondo is the oldest Chinatown in the world. This bustling community is a melting pot where local and Chinese cultures converge.  I am very fond of Chinese cuisine that is why I frequent this area in this part of Manila; however, I have discovered that it offers so much more than just satiating the palate. 

You know you're here. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Although the the former shopping districts of Escolta and Avenida are more popularly known, I would like to introduce you to the lesser known areas of this vibrant community. 

Ongpin Bridge (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

First let me tell that traversing the colourful and often congested narrow streets is in itself a wonderful journey.  My fascination is even more ignited by the Chinese goods that line the streets. Antiques, ceramics, tall vases, jade figurines, aromatic cakes, medicines, feng sui items and other typical Chinese products will surely tempt your eyes and most probably you won't leave this place without buying one. 

Store Number 924 on Ongpin Street (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

With reference to my earlier statement of visiting this place to indulge in their delectable Chinese dishes, there are several exquisite Chinese restaurants in Binondo, but what I will be recommending you to try is the favourite among the local people - Estero.  

Entrance to Estero (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Situated along a creek (hence the name), Estero is a simple food alley where you can order restaurant-quality dishes at very affordable prices. Though the place is right beside the obviously dirty creek, the supposed pungent smell from the creek won't bother customers. Trust me. The local ambiance is definitely not for the fancy-seekers, but well suited for the fun and adventure seekers. 

View of the Estero from Ongpin Bridge (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Simple Tables and Chairs await each eager customer. (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

So what did we eat? 

Fresh ingredients (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

1. Pancit

2. Stuffed Squid 

3.Buttered Shrimps

4. Seafood Hotpot

5. Spicy Spareribs 

If you're wandering in Binondo or waiting for a rendezvous, I found this promenade right beside  Mandarin Supermarket along Ongpin Street where you can sit and relax. This is also a convenient area to wait for friends on your way to Estero which located just across. 

As I explore this district, I have discovered that one can get almost anything here. There are several entry points to Binondo, but I usually like taking the Recto entry point because I like visiting Aranque Market. From there, I traverse Tomas Mapua street all the way south until I reach a busier road, That's Ongpin Street - the main street in Binondo. Ongpin street is lined with shops that sell almost anything that you want and need. Ongpin is known for jewellery. Here is a list of what you can find on some of the streets in Binondo. 

1. Ongpin Street 

This streets is filled with restaurants and souvenir shops. 

Jewellery Shops (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Big and authentic Chinese Restaurants such as this one (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Anchor Sky Suites (Photo by Gregg Manalo) 

2. Tomas Mapua and Soler Streets

    Home improvements needs? Go to these streets and most probably they have what you are looking 

    for -  simple to luxurious lightings, metal crafts, bath fixtures, etc.  

3. Sabino Padilla Street

Chinatown Lai Lai Hotel (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Manila Downtown YMCA

4. Salazar Street

15 Reasons Why Budapest Will Bore You

View of the Royal Palace from Pest Side (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

1. If you don't like grand architecture 

Typical Budapest building (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

2. If you don't appreciate great-looking galleries 

Royal Palace (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

The historic Royal Palace on Castle Hill in the Buda side had been rebuilt twice following its destruction during the Turks invasion and World War II. Today, it houses the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History and the National Library. 

3. If you are not fond of historical sites 

Citadella on Gellert Hill (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Located on Gellert Hill which is the highest point of downtown Budapest, the Citadella is a kind of fortress. Its gate was symbolically damaged when the Austrian troops left Hungary after the establishment of Austria-Hungary and its walls were demolished after the city took possession of the site.

4. If you are not into colossal statues 

Heroes' Square (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

This iconic statue complex features the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars, other significant national heroes and the tomb of an unknown soldier.

5. If you don't like gorgeous-looking spas 

Szechenyl Bath (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Built in 1913, Szechenyl Bath is one the best and biggest spa baths in Europe. This Neo-Baroque palace is a living justification why Hungary has been considered the country of baths in history.

6. If you don't like the music video of Katie Perry

Chain Bridge (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Baby you're a firework! Saw the music video? It's shot here.


7. If you don't wanna cross awesome bridges 

View of the Chain Bridge and the Basilica at a distance (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

The Chain Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the Danube River connecting Buda and Pest. It is the first permanent bridge in Budapest.

8. If you are tired of extraordinary government building 

Hungarian Parliament Building (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

This notable landmark in Budapest is a popular tourist destination. It is the largest building in Hungary. It features the Holy Crown of Hungary in its central hall.

9. If you hate clean public markets 

Central Market Hall in Pest Side (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

This restored neogothic hall is the largest indoor market in Budapest. Grocery produce are located on the ground floor and for those in search of souvenirs at very affordable prices, the 1st floor (2nd floor, US) is the place to be.

10. If you don't wanna taste the original goulash 

Goulash, anyone? (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Goulash is a popular dish in Europe that originated in Hungary. It is one of the national dishes of hungry and also its symbol. The dish is a soup or stew of meat and several vegetables seasoned with paprika and other spices. Truly delicious!

