Food and Festivals
Foods in Marikina City
1. Waknatoy
Waknatoy is a tomato-based pork stew that consists pork shunks, Vienna sausage, red bell peppers and chorizo. The Filipino Pork Stew style has a sweet pickles which differentiate it from other pork stews like Menudo since it gives you a sweet-tangy flavor.
It is said that the name Waknatoy came from Chinese settlers who said "Wak na 'toy" or "Wag na 'to" since they found the dish too ubiquitous.
2. Everlasting
Everlasting is a Marikina-style Meatloaf that is identical with the classic embutido. The dish is made with pork, hard-boiled eggs, ed bell pepper strips, and chorizo and is usually shaped using a llanera (oval baking pan).
The dish is called everlasting since it is always present in every family celebrations and gathering, and it can be keep in reserve for a long period of time.
3. Pork Hamonado
The twist in Marikina's Pork Hamonado is that the pork is marinated with a pineapple juice. It is no doubt that it is one of the local favorites because of the flavorful sweet taste.
Restaurants in Marikina City
1. Johnny's Fried Chicken.
Johnny's Fried Chicken is located at C W Paz, Marikina, 1800 Metro Manila (beside Krung Thai). The restaurant is known for the slogan, "The Fried of Marikina" because of their tasty chicken. When you are in the place, it can make you feel like you are in the 80's era because of the bright red interiors and fixed seats.
2. Greg and Sally Tree Garden Cafe
Greg and Sally Tree Garden Cafeis located at Marikina, 1800 Metro Manila. This is a perfect place if you to spend time with your family, friends and significant other. The open place has a spacious, dreamy garden. If you want to have a date with your partner, you can also go to the place since it gives romantic vibes. They serve great food and tender steaks.
3. Pan de Amerikana
Pan de Amerikana is located at 92 Gen. Ordoñez Ave, Marikina, 1811 Metro Manila. The owner of the place is Junio Salvador and he served pandesal since the 1950s. They produce giant pandesal where it got its name, Pan de Amerikana, since during the 1950's, Americans liked their giant pandesal.
4. Industriya Marikina
Industriya Marikina is located at 23 M. A. Roxas St, Marikina, 1801 Metro Manila. The restaurant is an old shoe factory and it turned into a restaurant and events venue. Wooden furniture, shoe forms and empty bottles form part of the place’s modern and industrial design. They serve international cuisines including American, Japanese, Italian and Filipino.
5. Bun of Brothers
Bun of Brothers is located at 104, Rainbow St, Marikina, 1811 Metro Manila. It is one of the "Brothers" chain restaurant that includes Burrito Brothers and Kebab Brothers. Bun of Brothers offers build-your-own burger joint serving all-American burgers, hotdogs, fries and refreshments.
Festivals in Marikina City
1. Sapatero Festival
The Sapatero Festival celebrates the city's successful shoe making industry since Marikina City is known as the Philippines' shoe capital. This is celebrated every year which is organized by the city government. The festival started during 2002 under the administration of their Mayor Marides Fernando. The festival aims to promote the affordable and quality shoes created by the craftsman in Marikina City.
2. Rehiyon-Rehiyon Parade and Festival
The Rehiyon-Rehiyon Parade and Festival is usually held every first week of December. During the festival, we can several dance performance and colorful authentic costumes. The students are usually the one performing to showcase the different festival dance, culture and tradition of every region in the country.
3. Ka-Angkan Festival
The Ka-Angkan Festival is celebrated every April 16 which is held at the Riverbanks Center Amphitheather. The native residents of Marikina City are the ones who are being paid tribute to during this festival since they created the culture and tradition of the city. There are different activities during the festival such as pageants, parade, food festival and other programs.