Marikina City, Philippines

Reading Time: 7 minutes

Marikina City, Philippines

Region: Metro Manila


Geographic Coordinates: 14.650000, 121.100000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal climate and weather patterns in Marikina City, Philippines are influenced by the tropical monsoon climate, characterized by a wet season from June to November and a dry season from December to May.
Population: 456059
Language: Tagalog

Marikina City is a highly urbanized city located in the eastern part of Metro Manila, Philippines. It is known as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines because it is famous for its shoe industry that has been thriving since the 1800s. The city has a population of over 450, 000 people and covers an area of approximately 21 square kilometers. One of Marikina’s most notable attractions is the Marikina River Park, Which stretches along the banks of Marikina River. The park features walking and biking trails, Picnic areas, Playgrounds, And various outdoor activities such as kayaking and fishing.

Visitors can also enjoy a scenic view of the river from one of its many bridges. Another popular destination in Marikina City is the Shoe Museum. It houses a collection of shoes worn by famous personalities such as former First Lady Imelda Marcos and Philippine presidents Jose P. Laurel and Manuel L. Quezon. The museum also showcases different types of shoes from around the world. Marikina City is also home to several historical landmarks such as Our Lady Of The Abandoned Parish Church which was built in 1572 making it one oldest churches in Metro Manila.

The church features Baroque-style architecture with intricate carvings on its façade. There are also several ancestral homes that have been preserved throughout time like Kapitan Moy Building which was built during Spanish colonial period now turned into a museum showcasing local history. Food lovers will definitely enjoy exploring Marikina’s culinary scene where they can find local delicacies like suman (rice cake), Puto bumbong (purple rice cake), And kakanin (sweet sticky rice). There are also several restaurants offering international cuisine including Japanese sushi bars, Southeast Asian fusion restaurants , And American diners .

For those looking for shopping opportunities, Marquinton Mall offers various retail stores selling clothing, Furniture, Jewelry and electronics. The mall also houses a cinema, Food court, And several restaurants. Overall, Marikina City is a vibrant and bustling city that offers something for everyone. From its rich history to its modern amenities, It is definitely worth a visit when exploring the Philippines.



Important Landmarks

  1. Marikina Shoe Museum
  2. Riverbanks Center
  3. Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish Church
  4. Marikina Sports Center
  5. Kapitan Moy Heritage House and Museum
  6. Marikina Heights Waterfalls Park
  7. Blue Wave Mall Marikina
  8. Robinsons Place Metro East
  9. SM City Masinag
  10. Marquinton Residences Mall

Primary Industries

  1. Shoe Manufacturing – Marikina City is known as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines with a long history of shoe manufacturing.
  2. Food and Beverage – There are many restaurants, cafes, and food establishments in Marikina City that offer a variety of local and international cuisine.
  3. Retail – The city has several malls, supermarkets, and retail stores that cater to the needs of its residents.
  4. Construction – With ongoing infrastructure projects in the city, there is a growing demand for construction companies.
  5. Information Technology (IT) – There are several IT companies operating in Marikina City that provide services such as software development, web design, and digital marketing.
  6. Health Care – Several hospitals and clinics operate in the city providing medical services to its residents.
  7. Education – The city has numerous schools offering primary education up to tertiary level including public schools run by DepEd (Department of Education) as well as private institutions offering technical courses or vocational training programs such as TESDA (Technical Education Skills Development Authority).

Noteable History

  1. The establishment of the town in 1787 by Franciscan missionaries.
  2. The city’s significant role in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule, with Marikina serving as a base for Filipino revolutionaries led by General Emilio Aguinaldo.
  3. The city’s development as a center for shoe-making and leathercraft, which began in the early 20th century and continues to this day.
  4. The devastating floods that hit Marikina in 2009, which resulted in widespread damage and loss of life.
  5. Notable people associated with Marikina include former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who was born and raised there; basketball player James Yap; actress Dawn Zulueta; and singer-songwriter Ogie Alcasid.
  6. The city is also known for its numerous landmarks such as Our Lady of Abandoned Parish Church, Kapitan Moy Building (the oldest building in Marikina), Shoe Museum (which houses former First Lady Imelda Marcos’ collection of shoes), Riverbanks Center (a shopping mall complex along the banks of Marikina River) among others.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Marikina Shoe Museum: A museum dedicated to the history and art of shoe-making in Marikina.
  2. Our Lady of the Abandoned Church: A historic church built in 1690, known for its Baroque architecture and beautiful interior.
  3. Kapitan Moy Heritage House: A well-preserved ancestral house that showcases the traditional Filipino lifestyle during the Spanish colonial period.
  4. Marikina River Park: A scenic park with a bike trail, playgrounds, and picnic areas along the Marikina River.
  5. Marquinton Blue Wave Mall: A modern shopping mall with a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
  6. Meralco Theater: An iconic theater known for hosting various cultural events such as concerts, plays, and musicals.
  7. Loyola Memorial Park: One of the largest cemeteries in Metro Manila which is also a popular destination during All Saints’ Day (November 1).
  8. Art Sector Gallery & Chimney Café: An art gallery that features works from local artists as well as an outdoor café located inside an old chimney stack.
  9. AMI Museum: The first museum dedicated to animation in Asia showcasing different animation techniques used by animators all over the world.
  10. Laurel Mansion- The former residence of Jose P Laurel who was once President of Philippines which now serves as a venue for special events like weddings or corporate functions.


