Chinatown Museum

Last January 7, I explored Binondo with my friend Mitzie. We started our day with a visit to the Chinatown Museum. It is conveniently located at the fourth floor of Lucky Chinatown Mall, which is right in front of Binondo Church.

It’s proximity to the center of Chinese Catholicism means that the museum begins with a model of the Binondo Church

Binondo Church replica

Icons of Chinese-Filipino faith welcome guests to the museum

The next gallery was a rich display of trade products which went through Bindondo since the Spanish colonial period.

Chinese trade products are on display at the museum

The Manton de Manila is one of the important trade products during the Galleon Trade

Ceramics are some of the remarkable trade products that passed through Binondo

Spices are abundant in the Philippines and neighboring countries

One of the highlights of the museum is the Alcaiceria, which was the residence and trading post of Chinese transients.

The Alcaiceria, where products such as textiles and other basic needs are sold

Another highlight was the panaderia, which showcased the best of Chinese baking since the colonial period. Examples of their popular bread products are siopao and hopia, which we still enjoy today.

The panaderia shows the best of Chinese baking through the centuries

Other Chinese-Filipino trading products were displayed throughout the museum. Some of these include furniture, rum, cigars, and cigarettes.

A replica Ahtay four-poster bed highlights the exceptional design and style of the renowned furniture-maker

Sungka game

Binondo is the first financial district

Rum is one of the export products of the Chinese-Filipino community to this day

Cigars and cigarettes is one of the historical products from Binondo

The third highlight of the museum is the Esteros de Binondo, where it is shown as an island connected to mainland Manila through bridges. Surrounding it are estuaries or esteros, where trading thrived via cascos.

Cascos transports goods from Binondo to other parts of Manila, and eventually the Philippines

The museum continued to educate us guests with various products and places which made Bindondo the center of trading in the country back in the day.

The Botica shows the different Chinese herbs for sale in Binondo

More wares at the Botica

The author poses with her friend Mitzie at the model tranvia

The tranvia is an early example of public transport in Manila

Chinese cuisine is already part of Filipino culture, and many consider it to be comfort food

The author and Mitzie enjoy a day at Chinatown Museum

I enjoyed my visit, and I would recommend it to everyone! I paid Php150 for my ticket. Students are entitled to a discounted rate of Php100, while senior citizens and PWD guests can enter for Php120.

The museum is operational from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10 in the morning until 6 in the evening.

There is a package counter onsite for guests to leave their bags and other bulky belongings.

The museum allows video and still photography, provided that flash is disabled.

For more information, please visit the their website today!

Crochet Corals

I attended the a crochet workshop conducted at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design at the College of Saint Benilde. I enjoyed the experience, and it was a pleasure to see absolute beginners learn crochet.
We were given patterns and yarns for a sea slug and a starfish. Since the theme of the workshop was coral worlds, we were tasked to learn how to make underwater creatures.
I have used crochet as a way to de-stress and unwind. Attending events related to the craft has enabled me to meet new friends and also appreciate the craft more.

Here’s to more opportunities to exchange ideas with fellow crocheters, and learning more tricks to improve my craft!

Museum Hopping

Yesterday, I went to the National Museum of Natural History to watch Bird of Prey, a documentary on the Philippine Eagle. It was a beautiful film that captured the majesty and vulnerability of this regal animal.

After the film, I walked around Manila and went to the Metropolitan Museum of Manila to catch a lecture on Rembrandt’s life. It was also my first time at the museum, so I also viewed their modern art collection.

I ended my day with some cheesy gojuchang pasta and americano at my friend Bea’s cafe, Blocleaf. It was my first time to be in that cafe, and I loved the ambience, food, and coffee. I know that I’ll be back someday!

It was a treat to go museum-hopping and have some delicious food and coffee. Art, film, food, and coffee are affordable ways to enjoy life. These things make my life and heart full, and I am grateful to be able to delight in them.

Contemporary Art AM

Yesterday morning was chilly and I liked it because it was perfectly for my brisk walk around UP Diliman. After a quick breakfast of Rodic’s tapsilog  and instant coffee, I was on my feet, people watching while sound tripping. It was exhilarating, and it makes me wonder how come I only took up walking at UP now. Maybe it is because my heart really belongs to nature (think trees, grass, fresh air...). Or maybe I just need a fresh start this new year. 

After a few rounds around the oval, I proceeded to the Vargas Museum, which is one of my favorite places to explore for an art fix. Their current exhibit features contemporary art, and it did fuel my interest in beautiful paintings and sculptures. I enjoyed roaming around the museum, even if I am a frequent visitor. There is always something new here, and it pays to follow their Facebook posts for their exhibitions. Do check out the Vargas Museum at UP and experience the best of Filipino art and culture, at an accessible and inspiring location. 

Who knew that art and fitness could both be experienced in a single morning? I encourage you to try this out someday! It will definitely bring you joy.