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Ongpin-located at Binondo, Manila, possesses our country's version of Chinatown. It is a small "town" created by the Chinese who opted to stay in the country for good. Its Chinese population is one of the largest here in the Philippines. Even the Taiwanese and Cantonese chose Ongpin as their home away from home. A tour around Chinatown can give you the basics of what true Chinese living is all about. People here, who are mostly Chinese, live fast-paced lives, spending time just mopping around is a big no-no. There is always something to do. Even catching up with them is hard; they walk real fast. Time is so important that there is no wonder why people in Ongpin are still walking around the streets at around midnight. Chinese people really talk fast. It is impossible for someone to miss that during a visit to Ongpin. Catching their words may sometimes give you the impression that they are talking gibberish, even if you understand their language. Now I remember my friend once telling me, "Chinese do talk and walk fast." Also, most of the Chinese living in Ongpin are of the "traditional" type. They are the ones who value their culture more. Differences in their way of wearing clothes, choice of language, social lifestyle, etc. are very evident.
There are even streets having similar stores piled up side by side. Almost all of the shops do well, even if competition is really tight. This is because people respect Chinese businessmen. Transacting businesses with the Chinese is always an experience, given that the Chinese have a word of honor may it be for their own growth or for the other party. Often, people come to Ongpin to get a taste of Chinese cuisine, even if they have a Chinese restaurant near their houses. It is always different, the way the noodles are cooked, ingredients used and the restaurant's aroma. People can't seem to get a grasp of what "mysterious" sauces they put in to make it authentically Chinese. Having a mini-trip here in Ongpin makes me real proud of being Chinese. It reminds me of the culture that was once instilled in me by my grandparents. Having all those superstitious beliefs and sayings that I once believed in. The different taste and smell far from others, the language. There is an excitement of seeing people and chancing upon events that can only take place in Chinatown.
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