Manila Again

I can't sleep so I just decided to blog again....

Went to Manila again 3 weeks ago. This time, in the  Quiapo Area...

Quiapo is densely populated, and I can say one of the most polluted districts in Manila. But it is also one of the multifaceted as well; old crumbling buildings sit alongside big malls; Grand looking schools and buildings mingled with barong barongs, Wide boulevards and narrow crooked esquinitas; Tranquil centuries old churches watch quietly on the hustle and bustle of modern life. 

      First stop, of course in the home of the famous "Itim na Nazareno" (Black Nazarene) image, the Quiapo church. This church and its surrounding vicinity provide extreme contrasts: Iinside the quiet-ish church, religious devotees pay homage to the Lord. Outside, jeepeneys beep and blare out the latest "tagalized" version of 'Umbrella'. Fortune tellers sit alongside chidren selling sampaguita flowers and rosaries. Stalls surrounding the church sells a variety of 'Pampa' herbs - pampa regla, pamapa delay, etc.

Fronting the church is Plaza Miranda, famous for the infamous bombing that occured here. Nearby is a large mercury drug with the giant screen. It hosted telenovelas of all kinds and (i think) also hosted every Manny Paquiao bout ever aired on TV.

From the plaza, I walked to Villalobos St. Here you can see large bead shops selling beads, craft items and some sewing notions at very low prices. Vendors along the street sell fresh vegetables at killer prices too: A big bunch of asparagus tips for 40 a bundle, 3 medium sizerd brocolli heads for a hundred pesos, 5 eggplants for ten pesos and so on. But if you want more cheap prices and more buys, go straight ahead of Villalobos and go to Quinta Market. It can't be missed. Nearby the Market, under the quezon bridge are shops that sells every naitve product imaginable at reasonable prices. It is worth a visit!

From there, I walked the lenthg of Carlos Palanca St. and arrived at the LRT 1 Carriedo station. From there I walked ot Sta. Cruz Church.

Near this Church is the once famed Escolta St., center of business, commerce and shopping, before Makati took the crown. Near to it also is the Arch of goodwill, marking the entrance to Chinatown, through Ongpin St. I first took picture of Carriedo Fountain walked to Ongpin. 

Ongpin is great when you want to have food trips. all along Ongpin, there are stalls that sells all sorts of street foods. Chinese Restaurants selling delicious food also line Onpin. And Ongpin is not just all food. There are also jwellery shops here that offer Their wares at low prices (Note: Mom says it's an advantege if you know how to talk Chinese since you can get large discounts).

One Egg tart, sio pao and a few dimsums later, I reached the end of Ongpin where the Binondo Church stands today.

 I took a picture again. Just a few steps away from the church is Reina Regente St., which would lead me to a 15 minute walk to Divisoria. Since my bag is heavy with all the craft stuff and vegetables I bought, I did not grab the opportunity. I walked back to Ongpin and walked  back again to Sta. Cruz Church. Then, Near the Birdge, I noticed a nice looking building...I walked across the bridge and went near the Building....

This building is the Post Office. Nice architecture but honestly, I did not like the paint Job much. The color is just...yeah! After lingering by the nearby plaza, I noticed a familiar looking fenced area. After a few minutes, I realized that it is part of Intramuros. One thing led to another and after a quarter of an hour, I found myself within its ancient walls. I went to san agustin (again :)  )

I must say what a nice restoration work going on! No more fear of that bell tower crumbling down...after an hour of poking around the church and listening to mass, I went home. Very tiring day, but I just loved it!