Feb 11, 2024

A Celebration of Love: Your Table Awaits at O'kafe This Valentine's Day


Love is in the air, and whether you're swooning with a soulmate, cherishing fond moments with long-time friends, or simply celebrating in the warmth of self-love, O'kafe is setting the scene for a truly unforgettable Valentine's Day dinner on February 14 and 15, 2024. Come join "A Celebration of Love," an exquisite culinary experience designed to ignite your senses and warm your heart.

Savor a Menu Crafted for Connection:

O'kafe has crafted a full-course dinner from heart-warming appetizers to the exquisite main course and topped it off with sweet desserts, enjoyed with a glass of wine to savor the entire meal, designed to spark conversation and create lasting memories.

Beyond the Plate:

The ambiance at O'kafe this Valentine's sets the mood for an intimate and magical evening. Soft lights, elegant décor, and impeccable service will add a touch of sophistication to your celebration.

More Than Just Romance:

Love comes in many forms, and O'kafe welcomes everyone to experience this delightful evening! Whether you're celebrating with your significant other, or a group of friends, or cherishing some quality "me-time," "A Celebration of Love" is for you.

Make Your Reservation Today:

Dinner starts at 6pm on February 14 and 15, 2024. Price starts at ₱1,299/person.
Tables are filling up fast, so don't miss out on this unique opportunity to create unforgettable Valentine's Day memories. Reserve your table by calling 09052718226/09692843695 or online by visiting the 
O'kafe by OLOPSC on Facebook. 

O'kafe is located at General Ordoñez St., Concepcion, Marikina City.


Feb 3, 2024

2 Mercury Drug Branches in Marikina City That Are Open 24/7

For most Filipinos, the familiar red and yellow sign of Mercury Drug is more than just a pharmacy. It's a beacon of healthcare access, a trusted friend in times of need, and a constant reminder that wellness is within reach.

Since its humble beginnings in 1945, Mercury Drug has woven itself into the very fabric of the Philippines. With over 1,200 stores nationwide, it boasts the title of the country's leading drugstore chain, serving millions of Filipinos every day.

In Marikina City, there are 12 Mercury Drug branches. Among them, two branches are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are in search of a Mercury Drug store open anytime, visit Mercury Drug, Concepcion branch at Bayan-Bayanan Ave (near Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church) and Mercury Drug Bayan branch (near Marikina Public Market, and across Marikina Sports Center) at EMH Bldg, Shoe Ave., Sta. Elena. 

If you live in the Marikina City area near Q-Plaza in Cainta, you can also avail of their Mercury Drug 24/7 delivery service, by calling them at +63919806380. 

Mercury Drug branches in Marikina City (open 24 hours a day)

Marikina City Concepcion
  • Address: Bayan-Bayanan Ave., Concepcion, Marikina City, 1810 Metro Manila
  • Telephone: (02) 8941-5302 / (02) 8942-2234 / (0919) 080-6410 / (0908) 865-4226
Marikina City Shoe Ave.
  • Address: EMH Bldg., Shoe Ave., Sta. Elena, Marikina City, 1800 Metro Manila
  • Telephone: (02) 8646-3784 / (02) 8647-0922 / (0998) 846-8661 / (0949) 991-9398


Other Mercury Drug branches in Marikina City:
  • Mercury Drug, Ayala Malls Marikina
  • Mercury Drug, Barangka
  • Mercury Drug, Bluewave Marquinton 2
  • Mercury Drug, C&B Circle Mall
  • Mercury Drug, Concepcion Dos, Lilac
  • Mercury Drug, Concepcion Uno Joseph
  • Mercury Drug, Dela Paz
  • Mercury Drug, J.P. Rizal
  • Mercury Drug, Parang
  • Mercury Drug, Xeland Mall (Mayor Gil Fernando Ave)



Jan 19, 2024

SSS Village: The Neighborhood That Originally Housed 500 Lucky Raffle Winners

SSS Village is one of the longtime neighborhoods in Marikina City. a lively residential place that is full of life. But its story doesn't start with builders and plans. Instead, it starts with a lucky break and a dream of owning a home.


A Raffle, A Dream, and 500 Lucky Filipinos: One of President Ferdinand Marcos's new ideas in 1969 was to hold a draw where 500 members of the Social Security System (SSS) would have the chance to own their own homes. The prize? A chance to own a house in a brand-new community called SSS Village. Our family was one of the lucky raffle winners given the chance to live in this Barangay in Concepcion Dos.


Colorful Beginnings: The lucky 500 moved into their new homes in 1975, full of joy. The homeowners' group was faced with their first challenge: naming the streets. Filipino song names were considered but not chosen because they were too long. They then looked at colors, and presto! Streets in Phases 1 and 2 of SSS Village were given bright names like Aquamarine, Green, Tangerine, Velvet, Olive, and Crimson.


From a humble start to a thriving community, SSS Village has grown over the years. As more phases were added, more schools and churches popped up, and people really cared about each other. Many of the people who lived in the village when it first opened saw their children grow up and start their own lives in the same place they knew so well. The village did face its own set of challenges and difficulties, such as floods, road repairs, renovation, and commercialization.

