Probably The Best Strategic Pokémon GO Route in Marikina To Farm Balls & Items

 If you’re a Pokémon GO player in or near Marikina, you know that location is everything. Just walking around town will give you a steady stream of spawns, but nothing beats finding a nice cluster of PokéStops to spin non-stop for pokéballs, potions, berries, and field research tasks without having to walk miles between each drop.

One of the city’s best concentrations of density hotspots is around the Marikina City Hall and the adjoining Marikina Sports Center complex. This area is a Niantic Wayspot gold mine, with lots of historic markers, public art and civic landmarks.

Here’s your guide and item-farming route around the City Hall hub! 

📸 Featured PokéStops around City Hall vicinity

Here are some of the important PokéStops you can loop through in this area based on our recent Postcard Book and in-game scans:

Local History and Civic Landmarks

• Munding Deguzman Bust – Bust of former Marikina Mayor Wenceslao “Munding” De Guzman in his memory near the city administration grounds.

• Claudio Cruz – Features a historical bust statue of the Gobernadorcillo of 1861, bringing local colonial history right at your Postcard collection.

• Ceferino Legazpi Monument – Another historical marker near the central public square area.

• Marikina Central Post Office – (Right in the middle of the civic center, good for a quick spin while doing errands.)

• Marikina City Hall Fountain – The perfect gift landmark located right at the municipal hall complex.

Marikina Sports Center Complex

Right across the main civic quad, the Sports Center perimeter packs a few sports-themed stops that are super close to each other:

• Marikina Sports Center Arc - The iconic archway entrance of the sports complex.

• Palarong Shotput – Home to one of the classic athletic statues that line the sports facilities.

• Marikina Sports Complex Tennis Statue – Another athletic statue stop along the outer perimeter path, great for lengthening your loop into the evening.

Cafe Stops Nearby

• Czaczacza Cafe – A colorful local hangout with loud exteriors (owned by Chef Czarina). Great place to drop a Lure Module, grab a coffee and take a break for your legs while catching lured spawns.

🗺️ Farming Route & Strategy

[City Hall Grounds] ──► [Central Post Office] ──► [Sports Center Arc] 

──► [Perimeter Statues] ──► [Czaczacza Cafe (Lure Rest)]

1. Start at City Hall Quad. Walk the interior paths around the bust of Munding Deguzman and the main fountain. It's easy to walk 2 minutes and make 3-4 stops.

2. Cross Toward the Sports Center Pass the Central Post Office and cross over to the Sports Center Arc.

3. Complete the Sports Center Perimeter: Walk on the tree-lined sidewalk by the athletic statues (Palarong Shotput, Tennis Statue). The shade of the big trees makes this walk comfortable also in sunny afternoons.

4. Take a Lure Break: Finish your loop at a local place like Czaczacza Cafe. Spin every 5 minutes, pop a Lure Module on the nearby stop, open an Incense and clear out your Pokémon storage.

💡 Tips from Trainers in Marikina

• Postcard Collecting:  Send Gifts to international friends. The historical busts (Claudio Cruz, Munding Deguzman) make unique postcards to add to your collection!

• Item Bag Check: These stops respawn every 5 minutes and are in close walking distance so your item bag will fill up quickly. Oh, and if you're hunting for Great/Ultra Balls and Max Revives, don't forget to chuck in regular Pokeballs or standard Potions.

• Best time to visit: Late afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:30 PM) when it’s cooler, there is plenty of shade and safer walking conditions.

Enjoy playing Pokemon Go in Marikina City!

Dive In and Learn to Swim with Coach Hillary Muyalde At Marikina Sports Center

Are you ready to conquer your fear of water or simply looking to improve your swimming skills? Look no further! Learn from Coach Hillary Muyalde, a seasoned swimming professional with an impressive competitive background.

Having been a resident in Marikina City since 2011, Coach Hillary teaches swimming lessons to toddlers ages 4 to adults. She also coaches elite swimmers, triathletes, open water swimmers, and enthusiasts.

When asked why swimming is important, Coach Hillary emphasizes that it's a crucial life skill. "Swimming is a life skill," she says. "Once you learn it, it will always benefit you. From water safety to promoting a healthy lifestyle, I don't see why not. Especially when there are accessible and affordable lessons like mine."

