Christmas Saya Carnival and Bazaar: A Festive Celebration at Riverbanks Center

Marikina City is all set to sparkle this Christmas season! Riverbanks Center is hosting a festive extravaganza, the Christmas Saya Carnival and Bazaar, promising a delightful experience for the whole family.

ChristmasSaya Bazaar & Carnival officially launched on October 19, 2024, with special guests including Maki, Angela Ken, Nameless Kids, and Violette Sta Cruz. The bazaar will be open until January 15, 2025.

The main attraction is the shopping, where you can find and discover unique gifts and souvenirs at the Christmas Bazaar, featuring a diverse selection of products from local artisans and entrepreneurs.

For foodies, you’ll be delighted to find a wide range of delectable treats, from classic Filipino dishes to international cuisine.

For the children and the family, there are exciting rides and games too. Thrill-seekers can enjoy a variety of exciting carnival rides and games, from thrilling to fun-filled kiddie rides.

Get a chance to watch and enjoy live performances and shows. Enjoy captivating performances by talented singers, dancers, and musicians. Last December 12, the “Unkabogable” phenomenal box office superstar Vice Ganda, visited Riverbanks Center and performed her newest Christmas song, “Paskong Pinakamasaya,” at the Riverbanks Amphitheater.

Head over to Riverbanks Center with your family and friends for a wonderful, memorable, and happy Christmas celebration this holiday season.


𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒎𝒂𝒔𝑺𝒂𝒚𝒂 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍 and 𝑩𝒂𝒛𝒂𝒂𝒓 at Riverbanks Center!

October 15, 2024 - January 15, 2025
Operational hours:
Carnival: 4pm to 12mn (until 11pm on Sundays)
Bazaar: 2pm to 12mn daily

Remembering the Marikina Line through the Riverland Express Train

If you enter Marikina City from Quezon City via C5, you'll be passing through Marikina Riverbanks Center and one of the prominent structures you'll notice is the Riverland Express Train.  The train is located beside a studio-warehouse opposite Riverbanks Mall facing the side of Marikina River.

From 1906 to 1936, the "Marikina Line" was one of three lines of the Manila Railroad Company (Cavite, Marikina and Antipolo Lines) which started from Rosario, Pasig (Tramo) and continued all the way to the towns of Marikina (Daang Bakal), San Mateo and Montalban totalling 24.27 kilometers.

This locomotive, owned and donated by the now defunct Pampanga Sugar Development Corporation, was an actual vintage steam train used in Pampanga and Tarlac in early 20th century.  

Today, the Riverland Express Train is a landmark signifying the historical significance of Marikina being a part of early 20th century locomotive transportation.

References: 
"The modern train system of our past" (Inquirer)
Philippine Trains Wikia

Become The Next Big Star!

Are you talented and you know it?  Then showcase your talent here!

Marikina Riverbanks Center invites you to become the The Next Big Star!

This is open to all amateur contest participants, male or female, ages 15 and above. Come to the Riverbanks Center on November 14, 3pm and get ready to showcase your talent.  Grand prize winner takes home P10,000. No one goes home empty handed as non-winners will receive P2,000.

Interested participants may get their application form at the Christmassaya Bazaar information table starting October 16.  You may also download the entry form at the Christmassaya Bazaar Facebook page.

To join, participants must submit the following requirements to keenahticzon.com

• Accomplished entry form
• Guardian's signature on the form (for participants below 18 years old)
• Scanned copy of photocopy of Valid ID with photo and birth certificate
• One (1) colored full body shot of the applicant

After submission of requirements, auditioners will receive a call of confirmation from the event organizer to attend the screeninng on November 14, 3pm at the Christmassaya Bazaar Activity Center.

• During screening, present a P100. single or accumulated receipt from any of the bazaar tenants.
• Prepare two talent materials. Each contestant willbe given 10 minutes to chowcase their talent during the screening and if chosen, another 10 minutes during the finals.
• Only 5 contestants will be chosen to compete during the grand finals.
• Finals will be held on the same day (November 14, 2015) at 8pm at the Christmassaya Bazaar Activity Center.

Criteria for Judging: (*Judges decision is final and irrevocable)

• Poise and Confidence: 20%
• Talent (musicality and gracefulness) 40%
• Stage Presence 30%
• Audience Impact 10%
• TOTAL 100%

Special guest will be The Voice finalist, Lea Patricio.

For more details, check out the Christmassaya Bazaar Facebook page.

Goodluck to all the contestants!

All Aboard The Riverland Express

The Riverland Express train at Marikina Riverbanks Center.

