Binondo, Manila: Where to Go? What to Do? and Where to Eat?

A very rich culture, decades-old Chinese restaurants, and having historical churches and temples...

Well having said that, it is not surprising why Binondo, Manila is now becoming a popular destination for travel bloggers, food bloggers and even to History Buffs (and Historians). People who'll visit the place will not only be feed on the visuals they may see in this place but they'll also make their stomachs full with all the restaurants and food stalls Binondo has to offer. Plus, roaming and eating around Binondo is affordable and budget friendly!

Note: This Binondo tour will require you lots of walking so you better prepare yourself. :)

How to get there?
There are so many ways to reach Binondo or the Chinatown. One way I know is by riding LRT-1. From Taft-Edsa Station, buy a ticket going to Carriedo Station. Ticket costs 15 pesos. From Carriedo Station, walk from Isetan Mall until you reach the old building of BPI. Just across the old BPI building is the Sta. Cruz Church which is one of the places this blog will feature. This also denotes the start of Binondo tour!

Start of our Binondo Tour!

One of the transportation you can choose on exploring Binondo

I visited Binondo last week and it was Chinese New Year. I don't recommend doing tour during this season because hundreds to thousands of people are visiting Binondo and most of the place are crowded. Most of your time will be spent falling in line just to experience and try a certain place. Take this advise from me. That's what happened to us.

Lucky shot! 

Selfie mode! Full arms extended!

Nevertheless, here's my list of places one must try during their visit in Binondo!

1) Santa Cruz Church

The church was named after the Holy Cross and has been founded by Gov. Alfonso Fajardo de la Tenza on January 9,1724. Later on, the Church of Santa Cruz was re-built and managed by the Jesuits until 1768. The patron saint of Sta. Cruz Church is the miraculous Nuestra Senora del Pilar (or the Our Lady of the Pillar) in which its statue was brought from Spain prior to 1763.

Sta. Cruz Church

Those candles represent prayers from the people who visited Sta Cruz Church

Today, Sta. Cruz Church is fenced by three wide spaces, namely: Plaza Lacson, Plaza Santa Cruz (it is where the Carriedo Fountain is situated) and lastly, an open street going to Santa Cruz Bridge.

2) Ho-Land Chinese Delicacies

Next stop, Holand Chinese Delicacies. A family owned business, Ho-Land is known for their varieties of hopia. Some of their hopia flavors are Hopia Mongo, Hopia Baboy, Hopia Waxgourd, Hopia Ube, Hopia Ube-Langka, Hopia Ube Macapuno, Hopia Pandan-Macapuno, Hopia Pineapple, Hopia Kondol, and a lot more! A pack of Holand's hopia costs 40 pesos which contains 5 to 6 pieces of hopia depending on the flavor.

Hopia Piña

One of the unique food items they sold here are "Tikoy" shaped in a cute Coy fish. Unfortunately, it was out of stock during our visit. Argh!

3) Sincerity Cafe & Restaurant

It was passed lunch time and we haven't ate something heavy yet. So the group decided to look for a place or restaurant that serves heavy meals but it should also be budget friendly. Then our feet brought us to Sincerity Cafe & Restaurant which is one of the famous destination in Binondo in terms of food hopping. It has been featured many times on television shows, magazines, food blogs and celebrities. Pia Arcangel and her family was actually in Sincerity the day we visited it.

I believe he's the big boss of Sincerity Cafe & Restaurant

Sincerity Cafe & Restaurant is well known for their home-style fried chicken. They take pride of it that they served it to customers without any sauce because they say it don't need one. Just the chicken alone will satisfy customers' taste buds.

The famous "Sincerity Chicken"!

Sincerity's version of Patatim 

Sincerity Spinach for vegetarians!

However, it was a struggle for us to eat in Sincerity. Since it is a well-known restaurant in Binondo, plus, adding the fact that it was Chinese New Year that day, there were lots of customers wait listed just to have a taste of it. We actually waited and fall in line for 2 hours. But all the wait were worth it. They serve really great food at affordable prices. We paid 1,300 pesos for our group of nine persons which means 144 pesos per pax. We bid our farewell to Sincerity Restaurant with full and happy tummies.

