There was a time when my city was known as the Rape Capital of the Philippines. I heard this when I was a child. We even have our version of “red light district” mentioned by the infamous TV host Joey de Leon. I can just imagine how dim and gloomy our city was. The public was murky and smelly, and the sidewalks were filled with illegal vendors, not to mention illegal settlers in places where there should be no structures.
However, I’m glad that this moniker has been replaced with a more appropriate term: Shoe Capital of the Philippines, which we really are famous for. Also, my city was hailed as one of the Cleanest and Greenest Cities in the Philippines. This is one of the first things people notice whenever they visit our small city. If I may add, we have an excellent network of bike lanes!
Discipline, Excellence, and Good Taste. This is my city’s core values for its citizens. And I can attest to this as a resident of the city for more than three decades.
When I got married, one thing my wife told me is the reality of being able to walk around at night without fear of being harassed or mugged. Marikina is a walkable city, indeed. We have a weekly routine of walks to malls, markets, and parks. I can even opt to walk to the office if I need to. According to numbeo.com, a website that measures crime rates and the safety of cities, Marikina has a low crime rate. Though the site shows a moderate level of vandalism, theft, and drugs - which I guess are also rampant in most places, other factors show remarkably low scores. This is seeing your taxes working for you.
I wish citizens of other cities and municipalities have the same sentiment and appreciation with regard to the place they live in. We should be the primary champions of our own localities! However, I understand that not all share my joy. I have visited neighboring places too, and sadly, some places remain murky, smelly, and feel congested.
Marikina is not a perfect city, it has its own flaws. Sometimes, we make it to the headlines because of typhoons and overflowing Marikina River. Sometimes, it is about isolated cases of crimes, fires, or accidents. But I can’t imagine myself in other places aside from my beloved city.
Here are some of my snaps taken in Marikina with my wife as a model!
I wish you could visit my city too!
How about you, what’s it like to live in your city?
What a beautiful city you've got there! I can imagine the peace that has gorged your mind knowing you can walk around without the fear of being harmed. I wish mine was like yours.
Nice description 💯
Yes! The city is not perfect, but I love it here :)
It's great to hear that your city is safer right now, I hope you continue to increase safety, I thought the bike lane part you mentioned was really cool, better quality of life.
The interconnected bike lanes are one of the things I am proud of in my city. I can go from one place to another almost without having to pedal near motorized vehicles.
I would have never guessed that your city used to be the prostitution capital of the Philippines in the past. I went through Angeles City 30 years ago and I would have sworn that was a seedier place that Marikina. Then again, my wife used to work in Antipolo 27 years ago...maybe she can attest to what Marikina was like back then :)
Looks much nicer now though. Thanks for posting.
In general I think the Philippines is much nicer now than it was 30 years ago. Was there last year and going there again in October. My first time there I didn't like going out alone or at dark. Now...not nearly as much of a problem.
When I was in Paranaque last year I saw city counsellors and members of the city out cleaning up the sidewalks and streets as a community project. I think pride in the town does a LOT for the safety there.
Just my opinion and thanks for posting