Manila, the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ as it is known, has lived up to its name by enduring many hardships and still managing to produce something of value and beauty. Today, Indonesia’s capital has made a name for itself as one of Asia’s megacities. Among the many attractions: the expansive shopping malls, trendy galleries, lively indie music scene and serviced apartments in Manila prove there is a strong focus on tourism. The city appears busy and chaotic in many ways; the roadways are often congested with traffic while imposing high rises tower above you. An urban oasis like Somerset Olympia Makati may be just what you need to catch your breath and get your bearings.
The Bahay Tsinoy Museum is a must-do stop for history enthusiasts visiting Manila. It paints a picture of the part the Chinese played in Philippine history. In the sixteenth century the Spanish captured the Philippines, mainly to use it as a stepping stone to carry out missionary work in China. The United States also colonized the Philippines but to use it for trading purposes because of its centuries long, thriving trade connections with China. Through the years Chinese influence has found its way into every aspect of Filipino culture and the Filipino people of Chinese descent were an integral part of creating the county we know as the Philippines today.
Bahay, meaning house and Tsinoy, meaning Filipino of Chinese ancestry; traces the origins of Chinese influence in the islands that are now called the Philippines. Displays depict evidence of trade with China, which predates the Spanish colonial era. The Spanish era is also represented, along with the establishment of “parians” which is the term given to the Chinese ghettos. Explore the time of the Galleon trade that took valuable goods from China to Europe through Manila. You can also see the rise of Chinese Filipinos in today’s society, business and government. The museum is open daily except for Monday, from 1pm to 5pm.
Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+
