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Marikina

Coordinates: 14°38′24″N 121°5′50″E / 14.64000°N 121.09722°E / 14.64000; 121.09722
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Marikina City
Lungsod ng Marikina
Highly-Urbanized City
City of Marikina
Clockwise from top left: Cityhood Park, Largest Pair of Shoes in the world, Marikina Sports Park, Riverbanks Center, Marikina City skyline, Our Lady of the Abandoned Church, Shoe Museum, Marquinton Residences, Marcos Highway, Roman Garden at Marikina River Park, Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina
Clockwise from top left: Cityhood Park, Largest Pair of Shoes in the world, Marikina Sports Park, Riverbanks Center, Marikina City skyline, Our Lady of the Abandoned Church, Shoe Museum, Marquinton Residences, Marcos Highway, Roman Garden at Marikina River Park, Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina
Official seal of Marikina City
Seal
Nickname: 
Shoe Capital of the Philippines
Motto(s): 
"Discipline, Good Taste, Excellence"
Metro Manila showing the location of Marikina City
Metro Manila showing the location of Marikina City
Country Philippines
RegionNational Capital Region
Districts1st and 2nd Districts of Marikina
Barangays16
Class1st Class City
SettledApril 16, 1630
Integrated (NCR)June 1975
CityhoodDecember 8, 1996
Government
 • MayorDel R. De Guzman (Liberal)
 • Vice MayorJose Fabian I. Cadiz (Liberal)
 • RepresentativesFirst District -
Marcelino Teodoro
(Independent)
Second District -
Miro Quimbo
(Liberal)
 • City Council
Councilors
Area
 • Total21.50 km2 (8.30 sq mi)
Elevation
14.7 m (48.2 ft)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total424,150
 • Density20,000/km2 (51,000/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP Code
1800
Area code2
Websitewww.marikina.gov.ph

The City of Marikina (Lungsod ng Marikina, in Tagalog), in the Philippines, is one of the 17 cities that make up Metro Manila, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. Marikina was former capital of the province of Manila during the declaration of Philippine Independence. The city divided into two districts and composed of 16 barangays, 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. Marikina is one of the most populous cities and wealthiest local government unit in the country.

Marikina was given the title the Shoe Capital of the Philippines because of its notable shoe industry, being the biggest manufacturer of shoes in the Philippines, producing almost 70% of shoe production in the country. 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 houses part of the famous shoe collection of the former First Lady Imelda Marcos, shoes of the world leaders, past presidents, famous people, and shoes of different countries around the world, and making it the largest collection of pair of shoes in the world.

Marikina is noted as one of tourism and cultural hub in Metro Manila, it is also the home of Philippine Footwear Federation. Marikina is one of the wealthiest local government units in the Philippines. Aside the traditional shoe and leather industry, many places in Marikina are now recognized for its eco-friendly points, balance of industry, people and nature. Among this, the residents satisfies the basic services and transparent governance of the city. The city features typically many spacious parks, museums, tree-lined streets, bike-lanes, traffic signs, crossings, walkways, churches, antiquated houses and commercial establishments. Despite the latter, most of the city is classified as residential and industrial. The city also considered as one of the healthiest and livable cities within the Asia-Pacific, awarded Hall of Fame for its cleanest and greenest city, most awarded city in Metro Manila and most competitive city in the Philippines. The people of Marikina are amongst the most disciplined in the Philippines. Del De Guzman is the incumbent mayor of Marikina.

History

In 1570, the Augustinians were the first to arrive at the valley at the spot now known as Chorillo, in Barangka. The Jesuits next came to arrive in a place called Jesús de la Peña and they established a mission and built a chapel in a place now called Jesús Dela Peña, where the first mass was held in 1630. On April 16, 1630, Fray Pedro de Arce, apostolic ruler of the Archbishop of Manila, approved the transfer of ecclesiastical control and supervision to the Jesuits, and settled a place as a town. The area was later called "Mariquina" after it named to Felix Berenguer de Marquina in 1787 who was the governor-general at that time, and the town was declared a pueblo under the Spanish colonial government. That year, Don Benito Mendoza became the first Gobernadorcillo of Mariquina.

In 1800s, Hacienda Mariquina was owned and administered by the Tuazon family and had become the biggest in the Philippines. The hacienda was declared a mayorazgo by the Spanish colonial government.Don Juan Gregorio became the first Alcalde Capitan of Mariquina in 1822. In 1887, Mariquina emerged as a town of shoemakers. Shoe-making began through the pioneering efforts of Don Laureano "Kapitan Moy" Guevarra (known as the father of shoe industry in the Philippines), assisted by Tiburcio Eustaquio, Ambrocio Sta. Ines, and Gervacio Carlos.

