LOVE!Undying

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JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2014

Paul Edward P. SisonJames Paul C. AgulayMaria Lourdes NavarroChristopher P. PapagayoAdelson Genito Carmela SalazarRagie Mary DolatreRhyan QuilapioMarjun FadriquelaRandie EstevesArmand SolacitoSalvador A. NarraGilbert LobisAtty. Florella Almarez

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Legal Consultant:Make it Marikina is published by the Public Information Office,

City Government of Marikina2/f Marikina City Hall, Shoe Ave., Brgy. Sta. Elena, Marikina City

Telefax: 646-6451 Email:

makeitmarikinamagazine@gmail.comWebsite: www.marikina.gov.phwww.infomarikina.webs.com

HON. DEL R. DE GUZMANCity Mayor

contentsmayor’s3 Jacamar Flower Shops4 La Isla Buffet: The perfect island for buffet hunters5 Bellini’s: Love at first sight6 Make it Marikina: Councilors push it through7 Other side of a Judo champion8 Gil Fernando Avenue: One main Artery of marikina City10 State of the City Address: Thinking big, accomplishing continuous progress14 Pefect moments: From shoemaking to baking15 Gibson Shoes: Tougher than the usual Love is all around16 Marikina joins the celebration of Chinese New Year

editor’s note

messageMy heartiest greetings as we welcome

our traditional New Year 2014 and celebrate the Chinese New Year as well as Valentine’s Day. These three consecutive observances drive home the point that in starting the year right, the driving motive must consist of love, kindness and compassion.

The momentum has been set when after a series of calamities hit the country, a gen-erous outpouring of sympathy, empathy and care ensued. There was a collective effort to reach out to victims whose lives were practi-cally shattered. We gave a part of ourselves to somehow alleviate their suffering and heal their pain.

I believe the gesture was just as fulfilling as it was therapeutic. The spirit of giving and commiserating during very difficult times enhances our humanity and reconnects us with one another in a most meaningful way.

The city sent no less than three waves of support to the victims of the earthquake in Bohol and of supertyphoon Yolanda. The dev-astation was massive and almost unimaginable but they remained undaunted and deter-mined more than ever, to rise up, pick up the pieces and reclaim their rightful place in the scheme of things. Even in the midst of great tragedy, there is always a source of inspiration and it comes from them.

We are likewise vulnerable to natural calamities. It is our good fortune though that we have not suffered as much. And so, we have to count our blessings and share some to others more in need. Meanwhile, we have to keep upgrading our disaster preparedness to be more vigilant and resilient at all times even as we relentlessly pursue economic growth and social development.

Let us all look forwards to a safer and a more prosperous year ahead.

Undying Love. This is what Mayor Del shares with his dearly beloved wife, Amy.

It truly is heart-breaking for our mayor to lose his wife at a very young age. He describes her as one who is very hands-on when it come to their family, “She’s the one who handles everything at home. She is very doting and tireless when it comes to caring for each of our children.”

While Mayor Del lost a very selfless partner and First Lady, Marikina has lost it’s mother.

Every one who has lost a mother knows how painful it is to be deprived of a mother’s love and care. We will sorely miss and fondly remember Amalia G. De Guzman.

Let us be comforted by the thought that Amy is now with our loving Father and Creator -- pray-ing for us ... rooting for us. May her soul rest in peace.

May the undying love Mayor Del shared with Amy propel him to greater heights as he leads us through the challenges that face our city this 2014.

Our kind mayor has always been there for us. Let us now be there for him at a time when he needs us most.

PAUL EDWARD SISONMake it MARIKINA 3

The little mischievous matchmaker has been busy lurking just around the corner, aiming his love arrows to his next unsuspecting vic-tim. You feel a sudden thud. Your heart skips a beat and can’t get your eyes off the (in your own personal opinion: good looking) stranger about to cross your path. What do you do? Well, what can you do? You’re in love… or probably just infatuated. Nevertheless, it feels like a mix of dif-ferent emotions strung together to create a beautiful bouquet of piercing bliss. Love is in the air.