Coach Hillary currently offers swimming lessons at Marikina Sports Center: Lessons start on February 1, 2025.

Enroll in Coach Hillary's swimming classes, which offer the following:

• 8 Sessions of Expert Instruction: Learn from Coach Hillary Muyalde herself, gaining valuable skills and confidence in the water.
• Professional Coach Fee Included: The fee covers all your lessons with Coach Hillary. The additional fee for using the Marikina Sports Center pool is P50 per session.
• Certificate of Completion: Show off your achievement and motivate yourself to continue your aquatic journey.
• Flexible Schedule: Choose from available time slots on Saturdays and Sundays:
• 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
• 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
• 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
• Convenient Location: All lessons will be held at the Marikina Sports Center, pool area.

Limited Time Offer: Early Bird Discount for Swimming Lessons if you enroll before January 31, 2025. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

For inquiries and registration, including rates, contact Coach Hillary Muyalde at 0977-346-1531 or via her Facebook page: Coach Hillary Muyalde Swimming Lessons 


More about Coach Hillary Muyalde:

Experienced Instructor: Coach Hillary has been teaching swimming since 2004 in Pangasinan and has been sharing her expertise in Marikina City since around 2017.

Accomplished Swimmer: She is a former medalist and champion swimmer, having competed in prestigious competitions like Milo Little Olympics, Milo Nationals, Palarong Pambansa, and UAAP. She was the Most Outstanding Swimmer for IRAA (now R1AA) during her high school years and a medalist and finalist in UAAP.

Specialties: Coach Hillary specializes in butterfly stroke and long-course freestyle.

Team Experience: She served as the team captain for the UE swimming team during her college years and was previously the assistant coach for the team.

To learn more about Coach Hillary Muyalde, visit her Facebook page: Coach Hillary Muyalde Swimming Lessons 

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.

Over 3,000 Join Takbo Para sa Marikina Watershed - Marikina Marathon

Over 3,000 participants joined the "Takbo Para sa Marikina Watershed" Marikina Marathon dubbed "Del Run" last April 22, 2012. Here's a GMA news feature from the event.

Takbo Para sa Marikina Watershed - Marikina Marathon on April 22, 2012

The "Takbo Para sa Marikina Watershed" Marikina Marathon dubbed "Del Run" is scheduled for Sunday, 

April 22, 2012 at 5:00am. Starting point will be at the the Marikina Sports Park.  Proceeds will go to the reforestation of the Marikina Watershed as each registered marathon runner will be able to help produce some 10 tree seedlings for planting in denuded Marikina Watershed, which is the city’s first line of defense in preventing floods.

There will be a 5K, 10K and 21K distance run.  The categories are also divided to Male and Female Divisions. Cash prizes shall be awarded to the runners first to complete each category. In the 21km category, first placer shall receive PhP10,000; second- PhP7,000; and third- PhP5,000. For the 10km category, first place- PhP5,000; second- PhP3,000; and third- PhP2,000. While for the 5km, first place- PhP3,000; second- PhP2,000; and third- PhP1,000. There are also special awards to be given away like PhP1,000 each for the first below 10 years of age to finish the 5km and 10km race. Meanwhile, PhP1,000 shall also be given to the first 60 years old and above to finish the 21km race.

Registration fees are P400. for 5K and 10K and P500. for 21K.  Registration is available at the following locations: Marikina Sports Center, SM Marikina, Marikina City Hall, Marikina Rotary Club & Graceland Marikina.  For more details regarding this fund raising run for a cause, contact Gil Munar, Del Run project director at  681-9277.  The Del Run is organized by the Rotary Club Zone of Marikina and the Marikina City Government and sponsored by Meralco, SM Marikina, Manila Water, Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corporation, Arms Corporation, Delfi Foods, Puregold, and Millex Construction.

Update: Over 3,000 participants ran.  Here's a GMA news feature from the event.

[Photo] Liga Marikina

A Liga Marikina banner at the Marikina Sports Park.

Marikina Attempts to Break World Record For Most Number of Circumcisions

Marikina is holding a "Tule Party" (Circumcision Party) on May 7, 2011 in hope of capturing the World Record title for the most number of Circumcisions.

All boys aged 12 and up are invited to join the event by going to the Marikina Sports Center.   This is a free event by the Marikina City Government on May 7, 2011 from 7am to 5pm.

