Quiapo food trip: Explore culinary gems from Chinoy to Halal

MANILA, Philippines — Quiapo in Manila is definitely the center of activity on the Feast of the Black Nazarene every Januay 9. 

Except for devotees who decide to meet the Black Nazarene right where the procession will begin and those who choose to wait along the procession path, thousands wait in Quiapo for its arrival at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene, better known as Quiapo Church, where it is enshrined.

Due to its strategic location in Manila, Quiapo became the earliest central business district and the center of activity in terms of social, cultural, commercial, educational, and religious pursuits. The town square stands right in front of Quiapo Church, whose annual Feast of the Black Nazarene procession drew huge crowds back then and continues to attract millions of devotees to this day.

Even on an ordinary day, Quiapo is bustling with activity despite the fact that the central business district of Metro Manila has shifted to Makati, Ortigas, Alabang, and Bonifacio Global City. So it is nice to explore Quiapo and its many diverse attractions.

No need to go far. Around Quiapo Church are many activities and places of interest, as vendors offering candles for different intentions — red for family relations and peaceful soul, pink for love and health, white for purity and success, green for money (job or business) and travel, blue for peace of mind, brown for good fortune, violet for material wealth, maroon for healing, peach for studies, and black for conscience, among others.

Just across the narrow pathway is a row of stalls selling herbal and folk medicine. From fresh and dried leaves that are made into tea, such as pito-pito (seven kinds of leaves) and guyabano leaves for overall good health, to concoctions like gayuma (love potion) and alternative medicine.

Further down the town square, along Hidalgo Street, is a flower market. Stalls selling a variety of flowers line the street. Here you can buy big bunches of roses, mums, gerberas, and orchids at wholesale prices. The vendors can also make flower arrangements and bouquets upon request.

Everywhere else, stalls selling fruits and vegetables, cooked food like assorted noodles and kakanins,