Marikina Heights, Philippines
Region: Marikina City
Geographic Coordinates: 14.653400, 121.119000
Climate: Varies.
Population: 40967
Language: Tagalog
Marikina Heights is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood located in the heart of Marikina City, Philippines. Known for its picturesque landscapes, Friendly community, And rich cultural heritage, It has become a popular residential area for both locals and expatriates. One of the defining features of Marikina Heights is its lush greenery. The neighborhood is nestled at the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, Providing residents with breathtaking views and a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The area boasts numerous parks and gardens where families can enjoy picnics or leisurely walks amidst nature’s beauty.
In addition to its natural charm, Marikina Heights also offers an array of modern amenities. The neighborhood is home to several shopping centers, Supermarkets, Restaurants, And entertainment venues that cater to diverse tastes. Residents have easy access to healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics as well as quality educational institutions ranging from preschools to universities. Marikina Heights prides itself on its strong sense of community. Residents actively participate in various activities organized by local organizations or barangays (neighborhood councils). These events include sports tournaments, Cultural festivals celebrating Filipino traditions like traditional dances or culinary competitions showcasing local delicacies.
The area also holds historical significance as it was once part of a revolutionary stronghold during the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonial rule in 1896. Visitors can explore historical landmarks such as Kapitan Moy Residence or visit museums like Shoe Museum that showcases Marikina’s renowned shoe industry heritage. Transportation within Marikina Heights is convenient with well-connected road networks linking it to other parts of Metro Manila. Commuters can easily access public transportation options like buses or jeepneys while those with private vehicles benefit from ample parking spaces available throughout the neighborhood.
Overall, Living in Marikina Heights offers residents a harmonious blend between urban conveniences and natural beauty. Its close-knit community spirit combined with modern amenities and historical significance make it an attractive place for families, Professionals, And nature enthusiasts alike. Whether enjoying a leisurely stroll in the park or immersing oneself in the vibrant local culture, Marikina Heights offers a truly unique living experience in the heart of the Philippines.
- Marikina River Park: A riverside park with jogging paths, bike lanes, picnic areas, and scenic views of the Marikina River.
- Shoe Museum: Located in the city center, this museum showcases a collection of shoes from former First Lady Imelda Marcos and other notable personalities.
- Kapitan Moy Heritage House: A well-preserved ancestral house turned museum that provides insights into the history and culture of Marikina.
- Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish Church: A historic church known for its beautiful architecture and religious significance.
- Riverbanks Center: A shopping complex with various stores, restaurants, entertainment options like cinemas and arcade centers as well as a river park where visitors can enjoy boat rides.
- Marquinton Blue Wave Mall: Another shopping mall offering retail shops, dining options, and entertainment facilities like bowling alleys and cinemas.
- Lilac Street Food Strip: Known for its wide variety of local food stalls serving delicious Filipino street food such as barbecues, isaw (grilled chicken intestines), kwek-kwek (deep-fried quail eggs), etc.
While these attractions are not directly located in Marikina Heights itself but are easily accessible from there by public transportation or private vehicles within a short distance from the area.
HTML organized list:
- Manufacturing: Marikina City has a strong manufacturing sector, with various factories and production facilities located within its boundaries. These include shoe manufacturing companies, as Marikina is known for its shoe industry.
- Retail: There are numerous retail establishments in Marikina Heights catering to the needs of residents. These include supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies, and small shops selling various goods.
- Food and Beverage: Restaurants, cafes, fast-food chains, bakeries, and eateries can be found throughout Marikina Heights offering a wide range of cuisines to residents and visitors.
- Services: Various service-oriented businesses operate in Marikina Heights such as salons/spas, gyms/fitness centers, car repair shops/garages/auto parts stores.
- Education: Schools play an essential role in any community; hence there are several educational institutions like private schools or tutoring centers serving students residing within or near the area.
- Construction/Contracting: With ongoing development projects within the city or neighboring areas like infrastructure improvements or housing construction projects – construction companies or contractors may have their offices nearby to cater to these projects’ requirements.
