It is with shame that I admit to have never set foot in Binondo, Manila’s very own Chinatown, till last week. The kitschy charm and gustatory delights of various Chinatowns all over Asia have enamored me, yet I’ve never been to the Chinese district closest to home. D had to drag me to the area, and when we got there a rush of guilt coursed through me. Through all the years I’ve lived here, why is it only now that I am seeing this place? I thought. I looked around, enchanted by the flurry of activity, the richness of tradition and the variety of colors and flavors set before me.
There is wisdom in the saying, “huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan” (don’t be a stranger in your own country). I confess that I am one: I’ve seen more of other countries than my native land. Binondo has made realize how terribly ignorant I am of the wonderful places in the Philippines. It is but time to discover my own country.
6 comments:
i agree. so many places in the Philippines i have yet to see. my list is growing. i'm really hoping a trip home would be possible soon.
oh,do come home, kayni. as they say, "it's more fun in the Philippines." hahaha
you still owe me six pesos. ;)
i know,honey! hahahahhahahahahhahahahhha...
did i thank you for making me go there with you? :) (by the way, the ones we're looking for can be found raon. :)
i know where that is. and i say those are health hazards. hahaha..
hahhaha.. yeah, and we don't need them anyway. :)
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