Its really worth to wait

4) This unknown temple

I totally forgot the name of this temple. Sorry. If it happens that you know the name of this place, please use the comment section below. Thanks in advance! It is near Sincerity Cafe and Restaurant.

No entrance fee but you can donate on their donation box

5) Binondo Church

Binondo Church, also known as Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, was founded in 1596 by Dominican priests. This church is iconic as it stands and witnessed the dark years of the country. Binondo Church was destroyed during a British onslaught in 1762. And on the same site, it was rebuilt in 1852. However it was extremely damaged again during the Second World War, leaving its octagonal bell tower untouched. Its renovation lasted from 1946 until 1971.

Repainting of Binondo Church

It reminded me of Basilica de Sto Nino of Cebu

Today, the church remains standing and strong. It is also being well-maintained for its old and future parishioners. Binondo Church was actually being repainted when we visited it. With that, I know that Binondo church will surely lasts long and more generations will be able to see it.

6) Lucky Chinatown Mall

Located in the heart of Binondo and behind 168 Mall of Divisoria is the Lucky Chinatown Mall. The 108,000 sqm development from Megaworld Lifestyle Malls brings a top-class shopping, entertainment and dining in this Filipino-Chinese heritage of Binondo. One of the highlight in Lucky Chinatown Mall is its so called "Chinatown Walk". An exciting concept street that recreates the famous old Chinatown with pre-Spanish inspired architecture.

I believe the tree behind us is a money tree...

Who's the fairest of them all? Hehe

Date Date din pag may time... eh may time po kami :)

7) Eng Bee Tin

Owned by Chua Chiu, Eng Bee Tin was established in 1912 in the street of Ongpin, Binondo, Manila. Known for its hopia, tikoy and glutinous balls, Eng Bee Tin has became a reputable stalls that sells traditional Chinese delicacies.

Tikoy! tikoy! tikoy!

The group has decided to buy tikoy at Eng Bee Tin as they have a huge varieties of tikoy. Eng Bee Tin is not only a perfect place to eat Chinese delicacies but also a place where you should buy "pasalubong" for your family and friends. Aside from that, they also sell Fortune Cookies. A crisp cookie and inside of it is a piece of paper with words of wisdom or a vague prophecy. Its kind of fun thing to do as you uncover what's inside your fortune cookie.

8) Dong Bei Dumplings

Our next and last destination during this visit in Binondo received a high praise on Trip Advisor and a well known Hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Binondo -- the Dong Bei Dumplings. The place is quite small and hard to find. It is just around 10-15 sqm of dining place but since it is a very known place in the neighborhood of Yuchengco Street, Binondo, just ask the locals for easy direction.

Dong Bei Dumplings' offers homemade chinese-style dumplings at affordable prices. You can actually see how these dumplings were done since they prepare their foods in one of the dining table in the restaurant. Some of their best-sellers are kuchay dumplings and xiao long bao (soup-filled with pork dumpling).

Scene you can expect at Dong Bei Dumplings

Overall, I had a great time roaming and exploring around the streets of Binondo. There are still lots of spots that I missed so a chance of another blog post about this place is possible. I'll definitely visit this place some time and hopefully soon. I am very much excited to see more spots and restaurants that Binondo has to offer!

Read More

Sibadan Fish Cage of Port Lamon, Hinatuan - Surigao del Sur

After a long drive from Butuan City to Hinatuan and by that I mean 4 hours straight drive, my friend, Byron, and I were searching for an accommodation/hotel to settle for an overnight stay. During that time, we have 2 factors that we need to consider in a hotel we're looking for. What are they? First, it should be affordable and cheap. We were only two in this Surigao del Sur trip and having a fancy hotel was too costly for backpackers like us. Second, it should be near the Enchanted River. In our itinerary, we planned to spend the next day at Enchanted River. Therefore, we need an accommodation that is near the place to save time in terms of travelling. So what we did were to ask the locals of Hinatuan for some advice. We told them the 2 factors I stated above and they recommended us to try out Sibadan Fish Cage.

Sibadan Fish Cage is a popular side trip in Hinatuan. Simply because it is near the Enchanted River. It is reputed as a floating restaurant in Port Lamon Bay that serves fresh seafood dishes to their customers but what we didn't know is that they also offer lodging rooms. As we heard that from the locals, we finally decided to go to Sibadan Fish Cage and spent the first night of our Surigao del Sur visit there.

