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HON. DEL R. DE GUZMAN
City Mayor
Paul Edward P. Sison
James Paul C. Agulay
Maria Lourdes Navarro
Sweet Heart C. Maquiling
Adelson Genito
Vic Rainier Gementiza
Maretony Baldoza
Rhyan Quilapio
Marjun Fadriquela
Randie Esteves
Armand Solacito
Salvador A. Narra
Gilbert Lobis
Atty. Florella Almarez
Editor-in-Chief:
Managing Editor:
Associate Editor:
Layout Artist:
Writer:
Researcher:
Marketing &Advertising:
Circulation Manager:
Circulation:
Legal Consultant:
Make it Marikina is published by the Public Information Ofce,
City Government of Marikina
2/f Marikina City Hall, Shoe Ave., Brgy. Sta. Elena, Marikina City
Telefax: 646-6451
Email: makeitmarikinamagazine@gmail.com
Website: www.marikina.gov.ph
www.infomarikina.webs.com
Our Make it Marikina! campaign is a work in progress.
It highlights the need to further incentivize our drive to attract
new residents, new investors, sports enthusiasts, health buffs and
more tourists and visitors as well. We are packaging our city as
an emerging ideal home for them.
We remain the unquestioned Shoe Capital of the country and
is home to an industry that has made our city renowned here and
abroad for products of proven durability, inspired craftsman-
ship and distinctive style. We are a proud sanctuary for Likhang
Pinoy Shoes that draw inspiration from our local artisans who
pioneered the craft and art of shoe-making.
The City Council has crafted ordinances to make our
city more attractive to locators and investors seeking a more
business-friendly environment. Our good governance practices
contribute in no small measure towards this objective.
The city is likewise home to food items uniquely Marikina
such as everlasting and waknatoy, as well as other native cuisine
and gustatory delights offered by restos, food nooks and corner
eateries that need to be discovered by those with discriminating
palates.
In terms of stress release and relaxation after a long and
tiring day, we are also home to a good number of spas offering a
choice of on-site or home service wellness massage.
For health and ftness buffs, we are home to a retroftted
Marikina Sports Center meant to ensure our transformation into
a major metropolitan sports hub. Hosting innumerable huge and
notable sporting events frmly attest to this encouraging develop-
ment.
The Marikina River Park remains a refreshing option for
health conscious constituents and visitors clamoring for a cleaner
environment for outdoor fun and frolic. Moreover, we are proud
of our 73 kilometer bike lane, the longest in the country which
adds glitter to our growing reputation as a signifcant abode for
exercise fanatics and sports affcionados.
Urbanization is inevitably sculpting our physical
landscape towards getting more cosmopolitan as the city is now
home to an increasing number of new and modern multi-storey
residential and commercial structures.
Let us then fully explore all possible opportunities to add
more spice and dynamism to our campaign
to make Marikina City truly an inter-
esting residential, investment, sports
and tourism destination.
contents
LIKHANG PINOY
LETS DO THE
FOOD PORN
ENJOYING
HOME
RAIMUND MARASIGAN
Bayan -
Bayanan Ave.
MAKING LIFE EASY!
COUNCILORS
PUSH IT THROUGH
Art Wednesday
Jerald Casamis
VIXEN
EASTERN COMFORT
CELEBRATE
IN STYLE
MOST COMPETITIVE
CITY AWARD
A BIKE-
FRIENDLY CITY
OGIES GRILL
UNCLE CHEFFY
BROWN NOOK
3
4
5
6
8
10
12
14
15
7
Make it Marikina is published by the Public Information Ofce,
City Government of Marikina
2/f Marikina City Hall, Shoe Ave., Brgy. Sta. Elena, Marikina City
Telefax: 646-6451
Email: makeitmarikinamagazine@gmail.com
Website: www.marikina.gov.ph
www.infomarikina.webs.com
LIKHANG PINOY
LETS DO THE
FOOD PORN
Likhang Pinoy
Exceptional
Artwork
SEND us your own FOOD
PORN shots in any food outlet
in MARIKINA (from small
carinderia to fne-dining restau-
rants) and have the chance to
be published here or at our
Make It Marikina facebook
page
LETS DO
F
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P
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N
Make It Marikina 3
Are we on the right track here at Make it Marikina magazine?
