24 Hours in Marikina
(SPOT.ph) The city of Marikina is known to outsiders as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines, and if you’re not into scoring high-quality leather pairs, you probably know it as the Metro’s most flood-resilient area thanks to its government disaster response. It might not have the bustling office spaces of the central business district and the neon excitement of the southern cities’ nightlife scene, but it does offer a tranquil change of pace you won’t find anywhere else.
If you’re coming over to the East to visit the valley city, here are some things you can’t miss and under-the-radar spots you have to make time for.
7 a.m. – Start the day at Marikina River Park
Detach from your devices and start your day with nature. PHOTO BY Clara Rosales
Bikers know Marikina River is the place to be for a smooth ride and chill hangout after, and it’s definitely worth an early-morning visit even if cycling isn’t your thing. With its numerous eateries, green spaces, and activities, you’re sure to find something to jumpstart your day on a good note.
If you really want to bike, there are bike rentals by the hour, or you can rent a sidecar with family and friends, but we prefer taking our time with a relaxed stroll along the bank. You can also break a sweat with a zumba class that’s open to everyone.
You’ll also spot residents selling fresh produce for the day, ranging from staples like garlic, onions, and tomatoes, to more specific yet equally nutritious finds like squash and kang-kong. Get there early enough and you’ll spot a guy selling small plants like cacti and herbs.
Feeling tired from all the sunrise activities? Grab a bowl of lugaw or goto from a joint or enjoy a full breakfast at Jardin ni Lola. Don’t stress, they’re open as early as 5 a.m. and stay open well into the night.
While you’re there, it might be good time to finally see the huge painted ruler under the bridge that serves as the city’s gauge for how bad a typhoon is. The gradations are clear and visible no matter the time of day, and the surrounding area is equipped with instruments to monitor the water.
Don’t fret—Marikina knows how to keep its people safe with a society-first approach that involves every single member of the community in disaster response. Their Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office was one of the first ones to pop up following the toll of Typhoon Ondoy and continues to lead the charge in finding ways to keep the city safe.
9 a.m. – Stopover at Pan De Amerikana
Pan de Amerikana churns freshly baked bread for Marikeños, rain or shine. PHOTO BY Leana Vibal
Pandesal is part of any Filipino diet and your best bet for a fresh one is over at Pan De Amerikana. The joint services thousands of Marikenos daily round the clock, with many opting to take home their bag of bread early in the morning. In case you’re in the mood for a sitdown breakfast, the bakeshop also has a restaurant serving meals.
The joint is also home to the country’s first and only Chess Museum, where important milestones of the sport in the Philippines are plastered along its walls. Huge chess pieces also make for a fun round of chess, or at least look great in photos.
When we say huge chess pieces, we mean huge. PHOTO BY Leana Vibal
10 a.m. – Grab coffee at Marikina’s under-the-radar cafes
Resonate’s Spinach Croissant, which we’re still thinking about weeks later. PHOTO BY Bea Faicol
Coffee fiends, rejoice. We know you’re always on the hunt for the best cup of joe and Marikina’s serving up good ones sans the long lines and heavy crowds. First up on our list is Resonate with their Buttercookiccino latte, but their Spinach Croissant also merits a special mention.
Next is the homier Kape Benito, a stark contrast to the industrial interiors of Resonate, with their Woop’s Latte and selection of pasta and other food items. There’s Franken Coffee Bar + Roastery with their beans roasted in-house, Overflow Café at Sandalwood for those in search of a cozy, creative spot, and 1990 Cafe which services caffeine enjoyers late into the night.
11 a.m. – Start a hobby at The Attic Yarn and Hobby Studio
The Attic Yarn and Hobby Studio has it all: materials, the space, and even relaxing music. PHOTO BY Louise Lizan
Unleash your creativity over at The Attic Yarn and Hobby Studio at Marikina Heights, a one-stop shop for everything arts and crafts, complete with materials, workshops, and actual space to do your projects. Whether you already have a hobby or you’re trying to start one, this local studio has your back.
We’re talking mountains of yarn, thousands of beads, and all the hobby kits you can ever think of for crocheting, macrame, cross-stitch, diamond painting, and even beadwork. They also sell merchandise and handmade goods from local artists—plenty of which we know you can’t resist bringing home for you and your friends.
The studio even has a Tamiya racetrack and section and you can watch the toy cars zoom by if that’s more your drift.
1 p.m. – Eat a filling meal
Lilac Street in SSS Village is the number one recommended area for a good meal, but Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue is also worth a visit. Rustic Mornings is a favorite for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and merienda, and Eat Fresh is a top pick for Southeast Asian and Chinese cuisine. The Laksa is filling and savory, with just the right spice for welcome warmth, even in this heat.
The reliable Miguel and Maria has a wide menu covering rice meals, pasta, and Western eats, along with Sundays Cafe and Restaurant which recently renovated their outdoor area and now offers airconditioning in the entire restaurant. Their Chicken and Waffles are a bang for your buck, and their drink menu is worth a try, too.
3 p.m. – Get fitted for a custom pair at Zapateria Hub
Get your feet measured for a custom pair of handcrafted shoes at Zapateria Hub. PHOTO BY Majoy Siason
It just wouldn’t be a trip to Marikina without shoes. For high-quality handcrafted pair, you can’t go wrong with Zapateria Hub. The Sta. Ana family, who have been in the shoemaking business for five generations across 137 years, started the local shoe brand and now operate the country’s first creative hub for footwear design and development.
Choose from their catalog of ready-made designs or challenge their jolly veteran artisans to bring your creative vision to life. Everything about is tailor-made for you, so wide feet, long toes, and even club feet are welcome at Zapateria. Been dreaming up the most insane sky-high heels in periwinkle blue and sunshine yellow? They’ll do their best to make it happen.
Do take note that since the pairs are made by hand, it will take a month or more for your pair to be finished. We promise it’s well worth it in the end.
6 p.m. – Visit a church or attend evening mass
The church is open to all, but we suggest visiting at night when the lights are turned on. PHOTO BY Elmer B. Domingo
The Our Lady of the Abandoned Church or OLA to residents is worth a stopover if ever you’re in the city. It’s busy in the mornings with the devoted attending mass, and in the afternoons when it’s a little cooler to walk towards the church to pray.
If you have time to stay, the church is prettiest at night when the lights are on and the church becomes an illuminated landmark that guides the way of those who pass its many surrounding streets.
7 p.m. – Time for dinner
Fingers crossed you can get parking for Sundays! PHOTO BY Facebook/ Sundays Cafe and Restaurant
Sundays Cafe and Restaurant is actually a stone’s throw away so now’s the best time to grab dinner if you’re there. Mama Chits is also a walk down, but if you’re on bike or a car, or you’re really in the mood to walk, Boyong’s burgers get our seal of approval.
Rocha’s with their famous puto is also around the area, so you could get a few for you or bring home a box for your family or officemates.
9 p.m. – Leave room for drinks
Cap the day off with fancy drinks served at BAR by EAST at Lamp Quarters. PHOTO BY Instagram/ Bar By EAST
BAR by EAST over at Lamp Quarters is a dependable pick, where you can choose to dine before you drink. The joint offers snazzy cocktails and drinks meant for your grown-up self that can appreciate a good mix on top of good conversations with friends. A more pumped crowd awaits you at Hippers Bar and Resto, which very much reminds us of the typical pulutan and inuman fare.
Both are equally fun, it’s just a matter of what you’re in the mood for that night.