More Than Just Houses: These days, SSS Village is more than just houses. It’s a place where some businesses have sprouted, like a hotel, a convention center, and a couple of restaurants. Schools and places of worship are also accessible within SSS Village.


What's next for SSS Village after "Bricks and Mortar"? As Marikina City changes, SSS Village is ready to change with it and do well. Its great location, close-knit neighborhood, and long-past history show how strong home is and how dreams can bring people together.


Don't forget to visit SSS Village the next time you're in Marikina City. You may find one of your favorite colors as a street name. You might catch a glimpse of the community's lively energy. It all started with a raffle, a dream, and 500 lucky people.

Jan 13, 2024

Expert Piano Repair, Tuning, and Restoration Services by Leon Celerio, Son Of Music Legend Levi Celerio

If you're looking for affordable and master piano tuning services in Marikina City, look for Leon Celerio. He is an experienced and skilled piano tuner who offers expert piano tuning and piano repair services. If the surname sounds familiar, it's because Leon Celerio is the eldest son of the great Filipino composer and musician, Levi Celerio.

In case you're not familiar with his father, Levi Celerio was known for his prolific songwriting and unique ability to play music using a leaf. He is credited with writing over 4,000 songs, including many popular Filipino standards such as "Kahit Konting Pagtingin", and "Saan Ka Man Naroroon". In 1997, Levi Celerio was awarded the National Artist of the Philippines award for Music and Literature. He was the first songwriter to receive this prestigious award.

As musicality runs in their family, we are fortunate that his eldest son, Leon offers piano tuning and repair services. He has tuned the pianos of OPM musical legends such as George Canseco and Restie Umali. He is also experienced in restoring, restringing, and repairing several kinds of pianos, including well-known piano brands such as Steger & Sons, old or new.

You can contact Leon Celerio at 0977 712 9497 or visit his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/leoncelerio. Best to call to inquire. He is based in Marikina City but also accepts jobs within Metro Manila and provinces.

Sep 1, 2023

70 Batches Will Unite at the 1st Shoelanders Grand Alumni Homecoming In Marikina

The Shoelanders’ Alumni Ad Hoc committee invites all graduates of the Marikina High School (MHS), Leodegario Victorino Memorial High School (LVMHS), Marikina School of Arts and Trade (MSAT), Marikina Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), and Marikina Science High School (MariSci), collectively known as “The Shoelanders” to the first-ever Shoelanders Grand Alumni Homecoming on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the Marikina Sports Center.


Carrying the theme, “Shoelanders Unite: Baliktanaw at Pagpupugay sa Paaralang Mahal,” this homecoming event will bring together more than 70 batch years including its first graduates in 1950 up to the present 2023 batch. Considered a historic gathering of top-notch graduates from an illustrious secondary school in Marikina, it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event one should not miss. This premiere alumni homecoming also sets to give awards and recognition to outstanding achievements of alumni in different categories as one of its highlights.

Reunion For A Common Cause

Through a Ceremonial Signing of “The Shoelanders Alumni Commitment Board”, this homecoming will also seal and make official the solid stand & unwavering support of the entire alumni membership across all batch years to all legislative initiatives and efforts or any activities all in the effort of preserving and restoring the persona and existence of the High School Alma Mater that carries profound history since its founding in 1947.

Mr. Joseph T. Santos, acting OIC of MariSci and from MIST Batch 1993, appeals to all, “We reach out to all alumni to help preserve our beloved school and bring back students to the campus they truly deserve.”

Ms. Fe Oaing-Doromal, Chairman of the Ad Hoc committee and MIST graduate from Batch 1992 is very optimistic about the support of all batches to this event. “It will be a memorable day for everyone and an opportunity to keep our school strong. This is our chance to give back to our alma mater which honed us to be achievers.” She also highlights that proceeds from this event can support in establishing a Shoelanders Foundation and provide for the educational needs of deserving scholars and other beneficial programs.

Marikina City Mayor Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro, MIST Batch 1986 alumnus, expressed great support to the event by offering the Marikina Sports Center as the venue for the event. “It is my great joy to see my former classmates and teachers again. I am truly excited to reminisce about the times we had when I was studying at MIST. I know that the graduates are a great contribution to our school as their talents and knowledge are integral factors in nation-building.”

Countdown to the Big Day


Leading to the big day, the committee has lined up a series of fun and exciting activities for the enjoyment of the alumni. A motorcade kicked off last July that roamed along the streets of Marikina City. There are also mini sports tournaments like bowling, basketball, volleyball, billiards, and a Bingo social. Details of events are announced in the official Facebook group The High School SHOELANDERS.

Registration is now ongoing. Early bird is priced at P500 until September 30, and P700 starting from October 1-30, 2023. You may register at https://tinyurl.com/Shoelanders or coordinate with your batch representatives. For volunteers, sponsorships, donations or business opportunities, interested parties may contact Ms. Lourdes Santos at 09566480645.
Jan 26, 2023

Exploring Marikina City: A Guide to the LRT Line 2

Thanks to the Metro Manila Light Rail Transit, commuters benefit from the LRT Line 2 going to and from Marikina City.