Our editorial philosophy is that our content should be able to
contribute to attracting new residents, more investments, and more
visitors.
Using available technology and new media, we are able to
transcend great distances and reach vast areas with our good news
about what Marikina has to offer.
Thus, food establishments in Gil Fernando, Lilac Street, and the
Marikina River Park have been featured in mainstream media, up-
loaded and shared in social media, and has been in the consciousness
of potential patrons from Mega Manila and even beyond. Thankfully,
all this translates to patronage by Marikineans and outsiders alike.
We now feature one proud Marikina resident, Raimund Marasi-
gan, and his testimonial about enjoying home in the bike capital. We
also zoom in on Bayanbayanan Avenue and its establishments in the
hope of increasing patronage that will drive sales for their products
and services.
In the next issue, we will feature establishments along Sumulong
Highway, property developments for consideration of new residents,
and the different bike shops we have in Marikina to induce trial from
bike enthusiasts from all over.
If you support our advocacy, help us spread the word ... Make it
Marikina!
PAUL EDWARD SISON
Marikina has been in the shoe industry
since time immemorial. Shoemakers here
have produced numerous superior quality
footwear shaped by skills that has pro-
gressed over generations and continue to
do so until now.
Likhang Pinoy is one of these home-
grown footwear manufacturers in Marikina
that produces high quality authentic
leather goods ranging from classy shoes to
stylish sandals. Its shoemakers, veterans in
creating durable footwear, fashion these
products by hand.
Hand crafted shoes, more often than
not, are more exquisitely detailed and
signifcantly tough.
Shoemakers crafting by hand has a
wider range of materials to choose from,
making the artwork exceptional, as it
is enduring. Investing in one is a practi-
cal choice that eliminates frequent buy-
ing caused by premature dilapidation of
cheaper products.
Ofce/Store Address: #4 Exequiel St. Brgy. Sto. Nio, Marikina City
Contact No.: (02) 400-3827
Likhang Pinoy products are also available at the Marikina Shoe Trade Fair
located at Marikina Sports Center, Mc Donalds Avenue, Brgy. Sta. Elena
Editors
NOTE
OGIES
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Aside from being a home to experienced shoemakers, Marikina also has an abundance of
food establishment that serve delectable cuisines. Here are some of the establishments that
food lovers coming from outside and within the city very much enjoy. You might want to
try these out.
The real stars of this chill-out spot hidden along Sampaguita
Street (#26) at Sampaguita Village in Malanday are the vari-
ety of its grilled righteousness. Patrons favor their tender Sizzling
Stuffed Squid for pulutan or ulam while their beefy Angus Burg-
er Steak defnitely tops as a meal. Its version of the Sizzling Sisig
topped with egg is surprisingly rich, while its Mongolian Seafood
and Creamy Lasagna both have a mild sweetness accompa-
nying each of its unique yet savory favors. Boneless Bangus, an-
other one of the best sellers, and Tuna Belly are recommended
for taste buds that enjoy a little spice in their chow. Order the
Sinigang-like Kansi (Beef Soup) for your tipsy friend. Dont for-
get about the sweet and tender barbeque that started it all.
This hang out, which started as a humble barbeque stand
in front of owners Charesse and Ogies house, is perfect for
groups who want to relax in a school canteen-ish atmosphere
while chatting over a bottle (or bottles) of beer as well. Oh,
and we almost forgot. Two words. Grilled Bulaklak. Visit them to
fgure it out. Visit them now. It has a seating capacity of 30-40
and is open Mondays to Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 12 midnight.
GRILLthe
THRILL
This photo of Mongolian Seafood was taken during a birthday celebration
of sender Stephen Roy Rojas from Quezon City at Ogies Grill.
