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.

Kalan Pa Ma'y Ikaw MTV Features Dutch Marikina

Dutch Marikina is part of Industrial Valley and where the stretch of the Marikina Riverbanks road leading to C5 depicts a long colorful facade of housefronts which are similar to that of the Dutch, hence its name.

Christian Bautista's MTV for his love song  "Kalan Pa Ma'y Ikaw" was shot entirely in Marikina with the colorful facades clearly shown in the background.  The video shows Christian walking in front of the houses interacting with the people while singing.

Marikina Valley

Marikina Riverbanks with the hills of Parang in the background.

Ice Cream On a Hot Sunny Day

I remember that when I was in high school, there was a Magnolia ice cream parlor along Shoe Avenue adjacent to the Marikina Sports Center.  They served all kinds of ice cream, popsicles and frozen desserts.  Their banana split was one of my favorites.  I've never seen another ice cream parlor in Marikina ever since.

That's why I was surprised to discover an ice cream parlor across the Riverbanks mall called "Ice Cream House - Sa Riverbanks".

I haven't tried it yet but it any store dedicated to desserts like these is already tempting and favorable in my book.   In addition to ice cream, they also serve pizza and coffee.  With summer now here and each day is a hot and sunny day, this is a cool way to relieve yourself of the weather.

"Ice Cream House - Sa Riverbanks" is located across Country Style at the Riverbanks Mall.   It's at the ground floor of the call center building and along RCBC and the Security Bank ATM.

Cafe Mina Under Renovation

Cafe Mina, the cafe owned by sexy actress Ara Mina is currently undergoing renovation.  I haven't personally visited their establishment so I hope they re-open soon.

Cafe Mina is located at the E-com complex at Marikina Riverbanks.

SM City Marikina by Foot

For vehicles, SM City Marikina can be reached via Marcos Highway exiting the exclusive ramp built for SM City or via the service road to the immediate right which leads to parking. 

What many may not know though is that SM City can also be reached by foot via the access path following Marikina River's curvature.

Just across SM City Marikina, separated by Marikina River, is Marikina Riverbanks.  A floating foot bridge is provided for easy crossing from one side to the other.  

In addition, SM City Marikina happens to be on the side of the Marikina River where a long cemented trail is suitable for walking and biking.   You can be from as far as Lamuan and Bayan passing through San Roque and Calumpang and traverse the trail while enjoying the serene waters of the Marikina River as it curves and eventually leads to SM City Marikina.  From the path, you can cross the street to the ground parking lot and take the stairs leading to the mall itself.

So you can avoid parking or commuting fees while taking a leisurely route and exercise in the process before you go malling.