Breadworks Bakeshop in Binondo, Manila

In the middle of Binondo, the fort of Southern Chinese influences, we saw a Western themed bake shop! To cap off our trip, we had some sylvannas as our panghimagas.

To end my first food trip to Binondo, I revisited some history of the place:

The word Binondo came from the word binundok which means mountain or boondocks.

Binondo is the center of commerce and trade for all types of businesses run by Chinese merchants. While Binondo was officially declared by a Spanish Governor in 1954 as a permanent settlement for converted Chinese immigrants, it is said that this district was already a hub of Chinese commerce even before the Spaniards came in 1571.

Prior to Makati, Binondo was the main center for business and finance in Manila for the Chinese, Chinese mestizos and Spanish Filipinos. Before World War II, the banking and financial community which included financial institutions from Britain and the United States were located mostly in Escolta which used to be called the "Wall Street of the Philippines". After the war most of these businesses began to relocate to the newly developing area of Makati.

During the financial crisis of the early 80s, Binondo earned the nickname "Binondo Central Bank" as Chinese businessmen in the district engaged in massive black marketing of US dollars, often dictating the actual Peso-Dollar exchange rate. The term has survived to this day.

Given its rich history and financial significance, Binondo is said to have one of the highest land values in the entire country. (Source)

Sylvannas for Php 28 a piece

Their sylvannas had just the right sweetness, and the meringue is not too hard.

Breadworks

817 Salazar Street

Binondo, Manila

Philippines