FEATURE
4 Make It Marikina
>>> why TRAVEL in Marikina
Contact us: (0922) 8909879
Coincidentally its aphorism, Uncle Cheffys
brings Good old home cooking right at your
shopping destination. Located at the ground
foor of Bluewave strip mall, this 18th branch
of the casual dining food haven pioneered
by Chef Mau Arjona , Larry Cortez, with their
group of chef, is home to an assembly of cui-
sine served in portions ft for a group intend-
ing to bond by consuming scrumptious re-
past. Oozing with succulent, crispy, and fresh
nosh, its menu includes Seafood Lovers Paniz-
za, Memphis Barbeque, Uncle Cheffys Sal-
ad, and Cheffy Cheescake, among others.
TASTEthe
TENDER
SIPthe
FLAVOR
Unknown to many, aside from being
a friendly place for companies and indi-
viduals seeking for a place to stay or avail
of function rooms, Marikina Hotel also
houses various establishments that pro-
vide different amenities and chow. One
of these establishments is Brown Nook.
The brainchild of a coffee and
pastry lover who loves to cook,
Brown Nook serves an array of sac-
charine delights for individuals
seeking to spoil their sweet tooth.
With a European inspired interior
inviting a relaxing atmosphere, the
place is perfect for individuals or small
groups looking for an undisturbed
place to have their meeting, work on
assignments, or simply catch up with
each other over a cup of coffee. The
chill-out spot has a seating capacity
of 100, majority of which are located
along the porch with a nice view of
the landscape surrounding Marikina
Hotel. Brown Nook is located at the
ground foor of Marikina Hotel and is
open daily from 10 am to 12 midnight.
Make It Marikina 5
>>> why INVEST in Marikina
Seafood Lovers Panizza, a thin-crusted pizza-like dish, served with three variants of
dips and eaten in various ways - the most common of all is by rolling its slices.
Memphis Barbeque is a
smoky, tender, and suc-
culent dish served with
herbed marble potatoes
and three variants of
dips: barbeque sauce,
salsa and pesto
Contact us: (02) 216-7176
Contact us: (0915) 4014659
ART
Wednesday
1630
establishment of Marikina
1996
cityhood of Marikina
800
pairs of shoes of Imelda
Marcos inside the
Shoe Museum
14,926
number of
registered business
establishments
73
number of km of
bikelanes in Marikina
16
number of barangays in
Marikina
2
number of congressional
district in Marikina
FAST
FACTS
MARI
KINA
Art Wednesday is a group of talented individuals
specializing in the feld of visual arts. It was founded in
2007 by distinguished local visual artist from Marikina
such as Remedios Remy Boquiren, Cris Cruz, Ben
Infante, Bing Siochi, and Lydia Velasco to name a few.
The group, consisting of 25 artists from various visual
arts discipline, has participated in numerous exhibit
including Art In The Park & Art After Dark; Marikina:
Pagbalik-tanaw sa Nakaraan during the 384th anniver-
sary of Marikina City; and recently, their group exhibit
entitled An Affair with Wednesday held at the Artes
Orientes gallery, 2nd Level of the Shops at Serendra,
Bonifacio City last June 4 to 11. It is currently headed
by group president, Melissa Lisa Villaseor; and
includes group vice-president, Andy Pernia; group sec-
retary, Marilyn Aquino; and group treasurer, Marijean
Garcia for its set of offcers.
makeit
marikina!
COUNCILORS
push through
Councilor Ernesto Flo-
res is a registered Mechanical
Engineer-turned-public servant
from Marikinas 2nd District. He
handled various machines for
companies ranging from machine
shops to well known manufactur-
ing companies as his profession
prior to becoming a member of the
City Council. He is also a board
member of the Philippine Society
of Mechanical Engineers Mariki-
na chapter.
His career in public service
began in 2002, when the engineer
heeded the call for service and ran
for barangay kagawad of Brgy.
Concepcion Uno as an independent
candidate. Later on, upon realizing
that he wanted to serve more of his
fellow Marikenyos, he ran for city
councilor in 2010 and was able to
win in the elections.