Love, relationships and flowers have a lot in common, how you nur-ture it affect its growth. In arranging a bouquet of flowers, one has to meticulously choose the quantity, colors and sizes of the florets to be included in order to fabricate a cluster of picturesque arrangement - just as emotions have to be fastidiously adjusted each and every time in or-der for things to work out -thoughts of wisdom gained from conversing with people who have had more than 20 years of experience in handling flowers.

Romana Rodriguez, Norma Amido, Virginia Arenas, June Alvaro and Evelyn Cruz are all seasoned florists. Some of them started selling flowers on the sidewalks of Marikina. During the term of former mayor Bayani Fernando, they were invited to relocate to stalls provided for them to which, until today, are still located. They have expressed their appreciation towards this deed.

The qualities of the flowers they sell are at par with those sold at major flower distributors from other cities. Prices here are almost similar too – some even cheaper. They sell various assortments – from Stargaz-ers, Casa Blanca, Carnation, to Tulips, Roses, Orchids or Calla lilies – each flower pedantically selected and assured of quality.

Flower arrangements also are of high standards. So skilled are their motifs that most of the time, they are invited to arrange for weddings, birthdays, inaugurations and the likes. Drop by their stalls at the parking lot in front of the Marikina Post Office, in Brgy. Sta. Elena.

Stretch of Jacamar Flower Shops

Gerbera

Florists Stargazer

Red Roses

Jacamar Flower Shops Stop and smell the flowers

4 Make it MARIKINA

Somewhere in the peaceful barangay of Marikina Heights in Marikina (#284 Gen. Ordoñez St. to be specific), is an “island” for buffet hunters everywhere.

La Isla Buffet, a restaurant that started out as a cooking hobby of Cecilia De Guz-man Sanchez during 1997, now serves a wide assortment of cuisines from their eat/drink-all-you-can buffet which happens every Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. for lunch, and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner.

Cecilia, a single parent to three children and dentist by profession, used to cook for friends. Little did she know that later, her cooking flair would spread by word and would entice different famished people and companies to seek for her culinary skills. Her success gave birth to La Isla Buffet Restaurant, which opened in Sep-tember 2012. Later on, her daughter, the eldest of the three siblings, Crenz Lagpa-can, would step up and follow in her foot-steps.

Crenz, like her mom, loves to cook. She

took up HRM in college and embarked to Ziu Hua in China for her on-the-job train-ing. She also trained at Dusit Hotel and worked for the catering industry for 4 ½ years. She now manages the restaurant, with the guidance of her mom, and is do-ing a pretty good job.

But enough now of our two lovely la-dies. On with the food!

La Isla’s buffet menu includes Kare-kare with shrimp paste (favorite of mom and daughter, by the way, and a MUST-TRY), Beef Broccoli, Chicken ala King, Lechon Paksiw, Pork Dinuguan, Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet, Fish with Tofu in Black Beans, Pansit Canton Guisado, Fresh Lumpia with Peanut Garlic Sauce and their house special, Seafood Mixed. For soup, they serve Crab and Corn. Dessert includes Fruit Salad, Coffee Jelly and the (mmmm!) Turones. For our vegetarian buffet hunters, a salad bar that serves Vegetable and Mac-aroni salad is waiting for you while bot-tomless iced tea is available for the thirsty.

The perfect island for buffet hunters

Kare-kare

Fish with Tofu and Black beans

Seafood Mixed

Ribbon cutting with Mayor Del and Crenz

Mmmmm! Molto delizioso! Pardon my Italian, ladies and gentlemen, but after expe-riencing the delectable gastronomies served at Bellini’s Café, one can truly say “eccezi-onalmente Italiano!” (Exceptionally Italian!).

So what’s the story of Bellini’s? Roberto was a photographer covering the EDSA rev-olution while Ma. Luisa was a photographer for Malacañang. An acquaintance intro-duced them to each other. It was love at first sight. The two became inseparable and were always together (mostly during coverage). Before Roberto left for Italy, he proposed to Ma. Luisa, who, without second thoughts, said yes. After living and training in Italy, the two decided to open up their second restau-rant branch in Marikina.

Love atfirst sight

Located at #310 Shoe Ave., Sto. Niño, Marikina City, Bellini’s Café boasts of the flavor and Italian authenticity of their dishes. And by authentic, they mean business. The ingredients infused to create a symphony of mouthwatering cuisines here are im-ported all the way from Italy.

