quiapo

Feast of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo, Manila)

Posted on January 18, 2011

Every 9th of January, the streets of Manila become raging rivers of devotees clad in yellow and maroon, venerating a 17th century image of Jesus carrying the cross called the Black Nazarene. The image was brought from Acapulco, Mexico to Manila in 1606, during the time of the galleon trade. The ‘translacion’ procession is one of the most intense religious celebrations in the Philippines, where millions of barefoot devotees fight for a chance to touch the image or pull theRead More→

DIY Walking Tour – Quiapo

Posted on July 2, 2010

Location: Quiapo, Manila Starting Point: Legarda LRT End Point: Carriedo LRT Distance: 1.7 km Duration: 1 to 2 hours   Named after the kiapo or water lettuce that once thrived along Pasig River, Quiapo is one of Manila’s old districts packed with colorful market stalls, colonial churches and rundown Spanish-period houses. Since the 1970s, business establishments began to move out to other cities leaving much of the area to deteriorate. However, people still flock here to pay homage to theRead More→

The Labyrinth Called Manila

Posted on October 19, 2008

This article was first published in the premiere issue of ROAM, a Manila-based magazine for alternative travel and outdoor enthusiasts.  While the mere thought of skipping leisurely through Old Manila’s thoroughfares might seem daunting or perhaps even frightening to the uninitiated, such an experience provides an invaluable insight into the history, culture and culinary landscape of one of the most vibrant capitals in the world. (Well, the 69th in Lonely Planet’s The Cities Book. Still not bad, out of 200).   The grind ofRead More→

Bahay Nakpil-Bautista & Boix House (Quiapo, Manila)

Posted on May 19, 2008

On the tamer side of Quezon Boulevard, the echoes of colonial domesticity and fortune still linger within the old homes of Quiapo. While many have suffered the slow death of neglect and the doom of uncaring government-sanctioned demolitions, one domicile proves to be a heritage conservation success amidst the raucous of jeepneys, fruit vendors, political rhetoric and hawkers of bootlegged videos that clog the narrow streets that were once the most beautiful in all of Manila. The Bahay Nakpil-Bautista.  BuiltRead More→

Quiapo: Faith & Frenzy

Posted on March 11, 2008

If you can handle the nitty-gritty of Manila, holler your way through the rowdy streets of Quiapo–the labyrinthine downtown of the Philippine capital–where a plethora of goods are sold at most probably the best bargains in the metropolis. This includes, yes, photographic goodies like vintage cameras and film! R. Hidalgo Street (Map here) is considered to be the photographer’s Mecca, where, if you’re patient (or lucky) enough, you will stumble upon a true-blue lomographic camera (like a second-hand Lubitel 166B)Read More→