MY MARIKINA ON MY MIND...First settled by Agustinian friars in 1630, this quaint little suburb located around 21 kilometers northeast of Manila has been the center of Philippine footwear for the last century and a fetish of mine as of late. Once an veritable environmental catastrophe teeming with crime and garbage dumps, Marikina has seen itself rise up into a towering testament that paradigm shifts can happen in the third world underneath enlightened leadership. In this case, the dynasty of former mayor Bayani Fernando and his wife, current Mayor Marides Fernando (center photo below).
In the past few weeks, I have visited the area over three times and each time has been a wonderful experience. And I find the place enthralling NOT because of the city's splashy tourist sites (lord knows there are bigger brassier tourist sites elsewhere in the country), but because of it's sheer functionality and civility. It's amazing how something as simple as a well swept street, healthy looking citizens, and a clean river can be such a draw for tourism. It's proof that God is in the details and that our government should really first work on the basics (i.e. proper waste disposal, crime prevention, proper family planning and family health care, traffic management, etc.) before even beginning to think about tourism development.
Upon arrival at the Marikina church plaza (top photo), the differences between Marikina and her uphill Metro Manila counterparts are more than apparent. The plaza is clean, the jeepneys are organized, and there are no vagrants anywhere (not that I don't like vagrants, I just don't like them in tourist spots). The children do not run around without pants and there are no men poking their pork bloated bellies in your face in street corners either (apparently, it's against the law for men to go shirtless). The place doesn't feel dense and decrepit and most plantings by the roadside are alive (Gotta give it to Bayani, he does keep a mean garden). And although pink isn't exactly my favorite color, the ubiquitous rose colored traffic signage is effective in keeping law and order on the streets of the city.
Now, granted that the place is still wanting in terms of tourist attractions per se; Marikina only boasts of two museums: the fabulous Imelda Marcos shoe museum (above) and a doll collection done by my mother's sister, Patis (really, they are lovely dolls but I've seen them more times than I would have cared to when they were in her house). But nevertheless, the city is not without it's charms and they are trying to create an environment conducive to tourism. And I have to say, the town does not have to try to hard at all. Marikina still boasts of well-preserved traditional Filipino bahay-na-bato architecture (second and third photo from the top), a lovely riverside promenade/park (perfect for strolling), and a newly inaugurated covered Market center. It truly bodes well for any tourist looking for an alternative activity to do on a weekend afternoon.
I mean really, I love the place. Where else can you buy shoes, walk by a river, visit Cinderella's castle, and photograph Snow white in a cage all in one afternoon?
I plan to do an experimental tour of Marikina in early July. I plan to use the MRT and jeepney to get around. Anybody out there have any ideas where else I could visit aside from the usual listed on their website?
Yes, I know it isn't halloween yet but I just had to post this picture of Midgie (above) that a photojournalist friend of mine from OarHouse sent over. Precious.
MAKEOVER MADAM
A few months after D' Glo first assumed power back in 2001, a Japanese woman commented to me that our "new president was oh so very very pretty". "Pretty" mind you, not "beautiful". Nevertheless, I still considered "pretty" an interesting observation because GMA isn't really someone that most Filipinos would judge as "pretty" by any standard. I mean, she isn't unpleasant to look at, but compared to others out there, Midgie really wouldn't be singled out by her fellow countrymen for her memorable looks. Perhaps the Japanese lady only said this because the president's mein overtly refers to something more appealing to Japanese sensibilities; something akin the Japanese bonsai to be precise. I say this because the president, like those miniature Japanese plants, are both diminutive in size and manicured to the extreme in order to cultivate the aesthetic we see at the end. Just look at the contrast between these images of GMA pre-presidency (above) and in more recent times (below). The results of a lot of hard work are more than apparent. Because although the picture above may be the perfect image of studied schoolmarm severity, it is also a confirmation that deep within, she truly has the fashion sense of a transvestite member of the Russian Politburo (should there be such a thing). It begs one to wonder how much work has been done to create the image of the woman we see today. I mean, really, voice lessons from Zenaida Amador, fashion styling from Joanne Zapanta, outfits by JC Buendia, haircuts by Fanny Serrano, eyebrow plucking, and upper lip hair waxing can only do so much. Or can it?
Paco Park Presents
Chorus Philippines in
Philippine Portraits this Friday, 9 June, 6 PM, Paco Park, Manila in celebration of the 108th anniversary of Philippine Independence.
An evening of Filipino choral music. A great way to begin the long weekend. Admission is free.