The equation: 3 Persons + 1 motorcycle + baggage + rough road + 12KM = a worth it ride

How to get there?
From Bancasi Airport, ride a jeepney going to Langihan Premium Terminal. As you arrive at the terminal, look for the bus with a signboard of Mangagoy. Travel time is about 4 to 5 hours which costs 210 pesos. There are also vans available there that offer cheaper transfer. We avail the van instead of taking a bus and bargain its price with the van conductor. At the end, it only costs us 180 pesos going to Hinatuan. Just give your driver a heads up that you are going to Enchanted River. You will be dropped at the crossing going to Enchanted River where you will be renting a habal-habal (a motorcycle). It is the only public transportation going to Enchanted River so don't be picky. Habal-Habal rental costs 200 pesos/motorcycle. It is a 12km bumpy ride so be prepared and just enjoy the view going there. It is also a perfect time to ask question from your Habal-habal driver the must visit places in Hinatuan. From our talked with our driver, he told us that we can have island hopping at Port Lamon Bay. So we have an addition to our itinerary the next day. From Enchanted River, ride a pump boat going to Sibadan Fish Cage. The fare is 160 pesos per hour/boat.

Sibadan Fish Cage of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

The location of Sibadan Fish Cage is in the middle of Port Lamon Bay so expect poor signal during your stay. Going back... As we land at Sibadan, we were approached by a smiling attendant. We ask for lodging and she gave us a tour and show us their rooms. Their rooms are really cheap. We got a room that is good for two for only 300 pesos. Though it is a fan room without a personal comfort room, we still find it fair enough on the money we spent and it's spacious for two people. By the way, there is a 5 Php entrance fee for non-lodging visitors.

Docking area of Sibadan Fish Cage

After putting our things in the room, it's time to check the place and have some chill time. We found Sibadan Fish Cage a plain and a simple place. It is a resort made of kawayan and woods in the middle of the bay. Fresh air and away from city noise. Perfect place for relaxation. Just imagine during a night stay here.

More rooms...

At the center of Sibadan lies a large pond/aquarium. The only amenities of this place that I could think of are fishing and snorkeling. Customers may do fishing and snorkeling to get their freshly sea creature cooked by the staff of Sibadan. Price of the catch will be determined by weighing in all the catch of a certain customer. After the weigh in, the attendant will suggest you what kind of dish they can do with your catch. You may also ask them if you have something in mind. Cook charge is 30 Php per dish. Cheap isin't it? Alternative to fishing and snorkeling is buying seafood straight from them. Sibadan sells wide variety of seafood. Just pick and tell them what kind of dish do you want to do with it. Us, we just brought 1 kilo of "Kasag" (small crabs) for ONLY 50 pesos and 1/4 kilo of Dano fish for 120 pesos. We requested to make a sweet and spicy Kasag and "sinabawan" for the fish. There's also a sari-sari store in Sibadan which sells canned goods, mineral water, alcoholic beverages, etc...

Other visitors of Sibadan that day. Fishing time!

Our dinner. Yum!

The only con that I found on Sibadan was there bathing water. I believe it is also a beach water so your soap, shampoo, facial wash will not bubble as you take a bath. Hahahaha. Overall, our stay at Sibadan has been a great experience. Lodging in the middle of the bay is an experience I didn't imagine on this trip.

Breakdown of Expenses:
Bus (Butuan Terminal - Hinatuan, Enchanted River) - 180.00 PhP
Habal Habal (Crossing - Enchanted River) - 200.00 PhP / 2 = 100.00 PhP per pax
Pump Boat (Enchanted River - Sibadan Fish Cage) - 160.00 PhP per hour / 2 = 80.00 PhP per pax
Fan Room (good for 2) - 300.00 PhP / 2 = 150.00 PhP per pax
Kasag (crab) - 50.00 Php (1 kilo) /2 = 25.00 Php per pax
Mang Tomas Sauce = 45 PhP (1 bottle) / 2 = 22.50 PhP per pax
Dano (a fish name) - 120.00 Php (1/4 kilo) / 2 = 60.00 PhP per pax
Cooking charge - 30.00 PhP (for kasag and fish) / 2 = 15.00 PhP per pax
Service Charge - 48.00 PhP / 2 = 24.00 PhP per pax
Mineral water - 30.00 PhP (1 liter) x 2  = 60.00 PhP / 2 = 30.00 PhP per pax
Nescafe Coffee & Nestea Iced tea - 15.00 PhP each
Rice - 10.00 PhP
Hard boiled egg - 15.00 PhP

