POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

READINGS IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY

Bachelor of Public Administration 1 - 2
1st Semester S.Y 2024-2025

Silk of Trade: Unraveling

Binondo's History

Alegre, Louie Bouvei M.

Arce, Andrea Khim V.
Bayo, Nike Enzo L.
Bolima, Chelsea Leirish G.
Gutierrez, Maryclaire P.
Lumague, Jonna Marisse V.
Mariano, Mica Ella G.

Jasper Christian L. Gambito, MA

BACKGROUND

Today, Binondo is hardly a memory of its once opulent and irrevocable past. Everywhere

in Binondo are sights of decay: decrepit colonial-type houses hanging on desperately, the old and

noble esteros named after the Queen of Spain are clogged with wastes, their banks laden with

refuse and human excrement; the unpaved streets are perennially muddy even during

summertime; the street corners have become dumping grounds of urban garbage; the canals and

sewers are murky waters bearing deadly diseases. Binondo now has these signs of a putrefying

city. And its ruins have very little to tell of its old glory (Bascara, C. R., 1993).

PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD

The remarkable history of the oldest Chinatown in the Philippines, located in Binondo,

Manila, can be traced back to the pre-colonial period, long before Spanish colonialism took

place in the country. During this time, early Chinese people, primarily engaged in trading goods

such as silk, textiles, porcelain, jade, and spices in exchange for local products, began arriving in

different islands of the Philippines to expand their trading routes and networks with other regions

in Southeast Asia. According to an article, most of these Chinese people came from the regions

of Fujian or Guangdong, and went against the Ming Dynasty's ban on leaving China (Umali,

2019). Fascinated with the Manila galleons and recognizing its possible opportunities in their

trading system, some Chinese merchants decided to settle in the local islands of the archipelago,

mostly in Manila along the Pasig River, and a few in what they called Ma'I. According to the

study of Go Bon Juan,

 Mait (also spelled Maidh, Ma'I, Mai, Ma-yi, or Mayi) is the first place in the Philippines

ever mentioned in Chinese historical accounts, or in any foreign account.

Its existence was first mentioned in 971 in the ancient Song dynasty annals known as the

History of Song, and was also mentioned in the 10th-century records of the Bruneian Empire.

Based on these and other accounts, contemporary scholars believe Ma-i was located either in Bai

of Laguna (Bay of Laguna), or on the island of Mindoro.

As time passed, the Chinese community in Manila continued to grow. It soon became the

central trading hub for Chinese merchants, providing services to both the native Filipinos as well

as to other regions and communities. This interaction created connections between the Chinese

people and local Filipinos, blending their cultural beliefs and practices, which eventually became

the roots of Filipino-Chinese history. This gave birth to the early Filipino-Chinese culture

(Yanga, 2024).

THE PARIAN

(Spanish Period informal settler community)

Conversion to christianity grants you freedom from the parian

-​ Conversion has its privileges; social, economic and political

Binondo’s role in Philippine history may be understood, more fully and deeply, by

revisiting its links with Parian, a Philippine Chinatown. Parian was a product of institutionalized
racial segregation in Spanish Manila. The term is ‘synonymous’ to Chinatown or Binondo and

implies a significant Chinese presence. The first reference to its Chinese origin comes from

Governor General Sebastian Hurtado de Corquera in 1636. He said, “They live in a place which

has been built for them near the walls of Manila called in their language the Parian” (Blair and

Robertson, 1903-1907, Vol. 26, p. 139).

Textbook history taught me that the Chinese were restricted to the Parian, an area outside

Intramuros where the Manila Post Office and the Metropolitan Theater now stand, to keep them

within range of the cannons pointed in their direction.

The Chinese sold their goods in an area called Baybay, or what is now known as San

Nicolas. Chinese junks brought in much-admired items such as silks and other textiles, porcelain

and jade, spices, and myriad food ingredients.

Such items attracted the Spaniards when they took over Manila. Thus, the Parian or

marketplace was created to provide a designated area for selling goods. The establishment of the

Parian helped stimulate the Spanish colonial economy, especially during the height of the galleon

trade which put Manila on the map of global commerce.

