Marikina City – Where to eat and where to go there?

Marikina City is the “Shoe Capital of the Philippines”. It produces 70% of the shoes in the Philippines. This once rural community, is now one of Metro Manila’s most progressive cities and has one of the richest local governments in the country. Along with its growth as an economic center, the city was able to develop its tourism front. Marikina City is a very charming old city on the frontline of urban modernization. Moreover, its financial resources are dispersed throughout the city. It has a growing economy, advanced malls, ancestral houses, expansive green parks, and friendly residents. However, business establishments and commercial facilities are primarily on the Southern part. On the other hand, the northern part has factories and warehouses. Thinking of coming here? If you haven’t, check-out these places you should try visiting here on your next trip.

Dine and Fly in Passenger Seat

Passenger Seat in Marikina City is one of the go-to place to eat for residents. They offer a boodle-fight experience in an airplane-themed setting. I know, sounds very interesting right?? So what’s behind all these? Mariae Franco Habijan (owner) studied to be a flight attendant. However, she was unable to pass the qualifications due to her height. The clever owner then resorted to managing the family business, which included the ownership of tourist buses. Thus, where the concept of the Passenger Seat originated. The restaurant’s wall design and chairs are identical to a plane’s window and interiors. Making them perfectly suited to its theme, indeed transports you inside an actual plane. To complete the effect, their staffs are also dressed as flight attendants. Furthermore, Passenger Seat serves affordable Filipino and non-Filipino dishes. Their menu is named after popular tourist destinations in the Philippines, such as Manila and Caticlan.

Shop in the bazaar or in the mall in Riverbanks Center

Riverbanks Center is known for having the most outlet stores, where name brands are guaranteed to be significantly lower in price than in regular mall stores. What’s good about this is you can choose whether you want to buy branded and overruns inside the mall, or challenge your haggling skills in the bazaar outside. Or you can just set a picnic with loved ones by the amphitheater. If you’re looking for quality goods, groceries, arcades, and furniture, you might want to check the mall first. There are lanes for references and easy product hunting such such “Palm Lane” and “Techno Lane”. Mostly all clothing, shoes, administrative offices are located here. On the other hand, you’ll find gadgets, tech accessories, and any related in “Techno Lane”. If you’re looking for the food court, you will have to go to the farthest right area if you came from the main entrance.

Dine in a 200-yo ancestral house in Kapitan Moy

Kapitan Moy is the 200 year-old perpetuated house of Don Laureano Guevarra, also known as Kapitan Moy, Founder of the Marikina Shoe Industry. Would you believe that this ancestor house was built in 1780? To be exact, it is now around 242 years as of writing. Despite its age, the people were able care for it and preserve its elegance and sophistication. Currently, the ancestral house serves as a multi-function hall for special events while being such an art museum itself. Although the original furniture were not kept, the building itself shows off a really nostalgic traditional Filipino abode. On the ground floor, you’ll get to find its restaurant called Cafe Kapitan. They serve Filipino cuisine in an affordable price but very generous serving. (I couldn’t even finish myself so we had to take away!) We were supposed to feature the Shoe Museum nearby however, filming was not allowed.

Shop in Marikina City Public Market

Public Markets are everywhere in the Philippines. It is the go-to shop for every day needs. From the freshest meats, to the greenest and ripest vegetables and fruits – you can find in a Palengke. They improve access to healthy, low-cost foods. Some people are also focusing on the local culture of the communities where they live. If you’re a local of Marikina City, or a tourist, it’s impossible that you didn’t pass by the public market. It has a lot of entrances around it making them a reference for every meetups. This Palengke is considered as one of the biggest public markets in the country. Not only you can find meat, veggies, and fruits here, but you can also find clothes, shoes, and even general merchandise. Make sure to bring extra eco bags on your visit because for sure you’ll get a lot! Marikina City Public Market is open daily.