Christmas Saya Carnival and Bazaar: A Festive Celebration at Riverbanks Center

Marikina City is all set to sparkle this Christmas season! Riverbanks Center is hosting a festive extravaganza, the Christmas Saya Carnival and Bazaar, promising a delightful experience for the whole family.

ChristmasSaya Bazaar & Carnival officially launched on October 19, 2024, with special guests including Maki, Angela Ken, Nameless Kids, and Violette Sta Cruz. The bazaar will be open until January 15, 2025.

The main attraction is the shopping, where you can find and discover unique gifts and souvenirs at the Christmas Bazaar, featuring a diverse selection of products from local artisans and entrepreneurs.

For foodies, you’ll be delighted to find a wide range of delectable treats, from classic Filipino dishes to international cuisine.

For the children and the family, there are exciting rides and games too. Thrill-seekers can enjoy a variety of exciting carnival rides and games, from thrilling to fun-filled kiddie rides.

Get a chance to watch and enjoy live performances and shows. Enjoy captivating performances by talented singers, dancers, and musicians. Last December 12, the “Unkabogable” phenomenal box office superstar Vice Ganda, visited Riverbanks Center and performed her newest Christmas song, “Paskong Pinakamasaya,” at the Riverbanks Amphitheater.

Head over to Riverbanks Center with your family and friends for a wonderful, memorable, and happy Christmas celebration this holiday season.


𝑪𝒉𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒎𝒂𝒔𝑺𝒂𝒚𝒂 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍 and 𝑩𝒂𝒛𝒂𝒂𝒓 at Riverbanks Center!

October 15, 2024 - January 15, 2025
Operational hours:
Carnival: 4pm to 12mn (until 11pm on Sundays)
Bazaar: 2pm to 12mn daily

How to Pay Online Your Real Property Tax in Marikina City

Real Property Tax (RPT) is an annual tax imposed on real estate properties, including land and buildings. It's a crucial source of revenue for local governments, like Marikina City, to fund public services.

The traditional way of paying for Real Property tax is by heading to Marikina City Hall’s Treasurer's Office to have your property tax computed. You can also pay right after an assessment of your property through their system.

One of the more convenient ways to have your real property tax computed and paid is online through the Marikina City government website. The entire process is very straight forward, simple to use, and takes only a few minutes to complete.

Follow these simple steps: 

1. Logon to https://marikina.gov.ph. Look for the online services link in the top menu and select “Online Payment” from the dropdown options.

Sign in with your email and password. If you don’t have an account, click on “Sign Up” to create your new account. Once you successfully create your account, you can login.

2. Once logged in, click the right side, which says “City Treasury Department," to proceed to the real property tax section.

3. Click on “Add Real Property Unit” to retrieve details on your lot. Enter your PIN or tax declaration number and click on verify. You can find these details in your previous year’s real property tax receipt. If you own a house and lot, you will be enrolling one entry for your lot (L) and another entry for your house/building (B).  You should see two entries if you successfully entered this information from your previous receipt.

4. Click the checkbox for both entries (left side), choose “1st Quarter” below, and enter the year “2025” to the right. Once completed, click on the "Compute Real Property Tax" button. This will compute the property tax due for that quarter. If you want to pay for the entire year, repeat the process and choose “2nd Quarter,” “3rd Quarter,” and “4th Quarter” to add property tax totals for the rest of the year. All totals will appear below under “Billing Detail.” The grand total will appear at the bottom right.

5. Click on the “Select Payment Option” and choose your preferred payment options. You can pay via PayMaya or credit card. A small convenience fee will be added to the total for using the E-payment service. After entering your payment details, click on “Complete Order.” Upon successful payment, you will see the screen saying “Payment successful” along with the amount and transaction details.

6. Click on “Back to Main Menu.”

7. Return to the list of your properties and click on the blue button under the “Action” column to list all tax payments made. You should see your newest payment listed at the top. Repeat this process for all other listed properties to verify their updates for the upcoming year.

Important Reminders:

• Payment Deadline: Be mindful of the deadline for RPT payments to avoid penalties and interest charges. There are discounts for paying early, especially during December.

• Proof of Payment: Keep a copy of your payment receipt for future reference.

• Late Payment Penalties: Late payments may incur penalties, so it's advisable to pay on time.

• Remember Your Username and Password: You can regularly check your real property tax status through the Marikina Online Services portal.

For other inquiries or more specific information, it's best to consult the Marikina City Government's official website or contact the Treasury Department directly at 86460462 or 86460306.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure timely payment of your Real Property Tax for your Marikina property and contribute to the development of your community.

Andre Santos (Carlos Yulo Lookalike from Marikina) Advances to Semi-Finals In Kalokalike on It’s Showtime

 In the November 16, 2024 episode of “It’s Showtime,” thirty of the seventy daily winners have advanced to the semifinals of the “Kalokalike Face 4” lookalike contest. And one of them is Andre Santos from Marikina, who joined as a Carlos Yulo lookalike.

