Located on the eastern side of the metropolis, right next to the Province of Rizal lies the bustling city of Marikina. Of course, Marikina needs no further introduction as the mere mention of its name brings one to mind the popularity of this city as the center of the country’s shoemaking industry. Hence, its title as “The Shoe Capital of the Philippines.” For Marikina’s shoemakers, they and their shoemaker forebears owe their livelihood with the pioneering efforts of one man: Don Laureano Guevara, a renowned community leader in Marikina who was also affectionately called “Kapitan Moy.”
-
-
Roamer’s Roundup: of restoration and reclamation
Today, I bring you yet another edition of the roamer’s roundup on the latest updates and issues on the many thing happening around the metropolis. On a personal note, I have been very busy with things going these past few days, especially with Christmas around the corner. And the traffic unfortunately has been of no help in getting things done at these times. But I suppose most, if not all, of you feel the same way. ============================= We start off with a bit of good news and a boost in heritage restoration in the city, and in the country as a whole: none other than the restoration project of the…
-
Divisoria: Manila’s shopping mecca
Since it’s Christmas, the Urban Roamer presents to you one of Christmastime’s favorite shopping destinations. Then again, this place is an all-time favorite shopping destination Juan Dela Cruz Band’s “Divisoria” If there can only be one place that would be named as THE shopping mecca in the metropolis, it would not be some fancy mall or high-end shopping district. For many not only in Metro Manila but perhaps in the entire country as well, nothing equates shopping more than that famed district in Manila that we call “Divisoria.” But of course, Divisoria itself needs no further introduction. It has become such an iconic landmark destination that every one in the…
-
The Bonifacio according to Guillermo Tolentino
Surprising as it may seem, there is not really much documentation about that prominent figure in Philippine history that is Andres Bonifacio. In fact, there is only one known photograph of him that exists, and he is wearing not a camisa but a coat and tie. It is the scantiness of information about him, along with the circumstances of his life and death, that the Bonifacio legend began to grow shortly after his infamous death in 1897. For a people seeking a tangible symbol of sorts to identify themselves with, a puzzle arose as to how to depict a man like Andres Bonifacio. Thus was born the popular perception of…