Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Marikina City

Marikina, officially the City of Marikina, known as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines, was former capital of the province of Manila during the declaration of Philippine Independence and one of the sixteen cities within the Manila Metropolitan Area. Marikina is part of Eastern Manila District of Metro Manila's four districts. It is located on the eastern border of Metro Manila of the island of Luzon. Several cities and municipalities lies on its border: San Mateo, Rizal to the north and northeast, Antipolo City to the east, Cainta, Rizal to the southeast, Pasig City to the south and Quezon City to the entire west.
Marikina was given the title the "Shoe Capital of the Philippines" because of its notable shoe industry. Shoemakers in the city recently finished creating the World's Largest Pair of Shoes and it was only recently that the Guinness World Records recognized this feat. The Shoe Museum located in the city is the home of the famous shoe collection of the former First Lady Imelda Marcos, shoes of the world leaders, past presidents, famous celebrities and persons, shoes of different countries around the world etc., and contains the largest collection of pair of shoes in the world.
Marikina was divided into two districts consisting of 16 barangays. The people of Marikina are amongst the one of the most disciplined in the Philippines. Marikina City is considered as one of the healthiest and livable cities within the Asia-Pacific. Marikina City is one of the wealthiest local government units (LGU) in the Philippines in terms of current assets, cash in banks, share of internal revenue allotment (IRA), gross income and gross net income. The city features many spacious parks, tree-lined streets, bikelanes, boulevards and commercial areas. Despite the latter, most of the city is classified as residential. It was devastated by Typhoon Ondoy in 2009. The most influential persons in the city is former mayor Marides Fernando and former MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando.

Geography

Marikina City is one of the large distribution in Metro Manila in terms of land area at approximately 21.5 square kilometers (2,150 hectares), about 3.37% of the total land area of Metro Manila. The city lies on Marikina Valley. Not only is Marikina City a part of this valley, the valley extends to the south towards Pasig City and Cainta, Rizal. Marikina River runs through the central portion of the city and Nangka River runs through the north portion. The dynamic Sierra Madre Mountains, the longest mountain range in the Philippines is located at the eastern portion while the Quezon City hills are located to the west. It is also the home of the Valley Fault System, one of the active faults in the Philippines.
Marikina City is a lush valley bounded by mountain ranges and sliced by a river. Located along the eastern border of Metro Manila, it is bordered on the west by Quezon City, to the south by Pasig City and Cainta, Rizal, to the east by Antipolo City, the capital of Rizal province, and to the north by San Mateo also in Rizal province. It is approximately 21 km. away from Manila and lies within 14°38′24″N 121°5′50″E / 14.64°N 121.09722°E / 14.64; 121.09722Coordinates: 14°38′24″N 121°5′50″E / 14.64°N 121.09722°E / 14.64; 121.09722.
The southern portion of the city occupies the numerous commercial, industrial and business establishments and interesting places, it is also located the "center" of the city which is the busiest district of the city. While the northern portion is primarily residential areas and subdivisions, exclusive schools, industrial zones and various small and medium enterprises are also booming. Loyola Grand Villas, located at the northwest portion of the city is a rich gated community that occupies upper-middle class and rich residential area.