Learn more about one of Manila's longest running
outdoor musical traditions here.
I didn't realize that when trying out a new blog look, all links would be erased. Here we go again. Please note new details for Evangelista tour and the phasing out of the Cubao tour. Sorry, Cubao - and especially the Marikina Shoe Expo. Nothing personal. It's just that you are back on the radar and so popular nowadays I feel that a tour is really quite unecessary at this point in time. And that's a good thing.
Thanks cartoonstock and manila rat for links.
STICKS AND STONES...
Wild! I have finally become important enough for Soozy to write about me. Unfortunately though, it isn't the real Soozy. Drat. I was hoping that it would be. If it was, it would have confirmed that I have finally been given the doubious honor of being accepted as part of Manille's perfumed society, and instead, I get posted in some cheezy sex scandal expose site by some showbizzy self-loathing homophobe with terrible photoshopping skills. Tsk tsk. How disappointing. The original Soozy was funny and targetted high society. This one is curt and targets a mostly lower sector of society: politicians and showbiz and - Bwahaha - Me! I have a suspicion who the characters might be behind this new blog. It's more than likely that it's some of the folks who were plastered all over the original blog who got pikon* about my Soozy recommendation.
So to this new Soozzy and the people behind it, allow me to offer this advice: First, if you want do dedicate your blog to "Manila's open secrets", please make sure they are secrets to begin with. If not, it undermines the reliability of the rest of the information on your site. Furthermore, don't be such pansies when it comes to gossip. C'mon if you want to become the touchstone of society, then you gotta learn to take it as well as you can dish it. Because when it comes to dealing with chismis there are only two ways to go about it. If it's false. DENY IT. And if it's true: THEN OWN IT. If not, then just stay home and continue to be a loser. That's all there is to it really.
*(pik´on adj. easily angered by jokes or jests, touchy)
Unfortunately, this this a family site so I cannot link to anything that is remotely porn-like. So just google soozzyhopper (an extra z from the original) on blogspot and it's there. Be careful eh? It's really graphic.
Thank you to sallad.net for the great photo and for those who emailed/texted me about the blog.
Thank you JEFF YAP for the initial action. Now can anyone else call them nicely? Even if only to ask for permission to take detailed photos so that it's possible to reconstruct it some other day. It is after all, cement. I actually called already too but nobody in office yet. I will also be out all day touring.
From Jeff:
Okay. So I called Mr. Esteban Titong of E.V.J. Integrated Services – he’s the one in charge of the demolition of Avenue Theater and I was informed that the site would be turned into a parking lot in the meantime since the owner doesn’t have any plans of putting up another structure.
I was able to get the name as well as the contact number of the owner of the building:
Mr. Eduardo Linton Jua
2584092
(Ms. Alice – Secretary)
He’s the chairperson/ CEO of a Shipping Line. I called the number a few minutes ago and I think it was his wife who answered the phone (it was their residence phone - so folks, hinay hinay lang). I gave out info re: Avenue theater being a prewar structure and all. I was extremely courteous so as not to create too much tension. However, she informed me that they had already made a final decision, which was to demolish the building. She said they don’t have enough money to maintain it.
“I’m sorry hijo, there’s nothing you can do. Nakakkahiya na sa mga contractors if we stop the demolition,” she said.
So could somebody help me out on this? I believe we could still save this heritage structure. Perhaps if the owners will have an incentive or something to help them maintain the building, then it will not be demolished.
NCCA, NHI, HCS? What can we do about this?
By the way, below is the contact information of the demolition team for reference:
Mr. Esteban Titong
E.V.J. Integrated Services
4930087
7835532
I'm thinking instead of calling and bombarding them, perhaps we could send a letter or set up a meeting?
ANG PAMANA (THE INHERITANCE)Well, it's not like I'm in this movie. I'm just shamelessly plugging this it because I'm practically pink with pride for my friends who were involved in getting this quality production realized: Caroline Mangosing (she plays the grandma), Romeo Candido (who directed it), and Ria Limjap (the scriptwriter). It's an absolute labor of love. Along with an extremely professional team, they worked tirelessly and sleeplessly for an entire month in Bulacan, filming sfx manananggals, old scary antique houses, and historical costumes in order to create a movie that boasts of excellent cinematography (by Odyssey Flores), a striking soundtrack by Gerard Salonga (yes, Lea's brother) and a well developed, unpredictable plot with English subtitles to boot. Even their website is fabulous - check out their 30 second teaser.
