History highlighted in Phase II of Chinatown revitalization efforts

Selected streets and landmarks in Binondo were illuminated with light displays as part of the second phase of the Chinatown Revitalization Project.

During the media tour on Thursday, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) said it aims to promote Binondo, known to be the oldest Chinatown in the world, as a prime destination for tourists.

The additional lighting illuminating key points of the city also promotes a safer, more beautiful Binondo, the FFCCCII added.

“The entire Filipino-Chinese business community [is] chipping in and supporting because all of us want to make Manila, especially Chinatown, a very famous tourist and cultural destination. We want to revitalize and beautify Manila, especially Chinatown. Not only because it's the oldest Chinatown in the world, we hope to make it the most beautiful Chinatown in the world also, with everybody's help,” said FFCCCII board member and Public Information Committee chairman Wilson Lee Flores during a media tour of the Phase II areas.

Phase II of the revitalization efforts installed lighting and design for the following key areas:

• La Madre Filipina (Four Mother Pillars)
• MacArthur Bridge
• Sta. Cruz Church
• Four Gates: Qing Shan Gate, Ongpin South Gate, Ongpin North Gate, Tuan Jie Gate
• Hologram Lights along Quentin Paredes Street, Ongpin Street, and Sabino Padilla Street

A key point of the revitalization project was a 3-minute video projection on the façade of the Binondo Church.

“If you light up a place, it will make the place more energetic, more cheerful. You notice many of our cities at night are too dark, like there's no light. So if you add light during night time, maybe more nightlife, more wholesome nightlife, more shopping, eating,” Flores continued.

“Hopefully will light up our tourism industry also. I think with all the lights, it will tell the whole world this is very welcoming and safe… It’s a very good tourist attraction,” he added.

Phase I of the Chinatown Revitalization Project involved lighting up Jones Bridge.

In a speech at the time, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said that the project aimed to "transform Binondo into a place that we can always return to.''

The revitalization project is a collaboration effort between the Manila government, the Filipino-Chinese community leaders, private sectors, and support from the President and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos. — BM, GMA Integrated News