Marikina City officials estimates around 1,500 boys to attend and be circumcized.  If your son or relative from Marikina City is eligible and due for circumcision, help the city attain the World Record by joining this free event.

Upcoming Fun Run Events in Marikina City

For the past few years, running has become a popular event where people of all ages join.  Thousands of participants make each run a much more fun and exciting experience. Common running grounds include Bonifacio High Street, Mall of Asia Grounds, Nuvali and Roxas Blvd.  Common distances are 3K, 5K, 10K and 21K (half marathon).

If you're interested in joining running events in Marikina, check out the following upcoming events:

Date Event / Name Event / Type


May 8, 2011 - SCHOlaRUN 3K/5K/10KM (Marikina) / Running
St. Scholastica's Academy Marikina


May 8, 2011 - Team KTT goes Aquathlon (Marikina) / Multisport
George Town Lifestyle Club, Marikina City

May 14, 2011 - The Joy of Giving: A Fun Run Event 3/5K (Marikina) / Running
Provident Village, Marikina City

June 19, 2011 -  Run For Humanity 3/5/10K (Marikina) / Running
Marikina City Sports Center



Happy running !

Happy 2011 Marikina !

Here's a video from the 2010 Year-End Fireworks Display  at the Marikina Sports Center in Marikina City last December 30, 2010.  Happy New Year to all Marikenos from www.marikinalife.com .  May our 2011 be filled with success, happiness and blessings. 

Photo: Marikina Sports Park Corner

the time centerpiece at the corner of Sumulong Highway and Shoe Ave.

Photo: Bike Station

This is the bike station for the Marikina Sports Center.   The use of bicycles is encouraged in Marikina City.   Several bike lanes and bike paths have been scattered around the city for cyclists to get from one area to another within the city reducing vehicular accidents.

Happy 380th Foundation Day Marikina !

Marikina City celebrates its 380th Foundation Day today, April 16, 2010.  In line with the city's celebration, a series of activities are set for the annual Ka-Angkan celebration, which is a family reunion of Marikeños nationwide and worldwide.  The opportunity is for the current youth to get acquainted with previous generations of relatives and ancestors.  There will be 42 clans participating this year.   Last year, the 40 clans consisted of over 9,000 members.


On  April 17,  a foot parade  will start at 4 p.m. at the Marikina Sports Park and march to the Riverbanks Amphitheater where there will be a concert and fireworks display. This celebration was initiated in 1998 by former Mayor Bayani Fernando.

Marikina Sports Center, open 24 hours!

Ever since Ondoy flooded Marikina (and Marcos Highway, where our subdivision is), I haven't visited Marikina Sports Center until recently. I've mostly frequented the gym at Robinson's East, or otherwise took a run in our village. But summer's here, and that makes running outdoors quite difficult.

Thing is, I'm really not too comfortable running at night. I haven't got the proper gear for night running safety (yet), and there are parts of my run route that aren't well-lit. The alternative? The Marikina Sports Center track oval! :)

My husband and I usually go to the track oval between 9 to 10pm. But a few days ago, we had to rush a number of client requests and projects before the Holy Week break, so we were only able to go to the Sports Center later than usual. I was afraid it would be closed, but lo and behold, the Sports Center staff said they're open 24 hours!

I'm not sure if this schedule is only for the summer. My family and I moved to this part of the Metro about two years ago (I've been a Quezon City girl since birth), and there really are a lot about Marikina I have yet to discover. Marikina Sports Center is one of them. I've been going there for months and it was only recently that I bothered to ask about its schedule :P "Manong Guard" and "Manong Ticketing Booth" just said it's open 24 hours except on Good Friday, when it was closed, and during days when the stadium is reserved for exclusive use.

I've always wanted to try running at a weird hour, say, 3am. With Marikina Sports Center's 24-hour schedule, I might just do that one of these days :D

For inquiries, contact MARIKINA SPORTS CENTER at 646-1635.

** The Php10 entrance fee allows you to use Marikina Sports Center's 400-meter tartan track oval anytime within the day except for specific holidays or when the stadium is reserved for exclusive use.