Councilor Ernie currently
chairs the citys committee on
Infrastructure, and Transportation
and Traffc. He is also a supporter
of the 7K program of Marikina,
which includes construction of
school buildings, and government
and public infrastructures such as
road dikes and alleys.
He sees to it that the trust and
support each Marikenyos provided
him will be translated into a con-
tinuous and truthful form of public
service they can enjoy.
A businesswoman by profes-
sion, a loving wife, and a fulflled
mother to 3 wonderful children,
Councilor Eva Aguirre-Paz was
the very frst lady legislator to
hold the position of foor leader in
the City Council of Marikina. She
is the current chairperson of the
committee on Education, and the
committee on Rules and Codifca-
tion as well.
The lady from the 1st District
of Marikina began her political
stint in 1998, when she vied for
a seat in the City Council and
won. She served the public for
three consecutive terms, until
2007 when she set aside politics
to concentrate on their corporate
business and family. She returned
in politics in 2010 as the no.1
councilor for the 1st District, when
she garnered the most number of
votes.
Councilor Eva values educa-
tion and her conviction manifests
in the ordinances she authored
and the activities conducts. She
believes that public service should
be sincere and deems that true
public service is a 24/7 com-
mitment that sets aside personal
interests for the good of others.
6 Make It Marikina
Coun. Eva Aguirre-Paz
COUN. ERNESTO FLORES
Vixen
The journey to victory of this
18-year-old student was more of
a hike on the Cordillera than a
Sunday stroll in the park - meta-
phorically speaking. Sliding down
was easier than going up.
From a family of shoemakers,
Jerald Araa Casamis helped in
their shoemaking livelihood when
he was young. He entered college
at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng
Marikina, and at the same time,
due to fnancial restraints, worked
as a kasambahay for additional
income.
Opportunity came during
midterm exams season. A foot-
wear design contest organized by
the city government enticed him
to register for it.
Design ideas were scarce
at that time since studying for
midterms was his priority after
all. Few days were left for design
submission but still no idea.
Inspiration fnally came while
doing some of his kasambahay
duties, thanks to the chandelier
hanging on his employers ceiling.
He was able to fnish drawing his
design without any problem, to
which, out of 50 competing en-
tries, it made its way to the top 15.
Prototype making part of
the event came and his design,
although remarkable, had a very
complicated design. He was
constantly turned down as he
was looking for help creating a
sample. It was one of his gloomi-
est times.
He thought of giving up
but the good news is, he didnt.
Armed with knowledge in
shoe-making; an outpour of moral
support from peers and professors
(especially from his Sir Edwin
and Maam Ellen) at school,
MASIDO particularly Kuya
Rene, his auntie who also funded
him, and his loving mother; and
the resiliency Marikenyos are
known for, he made a prototype
with his own hands.
His entry, Flabberlous,
came to life.
Although the last design to
have been submitted, it made it
into the 2014 Filipino Footwear
Design Competition fnals - con-
sequently fnding its way to the
2014 International Footwear De-
sign Competition fnals in Guang
Zhou,v China as well. Soon
enough, clients from different
cities in the country were visiting
him to commission his designs.
Jerald will never forget the
support he received from the
people he mentioned and says that
if destiny permits that he becomes
more successful, the shoe industry
can expect him returning the
favor, this time for the future shoe
designers of the city.
CASAMIS JERALD
Flabberlous
Nail & Spa
This spa is a sanctuary
for the worn-out hair and
body seeking some pamper-
ing from its very affordable
services such as Body
Indulgence (massage),
Vixens Crowning Glory
REACHI NG NEW HEI GHTS I N FASHI ON
Make It Marikina 7
(Hair Care), Vixens Strip
Tease (Waxing), Vixens
Fingertips (Hand and Foot
Care), and Vixens Luxe
Glamour (Gel Nails & Nail
Art).
