" A clear one "

Right in the heart of Ongpin ( downtown ), stands this old edifice,
like the casement windows, the fire escape railings and the embossed details
which was recently renovated.
If memory serves me right, there used to be an old newspaper bureau and a movie theatre.
Times have changed though, that 'P' red sign below now houses a chinese restaurant and seen above
is a federation called the Yongtan club with chinese inscriptions.


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" gong xi fa cai "

Let's welcome the Chinese New year as the clock strikes 12.
Hello year of the Rabbit.




As always, the streets here in Chinatown in every nook and alley have been filled with people, gift goodies, lucky charms, tons of non-stop lion dance as the celebration continues till the end of the week.
While the government didn't think fit it to be a holiday,
the Chinese communities are looking forward to it.
Surprisingly though, a lot of Filipinos are also anticipating it as well.

and yes, color Red and the fiery Dragon is official.

ps: don't forget to ask for Red packets from grannies and aunties. ^-^

you can learn more about its festivities and cultures
here. ^0^

and here are some fotos around Ongpin and Binondo.



a Ginger root or Gabi root tied with red ribbons are also considered lucky.



it also comes in pots.



vendors and their display..,



and to bring luck and prosperity all year round,
one must hang this trinket in front of their door.

how about you?
did you celebrate it in your neck of the wood as well? ^0^
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" some kind of bridge "

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" What's in a name? "

They look like block of wood chips and surprisingly, placed outside the street, to absorb heat of the sun.
Well, these are actually local chinese herbs that can only be find in Chinatown specifically at Chinese drugstores where it's readily available.

Now, the name may sound a bit out of the ordinary, but
It's a common herb called Dong Shan (黨參) or とじん in japanese.
No Filipino term for it unfortunately.



It taste sweet and neutral.
It's mostly concocted with other natural herbs that serves as a tonic or
If you're making a homemade soup or broth, you can just easily add a stick or two.

Dong Shan improves digestive and body function,
it's anti-fatigue as it stimulates the nervous and immune system.



Ps: the shadowy figure is my arm holding out the camera. ^0^

Portishead- Numb

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" All over again "

Along my walks to Chinatown.


I evidently caught 3 different versions of a street sign named "Ongpin".



is this a little too much? ^0^



melody: That's not my name- the tingtings

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" I've got the Monday Blues "

= along Chinatown, seen outside a chinese resto, early in the morning.
I don't know why she's pouting but she's certainly gazing at my direction.
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" Fil-Chi Friendship Arch "

Another archway or Paifang (chinese) seen in downtown.
It welcomes you in this colorful looking architecture.
I preferably like this better, because it has added more details to it,
the dragon which indeed is the perfect symbolism of the Chinese,
the gabled roof and there's even a walkway built on top of it,
right in front of the writings.

It would be a good place though, for proclamation or inaugural purposes.
I hope they do.
Like many structures here, we tend to neglect things that are old.
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" MaMunLok "

In downtown area, there's a restaurant that seems to be a favorite
among locals.
The old interior, ceiling fan, checkered board tile flooring and wooden chairs.
This is the original noodle house in town called Ma-Mun-Lok, since 1980's,
it's also known as "Masuki".
Not only does it have an affordable price, but the taste and its quality
still stands the test of time.
No wonder their noodles are like soul food.
The Chinese prints on the top, read as "Ma-Mien-Ti-Ee-Zhia" lit means,
Mamunlok's - the first noodle factory in town.

melody: Lisa Loeb - Fools like Me


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" The River "

This was taken on a scorching midday, not really an emminent bridge here in Manila,
somewhere in the downtown area.
In fact, some of the passers-by were wondering what in the world am I doing...
but, despite the foul-smelling river of Pasig or
the old shabby houses on the right.
One has to keep an open mind that there's still a something to look out for.
A mixture of old and new structures.
An aged tree that still grows on a tilted position or the pink Bougainvilleas that catch sight of
an almost clear reflection.
When most of us tend to neglect this part of the day to take a look at our surroundings
and appreciate some beauty in it.



I wish you guys a Happy weekend! ^0^
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