In 1896, Andrés Bonifacio arrived in Mariquina before he and his Katipuneros proceeded to the caves of Montalban. Mariquina became the capital of the Province of Manila in 1898, when the Philippine Revolution broke out, a period which declare the Philippine Independence by Emilio Aguinaldo, the first Philippine president. Don Vicente Gomez became the first Alcalde Presidente of Mariquina in 1900.

On June 11, 1901, shortly after the Americans took possession of the Philippines, its name officially became "Marikina" and the province of Rizal was created by virtue of Act No. 137 by the First Philippine Commission which during the time was acting as the unicameral legislative body in the island of Luzon. Marikina, along with many other towns around Manila were incorporated into the new province. Juan Chanyungco became the first Mayor of Marikina in 1938.

In 1942, the Japanese Imperial forces occupied Marikina. And in 1945, Marikina was liberated by the combined U.S. and Philippine Commonwealth ground troops who attacked the Japanese Imperial Army by artillery from Quezon City. Almost all the big buildings including the church bell tower were destroyed. In reality, the Japanese had already left town and retreating to the north. The destruction which saw over 400 civilians casualties at the end of World War II. Some the local Filipino troops under the pre-war 4th and 42nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Commonwealth Army was entering and recaptured in Marikina and helped the U.S. liberation forces attacking the Japanese troops during the liberation.

In 1956, Marikina had emerged as a town of shoemakers again after World War II. Honed by years in shoe manufacturing, the natives had developed a work ethic that prepared them for the arrival of heavy industries, and finally named as the "Shoe Capital of the Philippines". With the industrial plants came waves of workers who chose to stay, rapidly increasing the population. The city soon became a victim of runaway growth, resulting in the Marikina River being polluted by the factories and squatters along the riverbanks. Kapitan Moy's house (and now known as Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina) declared a national shrine in 1968, by the town council and the National Historical Commission.

On November 7, 1975, by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 824, integrating four cities and thirteen towns of Rizal including Marikina, were made part of Metropolitan Manila Area. On October 23, 1988, Typhoon Unsang brought heavy rains causing to widespread flooding in Marikina for the first time. Large part of the city was submerged by floods and many residents were stranded most of them found on their house rooftops and trees and their properties and businesses are extremely damaged.

In 1992, under the leadership of former mayor Bayani Fernando, Marikina has since been transformed into the beautiful and industrialized urban muicipality. Marikina River transform into beautiful waterways along the beautiful parks on the riverbanks. On December 8, 1996, the municipality of Marikina became a city and transformed rapidly into a highly urbanized. Marikina City classified into first class city by virtue of Republic Act No. 8223, same date as the Feast of Immaculate Concepcion.

In 2001, Marides Fernando, the wife of Bayani Fernando, was elected mayor of Marikina, while Bayani Fernando assigned as the chairman of Metro Manila Development Authority. Under Republic Act No. 9364, Marikina City was divided into two congressional districts serving two representatives in 2007. On September 26, 2009, Marikina City was suffered and widely devastated by a flash flood due to torrential rains caused by Tropical Storm Ondoy. Marikina was declared under state of calamity, flood water flowed thru the towns and barangays. The national and international aides arrived immediately to the city for relief, retrieval and recovery operations. Former mayor Marides Fernando and MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando rallied able to help clean up and recovery the city. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo visited the area to see the damages and relief efforts to the victims.

In 2010, Del De Guzman elected mayor of Marikina, ending Fernando's era after almost 2 decades.

Geography

Skyline of Marikina City, showing the Sierra Madre mountains during dawn.
File:Marikina river topview.png
Marikina River, view from top.
Waterways in Marikina

The location of the city lies on so-called the Marikina Valley which extends to the south towards Pasig City and Cainta, Rizal. 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 north by San Mateo, Rizal and to the east by Antipolo City, the capital of Rizal province. It is approximately 21 kilometers away from Manila and lies within 14°38′24″N 121°5′50″E / 14.64000°N 121.09722°E / 14.64000; 121.09722.