This public transportation system connects Recto in Manila to Antipolo in Rizal. Antpolo, Marikina, and Santolan Stations are the three stations that pass through Marikina City. They provide access to the city and main commercial malls for commuters from the city's eastern and northern portions.

The LRT Line 2 system is made up of 13 stations, all of which are within a few blocks of one another. All of the stations have modern amenities like escalators, elevators, and air conditioning. Passengers can buy tickets at the stations and pay using contactless cards.

The LRT Line 2 provides a quick and effective route to Marikina City. It is intended to minimize traffic congestion and pollution's impact on the environment. A single train can carry 232 passengers. It can also carry an additional 1,396 standing passengers on its roomy coaches. During traffic and peak hours, taking the LRT 2 is substantially faster than other modes of transit. As a result, the trip from Manila to Marikina will take around 30 minutes.


Additionally, the line is connected to shopping malls such as SM City Marikina, Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall in Cainta, Robinsons Metro East in Pasig, and SM Masinag in Antipolo.


For a complete list of stations and fares, visit https://www.lrta.gov.ph/tickets-and-fares/

Follow the Official LRT for updates. A Twitter account can be found at https://twitter.com/OfficialLRTA.



Sep 26, 2022

Reflections This 13th Anniversary of Typhoon Ondoy

As Typhoon Karding made landfall in the Philippines on September 25, 2022, it brought strong winds and torrential rain to the country, including Marikina City and nearby areas. Typhoon signal #3 was also raised in Marikina City.

Just past midnight, Marikina River's water level rose above 18 meters raising the alert level to 3rd alarm.
It reached its peak around 2:00am at 18.4 meters and slowly decreased in the next 9 hours to 15.9 meters, lowering the alert level to 1st alarm.

The typhoon somehow reminded me of Typhoon Ondoy, when waters drastically rose in the evening and all through the night. 

Coincidentally, September 26, 2022, marks the 13th anniversary of when Typhoon Ondoy hit the Philippines. During Tropical Storm Ondoy in 2009, Marikina River's water level reached an all-time high of 21.5 meters.

Even if I now live in a safe area, I still worry when there are non-stop rains and typhoons because my parent's home in SSS Village has experienced floods in the past. I know very well the feeling of anxiety while non-stop rains pour down, the sense of checking the street for floods every few minutes, the adrenalin of lifting furniture and other moving belongings to a higher place while flood water enters your house, the sense of despair when electricity goes out when you most need it, and safe guarding your house the whole night even if you're very tired and sleepy. Experiencing all this is something you'll perfect in time but hoping you won't need to experience it.
Katipunan St, SSS Village in 2009 during Typhoon Ondoy. Since the construction of major drainage systems improvements, Katipunan rarely floods now.


The good thing is that there were many lessons learned from Ondoy, not just from each Marikeño but also by local government. Thanks to the many protocols set into play plus the use of technology to assist us, it has been easier to cope with typhoon and floods.

Thanks to these online resources and public services that can greatly assist us with information and assistance we need to better prepare for not just any typhoon but also any calamity that comes our way:
map of Marikina's flood-prone areas by Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) 


Other initiatives like declogging of waterways, canals, and sewers before a typhoon hits greatly help the quick and steady flow of rainwater. 

Indeed, Marikina City has come a long way in ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. It's reassuring that something as devastating as Typhoon Ondoy in 2009 can be prevented and not have a maximum impact as typhoons used to in the city.

Marikina River Reached Alert Level 3 On Ondoy's 13th Anniversary (September 26, 2022)

As Typhoon Karding made landfall in the Philippines on September 25, 2022, it brought strong winds and torrential rain to the country, including Marikina City and nearby areas. Typhoon signal #3 was raised in Marikina City along with the northern portion of Metro Manila (Pasig, Quezon City, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Manila, Navotas, Malabon, Caloocan, Valenzuela.)


Just around midnight on September 26, Marikina River's water level reached 18 meters raising the alert level to the 3rd alarm. 

From September 26, 4:00am onwards, Marikina River's water level slowly decreased.
  • 18.4 meters - 2:00am (3rd alarm)
  • 18.2 meters - 4:00am (3rd alarm)
  • 17.6 meters - 6:00am (2nd alarm)
  • 17.0 meters - 7:30am (2nd alarm)
  • 16.9 meters - 8:00am (2nd alarm)
  • 16.7 meters - 8:32am (2nd alarm)
  • 16.3 meters - 9:30am (2nd alarm)
  • 15.9 meters - 10.44am (1st alarm)
  • 15.7 meters - 11:14am  (1st alarm)

Coincidentally, September 26, 2022, marks the 13th anniversary of when Typhoon Ondoy hit the Philippines. During Tropical Storm Ondoy in 2009, Marikina River's water level reached an all-time high of 21.5 meters.

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