Having a seating capacity of 150, an interior glazed with wall paintings of Venice, bas reliefs of the Coli-seum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, adorned with comfortable couches and T.V. on the second floor and garnished with free Wi-Fi, one can truly experi-ence Italy here.

Mushroom, grilled eggplant, cherry to-matoes, Italian cheese, Anchovies are but a few of the appetizers served before your journey to food bliss. Their Risotto Guan-setto, Gnocchi Tartufo Funghi con Pros-cuito, Maremara Pizza, Diavola, Arrosto di Maele, Rosticciana and the Palpitone ala Ma. Luisa (which happens to be the crea-tion of Chef Ma. Luisa, hands-on business woman and wife to Bellini’s founder, Rob-erto) are all cooked to excellence for the sat-isfaction of both your mouth and famished paunch. Seal the deal after your enchant-ing experience with their meals with their flavorsome cakes, to which Bellinis is also known for. Munch on their Orange cake, Obama cake and their son’s creation, the Magma cake --- all worthy to be included in your “wanted” list.

Make it MARIKINA 5

Ma. Luisa Bellini ( Owner & Chef)

Gnocchi Tartufo Funghi con Proscuito Ala Ma. Luisa

Rostincciana; Pollo Ala Diavola; Arrosto di Maiale

Mare Manna Pizza

Risotto Guansetto

6 Make it MARIKINA Make it MARIKINA 5

Lifestyle Marikina A city’s art reflects its culture. A city’s

culture reflects its lifestyle. A city’s life-style reflects its citizen and government.

These are some realizations that came to mind during an interview with City Councilor Xy-za Diazen, the city’s Cul-ture and Arts Committee chairman.

The natural ingenuity of Marikina’s citizens has been her inspiration to pur-sue and formulate plans that recognize the identity of our designers/artists and encourage the creative personality of the city through activities and events and enacting ordinances that will cultivate Marikina’s culture and arts furthermore. All throughout our conversation, the councilor couldn’t help but express how proud she is of her fellow Marikenyos and how serious she is about further nurturing our Culture and Art scenes.

And who wouldn’t be? Marikina has produced numerous

artists and celebrities. Fernando Josef, Angel Aquino, Bing Imao, Jericho Ro-sales, Bryan Tenorio just to name a few of the city’s prominent names. In the same manner as how a child’s accom-

MakeitMarikina:

7TH CITY COUNCIL OF MARIKINAEffective January 7, 2014

Presiding Officer: Vice Mayor JOSE FABIAN I. CADIZ, M.D. President Pro-Tempore: Coun. MARK ALBERT J. DEL ROSARIO Floor Leader: Coun. EVA AGUIRRE-PAZ Asst. Floor Leader: Coun. THADDEUS ANTONIO M. SANTOS, JR.

CHAIRPERSONS of the STANDING COMMITTEESAPPROPRIATION

Coun. MARK ALBERT J. DEL ROSARIO

BARANGAY AFFAIRSCoun. LEVY D.L. DE GUZMAN

COOPERATIVES Coun. RUBEN R. REYES

COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYCoun. JOSEPH B. BANZON

CULTURE AND ARTS Coun. XY-ZA R. DIAZEN

DANGEROUS DRUGS Coun. FRANKIE C. AYUSON

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS, MITIGATION AND MANAGEMENTCoun. XY-ZA R. DIAZEN

EDUCATIONCoun. EVA AGUIRRE-PAZ

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONCoun. SAMUEL S. FERRIOL

FOOTWEAR & LEATHERCRAFT INDUSTRYCoun. MARIO M. DE LEON

GAMES & AMUSEMENTSCoun. RONNIE S. ACUÑA

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, ETHICS & ACCOUNTABILITIESCoun. MARIO. DE LEON

HEALTH & SANITIONCoun. SUSANA P. MAGTUBO

HOUSING, ZONING, URBAN PLANNING& COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Coun. RONNIE S. ACUÑA

HUMAN RIGHTS & JUSTICE Coun. PAUL B. DAYAO

INFRASTRUCTURE Coun. ERNESTO M. FLORES

LABOR AND CAPITAL RELATIONSCoun. MARK ALBERT J. DEL ROSARIO

PARKS DEVELOPMENTCoun. JOSEPH B. BANZON

PEACE & ORDER, PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITYCoun. FRANKIE C. AYUSON

PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATIONCoun. SUSANA P. MAGTUBO

RULES AND CODIFICATION OF RULESCoun. EVA AGUIRRE-PAZ

SENIOR CITIZENS & PERSONS WITH DISABILITY AFFAIRSCoun. THADDEUS ANTONIO M. SANTOS, JR.