The term, pronounced as pai-lin in Mandarin, pak-lam in Cantonese and pa-lam in

Hokkien, does not have meaning at all in Chinese. The closest term to Parian is Chien-nei as

recorded by Shih Liang (1947). According to Liang, “In 1580, on the opposite bank of the

Manila River a great building for the Chinese silk trade was built called Alcaiceria which the
Chinese called Chien-nei” (pp. 233-234). Whatever its provenance, the Parian is a Chinese

ghetto located outside Intramuros (Walled City, Old Manila) where the merchant Sangleys

(Christianized Chinese) and Infieles (unbaptized Chinese) resided, traded, and provided skilled

services. A contemporaneous source described Parian as ‘home’ to artisans and a beehive of

trade and commerce.

BINONDO

“The San Agustin Church was built by the chineses. Established in 1594, Binondo

was created as a settlement specifically for Chinese who converted to Catholicism.

On this day, March 29, in 1594, Binondo was created by Spanish Governor Luis

Perez Dasmarinas as a permanent settlement for Chinese immigrants on the condition

that they will convert to Catholicism. Bought from Encomenderos, Binondo was

originally called Minondoc which means “hilly” or an elevated land.

In addition to the Chinese, Binondo was also a melting pot of other nationalities

making it a cosmopolitan district.”

Source: https://thephilippinestoday.com/binondo-history

Today, Binondo is famous as the answer to the question: what is the oldest Chinatown in

the world? It's a slice of China outside the mainland. The Binondo area, from the streets of

Escolta and Divisoria to the bustle of Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz all the way to Ongpin—and the
many who lived there and contributed to its rich history—has had a huge influence on the rest of

Manila, as well as the nation.

Relations between the Chinese sangleys and the rest of the colony remained low for

centuries, though they became more accepted as they assimilated to the native indio class.

Over the generations, the Chinese elevated themselves in status through intermarriage

and business ventures. Eventually, a mixed-race mestizo de sangley class emerged. These

mestizos were far from the workers and tradesmen that were their ancestors; they were

bourgeois, educated, leaders of the economy. Their sons went on to study at prestigious colleges,

and even Europe to learn liberalism. They called themselves enlightened, ilustrado.

Binondo itself changed. Though its residents went on to embrace colonial culture, they

never dared forget their roots. Incense burned in front of the Virgin Mary in Binondo Church.

Artisans plied their craft and wove lions and chrysanthemums in their stonework and

embroidery. Food became a staple of the Chinese-Filipino, with lumpia, tikoy, pancit, mami, and

so many other dishes still enjoyed today. At its center was Ongpin Street, an enduring reminder

of Chinese heritage in Binondo.

The story of Binondo is the story of the Chinese-Filipino. Seizing opportunity at a time of

political uncertainty, Binondo went from just another enclave of Chinese in Manila: It became a

part of the Filipino psyche itself. Today there are no more sangleys or mestizos or intsiks. There

are only Filipinos in Binondo.

Early Beginnings

“Before the Spanish colonization, Chinese traders were already a significant

presence in the Philippines. They traded goods and influenced local culture, with

Mindoro and Tondo being notable trade ports. The Chinese merchants, primarily from

Fujian and Guangdong, settled along the banks of the Pasig River, contributing to the

local economy and culture.

The Spanish colonial government recognized the economic importance of the

Chinese but also viewed them with suspicion. To manage this, they established Binondo

as a settlement for Chinese immigrants who converted to Catholicism. This area was

strategically located across the Pasig River from Intramuros, the Spanish walled city,

allowing the colonial administration to monitor the Chinese community closely.

In 1596, Dominican priests founded Binondo church to serve their Chinese

converts to Christianity as well as to the native Filipinos. A church was constructed

before 1614. When transferred to its present site in the 18th century, a new church was

built to accommodate new churchgoers. In 1778, the roof was replaced with nipa as the

wood was destroyed by termites. In 1863, the church was slightly damaged by an

earthquake. The original structure has sustained damages during wars and various

natural disasters.”

