世界最古の中華街で
チャイニーズニュイヤー体験！
Chinese New Year in the World’s Oldest China Town

中華街のランドマーク、ビノンド教会　
The land mark of Chinatown, Binondo church.

中華街の入り口に建つ親善門　The Friendship Gate built at the entrance of Chinatown.	あちらこちらに着ぐるみの姿。でもキャラクター不明 People wore costumes of different characters and they were marching everywhere.
ジューシーな肉まんじゅうが人気　Shanghai Fried Siopao is very popular with its juicy meat filling.	エストラーダ市長がパレードに登場　 Mayor Joseph Estrada appears in a float in the parade.
ビノンド教会裏の通りにある新竹餃子館の水餃子　Water dumplings served by Tasty Dumpling Shop on the street behind Binondo Church.	中華街の隣は激安商品が手に入るデビソリア Next to Chinatown is Divisoria where you can get cheap items.

2月16日、チャイニーズニューイヤーの元日にマニラの中華街に行ってみた。到着したのは正午近く。サンタ・クルーズ・パリッシュ・チャーチ向かいの親善門からオングピン・ストリートへ入るが立ち並ぶ屋台と人の波、さらにパレードがそこを通り抜けるためまるで満員電車状態。やっとのことで少しずつ歩みを進めるがどこまで行っても人、人、人。街に出ればそこかしこで人混み差しあたるマニラ首都圏だがさすがにこれだけの人込みはまずないだろう。国民の9割がキリスト教徒というフィリピンでこんなにも多くの人々がこの日ここに集うことに驚いた。もちろんそのすべてが中国系という訳ではないだろうが、やはりこの国における中国系の人々のパワーは圧倒的だ。仕事に疲れたり旅の疲れを感じたらここを訪れて食事やショッピングでパワーを補給してみてはいかがだろうか？
On February 16, I went to China Town of Manila for the Chinese New Year. It was nearly noon when I arrived. From Friendship Gate that faces Santa Cruz Parish Church, I entered Ongpin Street. Stalls lined up the streets and there were waves of people. The parade was passing through the street, it was just like a crowded train during rush-hour. Finally I was moving through the mass of people little by little, but no matter where I go, there was this crowd. if you go out to town in Manila metropolitan area it gets crowded, but I didnt expect it to reach this level. About 90% of the Filipinos are Christians, I was surprised that so many people gather here for the Lunar New Year. Of course not all of them are Chinese or have Chinese ancestry, but the power of Chinese community in this country is overwhelming. Why not try visiting China Town and experience it for yourself.