Typhoon Basyang Leaves Casualties

waterways due for dredging & unclogging

Typhoon Basyang (international name Conson) landed on the Philippine area of responsibility early this week. Being the 2nd typhoon of the year, Basyang brought more winds than rain as winds of up to 95 kph were felt the strongest around Tuesday night till a couple hours past midnight in Metro Manila. Classes were suspended when signal no. 2 was raised by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Marikina City had already rolled out flood-preventive measures. However, the typhoon didn't cause any destructive flooding to the city. Instead, wind-related casualties were brought about. Several tree branches were torn apart and signages were torn down by the winds.

A signage fell down along J. Chanyungco St. (former Oriole St.), in New Marikina Subdivision. Also, a huge tree was uprooted and blocked the road at Father Manalo Street in Barangay Sto. Nino. And even though there was a major power failure Luzon-wide causing an entire day blackout, an electrocution casualty occurred when a man who was believed to be drunk, suffered from third-degree burns when he touched a high-tension wire in Calumpang, San Roque early Wednesday morning.

Prior to typhoon Basyang, Marikina City Mayor Del De Guzman has already begun implementing flood-preventive measures such as ordering the regular dredging of the Marikina River and unclogging canals and various waterways within the city. There are a predicted total of 20 or more typhoons to hit the Philippines this year and whether or not they may be as destructive as 2009's Typhoon Ondoy, Marikina City is on alert to make all flood-preventive efforts for the rainy season.

Photo: Marquinton Residences Showroom

Showroom of the Marquinton Residences along Sumulong Highway and the actual multi-story Marquinton Residences condominiums behind it

Photo: Poultry and Technology

A herd of statue cows in the background and a city robot are fronting the gymnasium at Marikina Heights around the corner of East Drive St. and St. Marcellin Champagnat St. right beside St. Scholastica Marikina and Circle Mall.

Marikina City Health Office Conducts City-wide Cleanup

Mayor Del de Guzman has ordered the City Health Office to conduct a clean-up effort to prevent further spreading of dengue. Popular breeding grounds of this mosquito-borne virus are stale waters from drum containers, gutters, canals and mud puddles, thrown away bottles & cans and other hiding places like unused tires are what the City Health Office will be looking for to clean up.

A couple of dengue-related cases have been reported in Barangay Concepcion Uno and Barangay Industrial Valley Complex. Because of this, Assistant City Health Officer, Dr. Honnielyn Fernando mentioned that these two barangays will be closely monitored in addition to the appointment of health personnel to supervise dengue monitoring for the other barangays.

The City Engineering Office is also helping out by continuing its operation “Walang Pusali sa Marikina” and “Operation Tambak” which both aim at filling open spaces and stale water areas with soil to prevent stagnant water.

Ayos Dito Sa Marikina

Ever needed household help and one who lives nearby ?  Or looking for a school service who caters to your kids school ?  Or looking for jobs online within your city ?

I did a quick search on AyosDito.ph for Marikina City and found these kinds of results.  I even found an ad of a  man currently living in Marikina looking for a job as a family driver.  This would be handy for my tita who usually needs a driver and prefers one who resides nearby for convenience.

This is what impressed me with AyosDito.ph.  Their online service is not only limited to a classified ads buy, sell & trading of items, but also serves as a venue for jobs and services within your location.  You won't find these kinds of ads on job sites who'll require you to submit your biodata and fill out a long form before adding you to their online database.  For me, it's the simplicity of adding your data as well as searching for it from within your locality which makes AyosDito.ph convenient and effective.

Try it out and do a search for Marikina and you'll find various results such as items, vehicles, condos, jobs, services and businesses within the city boundaries.  It's convenient for those with immediate needs and don't know where or how to start searching.  You just might find out that what you're looking for is close by.

Official Marikina City Website Adopts New Theme

The official website of Marikina City at http://www.marikina.gov.ph adopts a new header as the new mayor of Marikina, Del de Guzman assumes office.

The current theme is a blue background theme with seamless tiles of shoes displayed to reflect the city's pride for its shoe industry.  A photo of Mayor de Guzman is now located at the top left header with the tagline "Home of the World's Largest Shoe" pertaining to the Guiness Book of World Record entry for World's Largest Shoes custom-made in Marikina currently located at the Marikina Riverbanks Center.

The Marikina City website previously won the Best Website in the (e-LGU) Local Government Unit and People's Choice in the 10th Philippine Web Awards.

Preparations for Marikina Mayor Inauguration

Preparations are undergoing at the Marikina City Hall for the inauguration of Mayor-elect Del de Guzman.   The new mayor is set to be sworn in to office on June 30.

Several tents and chairs are being erected behind the city hall.  This is also the area where busts of all the former mayors of Marikina are located.

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.