If you are looking for a unique and fun destination in Metro Manila, you should consider visiting Marikina city. Marikina is not only the home of the best quality and affordable shoes in the country, but also a place where you can enjoy culture, history, nature, and food. Here are some of the things that you can do and see in Marikina:
Visit the Shoe Museum
The Shoe Museum is a must-see attraction for shoe lovers and history buffs. It showcases the shoe collection of former First Lady Imelda Marcos, who was famous for her extravagant lifestyle and thousands of pairs of shoes. The museum also displays the shoes of other prominent personalities, such as former presidents, celebrities, and world leaders. You can also learn about the history and development of the shoe industry in Marikina, which dates back to the 19th century.
Explore the Heritage Zone
The Heritage Zone is a historical and cultural district in Marikina, where you can find old houses, churches, and landmarks that reflect the city’s rich heritage. You can take a walking tour or a bike tour around the area and admire the architecture and craftsmanship of the structures. Some of the notable places that you can visit are the Kapitan Moy Residence, the oldest house in Marikina and the birthplace of the shoe industry; the Our Lady of the Abandoned Church, the oldest church in Marikina and a National Cultural Treasure; the Teatro Marikina, a restored theater that hosts cultural events and performances; and the Sentrong Pangkultura ng Marikina, a cultural center that showcases the arts and crafts of Marikina.
Enjoy the Nature Parks
Marikina is also blessed with natural attractions that offer a refreshing escape from the urban hustle and bustle. You can visit the Marikina River Park, a sprawling park along the Marikina River that features recreational facilities, gardens, playgrounds, and bike lanes. You can also enjoy a picnic, a boat ride, or a fishing activity at the Marikina Riverbanks Center, a commercial and leisure complex that also houses the World of Butterflies, the Philippine Science Centrum, and the Book Museum. If you are looking for a more adventurous experience, you can head to the Wawa Dam, a former water reservoir that is now a popular hiking and camping spot. You can also explore the Pamitinan Cave, where the Philippine Revolutionaries declared their independence from Spain in 1895.
Taste the Local Cuisine
No trip to Marikina is complete without tasting its local cuisine, which is a mix of Filipino, Spanish, Chinese, and American influences. You can try the ever-popular pancit pinagulong, a noodle dish with pork, chicken, and vegetables that is rolled in a banana leaf. You can also savor the crispy pata, a deep-fried pork knuckle that is best paired with vinegar and soy sauce. For dessert, you can indulge in the bibingka, a rice cake topped with cheese, butter, and coconut. You can find these and other delicacies in the various restaurants, cafes, and food parks in Marikina.
Marikina is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are into shoes, history, nature, or food, you will surely find something that will make your visit memorable and enjoyable. So, what are you waiting for? Discover Marikina today and see for yourself why it is more than just the city of shoes.