- Transportation Services: Due to its proximity to major roads and highways (e.g., Marcos Highway), transportation services such as taxi operators/car rental services may have their offices here providing convenient access for commuters going into/out of Metro Manila.
It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive but provides an overview of some significant industries/businesses present in Marikina Heights.
- Shoe Industry: Marikina is known as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines due to its thriving shoe industry. The city has been producing high-quality shoes since Spanish colonial times and became renowned for its craftsmanship.
- Kapitan Moy: One notable person associated with Marikina is Don Laureano Guevarra, also known as Kapitan Moy. He was considered the father of the shoe industry in Marikina and played a significant role in developing and promoting shoemaking in the area.
- Battle of Marikina Heights (1945): During World War II, there was intense fighting between Filipino guerrilla forces and Japanese troops in various parts of Marikina, including Marikina Heights. This battle played a crucial role in liberating Manila from Japanese occupation.
- River Rehabilitation Efforts: In recent years, there have been significant efforts to rehabilitate the heavily polluted Marikina River that runs through parts of Marikina City, including Marikina Heights. These efforts aim to restore its ecological balance and mitigate flooding risks.
- Ondoy (Typhoon Ketsana): In 2009, Typhoon Ondoy caused widespread devastation across Metro Manila, including parts of Marikina City such as Barangka and Nangka areas near Marika Heights. The typhoon resulted in severe flooding that affected thousands of residents.
While these events are not specific to only Marike Heights but encompass broader aspects related to all sections within the city boundaries, they provide an understanding of some historical events associated with this suburban area within greater context.
- Marikina Shoe Museum: Located in nearby Barangay San Roque, the Marikina Shoe Museum showcases the city’s rich shoemaking history and displays an extensive collection of shoes worn by notable personalities, including former First Lady Imelda Marcos.
- Our Lady of the Abandoned Parish Church: Situated along J.P Rizal Street in nearby Barangay Sta. Elena, this historic church is known for its beautiful architecture and religious significance.
- Riverbanks Center: Just a short distance away from Marikina Heights, Riverbanks Center offers various recreational activities such as shopping, dining, and leisurely walks along the scenic Marikina River.
- Art Sector Gallery & Chimney Café 360°: Located within Kapitan Moy Heritage House in nearby Barangay Sta. Elena, this gallery features contemporary artworks by local artists while offering visitors a cozy café experience.
- Wawa Dam: About 20 kilometers away from Marikina Heights lies Wawa Dam in Rodriguez (formerly Montalban), Rizal Province. It’s a popular destination for nature lovers with its picturesque scenery and hiking trails.
- Pinto Art Museum: Although not directly located in Marikina Heights but just a short drive away (around 15 kilometers) towards Antipolo City, Pinto Art Museum is definitely worth mentioning for art enthusiasts seeking to explore contemporary Filipino art within an idyllic Mediterranean-inspired setting.
While these are just some recommendations near or accessible from Marikina Heights, exploring neighboring cities like Quezon City or Makati will provide even more options for museums, art centers, monuments or other places to visit.
- Marikina Shoemasters (Basketball): The Marikina Shoemasters is a professional basketball team that competes in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). Founded in 2018, the team represents the city of Marikina and has gained popularity among local basketball enthusiasts.
- Stallion Laguna FC (Football): Stallion Laguna FC is a professional football club based in Biñan, Laguna but previously had its home stadium at the Rizal Artificial Turf Field located near Marquinton Residences within Barangay Sto. Niño, Marikina City. The club has participated in various football leagues like the United Football League (UFL) and Philippine Football League (PFL).
- University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Teams: Some universities located near or with campuses within or close to Marikina Heights participate in UAAP competitions across different sports disciplines. These include Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles and Lady Eagles, which have been successful particularly in basketball and volleyball.
- National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Teams: Similarly to UAAP teams, some NCAA member schools have campuses or facilities close to or within proximity to Marikina Heights where they train for various sports disciplines.