TOURISMCoun. WILLIE N. CHAVEZ

TRADE, COMMERCE AND INDUSTRYCoun. ARIEL V. CUARESMA

TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFICCoun. ERNESTO M. FLORES

WAYS AND MEANSCoun. THADDEUS ANTONIO M. SANTOS, JR.

WOMEN AND FAMILY AFFAIRSCoun. PAUL B. DAYAO

YOUTH AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENTCoun. FRANKIE C. AYUSON

COUNCILORS push it through!

Coun. Xy-za R. Diazen

Coun. Ariel V. Cuaresma

plishment brings fulfillment to his/her parents, these personalities have given honor not just to themselves and their families, but to Marikina as well.

Their success brings to mind that the community to which they live in, has, in one way or another, been of influence to them. After all, it takes a community to raise a child.

Marikina Trade, Commerce and In-dustry

Reasonably priced meat products, quality shoes, hardworking citizens and a special business zone.

Marikina has indeed emerged as one of the top cities to invest in.

This was pointed out by the very accommodating councilor and au-thor of City Ordinance no. 62 (declar-ing Gil Fernando as a Special Com-mercial, Business, Entertainment and Amusement Zone of Marikina City), Ariel Cuaresma, who is also Mariki-na’s Trade, Commerce and Industry chairman.

The councilor’s dream of having a business summit is a very good op-portunity for sister cities to exhibit their goods, exchange ideas or trade products. The city’s trademark of cleanliness and discipline, Peace and Order, and the generous tax discount the city offers are but a few reasons why Marikina is an excellent place to engage in trade, commerce and industry.

The traffic, as crowded as it may seem, flows continuously. Thanks to the hardworking CTMDO, Barangay Officials, MMDA, disciplined citizens and courteous drivers. Marikina is also one of the few cities where cross-ing lanes for pedestrian and loading and unloading areas are given due respect. The number-coding scheme is also not implemented here in the eastern fringes of the metropolis.

Once upon a time, after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, a kid from Olongapo and his family transferred to his aunt’s house in Marikina in the hopes of starting life anew. Little did he know that later, this event would be the turning point of his life.

Gilbert Ramirez, the kid from Olongapo-turned-Marikenyo, is now bringing honor not just to his family, but to Marikina and the Philippines as well.

A mild-mannered, soft-spoken person who loves to jog with his wife, watch cooking shows and cartoons on T.V. with his son, cook food for his family, and dreams a simple dream of a vacation in Bo-racay, you wouldn’t expect that this person is THE South East Asian Games gold medalist in Judo. Perhaps it reminds you of Dr. Bruce Banner, right? Bruce Banner, you know, The Incredible Hulk in his peaceful form? And why would he not remind you of the Hulk? A shy, timid person who becomes a beast inside the competition mat. See the similarity?

Gilbert’s love for Judo began during his secondary education at Marikina High School. One day, while he was walking, he happened to pass by a group of students inviting schoolmates to try-out for the Judo varsity of their school. One of them asked him. Having no background whatsoever of the sport, he did and later found himself a member of the school’s Judo varsity team. He also joined the Judo varsity of Universidad de Manila upon entering college. But his train-ing didn’t stop there. He also underwent training in Budu University, University of Tsukuba, Kinki Perpetual and Tsuyama Judo Club – all in Japan.He has already joined a total 50 competitions (Local and International), to which he dominated 24 of these. He will be having his next competition in Korea come second week of September 2014.