M is for Marikina. M is for Malaking Sapatos

Marikina City is well known for its shoe industry.  And because of this, several fixtures around the city are created in the form of shoes.  Along the Riverbanks road leading to C5, you'll find this huge M with a high heel on top.  Just before this, are two huge high heels that can be climbed into.

4 More Reasons To Visit Marikina Riverbanks

Marikina Riverbanks has been known to be a place for shopping, a park to hang out, a place to meet friends over a meal, or to see that gigantic pair of shoes on display inside Riverbanks Center.  Now there's 4 more reasons to visit Riverbanks Center.  And if you love museums, then you'll love all of these 4 reasons.

1. The Spirit of Bethlehem (Private Belen collection)

The spirit of Bethlehem is a private collection of over 500 belens/nativity sets/ posters/paintings and sculptures from all over the world. It boasts of numerous pieces from here and abroad, collected thru decades of devotion to the Infant Jesus, by its owner Gigi Abaya-Carlos. Among those on display is her very first belen set bought in 1952 at Catholic Trade School in Tayuman.

Belens/Nativity sets from different countries like the United States, Mexico, Spain, Israel, Africa, Guatemala, China, and from the different regions of the Philippines, will certainly catch your attention because they reflect the culture from where they originated. Some are made from different materials like paper mache, stones, glass, clay, resin and more. About 80% of these Belens are proudly Philippines made.

2.  Joey Velasco Gallery

Right next to The Spirit of Bethlehem is the Joey Velacso Gallery, now home to the spiritually moving art pieces and legacy of the late Joey Velasco. The artist was only 43 years old when he passed away because of a life-threatening kidney disease. Best known for his works “Hapag ng Pag-asa”, or “Table of Hope”, which depicts the Last Supper with Jesus and street children instead of the disciples, Velasco has stirred the hearts of many with his paintings.

Those who have seen his paintings will certainly attest that it is not just a gallery. Though there is an appreciation of art, it is more of a place of reflection. It is a “living museum” where art reflects the spiritual dimension of day to day living and sparks social awareness. According to Ms. Queeny Velasco, wife of the late painter/writer, it is a museum of “faith and patriotism”.

The gallery is being supported by the Joey Velasco Foundation (JVF) whose current priority is to give support to the Hapag Kids and their families of Hapag Village in Amparo, Caloocan City. JVF created livelihood projects for them, gives training to enhance their skills and other activities for the value formation of the community.

3. Philippine Science Centrum

Philippine Science Centrum (PSC) is a premier hands-on science center museum in the country recognized by the Department of Education, Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Tourism as an ideal venue for educational field trip destination where visitors are encouraged to touch, twist, play, hear, see the interactive exhibits displayed. PSC is open to pre-school to college students, families and the general public.

PSC showcases over hundred hands-on exhibits in eleven (11) exciting galleries (Lights, Bodyworks, Mathematics, Electricity & Magnetism, Water, Vision and Perception, Infectious Diseases, Earth Science, Space, Kids’ World and Mechanics) and various educational activities, outreach programs and trainings complementing the Department of Education ‘s K to 12 education curriculum and its goal of upgrading the level of science education in the country. 

Other services offered: rental of exhibits for school and corporate events, venue for birthday parties, trainings and seminars and science-related events. The 2,500 sq meters facility can comfortably accommodate 3,000 visitors in a day or 500 visitors in any given timeslot.

4.  Museum of Miniatures

After seeing all the Belens, one is awed by the collection of tiny but real-looking replicas of things you would find in all the different rooms of a European mansion. It is a collection of shadows boxes filled with Lilliputian pieces of 1:1 scale.  The miniatures are part of the collection of the late Aleli Vengua, a passionate  artist who handcrafted most of the pieces herself. A lot of the materials used were scrap  from items in our day to day living, be it plastic, wood, aluminum, fabric, and glass.

Each room is designed with so much detail and attention that one will never want to look away.

So what are you waiting for?  Come and visit the Marikina Riverbanks museums on display today!

Photo: Gigantic Christmas Tree

Aside from the huge floating Christmas tree at Riverpark, there's also a huge Christmas tree near Riverbend Hotel and Riverbanks Park resembling a giant party hat.  

Marikina Riverpark and Marikina Riverbanks

In the past, friends have asked for directions how to get to both Marikina Riverpark and Marikina Riverbanks.   As similar as the names are, they're 2 different and separate places within Marikina.  The only thing they have in common is that they're both beside the Marikina River.

Marikina Riverbanks is home to the Marikina Riverbanks Center which is a mall home to Savemore Supermarket, Off-Price Dept. Store, Handyman and a lot of specialty and outlet shops.  The mall is also popular for its huge section dedicated to shoes of all brands.   The World's Largest Shoes made by Marikenos is also displayed in the mall right beside the shoe stores.

