This article was updated in accordance to the relevance of the topic to the current real estate development in Binondo.
Every major city in the world may have a Chinatown, but there is no Chinatown quite like Binondo. Founded in 1594, it is the oldest Chinatown in the world. Many tour guides will proudly show visitors how this district in Manila is a historical treasure.
But in the last few years, Binondo is slowly transforming from a busy, commercial district into an ideal residential neighborhood that’s slowly attracting those who have an affiliation to both the past and the present.
Historical buildings that are several hundred years old are now residential condo developments as its new neighbors. The layout and design of some of these properties follow feng-shui, a popular Chinese philosophical system used to correct energy flows and harmonize everything in a featured environment.
Preserving history
Meanwhile, some of the historical buildings themselves are having their own facelifts. For example, the Tsinoy residents’ Catholic devotion has led to the breathtaking improvements to Binondo Church.
Although new, these recent developments are proving themselves to be equally integral parts of Binondo’s character. This is because these projects allow us to continue to have a full appreciation and immersion into Binondo and its local color.
On a more practical level, they also affect real estate values in the community – which has been going up in percentages any real estate investor would appreciate.
As such, we hope to see more developments that also champion historical preservation. Hopefully, also, this idea should compel not just developers and the government, but also everyone, including visitors, to commit to maintaining the amazing community of Binondo.
How would you preserve Binondo? Share your ideas with us by leaving a comment below!
