My 27th blog:

Sacred Steps and Storied Streets: A Binondo Church Pilgrimage & Chinatown Walking Tour

 

Many thoughts swirled in my mind as I sat down to write about our pilgrimage to Binondo Church and our walking tour of Chinatown.

 

First, I cherished the deepening bond with my sisters from Seeds of Online Community as we shared this meaningful journey. Second, I had a humbling realization—my knees are decidedly weaker than they were last year, a truth both inconvenient and undeniable. Third, I couldn’t help but observe the stark contrast between wealth and poverty in Manila, a disparity that plays out vividly in the bustling streets of Binondo. And lastly, I found myself caught in a hopia rivalry—Holland vs. Salazar’s. Flaky crusts, distinct fillings, and an unspoken competition so intriguing, it deserved serious contemplation.  There’s plenty to unpack, and I hope to present it clearly and engagingly for your appreciation.

 

For weeks, I had looked forward to this trip, but when the day arrived, my knees had their own agenda. Despite my enthusiasm, I couldn’t complete the entire walking tour.

 

We started with a moment of prayer at Binondo Church before indulging in an early lunch at Chuan Kee. The long queue kept us waiting for about 30 minutes, but the food was worth every second—absolutely no regrets.

 

Next came egg tarts from Lord’s Stow. They were delicious, though I wished they had been fresh out of the oven for that perfectly crisp bite. Then, my hopia quest began. I picked up mongo and ube flavors from Salazar’s, but nostalgia tugged at me—I was on the hunt for the Holland hopia I used to buy.

 

At Eng Bee Tin, I browsed but didn’t make a purchase, though the selection was tempting. And, of course, we couldn’t skip Shanghai’s famous fried siopao—a Chinatown staple that never disappoints.  Unfortunately, exhaustion got the best of me, and I had to bow out. I let my sisters know I was calling my driver to pick me up at Binondo Church.

 

Beyond the food and the pilgrimage, one contrast stood out to me: while restaurants and specialty stores in Binondo were packed with eager diners and shoppers—not just for food but even gold jewelry—many young people were begging for money. It was a sobering sight. How can the government bridge the gap between those who can indulge and those who struggle to survive?

 

On a lighter note, as I mentioned earlier, my search for Holland Hopia was unsuccessful—our sister (tour guide) led us to Salazar’s instead. With no other option, I went for the mongo and ube hopia. Compared to Holland’s, Salazar’s had a flakier crust, but the mongo filling tasted almost the same. Still, my heart (and taste buds) remained loyal to Holland Hopia, which sadly eluded me on this trip. Overall, the trip was a success, and I’m grateful to have shared this once-in-a-lifetime experience with my SOLOC sisters. From moments of quiet reflection at Binondo Church to indulging in Chinatown’s culinary delights, every step of the journey was meaningful.

 

Beyond the sights and flavors, this pilgrimage strengthened our bond, reminding me that shared experiences—whether through prayer, laughter, or even navigating long food queues—have a way of deepening connections. Though exhaustion got the best of me, and my knees staged a silent protest, the memories we created were well worth it.

 

Looking back, this trip wasn’t just about visiting places—it was about embracing the stories, contrasts, and flavors that make Binondo so vibrant. And in the end, that’s what truly made it unforgettable.