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.

Midnight Marikina River

This is Marikina River along the Riverpark around midnight.   The lights along the Riverpark pedestrian and bike path illuminate the river.

Marikina Christmas Festival '09 Now Open

Yearly, Marikina holds its holiday stores in tiangge fashion along the banks of the Marikina Riverpark. Stretching almost a kilometer long on both sides of the Marikina River are a series of shops, eateries and entertainment that starts as early as 5pm and goes on till past midnight and even till 2am as Christmas nears. There are a variety of items for sale good for the gift giving season.

This year, there is an additional Christmas Mechanical Display at the Marikina City Hall and Tiangge area nightly from 6:30pm to 11:00pm.

Come visit the Marikina Christmas Festival and enjoy shopping, dining and sight-seeing all in one.

"You Changed My Life" Scenes Shot in Marikina

You Changed My Life is the sequel to the 2008 blockbuster movie "A Very Special Love", starring Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz.

The story is about the continuation of Laida Magtalas and Miggy Montenegro as a couple and the hardships they encounter to sustain their relationsihp.

Laida Magtalas played by Sarah Geronimo, lives with her big family.  The movie uses one side of the Marikina Riverpark as their home.   Several scenes were taken along the Marikina Riverpark trail and Marikina RiverPark establishments.   Clear shots of the river, the huge OTTO shoes sign in the background, several decorations at the center of the river and some of the restaurants situated along the river trail's stretch were used as on-location scenes.

The beautiful garden wedding reception scenes too were taken at one of the reception restaurants on the left side of the riverpark (from the bridge). 

I heard about their movie taping in this area several months ago.   Yesterday, I got to see it when I watched the movie.  It's predicted to be another hit blockboster following the original movie's success.  

Check out their official website at http://youchangedmylife.starcinema.com.ph/