Source: https://kahimyang.com/articles/3003/the-rich-history-of-binondo-manila
20TH CENTURY

In the 20th century, Binondo, a district in Manila, Philippines, was known as the heart of

the Chinese-Filipino community. Originally established as a settlement for Chinese immigrants

in the 1590s, Binondo flourished in the 20th century as a vibrant commercial hub, with numerous

businesses, shops, and markets catering to both the Chinese and Filipino populations. It became a

focal point for trade, finance, and industry, with the Chinese-Filipino merchants playing a key

role in the local economy.

During this time, Binondo underwent urbanization, modernizing while still maintaining its

rich cultural heritage. The district was a center of Chinese culture, with temples, schools, and

restaurants. The blending of Chinese traditions with Filipino culture created a unique identity for

Binondo. By the mid-20th century, it became known for its bustling streets, the iconic Ongpin

Street, and the many businesses run by the Chinese-Filipino community, making it an important

part of Manila’s commercial life.

Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, continues to thrive as a vibrant cultural and

commercial hub, making it a prime spot for real estate investments. Binondo played a vital role

in the Manila-Acapulco trade and became a center of commerce. Despite challenges like World

War II and the rise of new business districts like Makati, Binondo retains its allure with its rich

history, culinary attractions, and bustling marketplaces. Its streets, like Ongpin, teeming with life

as locals and visitors flock to savor authentic Chinese cuisine or shop for affordable goods in

Divisoria and Lucky Chinatown Mall.

 Today, Binondo’s significance endures, with major developers like Federal Land and

Megaworld investing in residential and retail projects. The district benefits from its proximity to

the main port and infrastructure developments that enhance connectivity, driving demand from

both Filipino-Chinese communities and expats. Land values average around PhP 300,000 per

square meter, reflecting the area’s enduring economic potential. With ongoing urban rejuvenation

initiatives by local government leaders, Binondo is poised to remain a cultural and economic

treasure in the heart of Manila, blending its historical legacy with modern progress.
REFERENCES

– A history of disastrous fires in Philippine Chinatown

Madrid, R. M. (2012). A history of disastrous fires in Philippine Chinatown. Philippine

Social Sciences Review, 64(2).

– An Overview of Binondo’s History

See, T. A., & Chu, R. T. (2012). An Overview of Binondo’s History. Manila, 8(1), 1-1.

– Binondo in the twentieth century

De Viana, L. D. (2007). Binondo in the Twentieth Century, 1900-1940. Manila, 3(1), 1-1.

– Binondo: History of oldest chinatown in the world

‎Yanga, A. (2024, October 15). Binondo: History of oldest chinatown in the world.

CHiNOY TV 菲華電視台.

– How Binondo became the world's oldest Chinatown

Umali, J. (2019, February 4). How Binondo became the world’s oldest chinatown.

Esquiremag.ph.

– Ma’l in Chinese records

Go Bon Juan (2008), Ma’l in Chinese records - philippine studies.

– Manila’s Architectural Heritage 1571-1960. Volume 1 The Center: Intramuros, Binondo

Morley, I. (2023). Manila’s Architectural Heritage 1571-1960. Volume 1 The Center:

Intramuros, Binondo, San Nicolas, Tondo: by Fernando N. Zialcita and Erik Akpedonu

with Victor S. Venida, Endangered Splendor, Quezon City, Ateneo de University Manila

Press, 2021, 401 pp.

– The Birth and Death of a city

Bascara, C. R. (1993). Spanish Binondo: The Birth and Death of a City.

Anuaryo/Annales: Journal of History, 11(1), 1-1.

– The Massacre of 1603 Chinese Perception of Spanish in the Philippines

Borao, J. E. (1998). The Massacre of 1603 Chinese Perception of the Spanish in the

Philippines. Itinerario, 22(1), 22–40. doi:10.1017/S0165115300012407

– The Philippines Today

Berto. (2024, November 28). Binondo history. The Philippines Today.

