Marilao, Philippines

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Marilao, Philippines

Region: Bulacan


Geographic Coordinates: 14.758100, 120.948000
Temperature Range: 24.0°C to 34.0°C (75°F to 93°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 254453
Language: Tagalog

Marilao is a first-class municipality situated in the province of Bulacan, Philippines. It has a land area of 33.7 square kilometers and is located in the central part of Luzon. The town shares its borders with Meycauayan City to the north, Obando to the east, Santa Maria to the west, And Bocaue to the south. The name Marilao was derived from two Tagalog words – Mari which means miracle and lawa which means lake.

According to legend, A group of Spaniards passing through Marilao stumbled upon a beautiful lake with clear water that refreshed them when they were thirsty and tired. Today, Marilao is known for its thriving economy fueled by various industries such as manufacturing, Agriculture, And commerce. The town has become an industrial hub with numerous factories producing textiles, Garments, Electronics components as well as food processing plants like meat processing plants.

Nuestra Señora dela Soledad Parish Church is one of Marilao’s most popular attractions built during Spanish colonial times in 1848 featuring Baroque architecture with intricate carvings on its façade that depict scenes from biblical stories. SM City Marilao – one of Bulacan’s largest shopping malls – offers various shops selling clothes, Shoes accessories as well as restaurants serving local cuisine like lechon (roasted pig) and pancit (noodles).

For nature lovers seeking adventure or relaxation away from city life hustle-bustle can visit Biak-na-Bato National Park located just outside Marilao where visitors can take hikes through lush forests or go swimming at natural pools formed by cascading waterfalls. Overall Marilao provides an interesting mix between modernity and tradition with its industrial development historical landmarks and natural wonders. The town’s strategic location makes it easily accessible from Manila making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking to explore Bulacan’s beauty.



Important Landmarks

  1. Barasoain Church – a historic church that played a significant role in Philippine history as it served as the venue for the drafting of the first Philippine Constitution.
  2. Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes – a religious site featuring a replica of the grotto in France where Our Lady appeared to Saint Bernadette.
  3. Amana Waterpark – an amusement park with various water rides and attractions.
  4. Marilao Grand Villas Resort – another popular resort with swimming pools and other recreational facilities.
  5. Meycauayan Jewelry Industry Cluster – known for its goldsmiths and silver craftsmen who produce high-quality jewelry pieces.
  6. Starmall Marilao – a shopping mall that offers various shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
  7. Mount Balagbag – a mountain located on the border between Marilao and Rodriguez (formerly Montalban) that offers hiking trails with scenic views at its peak.
  8. Bulacan Heritage Conservation Society Museum – showcases local history through artifacts such as pottery from pre-colonial times to present-day Bulacan culture items like hand-woven textiles, musical instruments made from bamboo or wood scraps.

Primary Industries

  1. Manufacturing
  2. Agriculture
  3. Retail
  4. Service industry
  5. Logistics

Marilao is renowned for its:

  • Industrial parks
  • Factories that produce a wide range of products such as:
    • Garments
    • Electronics
    • Food processing items
    • Automotive parts

The town also has fertile lands suitable for farming crops such as:

  • Rice
  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Livestock

Several shopping centers and malls in Marilao cater to the needs of its residents and neighboring towns. The town has a growing service sector with businesses such as:

  • Hotels
  • Restaurants
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Banks
  • Other professional services

Due to its strategic location along major highways and proximity to the Port of Manila, logistics companies offer warehousing distribution services making it a hub for logistics companies.


Noteable History

  1. In 1896, Marilao played a significant role in the Philippine Revolution led by Gregorio del Pilar and Marcelo H. del Pilar against Spanish colonial rule.
  2. Father Manuel Blanco was a Spanish missionary who lived in Marilao during the 19th century and authored Flora de Filipinas, one of the most comprehensive works on Philippine flora.
  3. Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippines, passed through Marilao during his escape from American forces in 1901.
  4. Manuel L. Quezon, born in Baler, Aurora but raised in Balagtas and Malolos City near Marilao, became the second president of the Philippines.
  5. Jose Rizal frequently traveled through Bulacan province but had no direct connections to Marilao.
  6. Antonio Luna fought alongside other revolutionary leaders like Emilio Aguinaldo and Gregorio del Pilar during the Philippine-American War as a general known as Heneral Luna.
  7. Benigno Aquino Jr., an opposition leader during Ferdinand Marcos’s regime, was assassinated at Manila International Airport upon returning from self-imposed exile on August 21st of 1983.
  8. Carlos P. Romulo served as President of United Nations General Assembly from September 1949 until February 1950; also became Secretary-General for Foreign Affairs under President Elpidio Quirino’s Cabinet.
  9. Jovita Fuentes was dubbed as Queen of Kundiman or Kundiman Diva due to her famous soprano voice which brought her fame since she started singing at an early age.
  10. Marcelo H. del Pilar is best known for his role in Propaganda Movement that aimed to overthrow Spanish colonial rule in Philippines; he also served as revolutionary leader and journalist.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Barasoain Church
  2. Marilao Municipal Hall and Plaza
  3. St. Michael the Archangel Parish Church
  4. Marilao Bulacan Heroes Monument
  5. Marcelo H Del Pilar Shrine Museum
  6. Bahay na Tisa Heritage House
  7. The Garden of Life Memorial Park
  8. San Jose Manggagawa Chapel
  9. Our Lady of Fatima Grotto
  10. The Greenery Events Place


