Things to Do in Ongpin St. Chinatown Binondo Manila Philippines
Purple Fire Engine- As you pass Binondo Church’s side to get into Ongpin St., the sight of the Purple Fire Engine will charm you. My Filipino-Chinese friend, who lives in Binondo, informed us that it’s purple because the major sponsor of the Manila Chinatown Volunteer Fire Brigade is the owner of the popular Eng Bee Tin, which is famous for its Ube (Purple Yam) Hopia.
Purple Fire Engine- A closer inspection reveals that down to the hoses’ attachments, it’s still purple with some red details. It must be a cool sight to see the Purple Fire Engine rushing through the streets to its fiery destination.
Bee Tin Grocery- Bee Tin Grocery holds a special memory for me as the place where I learned that there is a contraption that cracks watermelon seeds open, so one doesn’t have to use one’s teeth and inadvertently damage them.
Aside from that, it has this large pack version of rice crackers that’s way much cheaper compared to the regular grocery. Go through the aisles and find some other great bargain. There must be lots!