12. If you don't wanna spice-up your life 

Hungarian food can be very spicy (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Hungarian dishes made even more delectable with this ingredient.

13. If you hate wonderful and meaningful souvenirs 

Souvenir Shop (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

14. If you don't like specially fermented drinks 

Thirsty for beer? (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Hungary is not well-known for its beer, but the Hungarian craft beer scene is getting better with local microbreweries offering an array of homegrown crafts along with some remarkable pints.

15. If you just don't want this view... 

View of the Chain Bridge and the Parliament (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Andorra: A Microstate High Up in the Pyrenees

Typical Andorra countryside (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

I am very excited to write about this trip because it’s my first time in Andorra. I don’t know very much about this small country and I have not really read much about it because it used to be uninteresting for me. I hope you don’t get me wrong – it’s uninteresting because it’s never mentioned in my high school history or geography classes and I have not heard any news on TV about it. So I guess my main objective for this memo is tell everyone how exciting Andorra is.

Scenery of Andorran Mountains (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

After our trip to the Mediterranean, we headed towards Andorra. We passed by several small and historic French cities on the way there. I know, thanks to my high school geography class, that the Pyrenees serves as the natural boundaries between Spain and France, but I did not know that Andorra was located in it.

Photo by Gregg Manalo

Upon seeing the first sight of the mighty Pyrenees, I had known I was up for a great surprise.  I am always fascinated with mountains. There is something in them that always make me think how wonderful our natural world is. I was hoping I would see glaciers or snow, but I had no clue of the height of this mountain range so I was clueless of what to expect. The ascent to Andorra was long and slow. There were no autobahns and the only road available was the narrow winding road carved on the steep mountain slopes. The weather condition that day added to the difficulty of our journey – it was drizzling. 

Photo by Gregg Manalo

As we continued with our journey up, I was flabbergasted by the sight of a mountain standing tall at the background – it’s totally covered by snow! Then one after another, snow-capped mountains appeared and the temperatures dropped to almost freezing point. We were high up in the Pyrenees! As we drove further up, the drizzle turned to snow-rain. Then a massive block of white mountain emerged at a distance seemingly blocking our way – it seemed to me that we either drive through it  (tunnel) or on it. And I was right! Unfortunately (or Luckily for me) the tunnel was closed so we had to take the pass. I was so astonished to see houses with snow-covered roofs. It was like Christmas! 

Photo by Gregg Manalo

As we continued elevating, the snow-rain turned to snow and the entire surrounding turned to white and the visibility became very low due to heavy snow and fog. My enjoyment turned to anxiety because our gasoline reached to the critical level and we had not seen any gasoline station sign on the way. Our pace became even slower to avoid any untoward accidents as the visibility was really very low and our car’s windshield turned misty. We had to open our windows just to clear it. That mixed emotion continued until we finally crossed a short tunnel signaling our arrival in the Principality of Andorra. At last we saw a gasoline station; what a relief!

Spring can be this brutal in the Pyrenees (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Andorra is a very small country. What I love about it are its location – being located on a mountain,  the surroundings and shopping. Yes, Andorra is tax-free so a lot of goods are mostly cheaper compared to the prices in other countries. Although the country is very small, I did not have enough time to explore it because of the limitation of time – we only stayed over night. Andorra, for me, is a country to visit. 

Duty-Free Shopping at its Finest (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Local Shops and Restaurants (Photo by Gregg Manalo)

Dachau Concentration Camp: A Remnant of a Savage Past

Perhaps Dachau Concentration Camp is one of the most meaningful places I have ever visited. This Camp was a silent witness to the horrendous Nazi regime. I have known about the Holocaust because the famous movie, Schindler’s List. However, seeing the real thing is incomparable to the one you just see on TV.

Quarters Used to Stand Here

I can’t remember exactly why I placed this historic site on my list to visit, but I think it was influenced by a film. We arrived late so all the museums and the tourist center were closed; however, the park itself was open. From the parking area, we had to walk some meters to reach the camp.

One area that initially struck my attention was the ruin of the loading area where the Jews were unloaded from the trains to be detained as slaves. From that area, they were taken to the gated quarters. On the gate, a misleading phrase – “Arbeit Macht Frei” (Work makes you free) was written.

False Promise

What Remains of the Former Unloading Dock

So I opened the same gate leading to the quarters where they were once built and upon seeing the totality of the place I could not help but imagine the terror the Jews – young and old, men and women – had experienced from the ruthless Nazis. Tears fell from my eyes – I couldn’t help it. You will just feel it. I couldn’t imagine how much they had suffered and how desperately they hoped, day and night, that the cruelty would end.

The Gate to the Quarters

It was a huge camp so we only stayed in the barracks. The nearby crematorium was also closed, but I could see a glimpse of it from the gate.

I left the place with the same conviction as the phrase written on the memorial wall – NEVER AGAIN.