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 so-called Marikina Valley which extends to the south towards Pasig City and Cainta, Rizal, between Sierra Madre mountains to the east and Quezon City hills to the west. Marikina River runs through the mid-west portion of the city, with its tributary including Nangka River. Nangka River runs through the north slicing between Marikina and San Mateo, while the small waterway called Balante Creek slicing the southeast between Marikina and Cainta and Antipolo City. It is also threatened by flash floods usually along the riverbanks and creekside during heavy rains due to overflowing with these waterways. The city also lies on Marikina Valley Fault System particular in the western portion, which is one of the recently active faults discovered in the Philippines.

The southern portion of the city occupies the numerous commercial, industrial, business and interesting places, while the northern portion is primarily residential areas and industrial zones and some various establishments 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 areas.

Disaster prone

Marikina lies in various disasters such as fault line, flashfloods and landslides. These are always threatens particular when the city struck by heavy rains. The primary flooding here is the increase of water level in major rivers and creeks and overflowing from its riverbanks to low-lying areas throughout the city. Landslides is another threat, particular at the foot of the higher grounds because the soil in Marikina is malleable and shattering. The major threat is earthquake, because the most active fault line to generate the epicenter of the earthquake is actually in Marikina. The Marikina Valley Fault System lies at the west of Marikina, the east of the fault line constantly sinking which the large portion of Marikina is included.

Climate

Marikina features a tropical monsoon climate. Together with the rest of the Philippines, Marikina lies entirely within the tropics. Its proximity to the equator means that the temperature range is very small, rarely going lower than 20 °C (68 °F) and going higher than 38 °C (100 °F). However, humidity levels are usually very high which makes it feel much warmer. It has a distinct, relatively short dry season from January through May, and a relatively lengthy wet season from June up to December.

Climate data for Marikina, Philippines
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 30
(86) 		30
(86) 		31
(88) 		33
(91) 		34
(93) 		34
(93) 		33
(91) 		31
(88) 		31
(88) 		31
(88) 		31
(88) 		31
(88) 		31.7
(89.1)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 21
(70) 		21
(70) 		21
(70) 		22
(72) 		23
(73) 		24
(75) 		24
(75) 		24
(75) 		24
(75) 		24
(75) 		23
(73) 		22
(72) 		22.8
(73.0)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 25.4
(1.00) 		25.4
(1.00) 		38.1
(1.50) 		25.4
(1.00) 		38.1
(1.50) 		127
(5.0) 		254
(10.0) 		431.8
(17.00) 		406.4
(16.00) 		355.6
(14.00) 		203.2
(8.00) 		152.4
(6.00) 		2,082.8
(82.00)
Source: Pagasa DOST

Demography

Notable people or born in Marikina

The native people in Marikina City refer to themselves as "Marikeño" (or Marikenyo, in Tagalog. Marikeños are remarked to be some of the most disciplined people in the Philippines, largely due to the influences, ethics and urbanity from the past administration in 1990s. Like other places in Metro Manila, the original settlers are Tagalogs. Throughout the centuries, there has been constant migration of Japanese,Chinese,Indian, Visayans, Bikolanos, Ilokanos, and Americans. There are also very small migration from Koreans.

Languages

Like other places in Luzon, Filipino, which is based on Tagalog, is widely used and main language in the city. Other languages such as Cebuano, Bikolano and Ilocano are prevalent among some families and their respective communities mainly among barangays such as Malanday and Nangka, where there are a large number of migrants from other parts of the country. In addition, English is used in education, business, government and information technology.

Religions

Marikina was one of the seats of the Spanish colonial government in the past centuries, and has been used as the base of Roman Catholic missions to the Philippines. Among the religious orders include the Dominicans, the Franciscans, the Jesuits and the Augustinians which the first to arrive in Marikina. Almost 95% of Marikeños are Roman Catholic.

Parish of Our Lady of the Abandoned (known as Marikina Catholic Church) is the seat of Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados, the Patron Saint of Marikina City. Other notable churches in the city include Jesus Dela Peña Chapel, where the first chapel established in Marikina, and Immaculate Conception Parish in Concepcion Uno, second largest church in Marikina. Other Christian faiths like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ (4th Watch) (which its international headquarters are located in the city), Iglesia ni Cristo, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Members Church of God International, Philippine Independent Church and some others. Other religions in Marikina are Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam.

Government

Marikina City Hall

Marikina City is governed by a Mayor and Vice Mayor elected to three-year terms. The Mayor is the executive head and leads the city's departments in executing the city ordinances and improving public services while the Vice Mayor heads a legislative council. Marikina named as one of the most transparent government in the Philippines. Projects and services are reflects in most areas of the city to provide a good quality of living for the residences and orderly surroundings. Every barangays has also a lone projects and providing community projects in the area as well as basic services provided for the residences. It also awarded numerous times in good governance and integrity. Marikina boasts one of the wealthiest local governments in the Philippines in terms of current assets, cash in banks, share of internal revenue allotment, gross income and gross net income.

