I have fond memories of Binondo as a child or teenager walking with her dad along the busy people-filled streets of Philippines’ China Town.  I also frequented the area when I took up advance summer classes of Trigonometry and Geometry, Typing and Chinese classes at YMCA. 

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Ivan Man Dy’s Binondo Food Wok  

I also had fun doing a food walk tour with Ivan Man Dy at the helm guiding us while we snaked in between streets and corners to find the best spots for Chinese specialty food.  I was back at the area again sometime July when The Food Club spent the weekend over at a newly built hotel in Manila.

Ramada Manila Central stands tall at the heart of Binonda, Manila, Philippines amidst neighboring historical sites like the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz, who happens to be the first Filipino saint.  Launched this year, it is a comfortable respite at the center of one of the most historic sites in the country and the oldest Chinatown in the world, where cultures of Filipino and Chinese meet.

The hotel is quite accessible being situated in one of Manila’s central business, cultural and commercial districts.  It’s also a few minutes away from big shopping complexes like Divisoria, 168, and 999 Malls.  Bubba and I were first to arrive at the venue and initially parked at the basement but since there was a bit of construction ongoing in their basement parking, we opted to park outside beside the historic Binondo Church.  We learned from the front desk that they actually have parking slots reserved there for their clients and they assured us that the car is secured with round the clock security.  

Initially we thought of checking in at the ground floor but since we will be occupying the rooms at the Executive Floor, there was an express check-in waiting for us on that floor, 5th.  We were assisted with our overnight baggage and showed us into our room.  

All guest rooms offer hi-speed internet access, 32 inch LCD TVs for all room types, separ [Read more…]