Photo via Real Living

Marikina City is a mix of a picturesque old city and a verging urban modernization featuring a thriving economy, modern malls, ancestral houses, wide green parks, and friendly citizens.

Best known as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines, Marikina City is famous for its high-quality handcrafted shoes. The city produces 70% of shoes manufactured in the country. It is also the home of the world’s largest pair of shoes certified by the Guinness Book of World Records, and the infamous shoe collection of former First Lady Imelda Marcos.

Just east of Manila, Marikina is an easy escape to the metropolitan hustle and bustle. So if you are looking for a quick but interesting weekend getaway, you will definitely enjoy Marikina City.


Photo via Philippine Lifestyle

Admire the shoes in the Shoe Museum
As the shoe capital, Marikina, of course, has a Shoe Museum. Officially opened in 2001, the Shoe Museum is built to nurture the historical and cultural value of the local shoe industry.

The museum features the traditional footwear of Filipinos and other nationalities, and the shoes owned and worn by famous politicians, public servants, and celebrities. The museum is also the home of the largest pair of shoes, and a fraction of former First Lady Imelda Marcos’ (in)famous shoe collection.

Address: J. P. Rizal St, San Roque, Marikina City 1801
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8 AM to 5 PM
Door fee: Php 50.00

Wander around the Book Museum
Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood in Dao Street, the Book Museum cum Ethnology Center exhibits the personal book and artifact collection of Atty. Dominador Buhain, chairman and president of Rex Group of companies. The museum includes first edition books, small edition books and various curiosities Atty. Buhain picked up from his travels to over 223 countries (and counting).

The Book Museum cum Ethnology Center occupies three buildings. The first building houses the book collections, while the second and third building houses artifacts from the Cordilleras, Visayas, and Mindanao. The museum also features two totem poles that illustrate Philippine mythology and two murals narrate the history of Marikina City and the printing press.

Address: 127 Dao St, Marikina Heights, Marikina City 1810
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM
Door fee: Php 300.00

Learn Science at Philippine Science Centrum
The first interactive science center in the Philippines, the Philippine Science Centrum (PSC) is launched in February 1900 at Manila Film Center in Pasay City. However, after being wrecked by an earthquake that same year, PSC transferred to the University of the Philippines Manila. In 2004, PSC transferred to its current location in Riverbanks Center, Marikina City.

Have fun and rediscover science with over 100 interactive exhibits in 10 galleries including Bodyworks, Earth Science, Electricity and Magnetism, Lights, Liquid, Space, Mechanics, Mathematics, and Perception.

Address: E-Com Building, Riverbanks Center, Marikina City 1800
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM
Door fee: Php 150.00

Try the food crawl at Lilac Street


Photo via Yedylicious

Now, you might be familiar with the popular food hubs in Maginhawa St. in Quezon City, Kapitolyo in Ortigas, and Aguirre Avenue in BF Homes Parañaque. But there is another thriving food scene you don’t want to miss – Lilac Street in Marikina.

Basically the Maginhawa Street of the East, Lilac Street in Concepcion Dos is a strip of highly-rated restaurants set up in a charming neighborhood. Wandering around Lilac Street and nearby streets, you will find restaurants offering the best Singaporean, Japanese, Thai, American, Mexican and Filipino cuisine. Protip: make sure to bring your food buddies and come in a group to try more restaurants for a lesser cost.

Address: Lilac St, Marikina City 1800

Attend mass at Our Lady of Abandoned Parish


Photo via Trip Advisor

The Our Lady of Abandoned Parish in Marikina opened in 1572 and consecrated in 1690. The church was originally constructed from bamboo and leaves, and then on 1687, it is constructed in Baroque style with heavily fortified façade, high ceiling, and round pediment bell-tower. The church enshrines several images of the Virgin Mary, one of which is venerated as miraculous and was canonically crowned in 2005.

Address: V. Gomez St, Marikina City 1800

Relax at Marikina River Park


Photo via Marikina City Government

Found alongside Marikina River, the Marikina River Park is a 220-hectare system of parks, trails, open spaces, recreation facilities and commercial complex. The Marikina River Park is the focal point of the city’s communities and cultural activities. The park is host to the Mama Mary Fluvial Parade and Festival, Marikina Christmas Festival and Metro Manila Pride March and various performing arts and concerts throughout the years.

