Concepcion Uno Leads Marikina With The Most MSME Businesses

Based on the Marikina City's 2024 report on registered micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME's), Barangay Concepcion Uno is home to the most number of businesses with 2,357 registered businesses, followed by Sto. Nino with 2,319 registered businesses and Sta. Elena with 1,784 registered businesses.

Concepcion Uno also has the most registered number of microbusinesses totaling 2,268. The statistics are provided by Marikina City's  Business Permit and Licensing Office and based on the number of employees. Below is a running total of all registered businesses including micro, small, medium-sized and large enterprises. 

Barangay	Total
CONCEPCION I	2360
Sto. Niño	2319
Sta. Elena	1784
Parang	1650
Marikina Heights	1642
San Roque	1353
Malanday	1335
CONCEPCION II	1277
Nangka	1177
Tumana	996
Kalumpang	929
Fortune	881
Barangka	737
Tañong	505
IVC	390
J. Dela Peña	359

Bugis Singapore Street Food, along Gen Ordonez St.

Marikina City is home to a diverse range of businesses, including food, manufacturing, retail, and services. This dynamic business environment contributes to the city's economic growth and development.

Reference: Marikina City Business Permit and Licensing Office statistics for 2024

https://www.marikina.gov.ph/facts/Statistical-Report-Registered-Business-2024-MSMEs.pdf

Revisiting the Marikina mega dike project along Marikina River

The Marikina mega dike project along Marikina River has been ongoing for several years, with various phases and updates throughout its construction.  

Here's a summary of the latest information:


Progress:
Phase 3: As of 2020, Phase 3 of the project was completed, which included dredging the Manggahan floodway to increase its flood capacity.

Ongoing work: The project is still ongoing, with construction continuing on different sections of the dike.

Revised design: The original design of the road dike project has been revised and is now called the Riverside Development, which involves raising the elevation of some areas and constructing drainage outfalls.

The Marikina mega dike project is progressing, with various phases completed and ongoing work. The project aims to mitigate flooding in the Marikina area

In the meantime, the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project - Phase IV, which includes building the Marikina Control Gate Structure, and the Metro Manila Flood Management Project, involve building and enhancing pumping stations along vital waterways.

Senior Undersecretary Sadain stated that in order to ensure safe flow of the remaining floodwaters through Metro Manila without causing significant flooding, two additional proposed projects are an Upper Marikina Dam, located approximately four (4) kilometers upstream from the current Wawa Dam in Montalban Gorge, and a retarding basin, located downstream of the Marikina River Basin. These projects are intended to help reduce peak river flows entering Metro Manila during typhoons and extreme rainfall.

References:
Philstar.com:
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/11/26/2059465/villar-p28-billion-megadike-solve-marikina-flooding

Daily Tribune:
https://tribune.net.ph/2022/11/26/marikina-dike-project-redesigned-mayor

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/news/35113

Marikina and Antipolo: Neighboring Cities with Unique Appeal

Visitors can have different experiences in the Philippines' Marikina City and Antipolo City, two nearby cities. Despite being close by geographically, they are distinguished from one another by their distinct cultures, tourist destinations, and scenic views.

one of the many shoe factories in Marikina City

Known as the "Shoe Capital of the Philippines," Marikina City has a long history of producing shoes. Numerous shoe factories and stores can be found around the city, offering a vast selection of fashionable and reasonably priced footwear to tourists. With parks, riverbanks, and nature reserves, Marikina has natural beauty beyond its industrial side. A well-liked location for leisurely walks is the Marikina River Park.

Known as the "Pilgrimage capital of the Philippines" for the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (popularly known as the Antipolo Cathedral), Antipolo City is a spiritual retreat for a large number of Filipinos. All year long, the church, which is positioned on a hilltop with a view of the city, draws countless devotees. In addition to its religious importance, Antipolo is a well-liked vacation spot for naturalists. The city is the ideal getaway from the bustle of daily life, surrounded by verdant forests, waterfalls, and hiking paths.

restaurants in Antipolo City with picturesque views

Exploring the Adjacent Attractions:

Discover the history of shoemaking in the Philippines at the Marikina Shoe Museum and be amazed by the skilled work of regional craftspeople. 

Foodies will be delighted to find out that there are many unique restaurants and food offerings in Marikina city.

Antipolo Cathedral: Marvel at the exquisite architecture of this historic church as you visit.

There is something for everyone in Marikina and Antipolo, whether your interests are in history, culture, or the outdoors. Given their close proximity, it is easy to visit both cities in a single trip, offering a unique and memorable experience.

Where To Find Important Marikina City Weather and Flood Updates

Now that the rainy season has begun, expect weather disturbances in Metro Manila including Marikina City for the next few months. Be updated with weather and water level status in Marikina by following and checking with these useful online sources:

Marikina City Rescue 161

https://www.facebook.com/MarikinaRescue161

This is the official Facebook page of Marikina City Rescue 161 located at Marikina City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office building, Fortune avenue, Marikina City.
Aside from posting periodic and critical weather updates from www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph, they also provide Marikina Rainfall Reading status updates.

Also during heavy rains or when water levels at Marikina River rise above the average level, a livestream showing the Marikina River water level. This is handy especially for residents and families who live near the Marikina River areas, or are directly affected by rising water levels.

Sample video streamed live by Marikina City Rescue 161

Save these handy numbers in case of emergencies:

MARIKINA RESCUE 161 HOTLINE
8- 646 2436 to 38
8- 646 0427
7- 273 6563

Mobile Number
0917 - 584 - 2168 ( GLOBE )
0917 - 804 - 6352 ( GLOBE )
0928 - 559 - 3341 ( SMART )
0998 - 997 - 0115 ( SMART )
0998 - 579 - 6435 ( SMART )

Email : drrmo.marikinacity@gmail.com
Facebook Messenger : Reskyu Onesixone
Facebook Account : Marikina City Rescue

Marikina PIO on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/MarikinaPIO

This is the official Facebook page for the Marikina Public Information Office. They serve as an outlet for the Marikina City government to disseminate information. Aside from posting public service announcements and updates from different government sectors related to Marikina City, they share useful updates from different sources, like Marikina River livestreams from Marikina City Rescue 161 during above-average rainfall affecting the city.

Sample status update includes rainfall count and Marikina River water level

Flood Information (PAGASA Website)

https://bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/flood

This page lists 18 major Philippine river basins, including NCR/Pasig, Marikina, and Laguna de Bay. Click on the "Flood Watch" status link to see the latest flood bulletin report. The report includes details like the current weather condition, average rainfall in the basin, a 12-hour forecast, the most likely affected water courses, and a list of awareness, information, and advice for reference. These details are useful to gauge how the flood situation will be in the next 12 hours and what action to take, such as being alert for flash floods. 

Share this post with friends and family who live in Marikina City for awareness and empower affected people with timely updates for residents.

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.

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)

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.

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.