But there is more to Judo than the honor it has brought him and the country. It actu-ally served as a bridge for the “happy ever after” of the love story between him and his then-crush-now-turned-Mrs. Ramirez, Nikky (thanks to their friend and text messag-ing). The couple now has a six year-old son, Amiel John (a photocopy if his father by the way), who, at his young age, is also a medalist in Judo. Also, Gilbert now works as an office staff of the Philippine Air Force. He also wishes for a Judo club in Marikina, to which he expressed his support and willingness to mentor would-be students.

JUD

O A

CH

IEVEM

ENTS

Other side of a Judo champion

2013 27th Southeast Asian Games Judo Championship - 1st Place-Myanmar Pre- Southeast Asian Games Judo Championship - 1st Place - Myanmar2011 26th Southeast Asian Games 3rd Place - Palembang, Indonesia Participant - Abu Dhabi2009 25th Southeast Asian Games 3rd Place - Vientienne, Laos2008 Philippine International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Open - 1st Place- Manila Asian Judo Championships Participant - Jeju, Korea2007 24th Southeast Asian Games 5th Place - Ratchasima, Thailand Thailand International Judo Championship 2nd Place- Thailand2006 15th Asian Games - Participant- Doha Qatar 15th Vietnam International Judo Championship 2nd Place - Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam Thailand International Judo Championship 5th Place - Chantabury, Thailand2005 23rd Southeast Asian Games 1st Place - Mandaue, Cebu City, Philippines Asian Judo Championships - 7th Place Philippine International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Open 1st Place - Manila2004 Korea Open Judo Championship Participant - Jeju City, South Korea 2003 22nd Southeast Asian Games 1st Place - Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Be sure to visit the wide variety of hidey-holes this avenue has to offer. Several banks, restaurants, gas stations and automotive shops can also be found here. In the evening, Gil Fernando transforms from an ideal family bonding destination into the ultimate venue for gimmicks, dates and chill-out spots in Marikina as the series of bars and restaurants gears up for the nightlife.

You can cruise via transportation, although we would definitely suggest walking. Walking while holding hands, while eating, while talking – any way you want to walk, walk. It’s as healthy as it is a great way to bond and browse the avenue while picking a place where you and your friends, fam-ily, companion or self can hangout.

Its next main intersection is Sumulong Highway where you will find Bluewave Mar-

quinton Mall and Robinsons Supermarket. Turning right from Sumulong Highway will

lead to Vista Valley subdivision, Marikina Valley Medical Center and the Katipunan

Sumulong extension which is a shortcut leading to SSS Village, Marikina Heights and Parang. Turning left from Sumulong

Highway leads to “Bayan” where City Hall, Marikina Sports Center, Amang Rodriguez

Medical Center, Marikina Riverpark and the City Market are within close range.

Moving forward will lead to City Engi-neering Offices, and streets heading towards

Paliparan, Concepcion Uno and Concepcion Dos and several neighborhoods such as

Goodrich Village and Oro Vista Subdivision. In Sumulong Highway you will find

Bluewave Marquinton. This main road is also the route of public transportation such

as the Marikina Bus Line heading to San Mateo and the Cubao-Montalban jeepneys

and Tamaraw FXs headed to Montalban. Recently, the Fairview-Cainta jeep route also passes through Gil Fernando heading to the

Batasan Road in San Mateo.

Photo was taken over the footbridge along Marcos Hiway

HAPAG KAINAN SA MARIKINA 645-3630/645-5460

TAPSI NI VIVIAN AT BULALOHAN 645-0125tapsinivivian1984@gmail.com

PAPAJEKS MARIKINA681-8755

WOLLY WINKLEwww.facebook.com/WollyWinkle

TAMAMANG’SRESTAURANT 6451554

BACOLOD Chk-n-BBQ HOUSE948-5326/490-7777

OLO’S TOUCH CAFE#6 G. Fernando, Sto. Niño, 696-9028

ZEN TEAUnit 12 Cordova Tower Marquinton

ALEXEI’S DINER & CAFE9014674

OKU WELLNESS & CAFEnear Landmark Bank

TAPSILOGAN VENUE387-9626

CRISTY’S PANCITAN+6324701976

AUNTIE’S BAKESHOP645 354

TEA’S UPGil Fernando Avenue, San Roque

BITE BREW IN THE EVENING682-8603

PLANET PIZZA703-4908 / 9193716

QUINA PASTRY SHOP37 Dragon St., Midtown Subd.401 2829

TIYO’S CUISINE29 Almond Nut St. 646 0576

CALIS Grill & BistroG. Fernando Ave., San Roque09178432198

MANGYAN REPUBLIC0920 388 0782

KAF CASUAL DINING#12 Redwood St.369-6454

BEACH HOUSE BAR & GRILL0932 385 0014

CAFENIU# 47 Dragon St. cor. Gil Fernando(At the Back of BDO Gil Fernando)

