10 Reasons Why You Should Never Visit Quiapo

Quiapo Church

If you've think you've visited the nitty gritty parts of old manila, think again....


Lets start from the infamous heart of Manila

1. The worst place to bring your car.
Every street is crowded with vendors and stalls. You’ll end up walking just to get from point A to point B

BUT you’ll be surrounded with interesting knick-knacks,souvenirs,and items to see and buy. From the photographer’s haven which is Hidalgo, the handicrafts of you can find under Quezon Bridge, to gadget paradise of Raon. They surely got it all for you!


2. It’s a Maze! You’ll get lost for sure.
Lots of twists and turns, corners and dead ends. You would be better off  if you have a map handy or some gps device.

BUT each one of them streets and alleys are hiding secrets that will keep you looking for more. May it be an old pagoda at the end of a long "eskinita" or delightful eatery selling crocodile meat from Davao, you’ll never know what you’re missing at until you find it. Street smarts on a whole new level.

Holy Face Chapel, Quiapo

3. In evening Quiapo, no one can hear you scream.
Its cautious to go out and explore Quiapo at night. When dusk beckons, the shadows have eyes and you become the hunted.

BUT when dawn breaks, the walls speak, waiting for someone to listen to them. Getting to know the people living in these old houses in Quiapo and listening to their stories of the ol’ glory days will surely give you nostalgia and crave for the time when life was simpler.

Casa Consulado or Ituralde Mansion 

4.There are no attractions or places to go.
Theres no IMAX, large shopping malls, arcades, or amusement parks. There is not even a single Starbucks or Coffee Bean in Quiapo.

INSTEAD you can visit the quiet museums of Bahay Nakpil-Bautista and Manny Padilla Art Gallery. Or join educational walking tours of Kapitbahayan sa Kalye Bautista at Kasa Boix.

5.It's a chaotic place to visit, let alone grab a meal.
BUT Quiapo is Manila’s downtown, where it literally everyone from everywhere goes DOWN into a hodgepodge of everything! Have a taste and you'd surely like it.

Try old family recipes that had been passed down for generations!We recommend the carinderias near the Moslem district, the Globe Lumpia House, Vienna Bakery, and the Pastora Special Palabok at Quinta Market, the best in the city.

Manny Padilla Art Gallery

6. Quiapo is not the best place to unwind.
The traffic noise... Stereos in full blast playing the latest novelty songs and muti cultural chatter. Trust me, it's a noisy.

BUT the place is surely alive and beating. A silent heart is a dead heart. Quiapo is a place of adventure - an experience you’re never going to forget! Check out and explore the local attractions and the wonderful landmarks.

7. Looking for a place to buy your Louis Vuittons, Gucci, and Air Jordans? Tough luck no fancy stores here!
You’dd be very lucky to find credible stores with air-conditioning in this joint.
Fancy isn’t the Quiapo way. Cheap prices with very acceptable quality is the way to go! It may be no Glorietta nor The Fort, but stores here have the lowest price range, maybe second to Divisoria. You better have a good eye when scouting for items, cause you might just hit the holy grail by bagging an original or a class A knock-off.

Golden Moque, Quiapo

8. Your faith shall be tested.
Some people in the area are deceitful and rude to get what they want for themselves. It's no secret that it is a den of not-so-lovable personalities.

THOUGH not all people here are as callous as you think. Events such as the Black Nazarene of Quiapo Church and the Ramadan of the Golden Mosque make it an exotic religious spiritual pilgrim site and their faiths strengthen and morals raised.

Mt. Carmel, Quiapo

9. An oldies place to be.
Old buildings, Old cultures, Old fashion? Such Last century..

BUT if you want to walk through a living museum, this is the place to be. The first formula for the kiddie vitamin Tiki-tiki was made in Quiapo and the beautiful love song "Sampaguita" was penned here as well. History you never knew existed!

10. There's a chance you’ll end up disappointed.
They say the chaos and mess of Quiapo reflects the entire country as a whole… Very sad.

We can never deny that we as Filipinos are not contented with the current state of the Philippines  but it shouldn’t always be like that. As citizens of this country, it is our responsibility to look at the brighter side of things. Throughout our history we always had more challenges than succees, yet we still keep on fighting. Our determination never dies, and that’s what Filipinos are known for. Let this experience Quiapo , open your eyes and be inspired to lend a hand in building a greater home for next generations to enjoy.


Written by : Peter Rallos
Editten by : Axl Guinto
Photos by : Axl Guinto and Mark Danas