I am proud to say that I was born and raised in the Philippines. Unlike other countries, the Philippines is an archipelago. My country is particularly comprised of 7,107 islands. Each island is so unique and has something special to offer. One thing I can be proud of my country is the presence of beautiful beaches in almost every region. How I wish I could visit all of the breathtaking places in my country and share the scenic views with you. For now what I can promise is to capture pictures of every beautiful place I will reach and blog about it. 

If I will be asked which place in the Philippines is closest to my heart, I will not have second thoughts in saying Marikina City, my only hometown.  

Marikina City is one of the urbanized areas in the Philippines. However, the lesser population in Marikina differentiates it from other advanced cities. The government also does it share of providing good roads and infrastructures. Hence, despite being industrialized, Marikina remains to be a livable city. 

I was born and raised in Marikina City. My ancestors all lived here and most of my cousins still chose to start their family here. My hometown has been a witness to my childhood experiences and other memorable experiences in life. 

Marikina will always have a special place in my heart and blogging it once will never be enough. This blog will always have posts about my hometown. For now, I will be showing you some of my favorite places. 

Remember my post about the burgers served in a time machine?

My favorite burgers are served in this vintage inspired coffee house. This is Mama Chit's Coffee House situated in San Roque, Marikina City.


How about this place?
One of the best and inexpensive pizza and pasta dishes are served here at Cafe Lidia. You can learn more about Cafe Lidia on my previous post here.


Aside from food related places, allow me to share with you other places in my hometown.
A shoe store? Why is there a huge shoe here? My hometown is known as the Shoe Capital of the Philippines. The best shoes in my country are mostly produced in my hometown. Most of the local small to large scale shoe manufacturing companies are found in Marikina. If you happen to visit my hometown, you'll see more of this.

Marikina is a walkable community. If you consider jogging, biking or having long walks as a form of recreation or fitness activity, then my hometown is perfect for you.
This is one the areas of the famous Riverbanks Center in Marikina.
The river is not anymore ideal for swimming. But the government made efforts to clean and at the very least, make it as an ideal place for outdoor activities.

Among the pictures I have captured, this one is my favorite. The picture combines a piece of the city and nature. The tall buildings are not anymore a part of Marikina. The buildings belong to the business district of Eastwood in Quezon City.


The newest mall in Marikina is walking distance from the Riverbanks. So if you're tired of the greenery and can't wait to grab your Starbucks, then walk your way to the mall. 
Can you see the black and the lone white carabaos?
This is not a perfect close shot, but don't be deceived. They are fake carabaos! ;-) They are statues designed to give the place the perfect effect of nature. 


Few walks away from the riverbank is a small park.
 
A Japanese inspired scenery situated below the train's railway.

The other side of the park. 
You can spend the sunny day under the shade of the trees. The Philippines is a tropical country so expect this view most of the year. 



For the kids and kids at heart too ;-)!

I hope you enjoyed my pictures. I will be sharing more about my hometown in my next posts. I wish everyone a great weekend.