Binondo Church in 1905: One of the oldest places of Christian worship in the Philippines, this structure was devastated in WWII and has undergone major restoration. Today, what remains of the original structure is the eight-sided bell tower.

Mention Binondo and the first thing that comes to mind is the kidnapping of Filipino Chinese. There’s more to Manila’s Chinatown, however, as shown in the ongoing exhibit, “Binondo: Pride of Place,” at the Yuchengco Museum.

Assembled by the UP Manila Young Curators Program, the exhibit takes us through Binondo’s historic past in rare photographs, maps, and prints from the 1900s, secured from the Lopez Memorial Museum and Library.

Now considered the financial and residential hub of the Filipino Chinese, Binondo was where the Sangleys–as the Spaniards called the Chinese–settled with Japanese, Indian, and Malay merchants.

The Spaniards considered the Chinese a threat because they did extremely well in trade and did not allow the latter into Intramuros. In fact, canons were said to be pointed at the direction of Binondo at all times.

Binondo in 1920: A busy corner on a Manila canal

The Chinese embraced Binondo as their own, leaving their influence in the architecture, food, practices, and in many other facets of Filipino culture.

As the student curators found out during their research, Binondo seems barely altered after centuries. It still is Manila’s Chinese quarter, with its labyrinth of narrow streets, storehouses, and shops. Even as Makati has replaced Binondo as the central business district, Binondo continues to be the commercial center for many Chinese businessmen.

Escolta, Manila’s business street, in 1937

“Binondo: Pride of Place” is a good opportunity to travel back in time and appreciate the past, because surely we wouldn’t get anywhere if we didn’t know where we came from.

Yuchengco Museum is open on Mondays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission prices are P100 for adults, P50 for students 15 years and older, and P25 for children and senior citizens.

“Binondo: Pride of Place” runs concurrent with Ann.Tiu Alchemy, designer Ann Pamintuan’s jewelry line, and Poetry in Calligraphy by retired Filipino-Chinese Ong Bun Han.

All images used with permission from Yuchengco Museum

Binondo: Pride of Place
Until May 10, 2008
Yuchengco Museum
GF RCBC Plaza
Ayala corner Gil Puyat Avenues
Makati City