A week ago, I took a solo trip to Manila. I was about to cancelled that trip after cancelling a very important appointment. But I had nothing to do with my 3 days off from work and the booked flights would be wasted. It was my first air travel of the year and was quite surprised at one new airport rule where one is not allowed anymore to bring an umbrella on board or inside your carry on luggage. That time I only had a carry on bag but they still want me to go back to the counter and surrender my umbrella. Yes! I had to check-in an umbrella alone. Too much story about my umbrella, obviously I still went on with the trip to visit my brother and his family.
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The next day was Chinese New Year. I woke up early after a very long rest. Actually planned to visit Chinatown to buy my partner a present. I also have nothing to do all day, so I decided to go out and headed to Manila Chinatown.
I've been to Chinatown a couple of times before (alone too) but never took any photos of the place. So I brought my camera with me as I knew it would be a great day to take photos in time for the Chinese new year celebration.
One can easily find the place just look for Ongpin Street and that's where Chinatown is.
Anywhere I look at, everything and almost all people are wearing red and gold. There are a lot of them selling lucky charms, fruits and tikoy in the streets. Finally saw what I want to buy for my partner and got it after a bit of haggle. I continued my walk and dropped by at my hopia suki (favorite shop). For me, Baker's Fair is the best when it comes to freshly baked hopia in the town. There is also Eng Bee Tin in every corner if you want varieties of Chinese delicacies.
On my way back, I also passed by a corner where people (mostly Chinese) are offering prayers. That corner is not a silent one either as I still heard some beat of the drums.
At the end of the street, I saw a couple selling personalized key holders with a rabbit figure (it's year of the rabbit) attached to it so I also bought one as a souvenir with my name engraved on it. I can see that some folks are busy preparing for the evening festival.
I was not in my happiest mood at that time for some personal reasons but somehow the walk around Chinatown helped me forget about being upset for awhile.
By the way, it is also best to go there during the night if you fancy to watch the dragon dance and fireworks.
Kung Hei Fat Choi!