It’s important to note that while these teams may not be specifically based within the boundaries of Marikina Heights itself due to its primarily residential nature, they represent neighboring areas where residents from this part of the city may actively support them.
- Sapatos Festival: This festival celebrates the shoe industry of Marikina, which is known as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines. It features various activities such as shoe exhibits, fashion shows, and street dancing.
- Pista ng Santo Niño: The Feast of Santo Niño is celebrated every January in Marikina Heights. It includes processions, religious activities, and street parties to honor the child Jesus.
- Flores de Mayo: This event takes place in May and is a month-long celebration dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It involves daily processions with participants dressed in traditional Filipino attire and offering flowers to Mary.
- Marikenyo Pride March: Celebrated during Pride Month (June), this event aims to promote LGBTQ+ rights and equality in Marikina Heights through parades, performances, and advocacy campaigns.
- Christmas Festival: During December, Marikina Heights transforms into a festive wonderland with colorful lights displays along major streets. There are also Christmas bazaars, concerts, and other holiday-related activities.
- Araw ng Marikina: Celebrated every 16th of April, this event commemorates the cityhood anniversary of Marikina Heights through various festivities like parades showcasing local culture and history.
These are just some examples of cultural events and festivals celebrated in Marikina Heights; there may be others depending on specific community or barangay traditions within the area as well.
- Lilac Street – This street is known for its wide range of restaurants and food stalls offering various cuisines such as Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Italian, and more.
- Rustic Mornings by Isabelo – A popular brunch spot known for its cozy ambiance and delicious comfort food. They serve Filipino dishes with a twist.
- Kanto Freestyle Breakfast – This restaurant offers all-day breakfast meals with a unique twist. They are famous for their tapsilog (marinated beef slices with garlic rice and fried egg) and other Filipino breakfast favorites.
- Cafe Lidia – A well-known restaurant that serves traditional Filipino dishes in a homey setting. Their specialties include Kare-Kare (oxtail stew), Crispy Pata (deep-fried pork leg), and Pancit Malabon (a type of noodle dish).
- Mama Chit’s Coffee House – A quaint coffee shop that also serves delicious homemade cakes and pastries along with their specialty coffee blends.
- Aling Nene’s Barbecue – Known for their delectable grilled skewers of meat marinated in a sweet sauce, this barbecue spot is a favorite among locals.
- Sizzling Plate Marikina Heights Branch – Offering sizzling hot plates of various meats like pork sisig or beef steak, this restaurant is loved by many for its sizzling dishes served on a hot plate.
- The Morning After Bakery & Cafe – This bakery-cafe offers freshly baked bread, pastries, sandwiches, salads, and specialty coffee drinks perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Marikina River Park – A scenic park along the banks of the Marikina River, featuring jogging paths, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a bike lane.
- Loyola Memorial Park – A peaceful park and cemetery with well-maintained gardens and open spaces for relaxation or walking.
- Parang Sports Complex – A sports complex that offers various recreational activities such as basketball courts, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a track oval.
- Filinvest East Clubhouse – A private club that allows non-members to use its facilities like swimming pools, basketball courts, tennis courts, badminton courts, and function rooms for events or gatherings.
- Concepcion Uno Covered Court – A covered court where locals can engage in sports activities like basketball or volleyball.
- Tuazon Village Basketball Court – Another community basketball court where residents can play games or organize tournaments.
- Boso-boso Highlands Resort & Convention Center – Located nearby in Antipolo City but accessible from Marikina Heights; it offers various recreational activities including swimming pools with slides and waterfalls, ziplines hiking trails in Boso-Boso Valley Forest Park.
- Marcos Highway Fitness Park (located near Loyola Memorial Park) – It features outdoor fitness equipment for exercise enthusiasts who prefer outdoor workouts.
These are just a few examples of public parks and recreational activities available in Marikina Heights; there may be more options depending on your specific interests within the area as well as nearby places to explore beyond its borders.