Read More

A Quick City Tour In Butuan City, Agusan del Norte

Butuan City is situated in the north-eastern section of Agusan Valley, Mindanao. It is also the regional center of CARAGA and will be our entry point as we visit Surigao del Sur. Simply because Butuan's Bancasi Airport serves as a portal to the different provinces of CARAGA region.

As we land at Bancasi Airport of Butuan City, the first thing in our itinerary was to have a quick tour in different tourist spots and landmarks of this town. It will be quick because we need to head to Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur before nightfall. We had researched some good spots already before this trip but we chose to go and ask from the information section of the airport to gather some tips and advice. And I must say that it was a right decision we made. The guy in the information section was very knowledgeable of his town and really knew how to direct tourists like us. He even gave us a pamphlets that hold all the tourist spots and landmarks of Butuan City. Kudos!

National Museum - Butuan Branch

Touch down! (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

There are lots of historic place in Butuan so we decided to just visit the National Museum located in Doongan, Butuan City. In our thinking, visiting this place will saves us time. Simply because instead of visiting each historic spots of Butuan, this National Museum will showcase all the stories and artifacts of this city. Unfortunately, the museum is under renovation and all of the items were being kept in a protected area. Aw, that was not a good start for us. But just to make our visit worthy, we took photos of the vicinity instead. The place has lots of trees and plants that it forms a park-like area. Locals even visit the place to chill and relax. I can somehow relate it as a mini-Luneta Park of Butuan.

My college friend, travel buddy and a fellow travel blogger - Baron (author of Baron the Explorer) 

Checking out the place  (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

How to get there?
From Bancasi Airport, take a jeepney ride going to Gaisano Mall. As you arrive at Gaisano Mall, you may say "lugar lang" and the driver will stop the jeepney at the corner. Cool huh?! Then hire a tricycle going to the National Museum which cost 8.00 PhP/pax.

Banza Church Ruins

Remains of the church and its caretakers (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

Located at Lilo, Brgy. Banza, Butuan City, Banza church was known as the most admirable stone structure of the region way back in the year 1625 and it was built by Recollect Friars. However it was burned down by Moro Pirates in 1753 and the church was turned into ashes and chunks of stones. The only remains left by that attack is its Bell Tower enveloped by Balete trees (also known as Banyan Tree). Today, the beautiful church before is now recognize as the oldest ruin of a stone church in the entire region of Mindanao.

Presenting the oldest church ruins in the Mindanao region (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

Photo op at the bell tower of Banza Church Ruins (Photos from Byron Cantonjos)

How to get there?
From Gaisano Mall, take a R4 Jeepney going to the tricycle terminal near Langihan Bus Terminal. Then take a tricycle and tell the driver to drop you off at the ruins. Take note: Make sure not to direct your driver at Banza church. Make sure that you instruct him that you will be going to Banza Church Ruins. Banza church and Banza Church Ruins are two different structure. I know this because we've been taken to the church instead to the ruins. Lol.

Magsaysay Bridge

This makes land trips to Cabadbaran and Surigao possible (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

On our way to Banza Church Ruins, we passed through to an eye-catchy bridge. So we look at our pamphlets to see if there is a written information about that bridge. It was Magsaysay Bridge we saw and it is a special landmark of Butuan. Magsaysay Bridge was built in the 50s and was inaugurated by the late President Carlos P. Garcia. Magsaysay Bridge is the first wing that links the east and west banks of Agusan.

So after our visit in Banza Church Ruins, we ask our tricycle driver if we could stop in the middle of the Magsaysay Bridge before we went back to the terminal and have our pictures taken on Magsaysay. He agreed to our little favor. Cool Manong driver! I was a bit embarrassed during my turn to take a photo with the bridge. People we're looking at me like I was some sort of celebrity slash just crazy tourist. So I made it quick, immediately got back to our tricycle, and off to Langihan Premium Terminal - terminal going to Hinatuan.