– The rich history of Binondo, Manila

The Kahimyang Project. (2024, September 29). The rich history of Binondo, Manila.
APPENDIX A

Script:

Silk of trade: Unraveling Binondo's History

Short Clip Montage

Location 1 - Binondo

Welcome to Binondo! Join us as we step back in time and

Person 1 explore the world’s oldest Chinatown, dissecting its rich
and vibrant history.

Soundtrack 1 - Jalen Ngonda - If you don’t want my love

Establishing B-Rolls of Binondo

?
Today, Binondo is hardly a memory of its once opulent and
irrevocable past. Everywhere in Binondo are sights of
decay: decrepit colonial-type houses hanging on
desperately, the old and noble esteros named after the
Queen of Spain are clogged with wastes, their banks laden
with refuse and human excrement; the unpaved streets are
perennially muddy even during summertime; the street
corners have become dumping grounds of urban garbage;
the canals and sewers are murky waters bearing deadly
diseases. Binondo now has these signs of a putrefying city.
And its ruins have very little to tell of its old glory. ~
Bascara, C. R. (1993)

PRE-COLONIAL PHILIPPINES

Chelsea *‎ dramatic bg music*

‎
‎"Ganito pala sa Binondo...
‎Maingay, *insert clip of people in Binondo*
‎Mausok, *insert clip tambutso ng sasakyan*
‎at Makasaysayan...*sabay tingin sa camera*
MAKASAYSAYAN?!?
‎
‎*transition –> title
‎
‎: Binondo, Manila, is popularly referred to as the
Chinatown of the Philippines. This remarkable place is
known for its rich history and Chinese culture. As you stroll
 Silk of trade: Unraveling Binondo's History
deeper into the streets, you will be fascinated with various
historical landmarks that offers you a glimpse into the past,
leading you back to the origin of the Filipino-Chinese
culture. This place has a long history. Now, let's start at the
very beginning.
‎
‎*quick transition*
‎
‎: Binondo was officially established in 1594, making it the
oldest Chinatown, but its history dates back to the
pre-colonial period.
‎
‎: Even before the Spaniards arrived, early Chinese people,
mostly traders and merchants, had already established
trading networks and routes in the country.

:‎ ‎ Fascinated with the opportunities, they decided to settle

in the local islands of the archipelago, specifically in areas
they referred to as "Parian" (now the Plaza Lawton and
Arroceros Forest Park in Manila) and in "Ma'I" which is
believed to be either an island in Mindoro or the Bay in
Laguna.
‎
:‎ The Philippines, particularly Manila, became a central
trading hub for them. Blending in with the locals, the
relationship between the two communities became
intertwined. Soon, the Chinese community in Manila
began to flourish, giving birth to Filipino-Chinese culture.

ROOTS OF BINONDO – THE HISTORY OF THE PARIAN (SANGLEY MASSACRE)

Ken/Mica Binondo’s role in Philippine history may be understood,

more fully and deeply, by revisiting its links with Parian, a
Philippine Chinatown. Parian was a product of
institutionalized racial segregation in Spanish Manila.

The term is ‘synonymous’ to Chinatown or Binondo and

implies a significant Chinese presence. The first reference
to its Chinese origin comes from Governor General
Sebastian Hurtado de Corquera in 1636. He said, “They live
in a place which has been built for them near the walls of
Manila called in their language the Parian”

The establishment of the Parian helped stimulate the

Spanish colonial economy, especially during the height of
 Silk of trade: Unraveling Binondo's History
the galleon trade which put Manila on the map of global
commerce.

The settlers of the parian are called the sangleys. "Sangley"

was the Spanish term used in the Philippines during the
Spanish colonial era to describe a person of pure overseas
Chinese ancestry. It is believed to have originated from the
Hokkien Chinese word "Seng-lí," meaning "business,"
reflecting the business activities of early Chinese
immigrants in the Philippines.

But the parian is considered to be a bad area for commerce

for these siong-lai they faced discrimination and prejudice
from the Spanish authorities and the native Filipino
population. This included social and economic restrictions,
and they were often subjected to suspicion and hostility,
additionally the Spanish colonial government imposed
heavy taxes and restrictions on the Sangleys, exploiting
their economic activities for the benefit of the crown.

