Binondo being revived as tourism magnet

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna revealed over the weekend a plan to reclaim the old glory of the Binondo Chinatown, the oldest existing in the world, with projects at Escolta and San Nicolas.

The "hub 2" initiative will be in line with the Manila Tourism Development Plan under the city's tourism department headed by its director Charlie Dungo.

On Friday evening, Lacuna and other city officials, as well as those from the Embassy of China in Manila, lighted the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch, also said to be the biggest in the world.

The arch was first built in 2015 at Plaza Moraga but was recently refurbished and festooned with modern LED illumination.

Lacuna said the Binondo Chinatown draws millions of local and foreign tourists each year because of its many attractions and as a food lovers' destination.

Escolta, she noted, is famous for its gold and jewelry stores.