Divisions

Marikina is divided into 2 districts, Districts 1 and 2, where each districts is represented by a congressman in the House of Representatives of the Philippines. The city is divided into 16 barangays, where each barangay headed by barangay chairman (captain) and its barangay councilors.

Mayors of Marikina
Districts Barangays
District 1 Barangka, Tañong, Jesus Dela Peña, Sto. Niño, Sta. Elena, San Roque, Calumpang, Industrial Valley
District 2 Concepcion I, Concepcion II, Tumana, Marikina Heights, Fortune, Parang, Nangka, Malanday

Health

Marikina is one of the most healthiest cities in Asia-Pacific. Aside of being cleanliness and orderliness, the local government provides free medical and dental missions, health seminars and check-ups, proper disposals and hygiene training, special services for seniors, pregnant woman and children, and other free medical operations. It has also a privileges card for discounted fees and free services such as emergency, medical and security services. Marikina Sports Park provides an outdoor gym, sections for senior citizens, dance exercises, oval track, and other sports activities. Marikina River Park and Riverbanks Center provides a jogging path, walk and run exercises and breath exercise by taking clean, fresh air along the riverbanks. Every barangay has a health center to provide basic medical services in the community, and also has a city health main office to assist in every barangay health centers.

Education

The city government prides itself in giving quality free education to its constituents through its primary, secondary and up to tertiary schools, most public schools awarded as Best Public Schools in many years. Marikina's literacy rate is a high of 98% compare to other cities in Metro Manila. Every barangay has a public primary schools and also a growing numbers of public secondary schools. It has also a public tertiary and vocational schools for continuous education in the city. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina sets the first city-owned university along with Marikina Polytechnic University and Marikina Science High School. Department of Education division office and TESDA office is located in Marikina.

There are also a growing number of private schools such as Roosevelt College, Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College, Kostka School, Mother of Divine Providence School, St. Nicholas School, Holy Trinity School, Charis School, Infant Jesus Academy Marikina, many to mention. Exclusive schools are also located in the city such as Marist School Marikina, St. Scholastica's Academy Marikina and part of Ateneo De Manila University. Technical and IT schools are also growing in the city including AMA Computer University, STI College and other private technical and vocational school. There are also a catholic school such as Marikina Catholic School and numerous christian-owned school like National Christian Life Colleges.

Peace and order

Police stations in the city named as the Best Police Stations in the Philippines. Every barangay has a police station and provide security and crime prevention in the area. Fire stations are also located in strategic areas to easily access in case of fire. CCTV cameras also sets in major intersections and busiest area in the city to monitor traffic and in case of crime events. Public safety and security offices, as well as the justice hall are located near the city hall. Rescue 161 is a hotline number that provide emergencies within the city and a team of paramedics, policemen or firemen will come in less than 5 minutes.

Livelihood

Every household in Marikina has approximately 1 to 2 jobs for the members of the family and they reach basic commodities and needs. The basic livelihood in every family in Marikina is usually have a small to medium stores, and some are growing numbers of internet shops, parlors, eateries, bakeries, made to order products such as food processing and delicacies, and franchising as their common income. The city provides job fairs, livelihood projects, free training and seminars for its people who want to start or upgrade their business. Shoe and leather industry still the top livelihood in the city and generates thousands of jobs within the city.

Environment

Marikina is one of eco-friendly cities in the Philippines, and nothing surprisingly, the city awarded Hall of Fame as best cleanliness and greenest city. Marikina River as well as the Marikina watershed is the best example on how the local government protects the environment. Tree planting and cleaning waterways are among the projects to maintain and protect environment.

Housing

Majority of households in the city has its own house, numerous apartments and dormitories are scattered across the city. Housing projects are also provided by local government in the city for those relocated or has no permanent resident. Villages and subdivisions in the city are among the most common housing in the entire city such as Provident and SSS Villages. Exclusive villages are also located in the city like Loyola Grand Villas and Monte Vista. Residential condominiums are now boosting in the city including Marquinton Residences, Federaland Garden Terraces, Bali Oasis, Garden Terraces Residences and Blue Tower Residences.

Achievements

The major achievement in Marikina is no other than the transformation to a beautiful, progressive and model city. 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.

