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.

Marcos Highway Roots and Routes

Marcos Highway is a long stretch starting at Katipunan Road in Quezon City and connects the end of Aurora Blvd.  It passes through Marikina City and Antipolo City.  The highway intersects with another highway, namely Sumulong Highway at Masinag, Antipolo.  From hereonforth, the highway passes through Cogeo, Buso-Buso and mountainous landscape with winding roads and a scenic route of the Sierra Madre until it reaches the town of Tanay in Rizal.  The end of the highway eventually leads east to Infanta, Quezon, which is why in the 1970's, Marcos Highway was also known as the Marikina-Infanta Highway.

Marikina Revenue District Office Not In Marikina

The BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) of Marikina is known as RDO-45 or Revenue District Office 45.  It used to be located behind the corner of Marcos Highway and Gil Fernando Ave.

Last year, they transferred to their new and bigger location, along Marcos Highway near AMA and Filinvest.   They now have their own building and parking lot.   

I find it strange though that the official Revenue District for Marikina is now in Antipolo making it less convenient for Mariknenos requiring them to travel outside the city for their tax needs.

UPDATE AS OF JULY 2014
BIR RDO No. 45 has moved to Sto. Nino, near Amang Rodriguez Hospital in Bayan.

24 Hour Fastfoods

If you're coming home late night to Marikina or passing through, there are couple of places you can have a late meal, a quick midnight snack, or take home food.  Aside from the usual convenience stores, there are a few 24 hour fastfood joints.  

If you're coming from Quezon City or Pasig City and cruising along Marcos Highway, you can get a quick bite at Burger King.  Contrary to popular belief, this branch is not located in Cainta or Antipolo.  It's just at the very outskirt of Marikina City.   Aside from the standard menu of Burger King, this branch also serves breakfast meals as early as 12 midnight.   They also serve a huge cup of coffee when you order their BK Joe coffee.    They have a drive-thru road for those who wish to take out their food. What's unique about this branch of Burger King is that there is an internet cafe on the 2nd floor, which is also open 24 hours.  A lot of people spend the wee hours of the morning here equipped with their laptops enjoying the free wifi when you order.  

When you take the immediate u-turn after Burger King, you'll instantly see McDonalds to your right.   McDonalds is also 24 hours open and has a drive thru for convenience.   Unlike Burger King, they only start serving breakfast at 6am.   Their standard menu though is available any time of the day.   What's convenient about this branch is that just outside is a taxi stand where taxis as always available during the night and early morning.

If you're not too keen on fastfood, you can turn right to Gil Fernando Ave and not far is the famous Tapsi Ni Vivian.  Here, you can dine and select from a vast menu.   Their specials, bulalo and tapsi are always available.   If you're the type who would like your meal served on a plate instead of a styrofoam container or wrapped in plastic, then this is the place for you.