<div class="image-550">
<img src="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources-23/binondo-church-1863.avif" alt="Binondo Church" loading="lazy" />
<div>
(Church of Binondo repaired after the <a href="https://kahimyang.com/kauswagan/articles/1708/today-in-philippine-history-june-3-1863-a-strong-earthquake-rocked-manila" class="news_link">Earthquake of June 3, 1863</a>.  From the old photograph album book "Album de Filipinas". National Library of Spain)
</div>
</div>
<h4>
Early Beginnings
</h4>
<p>
Before the Spanish colonization, Chinese traders were already a significant presence in the Philippines. They traded goods and influenced local culture, with Mindoro and Tondo being notable trade ports. The Chinese merchants, primarily from Fujian and Guangdong, settled along the banks of the Pasig River, contributing to the local economy and culture.
</p>
<h4>
Spanish Colonial Period
</h4>
<p>
The Spanish colonial government recognized the economic importance of the Chinese but also viewed them with suspicion. To manage this, they established Binondo as a settlement for Chinese immigrants who converted to Catholicism. This area was strategically located across the Pasig River from <a href="https://kahimyang.com/articles/3008/the-history-of-intramuros-the-walled-city-manila" class="news_link">Intramuros</a>, the Spanish walled city, allowing the colonial administration to monitor the Chinese community closely.
</p>
<p>
In 1596, Dominican priests founded Binondo church to serve their Chinese converts to Christianity as well as to the native Filipinos. A church was constructed before 1614. When transferred to its present site in the 18th century, a new church was built to accommodate new churchgoers. In 1778, the roof was replaced with nipa as the wood was destroyed by termites. In 1863, the church was slightly damaged by earthquake. The original structure has sustained damages during wars and various natural disasters.
</p>


The Rich History of Binondo, Manila