Conversion to christianity grants them freedom from the

parian and grants them their privilege they were deprived
of.

Ken/Mica *bg music*

Hello there people, Did you know that in 1603, was when
the Sangley rebellion happened which led to the
massacre of thousands of Chinese people?

Historically, it was an uprising event that significantly

impacted the Chinese community and exposed the
challenges of colonial rule under the Spanish in the
Philippines.

During the Spanish colonization, the Chinese

community known as “Sangley” was vital to the welfare
of Manila—and the economy became highly dependent
upon them for their economic role as traders and
artisans. However, this posed an internal threat to the
Silk of trade: Unraveling Binondo's History
Spanish administration. The Spanish were worried by
the economic success of the Chinese. Therefore, despite
their contributions to the economy, the government still
had assigned all Chinese to live in a separate compound
called Parian, a particular district in Manila outside
Intramuros. The government began to levy heavy taxes
on them, with restrictive policies, and treated them very
harshly.

*Show pics of the event*

Tensions reached a boiling point in June 1603 when the

government introduced even stricter regulations. This
sparked a violent revolt, as the Sangleys sought to rise
against the oppressive conditions they faced. The
rebellion was marked by attempts to reclaim rights and
challenge the authority of the Spanish. Although initially
the Sangleys managed to rally, the rebellion didn't last
long due to the military forces deployed by the Spanish
government. Thousands of Sangleys were executed, and
countless others faced deportation.

*back to the reporter*

(For ending of sangley rebellion)

The Spanish reaction was overwhelming, and the

rebellion that led to massacre left deep scars in the
Chinese community, illustrating the systemic racial and
economic tensions that prevailed during this era of
colonialism. The Sangley Rebellion of 1603 not only
highlights the struggles faced by the Chinese immigrants
in the Philippines but also serves as a crucial chapter in
understanding the complexities of colonial rule and
resistance.

ORIGINS OF BINONDO
 Silk of trade: Unraveling Binondo's History
Marisse/
Louie Marisse: Did you know that long before the Spanish
came sailing into the Philippines, Chinese traders
were already here, making waves—literally and
figuratively? Ports like Mindoro and Tondo were
buzzing with activity as these merchants from Fujian
and Guangdong brought in goods, culture, and, let’s
face it, some pretty good dumpling recipes. Talk about
an early import-export relationship!

​
But when the Spanish rolled in, things
got...complicated. They saw the Chinese as a
double-edged sword—great for the economy, but
maybe a little too independent for comfort. Their
solution? The creation of Binondo! Think of it as a
colonial version of a gated community—only this one
came with a catch: you had to convert to Catholicism
to live there. Conveniently located right across the
Pasig River from Intramuros, it gave the Spanish a
front-row seat to keep an eye on their new neighbors.

Louie: Talk about keeping your friends close and

your business partners closer! Binondo quickly
became a melting pot of cultures and a bustling hub of
commerce.

​
Now, let’s talk about the crown jewel of Binondo: the
Binondo Church. Founded in 1596 by Dominican
priests, this church wasn’t just a place of worship—it
was a symbol of resilience. The original structure went
through more transformations than a celebrity on a
red carpet. Termites? No problem. Earthquakes?
Shake it off. Wars? Still standing. This church is
basically the ultimate survivor.

​
In fact, in 1778, the roof had to be replaced with nipa
Silk of trade: Unraveling Binondo's History
because termites thought the wood was a buffet. And
don’t even get me started on the 1863
earthquake—talk about groundbreaking history!
Despite it all, the Binondo Church remains a proud
witness to centuries of stories and faith.

​
Marisse: So there you have it! From Chinese traders
setting up shop to Binondo becoming a thriving
cultural and economic hub, this neighborhood is
steeped in history—and maybe a little soy sauce.
Whether it’s the resilience of the Binondo Church or
the bustling trade that started it all, this place is a
testament to the enduring spirit of community and
culture.