Marikina City

Today

The Riverbanks Center has been declared as the city’s business, finance, and commercial triangle, and Metro Manila's latest developing business and commercial district. And also, Marikina City starts booming with residential condominiums and towers, commercial centers and business parks, mostly concentrated in 3-triangular points: Marcos Highway, Sumulong Highway, and The Riverbanks Center as the hub. Recently mall giant SM built an SM Shoemart Mall near Riverbanks and just a kilometer from the City Hall are Marquinton real estate and Blue Wave.
At present, the shoe industry has become a pride of the Philippines and a boost to the growth of its economy. The city also now boasts of hosting other big companies, multinationals, local and foreign, as well as leading exporting firms. Numerous banks, land development firms, residential realties, business centers, industrial centers, commercial centers, information and communication technology centers, hotels and condominiums is also boasts the city that Marikina rapidly into a highly urbanized city in a short time.
Marikina City today is a multi-awarded metropolitan city, often cited for its vibrant economy, a highly-skilled and literate work force, an involved and enlightened business community, environment conscious, disciplined people and a responsive local government that puts a premium on governance, sustainable urban development and public service. Marikina City is one of the most industrialized city in Metro Manila and also one of the richest local government unit in the Philippines in terms of current assets, cash in banks, share of internal revenue allotment, gross income and gross net income.
Proof positive of the city's standing in the league of metropolitan cities in the Philippines are the numerous awards and citations that have been bestowed. Marikina was one of the many cities, particularly Puerto Princesa City and Las Piñas City, awarded as The Cleanest and Greenest City which Marikina was the second local government, after Las Piñas City, to set as Hall of Famer in that category awarded by the Philippine government. The most recent and most prestigious award received the city of Marikina was the Most Competitive Metro City in the Philippines from the prestigious Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Policy Research Center, Asia Foundation, International Labour Organization (ILO), German Technical Foundation, and Konrad Adenauer Stiflung, and the Continuing Excellence Award in Local Governance given by the Galing Pook Foundation, DILG, Local Government Authority and the Ford Foundation. Marikina is the second local government in the Philippines, after Las Piñas City, that has been honored with the prestigious Global 500 Roll Of Honour of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). Marikina was also considered as one of the Healthiest and Most Livable Cities in Asia-Pacific region. It has won over 200 awards and recognitions, both local and abroad, in a span of just 16 years. Marikina considered as business-friendly city in Metro Manila, that's why, Marikina has become an ideal location for industry, business, commerce and for residences. Marikina is also one of the host cities of the recent 2005 Southeast Asian Games in the Philippines at the Marikina Sports Park. Mayor Marides Fernando also recognize as finalist at 2008 World Mayor Awards among with the mayors from New York City, Paris and Sydney, she is the only city mayor in Asia-Pacific belongs in the list of finalist.

Marikina City Hall
The city lies on a valley of the same name. Marikina River runs through the mid-west portion of the city. During the rainy season, most especially two distinct seasons includes dry season from November to April and wet season from may to October.

Barangays & Districts

Marikina City is divided into 16 barangays. These barangays are then grouped into 2 geographical districts, as per Republic Act No. 9364 which was principally authored by Del R. De Guzman--Districts 1 and 2. District 1 occupies the southwest side of Marikina River and the entire south of Marikina City, and District 2 occupies the northwest (Loyola Grand Villas) side of Marikina River and the entire northern and eastern part of Marikina City which is considered as the bigger district of the 2 in terms of land area.

Events & Festivals

These are some of the notable events and festivities in Marikina:
Events Date Place of event
Marikina Cultural Arts and Festivals February Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina
Marikina Holy Week Procession Holy Week Season Citywide
Ka-Angkan Festival/Marikina Foundation Day April 16 Riverbanks Center Amphitheater/City-wide
Feast of Our Lady of the Abandoned (Patroness of Marikina) Every 2nd Sunday of May Diocesan Shrine-Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned, Citywide
Police Memorial Day September 8 Citywide
Mama Mary Fluvial Parade and Festival September 8 Marikina River Park
Ondoy Tragedy Commemoration Day September 26 Citywide
Marikina Christmas Festival and Bazaar mid-October - early January Marikina River Park and Riverbanks Center
Sapatero Festival November 15 - November 30 Riverbanks Center
Marikina Cityhood Day December 8 Citywide
Rehiyon-Rehiyon Parade and Festival December 8 Marikina Sports Park
Advance New Year's Day Fireworks Display Celebration December 30 Riverbanks Center Amphitheater

Landmarks & Attractions

Here are some of Marikina's points of interest:

Cityhood Park
Located at the corner of Shoe Avenue and Sumulong Highway, beside Marikina Sports Park. It is the newest attraction in the city showcasing a beautiful and colorful water fountain, with benches and trees surrounding it. Cityhood Park is now a signature landmark of Marikina because it was featured in numerous television programs. The facade looks like a church with a giant clock on top of it and bells which rings every hour accompanied with music.