Main attractions in the park include a skating rink, amphitheater, riverboats, Roman Garden, Chinese Pagoda, Animal trail, Freedom Park, and Women’s Park among others. Marikina River Park is open for picnic, running, biking, skating, and camping activities.

Address: 300 Shoe Ave, Sto. Nino, Marikina City 1800

Stretch out in Marikina Sports Center
A haven to sports enthusiasts and hobbyists, Marikina Sports Center is a three-hectare complex featuring an Olympic-size pool, an athletics track, a natural grass pitch, basketball courts, volleyball courts, tennis courts, badminton court, and an indoor gymnasium. Marikina residents can come in for a run or exercise as the sports center is open 24 hours every day.

Marikina Sports Center offers various sports clinics for children age seven to 16 every April and May. The sports center also hosts several sports competitions including 2014 ASEAN School Games and grand concerts, television shows, and community events.

Address: 24 Sumulong Highway, Marikina, 1800 Metro Manila
Hours: Open 24 hours
Door fee: Php 10.00

A visit to Marikina City will serve a good mix of urban and rural Philippines. Though it is a city with a growing business district, Marikina retains its charming small town ambiance. The city preserves its historical sites, ancestral houses, clean streets, and colorful festivals; while it welcomes new business investments and shopping centers. No wonder generations chose to stay close to their roots and manage the family businesses. Marikina is a good place to raise a family.

Located near Marquinton Residences along Sumulong Highway, the Tropicana Garden City and the Siena Towers of Federal Land offer condominium homes ideal for starting families. The two communities offer quiet, green and generous living spaces near to major weekend destinations, office towers, retail centers, and premier schools like the Marikina Science High School, Marikina Catholic School, Marikina City University, Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines Diliman.

Siena Towers is a two-tower condominium along Marquinton Drive that offers a beautiful and secure home in a vibrant community with the Blue Wave Mall a few steps away. Tropicana Garden City is a Mediterranean Castilian inspired community with lush pocket gardens and wide-open spaces. Residents of both Siena and Tropicana Garden will enjoy outstanding amenities, convenient location, and spectacular views of the Sierra Madre in the East and the metropolis in the Southwest.

With Federal Land, owning your first condominium residence is easy. Just contact our representatives, provide a Philippine government-issued ID (with your Tax Identification Number), fill up the required forms, pay the reservation fee and voila! The unit is booked under your name. You are now ready to start a home loan application through in-house or bank financing.


Photo via Patrickroque01 (Creative Commons 4.0 License)
Marikina City is a picturesque old city verging on urban modernization featuring a thriving economy, modern malls, ancestral houses, wide green parks, and friendly citizens. Just east of Metro Manila, Marikina may feel like a small town with clean streets, quiet neighborhood and green spaces; but it is still very much a city with a thriving shoe industry with easy proximity to major business districts of the Metro Manila.

Though it is best known as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines, Marikina City has more to offer to those looking to settle down in her land. From museums to food trucks to pride parades, here are seven reasons why we love Marikina:

The Vast Green Spaces And The Fresh, Clean Air

Photo: Marikina City Government
In the early years of Spanish colonization, Marikina was one of the largest haciendas in the Philippines. The fertile land produced excellent crops, bountiful harvest, wealthy farmers and a prosperous town. Though the Marikeños turned to shoemaking in 1887, Marikina has preserved its greenery and transformed its farmland into parks. Each of Marikina’s 16 barangays has at least one mini-park, and in the middle of the city is the vast Marikina River Park.

So thanks to the lush greenery, the air in Marikina is so much cleaner than the rest of Metro Manila.

Did you know?


Photo via judgefloro (Creative Commons 1.0 License)
The Carabao Trail along the riverbank traces the old route used by the farmers and carabaos to and from their home and rice fields.

The Rich Culture And Heritage

Photo: Philippines Lifestyle
Marikina has a colorful history of how the shoemaking industry started. A visit to Don Laureano “Kapitan Moy” Guevara’s home turned museum will give you a quick history lesson about the birth of shoemaking industry in Marikina City. Down the street, you will find the Marikina Shoe Museum. The museum features the traditional footwear of Filipinos and other nationalities, and the shoes owned and worn by famous politicians, public servants, and celebrities. The museum is also the home of the former First Lady Imelda Marcos’ (in)famous shoe collection.

