at th

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BIKE

CAP

ITAL

HON. DEL R. DE GUZMANCity Mayor

Paul Edward P. SisonJames Paul C. AgulayMaria Lourdes NavarroSweet Heart C. MaquilingAdelson Genito Vic Rainier GementizaMaretony BaldozaRhyan QuilapioMarjun FadriquelaRandie EstevesArmand SolacitoSalvador A. NarraGilbert LobisAtty. 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 Office,

City Government of Marikina2/f Marikina City Hall, Shoe Ave., Brgy. Sta. Elena, Marikina City

Telefax: 646-6451 Email: makeitmarikinamagazine@gmail.com

Website: www.marikina.gov.phwww.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 fitness buffs, we are home to a retrofitted Marikina Sports Center meant to ensure our transformation into a major metropolitan sports hub. Hosting innumerable huge and notable sporting events firmly 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 significant abode for exercise fanatics and sports afficionados. 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.

contentsLIKHANG PINOYLETS DO THE FOOD PORN

ENJOYING HOMERAIMUND MARASIGAN

Bayan -Bayanan Ave.MAKING LIFE EASY!

COUNCILORSPUSH IT THROUGH

Art WednesdayJerald Casamis

VIXEN

EASTERN COMFORTCELEBRATE

IN STYLE

MOST COMPETITIVECITY AWARD

A BIKE-FRIENDLY CITY

OGIES GRILLUNCLE CHEFFY BROWN NOOK

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Make it Marikina is published by the Public Information Office,City Government of Marikina

2/f Marikina City Hall, Shoe Ave., Brgy. Sta. Elena, Marikina CityTelefax: 646-6451

Email: makeitmarikinamagazine@gmail.comWebsite: www.marikina.gov.phwww.infomarikina.webs.com

LIKHANG PINOYLETS DO THE FOOD PORN

Likhang PinoyExceptional Artwork

SEND us your own FOOD PORN shots in any food outlet in MARIKINA (from small carinderia to fine-dining restau-rants) and have the chance to be published here or at our Make It Marikina facebook page

LETS DO FOOD PORN

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 significantly 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.

Office/Store Address: #4 Exequiel St. Brgy. Sto. Nio, Marikina CityContact 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

EditorsNOTE

OGIES LETS DOFOOD PORN

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 definitely 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 flavors. 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 figure 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 cele

bration

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 floor 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 fit 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

SIPtheFLAVOR

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 floor 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

ARTWednesday

1630establishment of Marikina

1996 cityhood of Marikina

800pairs of shoes of Imelda

Marcos inside the Shoe Museum

14,926number of

registered business establishments

73number of km of

bikelanes in Marikina

16number of barangays in

Marikina

2number of congressional

district in Marikina

FAST FACTSMARIKINA

Art Wednesday is a group of talented individuals specializing in the field 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 officers.

makeitmarikina!COUNCILORSpush 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 Traffic. 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 fulfilled mother to 3 wonderful children, Councilor Eva Aguirre-Paz was the very first lady legislator to hold the position of floor leader in the City Council of Marikina. She is the current chairperson of the committee on Education, and the committee on Rules and Codifica-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 financial 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 finally came while doing some of his kasambahay duties, thanks to the chandelier hanging on his employers ceiling. He was able to finish 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 finals - con-sequently finding its way to the 2014 International Footwear De-sign Competition finals 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.

CASAMISJERALD

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

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS IN FASHION

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 finish 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.

HomeEnjoying

RAIMUND MARASIGAN

People go to Bayan-Bayanan Avenue primarily for financial transactions. It is popularly known as a financial 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.

This 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. The 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 cityAside 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 shopsJohn Wilkie621 J.P. Rizal, Concepcion Uno, 646-8547

Tribe Cycle686 J.P. Rizal, Concepcion Uno

Jermay Bicycle435 J.P. Rizal, Malanday 948-0972

G5 Bicycle Center426 J.P. Rizal, Sto. Nio 0922-8801370

Chrishas Bicycle28 Farmers St., Tumana

Great Bike31 J.P. Rizal, Kalumpang 293-3971

Berea Bike69 J.P. Rizal, Kalumpang646-7089

Kevin Bicycle326 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 Efficiency, 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 DosTel. No.: (02) 234-0540/ (02) 384-0867

The Marikina Hotel

Marikina Hotel is an ideal accom-modation for individuals or for those who intend to simply relax in Marikina. Offering comfort-able bedrooms, spacious function

Ziffred Hair Studio09198743181

Rejuvenature Spa09175751769

John Feliciano Photography

09178650421Shop and Chow788-5114/975-6462Bubbling Point

09175757769Brown Nook

216-7176Caf Flora

612-5327

halls, relaxing lobbies, and more, the hotel has recently inaugurated a row of commercial establishments on its ground floor where guests can now enjoy amenities offered by these shops that range from salon to laundry shops, to coffee shops, and much more. Drop by and check in at Marikina Hotel now or try out what these establishments offer.

HON. DEL R. DE GUZMANCity Mayor