21-year-old Andre Santos has an uncanny resemblance to two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo. In September, Andres became the first daily winner of “Kalokalike Face 4” when the contest premiered. 

Andre studied at Marist School in Marikina City. At the young age of seven, Andre developed an interest in sports. He started as a student athlete in track and field during elementary school and later became a varsity player in high school. Andre said that as early as 2020, his friends and classmates told him that he looked like Carlos Yulo.  Andre also has an impressive muscular physique, as featured by Slimmers World SM Marikina. 

Previously, Andre Santos was also lucky to meet the real two-time Olympic gold medalist, Carlos Yulo.  Because of his striking likeness to the olympian, Andre has been a crowd favorite.

Congratulations to Andre Santos and we hope he makes it to the finals.

Here is his Kalokalike performance and interview on “It’s Showtime.”

Traffic Rerouting in Marikina City During Undas 2024 (November 1-2, 2024)

Marikina City will implement traffic rerouting schemes from October 31, to 2, 2024, to manage traffic congestion leading to the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Affected Areas and Rerouting:

• A. Bonifacio Avenue and Sumulong Highway:

• One-way traffic from October 31, 12:00 PM to November 2, 12:00 AM.

• Only eastbound vehicles will be allowed on Barangka Flyover to Marikina Bridge.

• Vehicles bound for Loyola Memorial Park:

• Take Marcos Highway to Barangka Flyover or Barangka Underloop to A. Bonifacio Avenue.
• Use left lane of A Bonafacio Avenue (one-way during above dates)
• Turn left to the Loyola Memorial Park entrance.
• Turn left on Gonzalo Puyat St.
• Turn right on Gonzalo Puyat St. to Gate 2 of Loyola.

• Vehicles From Loyola To City Proper:

• Turn left to A. Bonifacio Ave.

• Vehicles bound for Marikina City Proper:

• From Marcos Highway, take the right lane on Barangka Flyover or Barangka Underloop.

Motorists planning to pass through Marikina City or visit Loyola Marikina should to plan their trips accordingly.

Monitoring traffic conditions in the NCR around-the-clock is another responsibility assigned to the MMDA Communications and Command Center. Additionally, 30 camera units will be placed in five major cemeteries, including Marikina's Loyola Memorial Park.

For additional traffic updates and further information, please monitor the official social media pages of the Marikina City Government https://www.facebook.com/MarikinaPIO.

Loyola Memorial Park is not the only cemetery in Marikina. Click here for a list of other cemeteries located in Marikina City.

References:

• https://mmda.gov.ph/100-news/news-2024/7799-oct-18-2024-mmda-gears-up-for-undas-2024.html
• https://www.facebook.com/MarikinaPIO/

Notable Cemeteries in Marikina City

In addition to being well-known for its thriving culture and shoe industry, Marikina City is home to several historic cemeteries that provide a window into the city's past. Known as "silent cities," these locations serve as both rest areas and historical and cultural archives.

1. Marikina Public Cemetery: Located in Barangay Sto. Niño, this cemetery is one of the oldest in the city. It is home to the graves of many prominent Marikeños, including politicians, artists, and business leaders. The cemetery's layout and architecture reflect the city's Spanish colonial past.
   
   

2. San Roque Cemetery: Found in Barangay San Roque, this cemetery is a smaller but equally significant burial ground. It is known for its peaceful ambiance and well-maintained grounds. The cemetery is also home to a chapel where masses and other religious ceremonies are held.
   
   

3. Our Lady of the Abandoned (OLA) Cemetery: This cemetery is a relatively new addition to Marikina's burial grounds. It is known for its modern facilities and serene environment. The cemetery also offers various burial options, including columbaria and mausoleums.
   
   

4. Aglipay Cemetery: This cemetery is associated with the Philippine Independent Church, a breakaway sect from the Catholic Church. It is a place of religious significance for many Filipinos, particularly those who belong to the Aglipayan faith.
   
   

5. Holy Child Cemetery: This cemetery is located in Barangay San Roque and is managed by the Holy Child Parish. It is a popular choice for families who are affiliated with the parish.
   
   

6. Barangka Public Cemetery: While not technically located within Marikina, this cemetery is often considered part of the city's burial grounds due to its proximity to the city's border. It is a large cemetery that serves the needs of residents from both Marikina and nearby Quezon City.
   
   

7. Loyola Memorial Park: This is a private memorial park located in Barangay Sto. Niño and is one of the most well-known cemeteries in Metro Manila. Notable people who lay here are National Artists Fernando Amorsolo, Nick Joaquin, and Vicente Manansala; celebrities Nida Blanca, Julie Vega, German Moreno, and Francis Magalona; and politicians Miriam Defensor Santiago and Ernesto Maceda.
   
   

family of German Moreno at Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina

These cemeteries also play a crucial role in the cultural life of Marikina. They are places of reflection, remembrance, and spiritual connection. Many families from all over the country visit cemeteries, including ones from Marikina, to honor their departed loved ones, offering prayers, flowers, and other tributes.

