Binondo for P500 or less? It's so doable!

The challenge was simple: Try to stretch a P500 budget into a light snack, a heavy meal, some souvenirs to bring back home, and something unique or cool thing that can be experienced in the world’s oldest Chinatown.

Starting budget: P500

Not counting the P8 Baclaran-Divisoria jeepney fare I paid to get into Binondo, my first purchase was fresh lumpia (P60) at New Po Heng Lumpia House (G/F, Uy Su Bin Building, Quintin Paredes Street). Stuffed with tofu, carrots, cabbage, and a few secret ingredients, the spring roll is a perfect breakfast or mid-morning snack. If you need something to wash down the lumpia, there’s a complimentary service tea right beside the kitchen entrance.

Measuring two-three inches in diameter, the fresh lumpia from New Po Heng is the perfect breakfast or mid-morning snack.Photos: Stanley See

Current budget: P440

Time for a little sightseeing and picture-taking. Luckily, entering the Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz or Binondo Church doesn’t cost a thing. I spent a few minutes marveling at the interior of this 16th century church founded by Dominican priests in 1596, as well as said a little prayer for guidance and good health.

Entering Ongpin Street and into Yuchengco (formerly known as Nueva) Street led me to Ho-Land Chinese Delicacies for some pasalubong shopping. Most Pinoys would be familiar with hopia with pork, mung bean (monggo), or ube filling but I set my eyes on the green and yellow colored hopia custard (P48 per 5pc. pack).

The light and flaky crust combined with the not-too-sweet, golden custard filling is definitely something that is meant to be shared with friends and family members.

I know my grandmother is fond of the ube-macapuno variety (P48 per 5pc. pack) so I also grab one for her.

Hot Tip: Go to the store during early to mid-afternoon to ensure that the ones you take home are the latest batch.

The ensure you bring home the freshest batch of hopia, drop by Ho-Land Chinese delicacies during early to mid-afternoon.

Current budget: P344

It was almost 11am, when I got out of Ho-Land and headed straight to Yuchengo. I turned right to Dasmariñas Street for a light lunch at Ying Ying Tea House (about 300 meters). Since it was still brunch/early lunch time, ordering dim sum together with hot tea was still an acceptable dining choice.

There are more than two dozen dim sum choices on the menu but I chose the Steamed Spareribs (P70) and Shrimp Cheong Fan/Fun (P75) for my first round. A “cheong fun” is steamed rice (noodle) roll that can be stuffed with whole shrimps, roasted pork/asado, or minced beef and is served with a bowl of sweet soy sauce on the side.

To supersize my meal, I added Soy Chicken Toasted Mami (P120).

Both dim sum dishes are ideally enjoyed with steaming hot tea and aren’t easily found in other Chinese fast food chains.

Compared to Singapore’s version of Soy Sauce Chicken Noodle, Ying Ying’s did not have a spicy sauce that accompanied the dry noodles. The sauce (either hoisin or sweet soy sauce) that was served on the side can be used to dip the chicken pieces or mixed with the noodles for added flavor.

Cheong Fan/Fun or steam rice noodle roll can be stuffed with whole shrimps, roasted pork/asado, or minced beef.

Remaining budget: P79

For a little bit of culture and a blast from the past, I stroll through Escolta Street and marveled at all her heritage buildings from the First United Building (at the border of Binondo and Sta. Cruz), Burke Building, Calvo Building and Museum (former home of AM station DZBB), and the dilapidated Capitol Theater.

Escolta DIY tour cost: free

I thought of hailing a kalesa for a short ride but I realized that the electric tricycles (e-trike) parked in front of Binondo Church was the cooler and more modern transportation option.

Launched just a few month ago by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, there are 50 such units roaming around Binondo and also covers the neighboring districts of Quiapo, Sta. Cruz, and San Nicolas.

The area adjacent to Binondo Church not only serves as a terminal but also a charging station for the emission-free vehicles. A ride costs P20 per head and one tricycle can comfortably fit six to eight persons.

Pro-tip: Be sure to negotiate the rate with the driver first before boarding.

A 21st century alternative to the kalesa are Manila’s e-tricycles; a ride costs P20 and can comfortably sit six to eight people.

Ending budget: P59

With an ending balance of P59, stretching my crisp Ninoy Aquino bill was a good success. I ate a lot and even bought home some delicacies, got to do a little sight seeing, and experienced riding a vehicle of the future.

My preference and choices are my own of course, so how would you spend your P500 in Binondo?—LA, GMA News