Given birth on March
10, 2014 by its owners,
sisters Ma. Luisa Chavez
and Myrna Limins, favorite
relaxation of being molly-
coddled by the pampering
hands of spa and parlors, its
staff, a combination of expe-
rienced and TESDA certified
individuals, now provides
you with the opportunity to
experience the same indul-
gence. Spoil yourself now.
Vixen Nail and Spa is open
daily, from 9 am to 10 pm
at #42 Bayan-Bayanan Ave,
Concepcion Uno, Marikina.
>>> why LIVE in Marikina
Our team was given the prestigious honor of meet-
ing our music hero, THE Raimund Marasigan, last July.
Its funny but we realized how hard it was to do an
interview while being star struck at the same time. We
were fans, after all. Thankfully we managed to fnish it
anyway.
The Eraserheads drummer, Pedicab keyboard/synths
player, Sandwich rhythm guitarist/frontman, Cambio
drummer, Project 1 vocalist, Gaijin bass player, and
the man behind Squid 9 has been living in Marikina for
about 21 years since 1993.
Raimund describes the city, where his personal
rehearsal studio is also located, as a relatively safe place
to live in.
His better half, Myrene a musical prodigy as well
from bands Imago, Sandwich, and Duster, who hosted
NU 107s Not Radio, also resides in Marikina.
The birth of their daughter, Atari Kim, is his lifes
most cherished memory while living in the city.
The professional biker, as he jokingly described
himself, is fond of the citys bike lines, and rides around
the city whenever he has the time. Madaming pwedeng
daanan, said Raimund pertaining to the abundance of
alternative routes in the city. Cruising on bike around
the city and in UP on weekends is one of the many ways
his family bonds. They also spend some quality time
swimming at La Stanza, or having boxing lessons at
Mikes Gym.
Being a night person, the availability of food venues
open 24/7 around the city has worked to his favor.
Personally fond of Crazy Katsu, a Japanese restaurant
along Lilac St., he recognizes Marikina as having an
abundance of gastronomic destinations and says that
there are still plenty of establishments he would like to
try out.
Home
Enjoying
RAIMUND MARASIGAN
People go to Bayan-Bayanan
Avenue primarily for fnancial
transactions. It is popularly known
as a fnancial strip because of the
13 banks lining its stretch from JP
Rizal to Gen. Ordonez. It is com-
plemented by pawnshops, remit-
tance centers, and other payment
centers.
Tis four-lane avenue is a
bustling commercial district
in Barangay Concepcion Uno
popular for its automotive sup-
ply shops, hardware, and other
service-related establishments. A
Meralco branch is at its eastern
edge, across a 7-Eleven Conveni-
ence Store. Parco Supermart is
centrally located, while Puregold
Jr. (formerly Grocer E) is near the
old market.
Bayan-Bayanan has two
hospitals: St. Vincent Hospital
and Garcia General Hospital. Te
Immaculate Conception Parish
Church is also a landmark, togeth-
er with Concepcion Market in the
past, which was replaced where it
once stood by a big McDonalds
outlet.
Hopefully, a positive rede-
velopment is taking shape with
Razons of Guagua and Savory
Chicken reinforcing the branded
chain of restaurants and other
food establishments already
embedded there at. May it serve
as impetus for more prestigious
and more popular restaurants to
open and serve the predominantly
broad middle class market of this
major thoroughfare that leads to
Marikinas educational enclave
where St. Scholasticas Academy,
Marist School, Mother of Divine
Providence, Our Lady of Perpetual
Succor College, Kostka, etc. mold
our childrens minds and charac-
ter.
10 Make It Marikina
>>> why INVEST in Marikina
Make It Marikina 11
12 Make It Marikina
>>> why LIVE in Marikina
Make It Marikina 13
Residents of the condominium can enjoy various
amenities such as this lovely pool area.
A Bike-friendly city
Aside from being known as the shoe capital of the country,
Marikina is recognized as a bike-friendly city as well. It en-
courages bike enthusiasts to try out the 73 kilometers intercon-
nected bike lanes scattered within the city.
