WHEN one talks about exploring Metro Manila, one of the places that will probably be on the list is the world’s oldest Chinatown: Binondo.
Founded in 1594, Binondo has been a popular location to Filipinos, including young individuals who are into discovering new “gems” or anything that can be considered a good find such as an attraction, an item or food.
From must-visit places such as the historical Binondo church, authentic Chinese foods and lucky charms—Binondo has it all.
There’s definitely an array of things that you can include in your to-do list when you’re visiting Binondo, especially this December where most people will be with their loved ones or have more time for themselves to celebrate Christmas.
Here are a few suggestions for you to try out when you’re visiting Binondo:
Attend ‘Simbang Gabi’ or Misa de Gallo in Binondo Church
The Christmas season in the Philippines will not be complete without holding “Simbang Gabi” or Misa de Gallo for nine days.
This has been one of the most distinctive Christmas traditions held in every Catholic church in the country, including the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz or popularly known as Binondo Church.
The “Simbang Gabi” began on December 15, but the schedules of masses would depend on the time set by a particular parish.
In Binondo Church, they only have one “Simbang Gabi” schedule held at 8:00 p.m., from December 15 to December 23. Meanwhile, they have two time slots for Misa de Gallo from December 16 to December 24, at 4:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.
It has also set masses for Christmas eve, which start at 8:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Do a food crawl
When visiting Binondo, you should never leave the district without trying out the wide selection of food that showcases both Chinese and Filipino flavors.
Among the popular must-try food in the area are the authentic Chinese delicacies such as hopia, siopao, and tikoy.
Two of the most popular stores that sell a variety of flavors of these delicacies and other “pasalubong” are Eng Bee Tin and Salazar Bakery.
You can also try out dumplings that are sold in streets at cheaper prices like Xiao Long Bao and Siomai.
But if you want something unusual, you might want to try dining at Estero Fast Food that serves exotic food like frogs.
Buy lucky charms
Many Chinese people believe in luck, and so they are sharing it with Filipinos through lucky charms offered at many shops in Binondo.
Lucky charm stores are now selling good luck charms related to the year of Wood Dragon, which we’ll be welcoming in 2024.
They have Ruyi scepters, money trees, and wealth lanterns for good fortune and Mandarin ducks which symbolizes love.
Go Christmas shopping at Lucky Chinatown Mall
As Christmas is approaching, a lot of malls and shopping centers in the country have been offering discounted prices to their customers.
If you’re running out of ideas for your Christmas gifts, the Lucky Chinatown Mall in Binondo has a variety of items for you to choose from.
Whether it is clothing, beauty products, decorations, and other necessities, the mall has it all for its shoppers. You just have to find the perfect item that probably suits your taste or the person whom you will give the product to.
The mall is also a perfect place for you to try different food as it houses a lot of restaurants and food stalls that are serving various cuisines.
For the holiday season, the Lucky Chinatown Mall is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., from December 1 to 30.
On December 24 and December 31, it will welcome mall goers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. only.
On January 1, 2024, the mall will be open from 12 noon to 9 p.m.
Take a photo at a giant Christmas tree
To make your holiday trip to Binondo more memorable, you might want to take a photo at the giant Christmas tree in Lucky Chinatown Mall.
The giant green Christmas tree is adorned with red poinsettia and gold star lanterns and Christmas balls.
Located outside the mall, the decoration has been an attraction for shoppers, where they take either solo or group photos with their family and friends.
