Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown founded in 1594, is still thriving as a trade, commercial and tourism center in Manila.
Established by Spanish Governor Luis Pérez Dasmariñas as a settlement for Chinese immigrants who converted to Catholicism, Binondo sits across the Pasig River from Intramuros, the Spanish colonial district. Over the centuries, Binondo has grown into a significant trade center where Chinese families have made substantial contributions to the Philippine economy, politics, and society.
A visit to Bahay Tsinoy offers a glimpse into the deep-rooted history where Chinese and Filipino cultures intertwine. Situated within the historic walls of Intramuros, the cultural center and museum, opened in 1999, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Filipino-Chinese heritage.
Stepping through its doors, visitors are transported through time to an era marked by trade, migration and cultural exchange between the Philippines and China, including the challenges faced during past wars in defense of freedom.
Binondo’s origins can be traced back to the early Spanish colonial period when Chinese immigrants first settled in the Philippines. In 1594, Governor Dasmariñas allocated a plot of land across the Pasig River as a permanent settlement for Chinese converts to Catholicism.
Those who did not convert were left in the Parian. Known as sangleys, the Chinese immigrants brought with them an entrepreneurial spirit and trade expertise, shaping Binondo into a bustling economic center.
The establishment of Binondo Church (Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz) by Spanish Dominican priests in 1596 further solidified the area’s religious and cultural identity.
Today, it stands as one of the oldest churches in the Philippines. The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp. also contributed to Binondo’s growth by establishing its first branch there in 1875. It also emerged as a financial center. Today, Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company, established by the late tycoon George Ty, has 29 branches in Binondo alone.
Bahay Tsinoy’s exhibitions highlight the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Chinese in Philippine society. A visit to this museum is an exploration of identity, heritage, and the interwoven nature of cultures, offering a vision of a future where diversity is celebrated and cherished.