The allocation of these bike lanes encourages bicycles as
mode of transportation going to and from work or in touring
the relaxing sights present within the city. This results to a
healthy lifestyle, while reducing pollution as well.
MARIKINA
BIKE
shops
John Wilkie
621 J.P. Rizal, Concepcion
Uno, 646-8547
Tribe Cycle
686 J.P. Rizal, Concepcion
Uno
Jermay Bicycle
435 J.P. Rizal, Malanday
948-0972
G5 Bicycle Center
426 J.P. Rizal, Sto. Nio
0922-8801370
Chrishas Bicycle
28 Farmers St., Tumana
Great Bike
31 J.P. Rizal, Kalumpang
293-3971
Berea Bike
69 J.P. Rizal, Kalumpang
646-7089
Kevin Bicycle
326 J.P. Rizal, Nangka
933-8553
14 Make It Marikina
>>> why TRAVEL in Marikina
Marikina moves up to Top 5
Most Competitive
Metro City
The recognition was given
by the National Competitive-
ness Council (NCC) Philippines
as the city moves higher in the
ranks next to giants Davao (4th),
Naga (3rd), Cagayan De Oro
(2nd), and Makati (1st).
The ranking is based on
local governments competitive-
ness in three equally weighted
pillars: Economic Dynamism,
Government Effciency, and
Infrastructure.
With this new award,
Marikina Mayor De Guz-
man expressed his gratitude to
everyone who worked for the
effective implementation of
city programs and projects but
likewise reminded them not to
be complacent.
We are honored and grate-
ful that our concerted effort and
its by-product are recognized.
I thank everyone for their hard
work and valuable contributions
The National Competitiveness
Council was formed last October
2006 as a public-private task force
on Philippine Competitiveness by
virtue of Presidential Executive
Order No. 571, amended to E.O.
No. 44 by the present administra-
tion to address the improvement
of the countrys competitiveness
from the bottom third of competi-
tiveness rankings to the top third
by 2016.
The Council is chaired by
Trade and Industry Secretary
Gregory L. Domingo for the public
sector and co-chaired by Guiler-
mo M. Luz for the private sector.
Marikina moves four notches up from its previous rank in the most competi-
tive city ranking and currently holds the top five spot in the said competition.
in the name of sincere public ser-
vice. Although we have moved
four notches up the ranks despite
the increased number of contend-
ers this year, we must not rest on
our laurels. Let us continue to
work harder and serve better for
a more competitive Marikina,
De Guzman said.
In 2013, one hundred twenty
two cities and 163 municipali-
ties joined the competition. This
year, contenders increased to
136 cities and 399 munici-
palities.
According to the NCC
Philippines, Marikina
garnered an overall score of
45.46.
The city also ranked
3rd in infrastructure next to
Cagayan De Oro (Misamis
Oriental) and Davao (Davao
del Sur).
Make It Marikina 15
>>> why LIVE in Marikina
Marikina City was awarded as one of the most competitive cities in the country. City Administrator
Melvin A. Cruz (second from left) accepts the award on behalf of Marikina Mayor Del De Guzman.
Pio Del Pilar St. cor. Tangerine St.
SSS Village, Brgy. Concepcion Dos
Tel. No.: (02) 234-0540/ (02) 384-0867
TheMarikinaHotel
Marikina Hotel is an ideal accom-
modation for individuals or for
those who intend to simply relax
in Marikina. Ofering comfort-
able bedrooms, spacious function
Ziffred Hair Studio
09198743181
Rejuvenature Spa
09175751769
John Feliciano
Photography
09178650421
Shop and Chow
788-5114/975-6462
Bubbling Point
09175757769
Brown Nook
216-7176
Caf Flora
612-5327
halls, relaxing lobbies, and more,
the hotel has recently inaugurated a
row of commercial establishments
on its ground foor where guests
can now enjoy amenities ofered by
these shops that range from salon to
laundry shops, to cofee shops, and
much more. Drop by and check in at
Marikina Hotel now or try out what
these establishments ofer.

HON. DEL R. DE GUZMAN
City Mayor