I was a fresh graduate from Mapua Institute of Technology when I got my first job here. Binondo is not a stranger to me anymore. I have been a frequent visitor of Quintin Paredes, a busy street in China Town every time I claim my scholarship fund at RCBC Tower. Back then, I am already a fan of the busyness of the old Manila. Every trip to Binondo has been like a picturesque stroll admiring the old architecture of the Binondo Church and the PhilTrust Building that had survived through the years. Never did it occur that soon after I got my diploma, I'll be travelling the same roads to my 1st ever workplace.
A fellow Mapuan (brother of my sister's best friend), got my resume and submitted it to this company. During those time, I have no idea about GGGP. All I know is that it is an architectural firm located in Binondo. I got a call from the secretary, asked me to come by at their office for an interview. I was still working as a drafting instructor in my former school when I got the call. I went there, had my actual cad exam. The manager told me that they'll try me for a week. If things would work out, we'll talk again, then might hire me for good. It was January of 2005 when I started to be a Binondo Girl.
Days passed....weeks....months....and years....I have traveled the same road, experienced the same traffic jams, dodge a few men in big bikes (whom you know us the Anti-Colorum Policemen) and used the same elevator going to the office. My manager never talked to me again, nor confirmed if I am officially hired. I know that it's understandable that I am, of course, an official employee already. With all the remittances and taxes deducted, benefits and bonuses that adds to my regular pay, not to mention the several salary increase through-out the years. My daily job has been fulfilling because I get to do what I love the most and get paid.
Cost of living here is minimal. You need not to have a huge amount of money just to satisfy your craving for a good food. There's a lot of restaurants to choose from, even before Lucky China Town Mall was built. Here's a few from the list that you have to check out when your wandering feet decided to bring you here. 1) Tasty Dumpling - try their Pork Chop Rice that 2 more extra rice can accommodate. 2) Sincerity - Their chicken is so tasty, a fair match for Bon Chon's. 3) Estero - a restaurant right beside the estero, thus the name. Their dishes are superb and affordable too, never mind the location. Lol! 4) Presidents Restaurant - This is the richer version of Estero. Brace yourself to dine under a huge and elegant chandelier. And eat on a huge table with a traditional lazy susan. The food: Oh so yummy! Politicians and celebrities are seen here. We dined here once and we saw Mayor Fred Lim, and he even shake hands with our boss. 5) McDonald's (in front of Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz) - The food here are not that special compared to other McDonald's Branch. It's the ambiance that makes it more special. Try eating your Mcnuggets or Twister Fries at the 2nd Floor Area of this chain, and you'll experience what I am saying. You will have the view of the whole plaza, and might even think that you're probably in HongKong or Mainland China with the signage of all establishments here having a Chinese Character beside it. 6) Wai Ying Resturant - Their fried dumplings are the best!!! You can munch a dozen of it all by yourself.
Mini Stop, 7-11 and Finds are nothing compared to Binondo's own One Stop Shop, the Shopper's Mart. From toiletries to quick snacks, they even got Ferrero Rocher for sale. Your Tikoys and Mooncakes are always abundant in this place. Located along the infamous street in Binondo, the Ongpin Street.
During Christmas Season and Back-To-School Time, the streets of Juan Luna serves as a shopping center. With a keen eye and long patience of searching best finds, you'll be able to buy something that would cost more if you'll buy it in the mall. Divisioria Mall, Tutuban Mall and 168 Mall are some of the shopping malls near Binondo. Just a few blocks away from the plaza, you'll get to have a full wardrobe complete with a blouse,pants, and shoes for less than a thousand bucks.
Kuligligs (motorized pedicabs) rule the streets of Binondo. But the kalesas are still visible and can be used as public transport. The tourists visiting China Town prefers this mode of transportation so as to experience the Chinoy's (Chinese-Filipino) old ways.
Banks are everywhere! Can you believe it, there are 2 MetroBanks in Plaza Cervantes and 2 BDOs along Quintin Parades. Not to mention the other branches just a few walks from the other. I guess it's best to say that Binondo is really a rich Town. Not just by the monetary aspect of it, but with the cultural side of it.
After 8 long years, being a Binondo Girl here is my confession. Working in Binondo is extraordinaire!
"If you're brave to say goodbye, life will reward you with a sweet hello." - Paolo Coelho
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