USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -One of the oldest streets in Manila, Escolta was created in 1594. Its name was derived from the Spanish word escoltar, meaning “to escort". Escolta was known for its concentration of immigrant merchants, mainly from Fujian, China, who came to make their fortune during the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade.

Detailed explanation-2: -Situated across the Pasig River from Intramuros, the former headquarters of the colonial Spanish government, the bustling district of Binondo is considered the world’s first and oldest Chinatown.

Detailed explanation-3: -Intramuros Intramuros is actually the oldest district in Manila, also known as the “Walled City.” Visiting Intramuros is literally like going back in time during the Spanish colonization as Intramuros is very much preserved, and still heavily influenced by the old Spanish Era.

Detailed explanation-4: -Founded in 1594, Binondo was created by Spanish Governor Luis Pérez Dasmariñas as a permanent settlement for Chinese immigrants (the Spanish called the Chinese sangleys) who converted to Catholicism. It was across the river from the walled city of Intramuros, where the Spaniards resided.

Detailed explanation-5: -In pre-and early postwar Manila, Escolta was flamboyantly called ‘The Wall Street of Asia’. This was the territory of bankers, lawyers and shipping magnates; it was where locals would come to burn their money in cinemas, luxury department stores and fancy restaurants.