Sports Teams

  1. Marilao Basketball Association – Established in 2009, this basketball league is composed of amateur players from different barangays (villages) in Marilao.
  2. FC Meralco Manila – This professional football club used to train and play at the Meralco Compound in Marilao until its dissolution in 2018.
  3. Marilao Titans – This baseball team was formed by a group of enthusiasts who wanted to promote the sport in their community. They have participated in various tournaments within Bulacan province.
  4. Team Lakan – This mixed martial arts team was founded by local fighter Rodel Orais and has produced several champions in regional competitions.
  5. Marilao Volleyball Club – This women’s volleyball team was established by a group of friends who wanted to continue playing the sport after graduating from school.

Note: It is important to note that this list may not be comprehensive and there may be other sports teams or organizations that exist or have existed in Marilao that are not included here due to lack of available information.



Cultural Events

  1. Buntal Hat Festival – takes place every May to honor the town’s hat-making industry.
  2. Feast of San Vicente Ferrer – celebrated annually on April 5th in tribute to the town’s patron saint.
  3. Kakanin Festival – held every December to display various rice cakes and delicacies made by local residents.
  4. Marilao Grand Fiesta – observed every January 22nd with a parade, street dancing, and other cultural activities.
  5. Pagoda Festival – conducted yearly on the first Sunday of June where a colorful procession of decorated boats is paraded along the riverbank as part of a religious celebration.
  6. Pista ng Kalabaw (Festival of Carabaos) – celebrated during May or June to express gratitude for the carabaos’ role in agriculture by showcasing them through various competitions and festivities.
  7. Town Fiesta – different barangays celebrate their own fiestas on varying dates throughout the year with masses, food fairs, games and other activities that showcase their unique culture and traditions.

Cuisine

  • Bulacan-style lechon – a roasted pig dish with crispy skin and tender meat. Some popular places to try this dish include Mila’s Lechon and Aida’s Lechon.
  • Pansit Malabon – a noodle dish with seafood toppings such as shrimp, squid, and crab meat. Try it at Jorlyn’s Panciteria or Pansit Malabon Express.
  • Kare-kare – a peanut-based stew with vegetables and oxtail or beef tripe. You can find this dish at Kusina ni Kambal or Aling Lucing’s Kare-Kare.
  • Inihaw na Bangus – grilled milkfish marinated in vinegar, garlic, and soy sauce. Head to Maty’s Grill for some delicious Inihaw na Bangus.
  • Binalot – rice wrapped in banana leaves with various toppings such as adobo chicken or pork sisig. Check out Binalot Fiesta Foods for their famous binalot meals.
  • Sisig – a sizzling pork dish made from pig head parts that are boiled, grilled, then chopped into small pieces mixed with onions, chili peppers, and calamansi juice served on a hot plate or sizzling platter; try it at Sisig Hooray!

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Marilao River Park is a beautiful park that boasts a river running through it, making it an ideal location for picnics and outdoor activities.
    2. Marilao Eco Park is an eco-tourism park with various attractions such as zip lining, wall climbing, and camping facilities.
    3. The Marilao Municipal Sports Complex offers facilities for basketball, volleyball, tennis, and other sports.
    4. The Marilao Public Plaza serves as the town’s center of social activities and events.
    5. The Bulacan Provincial Capitol Park and Lagoon is located nearby in Malolos City. This park features a lagoon where visitors can rent paddle boats or enjoy the view from the pavilion.
    6. Barasoain Church Historical Landmark Park is also situated in Malolos City. This historical landmark has a park where visitors can relax after touring the church museum.
    7. Villa Krizelna Nature Resort is located in nearby San Jose del Monte City offering swimming pools with slides and other recreational amenities like zipline rides.
    8. Grotto Vista Resort is also situated in San Jose del Monte City offering swimming pools with slides, zipline rides, horseback riding, restaurant, etc.

    Suitcase

    Dream, Travel, Repeat.


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