I'm a bit embarrassed here... lol (Photo from Byron Cantonjos)

Well even though it was just a quick tour in the city of Butuan, I still enjoyed it. Aside from the place, the people there were also nice and very accommodating to tourists like us. Lots of interesting places to visit but we only have limited time. Too bad.

Breakdown of Expenses:
Jeepney (Bancasi - Gaisano Mall) - 15.00 PhP
Tricycle (Gaisano - National Museum, roundtrip) - 8 PhP per trip x 2 = 16.00 PhP
Jeepney (Gaisano - Tricycle Terminal near Langihan Premium Terminal) - 8.00 PhP
Tricycle Rental (Terminal - Ruins, roundtrip) - 100 PhP /2 = 50.00 PhP/pax

Read More

Corregidor Island via Sun Cruises

Corregidor Islandfalls under the territory of Cavite and lies at the entrance of Manila Bay. This island played an important role during World War II  where Philippines fights the Japanese forces from its invasion. Corregidor was vigorously attacked in the latter part of the war where it serves as a grave to many Americans, Japanese and Filipinos who fought during that time. Today, Corregidor Island is a popular tourist destination where people can visit and still see the remnants (e.g cannons, tunnel, etc...) of the said war. So for those who are fond of Philippine history, I suggest you visit Corregidor.

How to get there?
It's super easy. I recommend you get the service of Sun Cruises -- just like what I did. Sun Cruises provides ferry transfer and tour(optional) to Corregidor Island. I had no hard time contacting and reserving tickets from them for this Corregidor trip. Their reservations office is located at the CCP Complex, Roxas Blvd., Pasay City or you can reach them through e-mail (suncruises@magsaysay.com.ph) and landline (917 513-2625 or 922 337-0068 ) for ticket reservations. For more info and packages that they offer, just visit their website: http://www.corregidorphilippines.com/.

My Corregidor trip with my girlfriend starts when we arrived at the port of Sun Cruises near CCP Complex. It is a well known establishment there so just ask the people around if you are in doubt of directions. We boarded and checked in at exactly 7:30am and departed from Manila at 8:00am just like what they mentioned on their itinerary. It was hassle free and very convenient. It was also well organized and the ferry going to the island is fully air-conditioned for which I didn't expect.

At the Corregidor Port (Photo from Faye Nuestro)

After one hour and fifteen minutes of sailing, we finally reached Corregidor Island. And the place is amaaaazing! We also noticed that most of our co-passengers were foreigners. So local guy like me should be prepared in case they ask you something. Haha. I also hope more Filipinos visit the island and see how beautiful this place is. This is a good option for those people who wants to escape the city noise even just for a while.

Stunning!

I didn't get Sun Cruises tour since I am not a super fan of history. I am more to an adventurous type of traveler. And I've heard that Corregidor has a lot to offer that will suit my personality. So even if you are not into the history thing like me, you can still enjoy this trip. Aside from that, the view of this island is worth travelling for...

Islands near Corregidor gives photos a nice backdrop

What to do:
Lights and Sound Show at Malinta Tunnel - Php200.00/person
The Rocket (Zipline) - Php100.00/person
Outdoor Activities (Sunset and Sunrise viewing, Tunnel Lateral Tour) - Php250.00/person
Kayaking - Php500.00/hr.
ATVs (All-terrain vehicle) - Php500.00/hr.

Lights and sound show at Malinta Tunnel

Here's what you can inside the cave

After all those activities stated above, you can go swimming which is also found at the activity area of the island. The sand may not be white unlike the other beaches in the Philippines but the water here is clear and people really take good care of it. Me and my girlfriend really enjoy the water even we started splashing on it in the afternoon. It was refreshing.

Look how clear the water is... (Photo from Faye Nuestro)

Relaxing under the shade of a tree

Regarding the food, there's a hotel where you can buy food at the island but I suggest to bring your own since it is allowed and it will be much cheaper.

This trip is a must try. It drained our energy in a positive way (huh? hehe). We arrived back to Manila at around 4pm which ends this trip. I hope I can go back here again and try other activities and visit the other parts of the island. Maybe someday.

Read More