Marikina also holds vibrant and colorful festivals celebrating its heritage and culture. The Ka-angkan Festival celebrated every April 16 honors the founding families of Marikina. The Rehiyon, Rehiyon Festival celebrated every December 8 honors the migrant families and their contributions to the city’s progress. The Sapatos Festival is a three-month long celebration beginning in September honors the creativity, craftsmanship, style and high quality of Marikina shoes.

Did you know
Marikina City is now referred to as the “City of Pride” for hosting Metro Manila Pride March in 2017 and 2018.
Photo:

The Foodie’s Haven

Photo: Crave Park

Now, you might be familiar with the popular food hubs in Maginhawa St. in Quezon City, Kapitolyo in Ortigas, and Aguirre Avenue in BF Homes Parañaque. But there is another thriving food scene you don’t want to miss – Lilac Street and Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue in Marikina.

Dubbed as the Maginhawa Street of the East, Lilac Street in Concepcion Dos is a strip of highly-rated restaurants set up in a charming neighborhood. Wandering around Lilac Street and nearby streets, you will find restaurants offering the best Singaporean, Japanese, Thai, American, Mexican and Filipino cuisine.

Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue, on the other hand, hosts new Instagram worthy food parks. The Crave Food Park features not only multinational gastronomic experience but also badass artsy murals. The Carnival Food Park stays true to its name with its carnival-themed setup, costumes and food. The other food parks are Terminal 8 Food Park & Lifestyle Hub, Windsor Food Park, and EATsetera Food Park.

Protip
Make sure to bring all your food buddies and come in a group to try more restaurants at a lesser cost.

The Huge Workout Space

Photo via Patrickroque01 (Creative Commons 4.0 License)
A haven to sports enthusiasts and hobbyists, Marikina Sports Center is a three-hectare complex featuring an Olympic-size pool, an athletics track, a natural grass pitch, basketball courts, volleyball courts, tennis courts, badminton court, and an indoor gymnasium. Residents can come in for a run or exercise as the sports center is open 24 hours every day.

The sports center also hosts several sports competitions including 2014 ASEAN School Games and grand concerts, television shows, and community events such as summer clinic for children ages 7 to 16.

Did you know?

The city government has started the rehabilitation of the Marikina Sports Complex.

The Convenient Access to What Matters Most

With only an area of 22.64 square kilometers, Marikina is a small city with at least 80 private schools, 7 colleges and universities, 10 hospitals, 10 malls, 5 churches, 20 gas stations, 89 banks, public market, mini parks, the iconic Marikina River Park and the vast Marikina River. With everything just a few minutes’ drive away, there is no shortage of essentials.

Moreover, major highways such as the C-5, Katipunan Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue, connects Marikeños to central business districts of Quezon City, Ortigas, Makati and Bonifacio Global City; and top universities such as Ateneo de Manila University and University of the Philippines Diliman Campus. While the scenic Marikina-Infanta Highway or Marcos Highway connects Marikina to Rizal, Laguna and Quezon for an easy weekend getaway.

The Growing Business Hub

The main industry in Marikina is shoemaking at Shoe Avenue, however there is also an upcoming food hub in Lilac Street and Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue, a booming entertainment scene at Angel Tuazon Entertainment District, a large BPO sector at IT Centers in Riverbanks e-Com, and a thriving manufacturing industry at Marikina Industrial Park.

Did you know?

The world’s largest pair of shoes is made by the shoemakers of Marikina in 2002. It measures 5.29 meters long and 2.37 meters wide.

The fusion of the urban and suburban makes Marikina an ideal home for many Filipinos starting a family. It is a city close enough to major business hubs but without the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. It is a quiet city-town where the elderly can sit and relax at a town plaza and where kids can ride their bicycles at the main street. Because of this, real estate in Marikina is flourishing. Aside from the residential house and lots in its many subdivisions, there are now a number of condominiums for sale in Marikina City.

Located near Marquinton Residences along Sumulong Highway, the Siena Towers of Federal Land offer condominium homes ideal for starting families. Siena Towers is a two-tower condominium offers a beautiful and secure home in a vibrant community with the Blue Wave Mall a few steps away. Residents of both Siena will enjoy outstanding amenities; proximity to major weekend destinations, office towers, shopping centers, and premier schools like the Marikina Science High School, Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines Diliman; and spectacular views of the Sierra Madre in the East and the metropolis in the Southwest.

