Through the sheer generosity of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. and its partners, the oldest Chinatown in the world is being lit up and is targeted to regain its former glory of luring local and foreign visitors.
Recently launched by no less than President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and First Lady Lisa Marcos, the China Town Revitalization Project, as it is dubbed, is expected to draw thousands of visitors daily, especially on weekends when the so-called projection mapping of the Binondo Church is conducted every 30 minutes from 7 pm.
The Rehabilitation Project has four phases.
The first one was the lighting of Jones Bridge, while the second phase was the illumination of key streets, commercial corridors and cultural landmarks.
Media practitioners felt a sense of pride as they were treated on a tour of these areas which they found remarkable and impressive.
To start things off, they visited a part of Pasig River that offered a panoramic view of some old buildings in Manila and Jones bridge. The lighting effected a different charm, which somehow evoked a sense of deja vu of certain Parisian museums when seen from the vantage point of a Seine River cruise.
Next, the media delegation was allowed to get off at the Sta. Cruz parish, which was also lit.
Records note Sta. Cruz Church is a Spanish Baroque-style building that was established in 1619.
It originally served the Chinese population.
Aside from these, four Binondo gates were illuminated: Qing Shan Gate, Ongpin South Gate, Ongpin North Gate and Tuan Jie Gate.
The lighting of these selected gates, streets and landmarks completes the second phase of the Binondo Revitalization Project.
From its founding in 1594, the world’s oldest Chinatown has been a historic center of trade and cultural exchange and is currently “a protected, yet vibrant heritage in the heart of Manila.” Its revitalization serves to honor more than four centuries of Filipino-Chinese history and resilience as well as its contributions to the nation’s commercial and cultural life.
The impressive and remarkable projection mapping of the Binondo Church encapsulates these age-old contributions.
Local government officials and the Chinese community are excited to see more people enjoying night strolls and recapturing glimpses of the Town’s glorious past through the lighting initiative and the projection mapping.
Guests can also expect safer visits and cleaner environments as the project progresses through to Phases 3 and 4.
No timeline on these has yet been set, but the media people were told the safety of visitors to these lighted Binondo areas will be prioritized.
