QUIAPO | MANILA

Kiapo, an abundant budding plant wandering by stream, granted its name to a district in Manila named “Quiapo”. Aside from being situated in one of the most gripping cities it also has quite a number of extreme stories to tell.  

The prevailing religion within the vicinity is Roman Catholic although you will meet some Muslims as you pursue the compressed streets. The outline of Christianity and its influence is most visible through the popular statue --- The Black Nazarene; Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno in Spanish; Poong Itim na Nazareno in Filipino; which is considered to answer even the most impossible plea. Friday is considered to be the busiest day of the week as may devotees come to hear mass. Outside the church you will find plenty of goods being sold. There are miniature statues of the Black Nazarene, religious scapulars, fresh vegetables, a variety of accessories, sacred oil, candles, amulets, medicinal herbs and a whole lot more.

Miniature version of the Black Nazarene

Religious items and herbal supplements
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Candles with corresponding colors for every petition

Quiapo is also a haven for food enthusiasts! Expect several fruit vendors gathered one after another along the lane. Excellente, the famous Chinese ham store, is a great discovery  just a  few meters away from the church. Beside it is the legendary hopia house, the Vienna Bakery. Anticipate uncompromised yet affordable bites of their custard bread, diced mongo and hopia. The latter is a favorite.

Quiapo will always be a familiar place for me. It is where religious and social gaps are negotiated. It showcases a sense of balance in culture, a few adventure in food and a few load of people’s masks and faces. You get the homey sentiment without being too far away from home.