The Diverse Real Estate Choices
With Federal Land, owning your first condominium residence is easy. Just contact our representatives, provide a Philippine government-issued ID (with your Tax Identification Number), fill up the required forms, pay the reservation fee and voila! The unit is booked under your name. You are now ready to start a home loan application through in-house or bank financing.

Federal Land Inc. also offer condominium units for sale -pre-selling condo units or lease to own condo units that are ready for occupancy (RFO) in Makati; BGC (Fort), Taguig; Binondo and Paco, Manila; Entertainment City, Pasay; Greenhills, San Juan; Mandaluyong; Quezon City; Sumulong Highway, Marikina; Cebu as well as in General Trias, Cavite. For lease to own plan details or pre-selling reservations, email us at digital.mktg@federalland.ph.

The prime real estate development company, Federal Land Inc. is scheduled to launch five more residential projects in the second half of 2018. Federal Land, had targeted to unveil nine to eleven projects this year, four of which have already been launched, including the Palm Beach West in Bay Area, Pasay; Peninsula Garden Midtown Homes in Paco, Manila; Florida Sun Estate in General Trias, Cavite; and Quantum Residences in Taft, Manila.

“We have five more projects in the second half. There’s Grand Hyatt 2 because Grand Hyatt 1 was fully sold out, two or three towers in the Bay Area. Aside from Grand Hyatt, another tower in Bonifacio, and another tower in Taft,” GT Capital President Carmelo Maria Luza Bautista said in a media and analysts’ briefing in Taguig City last August 15.

Federal Land residential properties are almost sold out and only have a few units left in its inventory. Interested homeowners and investors can choose among the remaining pre-selling and RFO (ready for occupancy) units.

PRE-SELLING PROPERTIES

Condominium units sold before and during the construction are classified as pre-selling properties. Pre-selling condo units are offered at a lower price and flexible payment plans. The condo unit’s total contract price will not be affected by real estate value appreciation. However, because these properties are under construction, buyers will have to wait until the property is ready for turnover before moving in or renting out. Construction period can take around three to four years. To avoid risks associated with the extended waiting period, choose a condo developer with a solid track record like Federal Land.

Buying pre-selling properties are ideal for buyers who have the luxury of time such as young professionals planning their future, or OFWs reestablishing themselves upon their return to the country. Pre-selling properties are also beneficial to investors expecting to sell or lease the properties as the steady increase of market value affords them a higher return on investment than with RFO units.

Quantum Residences in Taft Avenue, Pasay City
The recently launched Quantum Residences is a residential-commercial condominium development that provides a convenient urban lifestyle. Located strategically within the university belt along Taft Avenue, Quantum Residences is a self-contained community with its retail stores, restaurants, study halls, and a full set of amenities to provide for motivated and hardworking students and young professionals in their pursuit of career, interests, and causes. Get the most out of life with Federal Land’s latest offering with the pre-selling condo units for sale.

Peninsula Garden Midtown Homes – Mimosa Tower in Paco, Manila City
Peninsula Garden Midtown Homes is a residential garden community located in the historic Paco, Manila. Peninsula Garden Midtown Homes is designed to give 100% safe and nurturing home for you and your loved ones. Working parents can experience an easy commute to major business districts in Makati, Ortigas and Bay Area, while the children are dropped off to nearby primary schools and university belt. Peninsula Garden’s eighth tower, Mimosa, is opening the last 91 pre-selling condominium units for sale. Invest now and discover the easy convenience of living atop everything you need.

Palm Beach West – Baler Tower in Bay Area, Pasay City
Palm Beach West Residences – Baler Tower is opening 168 pre-selling condominium units for sale. Located within the sprawling Metro Park community, and in between the two most traveled boulevards, Roxas and Macapagal, in Pasay City, Palm Beach West presents a safe and secure home, with resort-themed atmosphere and lifestyle amenities for the enjoyment of you and your family. Live the vibrant life in a neighborhood bustling with life and excitement of Entertainment City.