Recognizing the importance of preserving these historic cemeteries, the Marikina City local government has implemented various initiatives to protect and maintain them, such as clean-ups, grass-cutting, and tree-trimming operations in the city’s cemeteries in preparations for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day in November.

Note: When visiting cemeteries, it's important to be respectful of the departed and their families. Dress appropriately, avoid making noise, and follow the cemetery's rules and regulations.

Concepcion Uno Leads Marikina With The Most MSME Businesses

Based on the Marikina City's 2024 report on registered micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSME's), Barangay Concepcion Uno is home to the most number of businesses with 2,357 registered businesses, followed by Sto. Nino with 2,319 registered businesses and Sta. Elena with 1,784 registered businesses.

Concepcion Uno also has the most registered number of microbusinesses totaling 2,268. The statistics are provided by Marikina City's  Business Permit and Licensing Office and based on the number of employees. Below is a running total of all registered businesses including micro, small, medium-sized and large enterprises. 

Barangay	Total
CONCEPCION I	2360
Sto. Niño	2319
Sta. Elena	1784
Parang	1650
Marikina Heights	1642
San Roque	1353
Malanday	1335
CONCEPCION II	1277
Nangka	1177
Tumana	996
Kalumpang	929
Fortune	881
Barangka	737
Tañong	505
IVC	390
J. Dela Peña	359

Bugis Singapore Street Food, along Gen Ordonez St.

Marikina City is home to a diverse range of businesses, including food, manufacturing, retail, and services. This dynamic business environment contributes to the city's economic growth and development.

Reference: Marikina City Business Permit and Licensing Office statistics for 2024

https://www.marikina.gov.ph/facts/Statistical-Report-Registered-Business-2024-MSMEs.pdf

Revisiting the Marikina mega dike project along Marikina River

The Marikina mega dike project along Marikina River has been ongoing for several years, with various phases and updates throughout its construction.  

Here's a summary of the latest information:


Progress:
Phase 3: As of 2020, Phase 3 of the project was completed, which included dredging the Manggahan floodway to increase its flood capacity.

Ongoing work: The project is still ongoing, with construction continuing on different sections of the dike.

Revised design: The original design of the road dike project has been revised and is now called the Riverside Development, which involves raising the elevation of some areas and constructing drainage outfalls.

The Marikina mega dike project is progressing, with various phases completed and ongoing work. The project aims to mitigate flooding in the Marikina area

In the meantime, the Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project - Phase IV, which includes building the Marikina Control Gate Structure, and the Metro Manila Flood Management Project, involve building and enhancing pumping stations along vital waterways.

Senior Undersecretary Sadain stated that in order to ensure safe flow of the remaining floodwaters through Metro Manila without causing significant flooding, two additional proposed projects are an Upper Marikina Dam, located approximately four (4) kilometers upstream from the current Wawa Dam in Montalban Gorge, and a retarding basin, located downstream of the Marikina River Basin. These projects are intended to help reduce peak river flows entering Metro Manila during typhoons and extreme rainfall.

References:
Philstar.com:
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/11/26/2059465/villar-p28-billion-megadike-solve-marikina-flooding

Daily Tribune:
https://tribune.net.ph/2022/11/26/marikina-dike-project-redesigned-mayor

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)

https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/news/35113

Marikina and Antipolo: Neighboring Cities with Unique Appeal

Visitors can have different experiences in the Philippines' Marikina City and Antipolo City, two nearby cities. Despite being close by geographically, they are distinguished from one another by their distinct cultures, tourist destinations, and scenic views.

one of the many shoe factories in Marikina City

Known as the "Shoe Capital of the Philippines," Marikina City has a long history of producing shoes. Numerous shoe factories and stores can be found around the city, offering a vast selection of fashionable and reasonably priced footwear to tourists. With parks, riverbanks, and nature reserves, Marikina has natural beauty beyond its industrial side. A well-liked location for leisurely walks is the Marikina River Park.

Known as the "Pilgrimage capital of the Philippines" for the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage (popularly known as the Antipolo Cathedral), Antipolo City is a spiritual retreat for a large number of Filipinos. All year long, the church, which is positioned on a hilltop with a view of the city, draws countless devotees. In addition to its religious importance, Antipolo is a well-liked vacation spot for naturalists. The city is the ideal getaway from the bustle of daily life, surrounded by verdant forests, waterfalls, and hiking paths.

restaurants in Antipolo City with picturesque views

Exploring the Adjacent Attractions:

Discover the history of shoemaking in the Philippines at the Marikina Shoe Museum and be amazed by the skilled work of regional craftspeople. 

Foodies will be delighted to find out that there are many unique restaurants and food offerings in Marikina city.

Antipolo Cathedral: Marvel at the exquisite architecture of this historic church as you visit.

There is something for everyone in Marikina and Antipolo, whether your interests are in history, culture, or the outdoors. Given their close proximity, it is easy to visit both cities in a single trip, offering a unique and memorable experience.