Converse Chuck Knit Wear Test in Chinatown Manila

Being a half-Chinese and born in Manila, I can be confident in saying that I know my away around one of the oldest Chinatown in the world. But what's in store for me that day, I never thought I'd experience.

Converse Philippines invited a couple of bloggers to do a wear test of the new Converse Chuck II Knit around Binondo. They arranged a day tour for us with Old Manila Walks, toured by Ivan Man Dy, we headed to our first stop, New Po-Heng Lumpia House.

Located just a few steps away from Binondo Church, this Lumpia house has been around for more than 2 decades and a bit of a challenge to find. It's not located along Quintin Paredes St. but you need to do a bit of a walk inside the Uysugin Building. They serve a lot of Chinese food here, but the must try? their Lumpia. Others call it Chinese Lumpia, but since you're in Chinatown and I'm half Chinese. I call it Lumpia. :)

Lumpia is a snack made out of pastry thin skin wrapping different savory and tasty ingredients. This one was filled with sauteed vegetables, fried noodle crisps, dried nori seaweeds, ground peanuts and lettuce. Best paired with New Po-Heng's sweet brown sauce. One of the best they say. If you're looking for a good ~~Chinese~~ Lumpia when you're in the area, be sure to drop by this place and decide for yourself.

Next stop we headed a restaurant in Carvajal Street, Binondo. The street is more of like an alley where small businesses are set up. Fruit stands and some wet goods are also being sold here.

In Quik-Snack (used to be Quick-Snack), we had one of their best sellers. Their Kuchay Ah. It is similar to pies and empanadas that we're used too. Inside this pastry, a bit slimy and a whole lot tasty.

The place is nice because its air-conditioned. Definitely a hole-in-a-wall type of Chinese restaurant. One food item that's often ordered here is their Sate Miki Guisado and also their Fried Tofu dish is a must try. Check out Quik-Snack menu here.

Next stop is Dong Bei Dumplings in Yuchengco St. Dong Bei when translated means North East Dumplings. Known for their Xiao Long Bao, our guide Ivan decided to order steamed Kutchay (chives) dumplings. The place had zero ambiance, but I tell you it makes up for the food that they serve. Everything made inside that four walls.

After a couple of dumplings we headed over to another restaurant. This time, I know the place. I've been there are we visit the place every time I get the chance. Located at Salazar and Ongpin. President Tea House has been there for quite some time and has a lot of Chinese specialties. From the usual dimsum and other Chinese favorite, tour guide Ivan made us try this interesting pao that's not usually found somewhere else.

Salted Egg Cream Buns. Unique and just tasty delicious, this is a refreshing way to eat the usual pao. That one right her is my stable favorite. Mango Sago! I good pair I might say. :)

We were about to end when we passed by this corner where they sell preserved fruits. Ivan gave us trivia on how they were made. He also made us guess some of the preserved fruits that was available there by tasting them. After this, we ended the tour by visiting a pasalubong store, Ho-Land Hopia.

My take away from the whole experience is that, there are still things I don't know about the place where I have been living all my life. The rich culture of the Chinese in one of the oldest Chinatown in the world is just a few steps away from my house, and I've gone out to visit the place often to learn more about it. I never really experienced a tour like this at my own city like how Old Manila Walks did. So if you've been living in Manila all your life and never really experience Binondo, I suggest you try www.oldmanilawalks.com/.

After the half day tour, even with all the walk. I didn't feel my feet hurt while wearing Converse Chuck II Knit. The Lunarlon cushioning, soft and springy on the foot pad made a whole lot of difference. Talk about amazing support. :) Even with the heat, the sneakers were made out of breathable micro-suede in key locations.