Intramuros, Binondo, and CCP Complex

The revival of Intramuros and Roxas Blvd as a destination for people looking for a nightlife is part of Mayor Atienza's beautification process. Jon, being a med student, complains that his focus is entirely on that aspect that he has neglected health services. Encouraged by Atienza's fascination with raising pride in the history of glorious Manila, the Filipino-Chinese community would not be left behind... the Chinese community in Manila existed as far back or maybe even farther than the Spanish era.

This afternoon, the first Inter-school Lion Dance Competition was held at Ongpin Street Binondo. There were ten groups competing from around 6 or 8 Chinese schools. Some schools sent two teams. It turns out that there are two variations to the Lion Dance ... one is "Lion waking in a cave" and the other is "Lion crossing a bridge". The schools who sent in two teams showed both.

The competition was supposed to start 4pm, but it begun much later - probably because the organizers waited for the politicians to arrive. Jon and I watched the first five teams and the exhibition by the fire volunteers of Binondo. We met Victor who passed by Ongpin on the way to his in-laws' place. Victor is half Chinese and rents a room in Binondo.



It was past seven when we left Ongpin street. We passed by Eng Bee Tin to buy some hopia, machang, peanuts, sweet tapa, and ofcourse the food associated with Chinese New Year - Tikoy! We wanted to eat in a Chinese restaurant but didn't know which one was good or what food to order. While we were figuring out where to exit from Soler Street, I met an old college friend, Roanna Ong. Well, she was Ong when we were studying, I don't know her married name now. Roanna was walking with an older woman and seemed to be in a hurry so we just exchanged his... I never got far to asking how the hell do we get out of Chinatown.

We finally found our way out when we saw some jeepneys. Jon and I ate dinner at Max's Restaurant in Harrison Plaza.

Afterwards, we trekked over to the CCP to view the Amazing World of Lights and Lanterns ... which I've seen but Jon hasn't. We were lucky to catch part of the show featuring Chinese acrobats.




A couple of the lanterns:


One of the dioramas:


After seeing all ten lanterns, we crossed over to the next block to Star City.

I haven't been there since I was in college and since then, they've added new rides, a theater, and a second floor. Most of the rides that used to be in open air are now under a roof. The layout's crazy that it seems like you're walking through a glass maze that one would put a pet mouse in. Going through loads of people in a maze like layout means an eventual head ache.



Around 11pm, Jon and I left and passed by Starbucks before heading home. We were surprised to find out Papa did not eat dinner because he was waiting for us to arrive with his machang!