Jesus Dela Peña Chapel
The first church in Marikina. In April 1630, Fray Pedro de Arce, apostolic ruler of the Archbishopric of Manila, approved the transfer of ecclesiastical control and supervision of the Marikina area to the Society of Jesus, and directed the Augustinians to cede the territory to the Society to be converted to ranch for the support of the Universidad Maximo de San Ignacio in Manila. The Jesuits also decided to build a mission chapel near the banks of Marikina River, a rocky place which they called Jesus Dela Peña. Cavada also considers the year 1630, as the year the mission church was completed, and where mass was regularly held.

Loyola Memorial Park
Located along A. Bonifacio Avenue, a privately-owned memorial park set on a sprawling area of 36,000 m² and developed in 1965. The Loyola Memorial Park is the oldest, probably one of the biggest, and most prominent memorial parks in the Philippines.

Manila Boystown Complex
This 23-hectare Manila city government-owned institution and facility in Parang, Marikina is exclusively for Manila’s abandoned, forgotten, and voluntarily surrendered children, teenagers, and senior citizens.

Marcos Highway
was named by former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos, Marcos Highway is an 8-lane national highway and the main road between Metro Manila and Rizal Province, also known as Marikina-Infanta Highway. Marcos Highway passing the boundaries of Antipolo, Cainta, Pasig and Marikina. There are 3 main intersections in Marcos Highway such as Amang Rodriguez Avenue (Pasig), Imelda Avenue (Marikina-Cainta) and Masinag (Antipolo), and an interchange located in SM City Marikina which provide access exclusively between Marikina to major business districts such as Ortigas Center, Eastwood City and Makati City. Some of its landmarks include Sta. Lucia Mall, Robinsons Metro East, SM City Marikina, LRT2 Santolan Station, Masinag Market and Riverbanks Center. Also, Marcos Highway is well-known for numerous establishments like car shops, major schools, restos, food chains, exclusive villages, billboards, industrial parks, etc.

Marikina City Hall
Marikina City Hall is one of the most beautiful city halls in Metro Manila and it has state-of-the-art facilities inside. The city hall is surrounded by many city government agencies and offices, spacious parks, monuments and open areas, and it was located in the heart of the city. Another building is the Justice Hall Building which the extension to the main city hall building. Marikina City Hall has e-government services offered for the people of Marikina. It also has an emergency hotline, Marikina Rescue 161, which is exclusive to the residents of Marikina.

Marikina City's Largest Pair of Shoes in the World
This is certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest pair of shoes. It is currently displayed at the Riverbanks Center and it is one of the top attractions in the city.

Marikina Entertainment District
A. Tuazon Avenue's (Gil Fernando Avenue) well-known line-up of having many adventurous bars, live acoustic bands restos, nightclubs and other drinking joints, nearly the entire stretch.

Marikina Industrial Zone
Located at the northeast portion of the city which was established in the 1970s. It is home to a number of industries and some of which are the biggest and are the leaders in their fields, some of these are Purefoods-Hormel, Nestlé, Fortune Tobacco, Armscor and other leading industries and big companies.

Marikina Market Mall
Metro Manila's cleanest and well-maintained market is Marikina Public Market, known as Marikina Market Mall. It is also one of the biggest market place in Metro Manila in terms of area.
        Marikina River Park
Marikina River Park
Most awarded river which set as the Hall of Fame awardee for the Cleanest Inland Body of Water in the Philippines. Marikina River Park is a popular camping site, picnic grounds and recreational park, such as concrete jogging and bike lanes, benches and skating rink. At night, Marikina River Park transforms into a modern nightlife events center because of numerous bars, restaurants, cafés and night clubs along the riverbanks. Other attractions in Marikina River include the Roman Garden, Chinese Pagoda, Kawayanan, Youth Camp, Animal Trail, Skating Rink and Women's Park. It is also a traditional venue for the Marikina Christmas Festival which begins annually as early as October.


Marikina Sports Park
Established in 1969 and then known as the Rodriguez Sports Center, the property was bought from the provincial Government of Rizal in 1995. It is also one of the premier sports complex established in the Philippines. It is now a popular venue for national, regional and international sports competitions and other sports and entertainment events, such as the 2005 Southeast Asian Games. Inside the sports park includes the bronze statues of different Olympic sports, Olympic-size oval and swimming pool, boxing, tennis, table tennis, taekwondo, aerobics arena and others.