Marikenyo Spotlight: Coach Rio dela Cruz

Last week, I got the opportunity to meet a distinguished athlete at the Unilab Run United for Wellness primer. He is no other than Coach Rio dela Cruz. He is mainly a runner but his many achievements supercede his runner status. He has joined several marathons both locally and abroad and have been clocked with very impressive time results.

He is popularly known as Coach Rio, because he is a sought-after coach by celebrities and personalities. Some of his clients include Iza Calzado, Karel Marquez, Anthony Pangilinan, Karen Davila and Piolo Pascual. His healthy outlook and achievements have also landed him endorsements such as Nike, Timex & Nature Valley.

When I mentioned to him that I occasionally jog at the Marikina Sports Center, I was susprised that he is very familiar with the place because during his early years, he trained at the Marikina Sports Center, where he later on met his high school coach. In fact he even told me that he lives in Vista Valley, exactly 100 meters away from the Marikina Sports Center via Sumulong Highway.

Currently, Coach Rio's next event is organizing the Unilab Run United for Wellness for the benefit of Children’s Hour and K.I.D.S. Foundation. The Unilab Run United for Wellness will take place at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig on March 7.

COACH RIO’S PROFILE

• Graduate of the University of the Philippines (Bachelor of Physical Education)
• U.P. Varsity Track and Field Team Coach
• Former UAAP Record holder (10km & 1,500m) P.R.
• Former Member of the National Team
• Event Organizer (Run United for Wellness, Kenny’s Urbanite Run, 2009 Timex Run: Time is Running, Men’s Health Urbanathlon, Greenfield Cityscape Run, among many others)
• Running coach
• RUNNER!

For more details on Coash Rio, you may visit his website at http://www.runrio.com

Marikit Na Pasko Traffic Advisory

Starting November 10 to January 10, 2010, McDonalds Street (City Hall Service Road behind Marikina Sports Park) shall be closed to vehicular traffic from 6:00pm till 12:00 midnight to make way for the Animated Display entitled "Marikit Na Pasko".

Motorists can take Shoe Ave. from Sumulong Highway if heading to City Hall.

Marikina Sports Center Now Open

After almost 2 months of being closed to the public, Marikina Sports Center now reopens today, Monday, November 16, 2009. Marikina Sports Center was heavily flooded during Typhoon Ondoy which brought inches of mud to the sports grounds after the floods subsided.

During cleanup, the sports center was also used as a relief center for typhoon victims. The newly erected Sports Building was also used as storage for relief goods for Marikina typhoon victims.

The Sports Center resumes regular operations of 5:00am till 11:00pm daily. Entrance fee is P10. for children and adults. Senior citizens can enter for free.

Marikina Sports Center Temporarily Closed

The Marikina Sports Center is one of the most visited multipurpose centers in Marikina. As early as five in the morning, people of all ages come to jog around the olympic sized track and field. The field is also used for non-sports activities like concerts, religious meetings, anniversary celebrations and other various events as the bleachers alone can hold thousands of people.

Unfortunately, the Marikina Sports Center wasn't spared from the floods brought about by Typhoon Ondoy. Because of this, the center grounds have been filled with mud inches thick and need to be cleaned before the Sports Center can resume operations.

The new Sports Center Building of the Sports Complex facing the Marikina City Hall is currently being used as storage and delivery for relief goods for the city.

New Entrance To The Marikina Sports Center

If you're familiar with the Marikina Sports Center, you know that the entrance and exit gates are at the side of McDonalds St. facing McDonalds. Now, these gates are closed and a new entry-exit has been opened at the ground floor of the newly erected Sports Building. The new entrance now faces the back of City Hall.

Preparations within the last weeks have been speeded up to open the ground floor of the new building to connect to the inside of the Sports Center.

Entrance fee for the Sports Center is still P10.00 and free for senior citizens.

Marikina Sports Building

There's a new building in Marikina City and it's right at the corner of the Marikina Sports Center.

Aptly called, Marikina Sports Building, it's an 8 storey building established to cater to different sports per floor.  The exterior of the building facing the Marikina City Hall has labels of each sport per floor.

A golf driving range is located on the 3rd floor with boxing, muay thai, tae-kwon-do, martial arts and a gymnast/fitness center from the 4th floor till the top floor respectively.

The building is covered in steel fences instead of walls and windows so the building is pretty much transparent.

It's not open to the public as of yet but looks like it's almost ready for the sporting residents of Marikina.