Riverbanks Amphitheater at night

Aside from the mall, there are also several other establishments within the Marikina Riverbanks. There's the amphitheater along the river banks which serves as a park and concert venue.  There's the Skyline Riverbend Hotel which is one of the two distinct hotels in the city.  There's also a branch of the Sykes call center at the side of the hotel.   In front of the hotel parking lot is the Kotse Network used car dealer with several cars displayed for sale.   At the other end of Marikina Riverbanks is Dencios Bar & Grill Restaurant with an upperdeck and a birdseye view of the Marikina River from a vantage point.  Just across the Grill is the E-com Building where the Philippine Science Centrum is located and Figaro and 7-11 by the roadside.

There are 3 ways to get to Marikina Riverbanks.  If you're coming from C-5 Libis, take the Marikina fork and follow the road parallel to the Marikina River.  It will take you straight to Riverbanks.  If you're coming from Antipolo, travel via Marcos Highway and take the exit after passing SM City Marikina and the bridge.   If you're coming from Aurora Blvd in Quezon City, take the left fork flyover leading to Barangka, Marikina.  Turn right at the 2nd stoplight which leads to Marikina Riverbanks.

Marikina Riverpark is around 2 kilometers away from Marikina Riverbankst.   Both places are also connected by a pedestrian path parallel to the Marikina River and it would take a 10 - 15 minute walk to get from one to the other.  

During the day, Marikina Riverpark serves as a bike and jogging path to several nearby residents.  Health conscious people also form regular groups and exercise daily at the Riverpark.   Just beside the riverpark is a prominent statue of a lady and a ship.  The Lady statue is popularly known as Marikit-Na who in one legend is believed to be where the name Marikina was derived.  The ship behind her used to be a floating restaurant but discontinued service after Typhoon Ondoy.  During the Christmas season, the entire open lot of Marikina Riverpark is transformed into a bargain tiangge area where hundreds of vendors put up stalls to sell all kinds of items in time for the holiday season.

Marikit-Na Statue at Marikina Riverpark

Marikina Riverpark is known for its colorful and lively nightlife.  At night, the Riverpark suddenly becomes alive with lights and sounds as several bars & restaurants are situated along the river side.   The likes of bars such as Bonchalet, Papajeks, East 53 and Enzimone offer food, drinks and live entertainment till the wee hours of the morning.   The river at night reflects the well-lighted pedestrian paths ideal for late night strolls at the park.

To get to Marikina Riverpark from Quezon City, head to Aurora Blvd and take the left fork flyover to Marikina proper.  Go straight until you reach the Marikina Bridge.  To the right is the Marikina Riverpark.   From C-5, take the same route as going to Marikina Riverbanks and head to the end connecting A Bonifacio St.  Turn right and head straight till you reach the Marikina Bridge.

If you're bringing a car, you need to take a left turn at J.P. Rizal after crossing the bridge.  Then, take the immediate 1st left which  will lead you to a road under the bridge which connects to the Riverpark stretch.  Parking is free along the Riverpark.

In any case, both Marikina Riverbanks and Marikina Riverpark are worth visiting and provide a scenic view of the Marikina River.

Photo: Diosdado Macapagal Bridge

This is the entrance to the Diosdado Macapagal Bridge turning right from C-5 This is one of 4entry points to Marikina City from Quezon City, the others being from Aurora Blvd. also connecting to Marcos Highway, Tumana Bridge leading to UP Balara, and San Mateo-Batasan Bridge, leading to Batasan-Pambansa / Commonwealth Avenue.

This bridge connects directly to Marcos Highway while the right fork leads to Marikina Riverbanks. To the left is the stretch of pastel-colored homes more popularly known as Dutch Marikina.

Riverbanks Center Deck Now Open

If you're the type who would loves places that are overlooking, Riverbanks Center has recently opened its Deck, which is elevated from the rest of the Riverbanks Center.

From the Deck, it is overlooking to the Marikina and Quezon City skyline. Nearby is Dencios restaurant which also offers a scenic view of the riverbanks as it is situated along the Riverbanks. You may choose to dine inside where huge clear windows provide a scenic view or proceed to their terrace where you can feel the weather while dining.

Evening entertainment is also available at Dencios as scheduled live bands play regularly. Best tme to visit Dencios is an evening out with your friends and enjoy the river ambiance.

Riverbanks Mall Inventory Fair

Marikina Riverbanks Mall is holding a Mall Inventory Fair at the Exhibit Hall from Feb 5, 2010 to March 3, 2010. During this period, participating tenants will be selling their products at discounted prices.

