Touring Divisoria Market in Manila
Divisoria is Manila's largest marketplace
Located on the north side of the Pasig River is the renowned Binondo area, otherwise known as Chinatown. Visitors will find all things Oriental throughout the district, from Peking Duck at roadside stalls to traditional herbal medications. Binondo is home to the bargain-centre of Manila, Divisoria Market, and should not be passed by when visiting the Philippines’ capital.
This bustling area of the city begins at the crack of dawn with commerce in the markets and continues all through the day at the numerous different bazaars. Walking along the congested streets and taking in the ever-present smell of burning incense and a myriad of smoked delicacies sets the ambience for the most unique of walking tours.
The best place to start a walking tour is on Ognpin Street – nicknamed 24-karat street in reference to the numerous jewellery shops that it boasts – which is lined with traditional medicine shops, fantastic Chinese tea shops, acupuncture clinics, mah-jong parlours and, of course, jewellery stores. Those interested in martial arts could also enrol in a kung-fu school if all the shopping and bargain-hunting is not for you. More on activities.
Each street in Chinatown caters to different needs, and it’s fair to say that there will be something for everyone. Those looking for upholstery and canvass supplies will find what they need in Sabino Padilla, while back on Ongpin is the unique La Resurrection, a store which sells cacao and old-fashioned chocolate tablets used for making cocoa in the traditional way of Spanish colonial times. More on history.
For a spot of culture, head to Plaza Santa Cruz to take in the Santa Cruz Church which was erected by Jesuits in 1619 to accommodate the Chinese who had converted to Christianity. In addition to some excellent photographic opportunities of this stunning structure, there is also the chance to see the somewhat bizarre sight of devotees walking on bended knees so as to prostrate themselves before the alter to symbolise their faith.
A walk through Divisoria Night Market
Endless gastronomic delights are also at every turn for the Binondo day tripper. Piping hot congee, dim sum and a variety of dumplings can be enjoyed in some of the more classy restaurants or in one of the many small teahouses which line the streets. Chinese cuisine prepared in the Cantonese, Macanese and Fukienese styles can also be found on many restaurant menus. More on restaurants.
Sweet meats and pastry such as machang (rolled up sticky rice filled with meat and wrapped in a banana leaf) and hopia (a flaky pastry with a mung bean or purple yam stuffing) can be bought at food stalls and bakeries scattered throughout the district and are well-worth sampling as a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack. Street carts hawking snacks such as roasted chestnuts and fresh sugar cane are also found all over Binondo.
For those who believe in the powers of the more traditional medicines, some of the local apothecaries sell products containing ginseng, deer horn, bird’s nest, dried snake, shark fin cartilage and animal testicles among other exotic ingredients.
Apothecaries will gladly recommend remedies for visitors who explain their symptoms, and will even inform curious customers why the aforementioned items are on display. Despite the advances and availability of modern medicines, many locals still swear by the traditional Chinese remedies.
If a day time trailing through the streets of Binondo is not enough, head to the incredible Divisoria Night Market. Still in Chinatown, it is one of Manila’s oldest markets and one of the biggest night bazaars in all of Asia. Among the hustle and bustle and the constant din, some of the best deals in town are to be had here and it is, without doubt, a bargain-hunters paradise. More on markets.
Bright footwear is easy to find here
Divisoria is chaotic but cannot be matched for goods and prices anywhere else in Manila. Name the product and the likelihood is that it can be found somewhere amid all the stalls. The market is renowned for its textiles, with starting prices generally being wholesale, although those who consider themselves assured in the art of haggling will find no better place to challenge themselves than here.
Rows of stalls, known as tiangge, line the streets selling jewellery, clothes, handicrafts, counterfeit goods and much more. Those looking for local handcrafts and indigenous products will not be disappointed at ‘Divi’, with such items as wall hangings, chandeliers and lamps made of capis, as well as furniture decorated with silvers from inlaid tamaraw (Philippine Water Buffalo) horns being on offer. More on souvenirs.
Among other popular purchases are novelty items such as parols (Christmas lanterns) made of capis, native wood carvings, religious statues and wind chimes constructed with shells.
Cloth made of abaca (Manila hemp) and pinya (pineapple fibres) are yet more examples of what’s on offer, while there is also the usual street-side food stalls selling various Filipino delicacies and, for the less adventurous, fast food joints including McDonald’s and Burger King. More on Chinatown.
First time visitors are likely to find the market confusing and somewhat mazelike, meaning a local guide could be a good option. This will provide the benefit of someone who can navigate the market well, act as a translator and be a bargain middleman. Extra things to consider before heading to Divisoria include wearing comfortable shoes and old clothes, carrying small notes, being aware of pickpockets, and preferably travelling there with someone else.
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