Cover New Binondo-Chinatown Arch (Photo: Flickr / Erickson Tungpalan)
New Binondo-Chinatown Arch (Photo: Flickr / Erickson Tungpalan)
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Binondo, Banawe, and Davao. These Chinatowns in the Philippines show off our unique cultural identity
The Philippines has always been a melting pot of many cultures from our neighbouring countries. One nation, however, has been with us for centuries—deeply intertwining their traditions with ours to create something entirely new. Ever since the Chinese merchants arrived at our shores, we have welcomed them with open arms and have given birth to culturally significant Chinatowns. From the likes of the world’s oldest to the world’s biggest, these districts are the cornerstone of the Filipino-Chinese identity.
More from Tatler: The cultural wanderer’s guide to Binondo, Manila
Binondo, Manila
Above The Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch in Binondo, Manila (Photo: Jove Moya)
The Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch in Binondo, Manila (Photo: Jove Moya)
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Established in 1594 by Governor-General Luis Pérez Dasmariñas, Binondo is recognised as the oldest Chinatown in the world. Serving as a cultural bridge between China and the Philippines, the district is steeped in history and is home to several landmarks such as the Binondo Church, the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch—which is also the biggest Chinatown arch in the world—and the 1919 Grand Cafe, among many others.
Banawe, Quezon City
Above Quezon City's Chinese New Year celebration in Banawe's Chinatown (Photo: Flickr / Gem)
Quezon City's Chinese New Year celebration in Banawe's Chinatown (Photo: Flickr / Gem)
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While Quezon City’s Banawe area is known as the Autoparts Capital of the Philippines due to its abundance of car parts and accessories shops, the district is also known for its Chinatown. Bounded by Sgt Emilio Rivera Street, E. Rodriguez Sr Avenue, Mayon Street, and G. Araneta Avenue, Banawe is full of Chinese restaurants, temples, and arches. It also serves as the venue for Quezon City’s annual Chinese New Year celebration—exhibiting numerous cultural shows, tours, and gastronomical adventures.
Also see: The cultural wanderer’s guide to Bohol, the ʻJewel of the Philippinesʼ
Davao Chinatown, Davao City
Above One of the arches at Davao Chinatown (Photo: Facebook / Davao Chinatown - 納卯唐人街)
One of the arches at Davao Chinatown (Photo: Facebook / Davao Chinatown - 納卯唐人街)
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The biggest Chinatown in the Philippines by land area encompassing four barangays, Davao Chinatown boasts an expansive 44 hectares of land with four arches—Friendship, Unity, Peace, and Prosperity. As the only Chinatown in Mindanao and the only one with a seaport (the Sta Ana Wharf), it houses a majority of the Chinese-Filipino community in the city. Davao Chinatown also serves as a cultural hub, featuring a number of Buddhist and Taoist temples as well as a few Christian churches.
Honourable mention: Cebu City
Above Taoist Temple in Cebu (Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Neigo Genetiano)
Taoist Temple in Cebu (Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Neigo Genetiano)
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From the late 1500s to the 1700s, the Chinese Parian was the go-to place for merchants and artisans. Today, we have Plaridel Street which has become popular for its Chinese restaurants. This led many to wonder, ‘Why is there no Chinatown in Cebu City?’ To that, former mayor Tomas Osmeña says, “From even the time before Magellan landed in Cebu almost 500 years ago, the Chinese have always been welcomed by the Cebuanos. Cebu was historically the center of trade in the Philippines and because of this, many Chinese families have chosen to make Cebu their home. They integrated themselves into the community—even learned to speak Cebuano—and are now an inseparable part of our culture… In short, Cebu has no Chinatown because Cebu is Chinatown. We are also Muslimtown, Koreatown, Eurotown, and everything else.”
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Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
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