Diocesan Shrine-Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned
Also known as OLA Church, this Spanish-era church is located along J. P. Rizal Street in Santa Elena. The church was started by the Augustinians in 1687 and was finished in 1690. On October 21, 1791, the whole parish was consecrated under the Marian title, Nuestra Sra. Delos Desamparados (Our Lady of the Abandoned), the second oldest parish in the Philippines after that of Sta. Ana in Manila under that title This place of worship was destroyed by earthquakes and by fires in 19th century. It has undergone a series of renovations since 1963. The church houses the miraculous image of the religious patron of Marikina City, Our Lady of the Abandoned (OLA), which was canonically crowned last October 15, 2005 by virtue of Pope Benedict XVI, the first under his papacy. Leading the coronation rites was His Eminence, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales of the Archdiocese of Manila. On August 5, 2007, the church was elevated into a diocesan shrine by the Most Rev. Gabriel V. Reyes, D.D., Bishop of Antipolo. Also in 2007, the parish was made the residence of the new auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of Antipolo, Most Rev. Francisco M. de Leon, D.D. who serves as its parish priest. The shrine has now become a center of pilgrimage not only for Marikina residents but also from devotees of Our Lady of the Abandoned from Metro Manila and other neighboring provinces.
Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College
OLOPSC is a private, non-sectarian, Filipino tertiary learning institution located in Concepcion, Marikina. It was founded by Dionisio Salvador, Sr. in 1978. The institution is a reputable source of students with morale and discipline. As of 2009, there are already 5000+ estimated students enrolled. OLOPSC is considered as a landmark due to its structural design. The passersby describe OLOPSC as one with the castle-like design structure which is pleasing into the eyes of toddlers.

Philippine Science Centrum
This is the Philippines largest and well-maintained science centrum and it is one of the most visited amenities inside Riverbanks Center especially the field trips of students came from different schools in Metro Manila.
                                                                                    
The Riverbanks Center
Formerly Universal Textiles, Asia's largest textile mills company, located along A. Bonifacio Avenue and nearby Marcos Highway. It is now a center for shopping, commerce, business and entertainment in Marikina, and in 2008, it was declared as Metro Manila's latest developing business district. Other attractions and buildings in Riverbanks Center include Riverbanks Mall, Riverbend Hotel, Riverbanks Amphitheatre, Gazebo, Philippine Science Centrum, Floating Stage, Open-air food stalls and Stone Carabaos. At Riverbanks Mall, here you will find almost everything you need at a price reasonably affordable, such as supermarkets, department stores, a numerous boutiques, cellphone shops, shops, food stands, fastfood chains and many more. Also, Riverbanks Center is a home of ICT Group, one of the largest IT call centers in the Philippines. SM City Marikina is also nearby within Riverbanks Center.

Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina
This 200-year old building was once owned by Don Laureano "Kapitan Moy" Guevarra, recognized as the father of shoe industry in the Philippines. This is where the first pair of shoes in Marikina was designed and made in 1887. Inside this building can be found Doll Museum, Marikina City's museum, a dioramas showcasing the events and history of Marikina. This building is the center of culture and arts of Marikina.

Shoe Museum
The Shoe Museum houses about 800 pairs of shoes belonging to former First Lady Imelda Marcos. It is also a place which a record-holder as the most numerous pair of shoes in the world.
SM City Marikina

SM City Marikina
SM City Marikina is the first shopping mall that has a wi-fi connecetion. The mall was designed by dsgn associates, an award-winning design firm based in Dallas, Texas, in the USA. Interior design was by EDGE Interior Design Pty. Ltd., a design consultant based in Australia, together with SM City Marikina’s design team includes Jose Siao Ling and Associates (architects), D.A. Abcede and Associates (project managers), and BF Construction Corporation, the general contractors of the mall. SM City Marikina is a part of SM's 50th Anniversary and it was the first SM mall to open on 2008.