"Ang Pamana" is composed of a local and Fil-Canadian cast which includes Darrel Gamotin, Nadine Villasin, Nico Garcia, Victor Neri and Phoemela Baranda in her breakout role. This movie hopes to premier at the Toronto Film Festival in September.
Their website and production blog are here.
And if you are wondering why the name Ria Limjap sounds so familiar, she is the nice lady who works part time with me as my bookie, answering the cell phone and setting my tour dates.
To whoever owns the Avenue Theatre on Rizal Avenue, I have this to say to you. You are a f**** moron! Why the hell are you tearing down this beautiful masterpiece done by National Artist for Architecture Juan Nakpil (the same guy who designed the Quiapo Church and the son of National Heroine Gregoria de Jesus?) As you can see from this file photo, it is the only structure on that side of the road which survived the bombs of World War II? Doesn't that mean anything to you?
Guess not.
Mayor Atienza, have you anything to say about this? Guess not either as my texts still have no reply. Such a shame. Such is the current state of our national historical amnesia I guess. Nevertheless, a black candle has been lit at the Quiapo Church as my personal wish/curse for the ultimate failure of whoever is doing this crime against Philippine culture.
But if any of you want to bitch about this like me, you can call or fax a complaint to Da Mayor's Office 5276063 or 5274991 or mayor_atienza@cityofmanila.com.ph so this matter will be taken more seriously.
Or better yet, let's find out who the owner is. I'll be more than happy to give him a call myself.
Thank you Anson for the flickr link and thanks spiritchild for the photo above.
An update on the project to complete the list of Father Blanco's Garden. Meet Onie D., the resident botanist at Father Blanco's garden in San Agustin. If you want to help him out in the garden or donate more plants in order to complete their collection of indigenous Philippine plants and flowers, you may find him in the far corner of the garden everyday except Sundays. For more information, text 0926 2597506.
Here is a photo of the plants donated by our first sponsor, Ms. Bea Zobel. Thanks a bunch, gurl.
And. If you are into reggae music. Onie runs a garden reggae bar called Bamboo Giant (next to Bureau of Plant Industries on San Andres St.). It's next to the LRT Station. Rolly, the lead singer of the 90's reggae sensation, Cocojam, plays there on weekends.
MY MARIKINA ON MY MIND...
In the past few weeks, I have visited the area over three times and each time has been a wonderful experience. And I find the place enthralling NOT because of the city's splashy tourist sites (lord knows there are bigger brassier tourist sites elsewhere in the country), but because of it's sheer functionality and civility. It's amazing how something as simple as a well swept street, healthy looking citizens, and a clean river can be such a draw for tourism. It's proof that God is in the details and that our government should really first work on the basics (i.e. proper waste disposal, crime prevention, proper family planning and family health care, traffic management, etc.) before even beginning to think about tourism development.
Upon arrival at the Marikina church plaza (top photo), the differences between Marikina and her uphill Metro Manila counterparts are more than apparent. The plaza is clean, the jeepneys are organized, and there are no vagrants anywhere (not that I don't like vagrants, I just don't like them in tourist spots). The children do not run around without pants and there are no men poking their pork bloated bellies in your face in street corners either (apparently, it's against the law for men to go shirtless). The place doesn't feel dense and decrepit and most plantings by the roadside are alive (Gotta give it to Bayani, he does keep a mean garden). And although pink isn't exactly my favorite color, the ubiquitous rose colored traffic signage is effective in keeping law and order on the streets of the city.
Now, granted that the place is still wanting in terms of tourist attractions per se; Marikina only boasts of two museums: the fabulous Imelda Marcos shoe museum (above) and a doll collection done by my mother's sister, Patis (really, they are lovely dolls but I've seen them more times than I would have cared to when they were in her house). But nevertheless, the city is not without it's charms and they are trying to create an environment conducive to tourism. And I have to say, the town does not have to try to hard at all. Marikina still boasts of well-preserved traditional Filipino bahay-na-bato architecture (second and third photo from the top), a lovely riverside promenade/park (perfect for strolling), and a newly inaugurated covered Market center. It truly bodes well for any tourist looking for an alternative activity to do on a weekend afternoon.
I mean really, I love the place. Where else can you buy shoes, walk by a river, visit Cinderella's castle, and photograph Snow white in a cage all in one afternoon?
I plan to do an experimental tour of Marikina in early July. I plan to use the MRT and jeepney to get around. Anybody out there have any ideas where else I could visit aside from the usual listed on their website?