Florida Sun Estates – Orlando Phase in Cavite
Inspired by the tropical state of Florida in the US, Florida Sun Estates is a master-planned subdivisions community in General Trias, Cavite. Set to be the sunshine state of Cavite, Florida Sun Estates is composed of clustered developments; residential subdivisions, and commercial developments complemented by wide-open space, lush greenery, and resort-type amenities to bring the Florida lifestyle into your home. Florida Sun Estates – Orlando Phase offers pre-selling house and lot units for sale.

READY FOR OCCUPANCY/LEASE TO OWN PROPERTIES

Condominium units sold after the construction period of the project are classified as ready for occupancy (RFO) units. A buyer can move into the condo immediately after settling the paperwork and financing. Though it is more expensive than a pre-selling unit due to real estate appreciation, an RFO unit can be acquired through a lease-to-own plan.

Buying an RFO unit is practical for buyers in urgent need the property such as starting families upgrading their housing needs, working professionals relocating near their workplace, and retirees who enjoy the stress-free lifestyle.

Times Square West in BGC
Inspired by the bright lights of Times Square in New York, Times Square West promises to be the place to live in when you want to live amidst the excitement of a great new city. Located at Grand Central Park in North Bonifacio Global City, it brings you exclusive access to the country’s most popular entertainment venues, dynamic business district, and sophisticated lifestyle hubs. Ready for occupancy, Times Square West has only 22 units left. Invest and indulges in the lights and sounds of a fascinating city.

Paseo De Roces – Salcedo Tower in Makati City
Just a stone’s throw away from the central business district, Sunday markets, luxury malls and parks, Paseo de Roces is a posh residential community in Makati City. Paseo de Roces is an ideal fusion of vibrant amenities and spectacular skyline views in an exclusive tower at the most coveted address. With only 22 units left, Paseo de Roces – Salcedo Tower is ready to welcome you home. Take charge of your destiny and open up a world of possibilities.

One Wilson Square in San Juan City
Set in a space that provides easy access to the major thoroughfares and business districts of Metro Manila, One Wilson Square is located at Wilson Street, San Juan City. It lies close to Greenhills, Ortigas and Makati business districts. The spacious and exquisitely appointed private condominiums provide you full access to an enhanced level of luxury. Every inch of your One Wilson Square home is thoroughly crafted to maximize the space for residents, with careful attention to detail in every aspect of life. Choose among the remaining 44 condominium units left and delight in the right space that takes you places.

The Capital Towers – Rio Tower in Quezon City
Located along E. Rodriguez in Quezon City, The Capital Towers offer a life where the avenues of your interests come together and options and opportunities are within reach. Interconnected amenities and generously cut condominiums for sale bring a sense of leisure and flow to your daily life, allowing you to enjoy a rhythm that is truly your own. Ready for turnover, The Capital – Rio Tower has only 48 units still available. Invest now to enjoy a life where everything is within reach, and you are at the center.

Marco Polo Residences in Cebu
Marco Polo Residences embodies the spirit of the explorer. It brings to light the best of Cebu in the first and only five-tower branded residence, where the typical is spectacular, the everyday unusual, and the common breathtaking. A quiet, lush hill community, Marco Polo Residences offers sophisticated condominiums for sale with unobstructed views of the sea, sky and the city. Take your pick of the last few remaining units of Marco Polo Residences and experience the magnificent every day.

Siena Tower in Marikina City
Located near Marquinton Residences along Sumulong Highway, Siena Towers present a radiant high-rise development at the heart of Marikina City. The Siena Towers community offers green and generous living spaces ideal for starting families and young professionals. Siena Towers are near to major weekend destinations, office towers, retail centers, and premier schools like the Marikina Science High School, Marikina Catholic School, Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines Diliman. Choose among the 142 units left and enjoy urban living and relaxed rural lifestyle in one environment.

Founded in 1972, Federal Land has since developed over 55 large-scale projects that redefined the key areas of Metro Manila, Cavite and Cebu. It is the developer of many large-scale developments: residential condominiums, office buildings, retail and commercial centers, mixed-use townships and master-planned communities. A few of Federal Land’s legacy projects are the iconic GT Tower International in Makati, the vibrant Metro Park in Bay Area, Pasay City, and the luxurious Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City.

With a strong support network of the GT Capital conglomerate, Federal Land will continue to develop properties faithful to the needs and aspirations of the people and, dedicated to shaping the transformation of the whole nation.

For more information on the remaining units, email digital.mktg@federalland.ph for details.