Sports Teams

  1. Marikina Shoemasters – The Marikina Shoemasters is a professional basketball team that competes in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). The team was established in 2018 and is owned by the local government of Marikina City. They play their home games at the Marist School gymnasium.
  2. FC Meralco Manila – FC Meralco Manila was a professional football club that competed in the Philippines Football League (PFL). The team was established in 2016 and played its home games at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. In 2018, it was acquired by Global Cebu FC and renamed to Global Cebu FC-Meralco Manila.
  3. Team Big Chill – Team Big Chill is a basketball team that competes in various leagues such as the PBA D-League and Liga Pilipinas. The team was founded in 2009 and has won several championships over the years.
  4. Marikina Sports Center Track Oval – The Marikina Sports Center Track Oval is a venue for athletics competitions such as track and field events, as well as other sports like football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and swimming. It has hosted several national events like the Palarong Pambansa and Philippine National Games.
  5. Blue Wave-Marquinton Mall Bowling Alley – Blue Wave-Marquinton Mall Bowling Alley is a popular spot for bowling enthusiasts not just from within but also outside of Marikina City because it boasts of modern facilities for bowling tournaments or casual games alike.

Note: Some of these teams may have ceased operations or changed names due to various reasons such as financial constraints or mergers/acquisitions with other teams/organizations since this information may not be updated regularly on online platforms/sources.



Cultural Events

  1. Sapatos Festival is a yearly event that celebrates the shoe industry in Marikina and takes place in September.
  2. Marikit-na is a month-long celebration of the founding anniversary of Marikina, held every April. It features cultural and sports events.
  3. The Feast of Our Lady of the Abandoned is a religious festival that honors Marikina’s patron saint and takes place on May 12th each year.
  4. Paskong Pamasko sa Marikina is an annual Christmas event that includes a parade, fireworks display, and other holiday activities.
  5. The Marikina Art Festival showcases works by local artists and takes place annually in November.
  6. Higantes Festival is a colorful parade featuring giant papier-mâché figures held every November 23rd to celebrate San Clemente, the patron saint of fishermen.
  7. The International Bamboo Organ Festival is an annual music festival held at St. Joseph Parish Church showcasing traditional Filipino music played on bamboo instruments.
  8. The Philippine National Fireworks Festival features different pyrotechnic companies showcasing their talents for three consecutive weekends at Riverbanks Center Open Field along A.Bonifacio Avenue corner E.Rodriguez Jr Ave., Barangka Itaas, Marikina City during December each year.

Cuisine

  • Kapitan Moy Restaurant is known for its traditional Filipino dishes like kare-kare, adobo, and sinigang.
  • Rustic Mornings by Isabelo is a cozy restaurant that serves breakfast food all day. Their famous fluffy pancakes are a must-try.
  • Cafe Lidia offers a variety of Filipino comfort food such as crispy pata, lechon kawali, and sisig.
  • Pares Retiro specializes in the classic beef pares dish which is a combination of tender beef brisket and rice.
  • Lilac Street Food Park is an outdoor food park that offers a wide range of street food delights like grilled meat skewers, fish balls, and other local snacks.
  • Gerry’s Jeepney is an iconic jeepney-themed restaurant that serves Filipino favorites like crispy pata and sisig on top of sizzling plates shaped like jeepneys.
  • Marikina Market Mall Food Center is located in the heart of Marikina City’s market district offering affordable local cuisine from different stalls serving traditional Filipino dishes including adobo, sinigang, and pancit canton among others.

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Marikina River Park is a picturesque park situated along the Marikina River, offering visitors jogging paths, bike lanes, and picnic areas.
    2. Luyong Restaurant and Butterfly Farm is a unique dining experience where guests can enjoy delicious food while observing various species of butterflies at the on-site farm.
    3. Marikina Sports Center is a state-of-the-art sports complex equipped with facilities for basketball, volleyball, tennis, badminton, and swimming.
    4. The Shoe Museum showcases an impressive collection of historical footwear from around the world in addition to displaying the famous shoes of former First Lady Imelda Marcos.
    5. Kapitan Moy Heritage House is a museum that provides insight into traditional Filipino architecture and culture by showcasing an ancestral home turned museum.
    6. Marikina Heights Park offers children’s playground equipment in a small park setting perfect for families with young kids.
    7. Loyola Memorial Park is a cemetery with beautifully manicured gardens ideal for peaceful walks or picnics amongst nature’s beauty.
    8. Blue Wave Mall boasts shopping centers as well as cinemas providing entertainment options for all ages to enjoy under one roof.
    9. Marquinton Residences features amenities such as swimming pools, gym, basketball court, etc. making it an ideal location for those looking to stay active during their travels.
    10. Riverbanks Center provides shoppers with numerous retail options located near the riverbank while also featuring an amusement park called Fun Ranch perfect for families seeking fun activities together.

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