City seal

Marikina City Seal
Marikina City Seal

The official seal of the City of Marikina bears the inscriptions Lungsod ng Marikina, Pilipinas, the year 1630 referring to the founding date of the municipality, and 1996 the year of approval of the City Charter. The two mountains represent the majestic twin ranges of the Cordillera and Sierra Madre between which the Marikina Valley nestles, traversed by the Marikina River.

The rising sun points to the eastern location of the city, with each ray representing the city's barangays. The machinery gear symbolizes its industries and the shoelast represents the traditional manufacture of the city. The torch focuses on the lofty and noble ideals for human development and a better quality of life, and is symbolic of its Hispanic culture and tradition.

The bamboo underscores a mixture of the people's natural humility and strength of character and also emphasizes the city's transition from an agricultural past to the urbanized, industrial present; while the leaves and branches symbolize order and serenity. The bamboo and the wheel represent the Marikina and its people's respect for, and protection of the environment so as to remain in harmony with progress.

Economy

Marikina was the biggest manufacturer of quality shoes, and Marikina produced 80% of the shoe production of the Philippines. All locally produced shoes are made in Marikina, from slippers to shoes. Marikina also produced shoes which is made of rubber, wood (bakya), and plastic.

Industries

Marikina is the home to a member of industries, some of which are the biggest and most successful in their fields, and foremost of all, shoe manufacturing, being the best in local craftmanship.

Manufacturing

The city manufactures food processing, cigarettes, porcelain and chinaware, confectionery, automobiles and cars, appliances, electronics, crafts like bags, hats and slippers, and foremost of all, shoes.

Commerce and trade

Riverbanks Center at night

Public markets in Marikina are often divided into two, the dry goods section and the wet goods section. Commerce in these public markets are in full swing, especially in the early morning. Under the urban renewal program of the city, some of the public markets had been refurbished and given a fresher look, like the "Marikina Public Market" also known as "Marikina Market Mall", or locally called the "Pamilihang Bayan", the biggest and cleanest market in Metro Manila.

Modern shopping malls dot the city especially in the southern portion of Marikina. SM City Marikina, Blue Wave Mall at Marquinton, Robinsons Place, are some of Metro Manila's major shopping and commercial centers stands along Marcos Highway. The popular commercial center that lies in Marikina is the Riverbanks Center.

For the adventurous shoppers, you may venture beyond the hotel or shopping complex package and combine other interesting destinations for cheap buys such as in Marikina Market Mall. Bargaining is the major part of your shopping experience when you pass by that area, as it sells goods at rock-bottom prices. Riverbanks Center gives a comfort to the shoppers as it offers air-conditioned mall, but the price of the goods here is still very similar to the goods bought outside. Some of goods are cheap electronic products, toys and other cheap equipments needed into your homes.

Banking

Almost all of the major commercial international and local, and government banks in the Philippines operate a branch in the city. Major banks operate in the city with more than one branch. At this time, there are 60 banking institutions offer banking services to businesses and residents. Most of these are concentrated in Barangay Sta. Elena, Sto. Niño, Concepcion Uno, San Roque, Calumpang and Barangka.

Information Technology

Marikina lined up as one of Information Technology hub in Metro Manila and continuously growth of outsourcing and call centers, among them is ICT Groups, Sykes, NCO, Teletech, to name a few. There are numerous contact centers worldwide with IT-based offices in the Philippines in Makati City, Ortigas Center and Riverbanks Center in Marikina City.

Infrastructure

Transportation

File:MRT2 Santolan Station 2009 MC.jpg
Platform area of the Santolan LRT Station of MRT-2 facing westward.

Currently, elevated light rail systems run through Marikina City. The first or last station of LRT 2 is Santolan located along Marcos Highway. The station connects to Claro M. Recto Avenue in Manila.

Public transportation within the city, like in most of the urban areas in the Philippines, is facilitated mostly using inexpensive jeepneys and buses. Tricycles (motorbikes with an attached two seater carriage) are the usual transportation used for short distances, while Taxi cabs are used by the upper middle class. The roads are organized around a set of long narrow and circumferential roads that radiate and circle in and around the city.

One of the most notable attractions in Marikina is the bikeways and bikelanes along major roads and streets. This is the only city in the Philippines which has an effective bikeways.