Teatro Marikina
This is the center of performing arts of Marikina and eastern Metro Manila. This facility also caters to various events such as plays, concerts, shows, exhibits and seminars. Teatro Marikina is also the venue of annual pre-pageant of Miss Earth in the Philippines, notable concerts and plays played by the biggest celebrities and artists in the Philippines.

Women's Park
Located beside Marikina River Park. It is a park dedicated to females of Marikina.

World of Butterflies
You will find hundreds of butterflies in different variety, kind and sizes. Also, frogs, caterpillars and all animals necessary for the food chain of the butterfly is bred there. A souvenir house is also available. It's considered as the Philippines largest collection of different butterflies and other species. Field trips and tourist are attracted to this place because of its natural ambiance especially for the nature lover.

Peace and Order

Marikina has clean surroundings, tree-lined streets, hassle-free roadways, walkable sidewalks, parks and playgrounds, a healthy public market, good shopping centers and restaurants, free public elementary, high school and college, squatter-free environment, free-health services, minimum traffic, less pollution and a low crime rate. Marikina established Rescue 161, a hotline number for emergencies within city and a team of paramedics, policemen and firemen will come in less than 5 minutes.
Marikina won several awards and recognitions and now a hall of famer of such awards including Cleanest and Greenest City in Metro Manila and the Philippines, Best Police Stations due to effectiveness to resolve and minimized crimes in the city, Best Public Market due to cleanliness and orderliness, Best Public Schools in Metro Manila, Most Effective Bike-Lanes and most of all, Marikeños are one of the Most Disciplined People in the Philippines.

GETTING THERE
Coming from North Super Highway: Ride a bus bound to either Baclaran, Ayala, or Alabang. Look for buses with "Cubao-Ibabaw" signs. Tell the driver to drop you off Aurora Cubao. You can also ride the MRT. Just get a pass for Cubao/Araneta Station and ask where Aurora blvd. is. Along Aurora Blvd., look for fx's or jeeps going to either Calumpang, Parang-Fortune, or SSS Village. They will all take you to Marikina. Landmarks: RiverBank Mall, RiverPark, Marikina City Proper, Sports Complex, and the newly built Marquinton Mall a.k.a . Blue Wave Mall.
You can also ride either a Montalban jeep or a San Mateo Bus, but they won't pass by the RiverBank Mall and RiverPark. They will both take the Marcos Highway - a Tuazon Route, leading you to other landmarks like Sta. Lucia East Mall & Marquiton/Blue Wave Mall.
Coming from South Super Highway: Ride a bus bound to either Monumento, Fairview, Novaliches, or SM North. Look for buses with "Cubao-Ibabaw" signs. Tell the driver to drop you off Aurora Cubao. You can also ride the MRT. Just get a pass for Cubao/Araneta Station and ask where Aurora Blvd. is. Along Aurora Blvd., Look for fx's or jeeps going to either Calumpang, Parang-Fortune, or SSS Village. They will all take you to Marikina Landmarks like RiverBank Mall, RiverPark, Marikina City Proper, Sports Complex, and the newly built Marquinton Mall a.k.a. Blue Wave Mall.
You can also ride a Montalban jeep or a San Mateo bus, but they will not pass by the RiverBank Mall and RiverPark. Instead, take the Marcos Highway - a Tuazon Route, leading you to other landmarks like Sta. Lucia East Mall & Marquiton/Blue Wave Mall.
Coming from Manila: Marikina city is now very accessible for people coming from Manila, especially now that LRT 2's construction has been completed. You can take LRT 2 and get a pass for either Cubao/Araneta or Katipunan Stations. From any of the two, look for fx's or jeeps going to either Calumpang, Parang-Fortune, or SSS Village. They will all take you to Marikina Landmarks like RiverBank Mall, RiverPark, Marikina City Proper, Sports Complex, and the newly built Marquinton Mall a.k.a. Blue Wave Mall.
You can also ride either a Montalban jeep or a San Mateo Bus, but they will not pass by the RiverBank Mall and RiverPark. They will both take the Marcos Highway - a Tuazon Route, leading you to other Landmark like Sta. Lucia East Mall & Marquiton/Blue Wave Mall.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...