Marikina Riverbanks Mall is located at Riverbanks Center, 84 A. Bonifacio Ave, Marikina City. From C5 Eastbound, turn right exiting C5 and take the service road parallel to Marikina River. From Quezon City, take Aurora Blvd, going to Marcos Highway and exit the highway by taking the fly over on the left leading to Marikina City proper. Turn right at Marikina Riverbanks Center.

For more details, contact Marikina Riverbanks Center at 570-0704, 570-0705, 570-0708 and 570-0709.

Undas Rerouting For Loyola Marikina

Yearly, traffic is diverted to avoid decongestion along A Bonifacio Ave. for people who intend to visit their departed loved ones at Loyola Memorial in Marikina City.

To avoid any inconveniences, please take note of the following rerouting areas:

From October 31 to November 1, A. Bonifacio from Marcos Highway leading to Barangka is one way headed all the way towards the Marikina Bridge leading to Bayan. If you wish to head out of Marikina, go to Bayan and take Gil Fernando St. towards Marcos Highway or Calumpang to Ligaya, Marcos Highway. Marcos Highway is not affected by rerouting and so both directions are passable.

If you're bringing a car, you can park at the Marikina Riverbanks area and walk to Loyola Marikina.

And also do prepare for muddy and damp memorial grounds due to the rains brought by the typhoon.

Be safe.

SM City Marikina Celebrates 1st Year Anniversary

Last September 5, 2009 marked the 1st year anniversary of SM City Marikina.

Aside from the various sales the mall gave, John Lloyd was also the special guest of honor as he visited SM City Marikina that day. Exactly 1 year ago, when SM City Marikina inaugurated, the mall's special guest was Sarah Geronimo. What a coincidence !

Also Laila of ABS-CBN Games Update Live and 101.9 DJ also graced the event.

A celebration of fireworks lighted up the mall and the Marikina Riverbanks to commemorate 1 year of SM in the city of Marikina.

Happy anniversary SM City Marikina !

Cordillera Coffee, Mountain Coffee in Marikina

Cordillera Coffee is another specialty coffee shop located at the Marikina Riverbanks.    Being named after the Cordillera mountain ridge leading up to the north, this cafe serves coffee grounded from beans harvested from the north Luzon region.

Aside from the regular, lattes, mochas and common blends, they also serve exotic beverages like Civet Coffee (D'kapetismusang) which is a rich chocolatey aroma in a one-of-a-kind brew.

The coffee shop goes further by offering full meals as well.   Their menu is also influenced by the Cordilleras.  Pancit Cordillera for example is pancit cabagan with vegetables, chicken liver and native longanisa topped with crispy garlic bits and chicharon.  Cordillera Risotto is served with mountain rice mixed with mushroom bechamel sauce and native longanisa bits, topped with mushrooms and parmesan cheese. 

They also serve cakes and cupcakes to complement your coffee.

World's Largest Shoes

The Largest Shoes in the World are located in Marikina City !

Officially recognized and certified by the Guinness Book Of World Records, the pair of shoes measurre 529 centimeter(5.29 meters)long measures 237 centimeters(2.37 meters)width and is made of genuine leather. The upper lining it took 77 days to finish(August 5, 2002 to October 21,2002).  Due to its sheer size, it was built at the Marikina Sports Center.   Upcon completion, the shoes were displayed at the entrance of the Sports Center, then later transferred to the Marikina Riverbanks where it is located until present.

The shoes can be worn by a person with a height of 125 feet can fit 30 people inside the shoes can produce 250 pairs of regular shoes from the materials used.

You can see the shoes for yourselves by visiting the Marikina Riverbanks Center.  It's at the far end of the mall and beside several shoes on display for sale.    There are also some souvenirs you can buy like t-shirts and keychains.

Farewell To Old Stores, Hello To New Ones

Bluewave Marikina bids farewell to Superbowl, which recently closed their restaurant last May 17, 2009.   Superbowl, which used to occupy the ground floor between Starbucks and Shakeys, posted their farewell notice to the public thanking the people for their support and to visit their other branches.  

In contrast, some new stores in Marikina will be opening very soon.  

At the Marikina Riverbanks Center, soon to open are Asian Citident Medical and Dental Supply Store, Hehers Merchandising,  & Reli Tours and Travel Agency.  

Burger King is now open at the ground floor of SM City Marikina.  And the newest pizza parlor along Gil Fernando Ave. is Chef Gavin's Planet Pizza which boasts of their huge 20 inch pizzas.

Be sure to check out the new stores and restaurants in Marikina.