Utilities and communications

Marikina's source of electricity is part of the Manila Electric Company or Meralco. Water supply for the city is supplied by the Manila Water Company. Marikina's communication system is powered by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone company, Globe Telecom, Bayan Telecommunications Corporation (BayanTel) and others. Cellular network in the Philippines particularly the metropolitan areas is increasing rapidly together with the low cost of calls and text messaging. Such big companies that control the cellular networks in the Philippines and Marikina itself are Globe Telecom, Smart Communications (PLDT) and Sun Cellular from Digitel. Cable television access is provided by SkyCable, Home Cable and Global Destiny. Internet Digital Subscriber Line or DSL coverage is provided by PLDT, cable internet is serviced by Sky Cable's ZPDee and Global Destiny. Wireless broadband is provided by Globeliness Broadband and Smart Communications. Marikina has its own radio station operated and owned by the city government, DZBF-AM (BF named after Bayani Fernando, the owner of radio station and a former mayor of Marikina and former chairman of MMDA), is an AM radio station that provides information, news and events happening in Marikina, and it also provides some entertainment like other commercial AM radio stations.

Tourism

Marikina has its own share of attractions to offer. Sports and recreational facilities are available to its residents and those from nearby towns and cities. Historical landmarks and church, antiquated houses and galleries view to the attention of history and culture buffs. It's also attracts major commercial centers, man-made parks, large structure buildings, and most of them, a traditional shoe-making in the city, the natural river parks and the hospitality of Marikeños.

Events and 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 Marikina Sports Park

Landmarks and 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.

Evolution Park

Jesus de la Peña Chapel

Where this park stands was once the only grazing farm in Marikina, in which 18 stone cows now stand, and is located in Marikina Heights.

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 Hotel
This is the city's first government-owned hotel that will further boost the influx of tourists in the city, and located at SSS Village.

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.

OLA Parish Church, houses the Patron Saint of Marikina

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, slippers and boots belonging to former First Lady Imelda Marcos, out of a total of around 3000. It is also a place which a record-holder as the most numerous pair of shoes in the world.

File:SMMarikina2.jpg
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.

St. Scholastica's Academy Marikina
St. Scholastica’s Academy of Marikina (SSAM) is a Catholic educational institution providing elementary and secondary education. It is established in accordance with the policies and standards set by the Department of Education and owned and administered by the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing. It is registered with SEC as a non-stock, non-profit corporation, with its assets and income used directly and exclusively for educational purposes including expansion when needed to carry out the aims and objectives of the school.

Other landmarks

  • Blue Wave Mall, Marquinton Residences
  • Bayan-Bayanan Avenue, Concepcion Uno
  • Circle Mall, Marikina Heights
  • Doll Museum at Marikina Sports Park
  • Loyola Grand Villas
  • LRT Line 2 Santolan Depot Station
  • Maria Quina Statue at Marikina River Park
  • TESDA Main Office

Miscellaneous

Hospitals in Marikina

These are the major hospitals in Marikina:

Public Hospitals

  • Amang Rodriguez Medical Center
  • Marikina Diagnostic and Specialty Center

Private Hospitals

Roads in Marikina

These are some of the major roads in Marikina:

National (Major) Highway

National (Major) Roads

  • A. Bonifacio Avenue
  • Bayan-Bayanan Avenue (Immaculate Concepcion Ave.)
  • J. P. Rizal Avenue
  • Shoe Avenue (Marikina Avenue)
  • Gil Fernando Avenue (Angel Tuazon Avenue)
  • Fortune Avenue (Claro. M. Recto Avenue)
  • Erano Manalo Avenue (E. Rodriguez Avenue)
  • Major Dizon Avenue
  • General Ordoñez Ave. (Molave Street)
  • C5 Access Road
  • Katipunan Road
  • Bagong Farmers Avenue
  • Evangelista Avenue
  • Kalye Budin ng Galapagi

Bridges and Overpass

  • Marikina Bridge (Marikina River)
  • Marcos Highway Bridge (Marikina River)
  • Disodado Macapagal Bridge (Marikina River)
  • Gil Fernando Bridge (Marikina River)
  • Nangka Bridge (Nangka River)
  • Modesta Bridge (Nangka River)
  • Balara-San Mateo Bridge (Marikina River)
  • SM City Bridge (Marikina River)
  • C5 Overpass
  • SM City Marikina Overpass

Recognitions

International

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Local

See also

References

Prints

  • Marikina Yellow Pages Directory, Directory Publications, Inc.
  • Marikina Citizens' Factbook, Annual City Factbook
  • Marikina River Digest, Official Publication of Marikina
  • Balitang Komunidad, Official Newsletter of Marikina
  • Marikina City Annual Report, Annual City Report Book
  • WOW (World of Women) Magazine
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