The Capital City of the Philippines, regardless of its traffic and pollution, has a lot to offer for tourists. Foodwise, it stretches the visitor's choices from Chinese cuisine up to Turo-turo. Manila also houses renowned paintings and sculptors. Not only it is rich in arts and gastronomic features, but also its history exactly molded this Capital City as what it is today.
Chinese Food Cravings in Binondo
When I told my friend about Chinatown, he was already open for suggestion to which restaurant to eat. Recollecting my food adventure in Binondo last 2015, we then made our way to Chee Eun Teuk, a Chinese Turo-Turo Restaurant.
"Xia Long Bao at Chinatown, Binondo"
"Goyong soup"
"Our own gastronomic feast"
Xiao Long Bao was my friend's favorite. It took him only a few minutes to finish these steamed pork dumplings before I could even settle with my Goyong soup. Well, mine was rather foreign for my tastebuds. Found out that Goyong Soup is a mixed broiled of chicken, pork and beef seasoned with shitake mushroom, anise and some other spices. To truly satiate our Chinese cravings, we also had Cameron Relleno and Kiam Pong. For deserts, we stopped by at Een Bee Tin for hopia and tikoy as we walked our way to Intramuros.
Welcome to the Walled City
Intramuros is the other name of Fort Santiago. This fortified walled city was built during the Spanish regime to protect them from the "muros". Muros is referred to Filipino Muslims who once vastly populated Manila before Spain took over the city.
"Our view whilst passing the bridge from Chinatown."
"The Walled City of Manila"
Now a must-visit tourist spot, Intramuros boasts picturesque Neo-Romanesque architectural structures.
Philippine Treasures
Approximately 1K.M. away from Intramuros is the National Museum of Fine Arts. It exhibits paintings and scultpors during the Philippines' colonial eras.
"Spolarium by Juan Luna Y Novicio"
"The Mother's Revenge by Jose Protacio Rizal"
The Spolarium, Juan Luna's painting, awakened my emotion. The huge picture reflects the savage treatment of Spain back then. In the contemporary days, the Spolarium is a living insignia of injustice and abuse in our society.
Some more tips:
1. Since it is a walking tour, always be prepared of the weather. Bring umbrella all the time for rain and heat.
2. Take advantage of the free admission. The National Museum is free of charge. It opens every Monday to Sunday from 9A.M. to 5P.M.
3. If you really want to see everything in the museum, start from the morning. A half day tour isn't enough to appreciate all great masterpieces of our Filipino artists.
Twist of Fate:
The world stopped in a moment when we were eating in the Chinese restaurant. Three years ago, I journeyed to the Northern part of Luzon searching for fate. When I had my stopover in Binondo, I happened to know a man who guided me all the way to this Chinese Restaurant. I mentioned to him that someday, I'm going to bring my "tadhana" in this restaurant.
It did happen after three years.
Imagine the chills in my spine and that happiness only this friend can elicit from me.
Fate, indeed, works in perfect timing.
More about Manila in these following articles:
1. Manila: Of Fate and Devotion
2. Manila: Of Love and Friendship
3. Manila and Its Architecture
4. Manila: You Gave Me Both Worlds
1. Manila: Of Fate and Devotion
2. Manila: Of Love and Friendship
3. Manila and Its Architecture
4. Manila: You Gave Me Both Worlds
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