Binondo’s Old Houses and Tricycle Kuliglig

Last Saturday, fellow bloggers and I went to Binondo, Manila to see the San Nicolas Street, where old Spanish houses (as old as the 1800s) are still present, although waiting to be demolished.

Here are some of my photos, taken using my sturdy Nokia N73. I enhanced the photos using GIMP to make the colors more vivid.

Compromising The Old and The New

Having an old-looking house in the vicinity of relatively high-rise buildings (see the higher building at the back of the house, on the right side) looks odd, right? These houses survived the World War II bombings, in which Manila was left pretty much devastated.

A Cornered House

This house above, which is said to have been built in 1850, has been abandoned by its Chinese owner, and is waiting to be demolished. It is a pity that this house was not maintained well by its owners. Right now, this house serves as a boarding house, and is scheduled to be demolished by the Manila government by 2010.We went to the outside left side of this house, and here’s what I saw when I looked up.

Maintaining the Unmaintained

Apparently, people here are hearing cricket sounds from Tricycles, so the sounds are not allowed to enter.

Cricket Sounds from Tricycles

These houses possess intricate decors which reminds me of old Europe. See the intricate door design below.

Driveway? Maybe Not.

And the sign across this house?

I Don’t Think He’ll Come Soon

Buy me a coffee!

Tags: binondo, manila, old spanish houses, san nicolas

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You’re currently reading “Binondo’s Old Houses and Tricycle Kuliglig,” an entry on Simplicity is Beauty

Published:: 08.18.08 / 5am

Category:: Travel

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edelweiza August 22, 2008

nice tour you had…it’s a pity the very few old houses left in manila have not been preserved as they should be. friends and i are planning for a food tour in binondo…hope it will push thru.
edelweizas last blog post..Round Bed for Me

bryan inno August 22, 2008

what are kuligligs?.. hehe.. anyway.. these structures are waiting to be demolished??.. that is quite sad.. is there any way to preserve them?.. coz they are part of our history..

Meikah Delid August 23, 2008

Nice capture still, Diane!
Meikah Delids last blog post..Passing on Tradition?

Diane August 25, 2008

@edelweiza: Oo I really hope din! Binondo’s full of history and delicious, authentic Chinese food.

@Bryan Inno: Cricket sounds. The second house above seems very damaged, and cannot be preserved. The “best” way is to copy the architecture of these old houses, and “modernize” them, just like that seemingly Spanish house where Starbucks Ongpin is located.

@Meikah: Thanks!

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jongbasco September 21, 2008

i think that “kuliglig” being pointed out in the pic does not pertain to the insect but a type of vehicle powered by a tractor engine.

jongbascos last blog post..I am a BANANA!

Diane September 26, 2008

@jongbasco: Ah, oh. My bad. Thanks for the info!

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