Actually, it really began at the entrance of the Minor Basilica of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, otherwise known as the Binondo Church where, on the afternoon of the Lunar New Year of the Metal Rabbit, tour guide and entrepreneur Ivan Man Dy of Old Manila Walks gathered a group of forty people, foreigners and locals alike, TravelBook.ph included. The large number was most likely because of the auspicious date, but Ivan's tours have always drawn crowds regardless of what day it is.
After regrouping outside the church, Ivan launched into a brief narrative about Chinatown, citing the significance of the Chinese traders' presence near Intramuros during the Spanish era and their contributions to commerce and history. Even today, the influence on trade is evident in Binondo. This part of Manila is still home to the majority of Manila's Chinese nationals and is known for the thriving businesses and, of course, Chinese food!
[Read the full article and see the complete gallery on TravelBook.ph]
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