HAP CHAN RESTAURANT477-5955

BEEFALO0920 388 0782

Specially designated for businesses, commercial use, en-tertainment and amusement, Gil Fernando Avenue is one of the top places to visit in Marikina.

This one of the major thoroughfares in Marikina was formerly known as Angel Tuazon St., Gil Fernando Avenue’s complete name is Mayor Gil Fernando Avenue. The avenue starts at Marcos Highway leading in to the heart of the city. The avenue was named after Gil Fernando, former mayor of Marikina City and father of the former mayor Bayani Fernando.

MARIKINA CATHOLIC SCHOOLCRESTO TRADING CORP.

CITYCAR MARIKINA INC. TIME FOREIGN TRADE

INTERIOR PLAZA POT OF GOLD DISCO

STAR PALACE SUPER CLUBSILVERSTONE GARDEN

SUNRISE POKERST IV DISCO & KTV

INTEGRATED SCHOOL FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

SANSE’S GARDEN

Others

TUTTI FRUTTI 655-8801

SSS-MARIKINA645-7667 681-6261 645-4070

2F WRCC BldgG. Fernando Ave.

234-0996

703-2090

CHERRY MOBILESERVICE CENTERG. Fernando Ave. (beside Landbank)

0922 882 2786

SPORTSYARD

HOLCIM645-6028

MANILADOCTORS661-6869369-3976

Make it MARIKINA 9

One main artery of Marikina CityGil Fernando Avenue:

Wellness

Auto Shops

Banks

SKYHIGH FITNESS682 8943

KUTIS FILIPINA, INC.0917 503 8784

ZU FOOT & BODY SPA+639328702810+632676942

Maryland 1 Bldg. G. Fernando Ave. cor

Estrador St.

POSHNAILS2/F Maryland One Bldg.

399-5550 550202

NUAT THAI FOOT & BODY MASSAGE377-5623

2/F G. FERNANDO AVE. MARIKINA CITY

HAN’S SPA 400-9509

HONDAUnits 3 & 4, Marikina East Center

MG SQUARE382-5635

RAPIDE933-1564

YOKOHAMA647-5561, 470-1688369-6636

REPAIR SERVICE647-5561, 470-1688369-6636

MICKEY CAR AIRCONDITION682 2632

CUSTOM CONNECTIONLot 2A G. Fernando Ave.

796-4815

M.S.E. AUTO DETAILINGOLO’S TOUCH AUTO DETAILINGXTREME AUTO CENTERJOLET JAOK92 AUTO REFINISHCITY CAR MARIKINA INC.AUTOHUB, INC.

RAE ELECTRICAL SHOPG. Fernando Ave.

Tel: 645-9809

BANTUG CAR AIRCONG. Fernando Ave.

668-2282/645-1857645-4719369-6878

MAC-7 AUTO SERVICE

Mayor Del De Guzman delivered his State of the City Address on January 29 at the Marikina Convention Center. He lauded the city’s accom-plishments that resulted to gaining of the follow-ing awards: Top Three Cities in the Philippines in Economic Dynamism (given by National Com-petitive Council), Top Ten Most Competitive in the Philippines (given by National Competitive Council) and the KALASAG Award as 2nd Best in Highly Urbanized City in Disaster Risk Re-duction and Management (given by the Office of Civil Defense and DILG)

These are some of the important accomplish-ments in the past year.

In the field of Administrative and Social Gov-ernance, Marikina has successfully launched the citywide and barangay level validation of the results of Community-Based Monitoring Sys-tem (CBMS). This produced for the first time a source of reliable data that can be used in the true participatory and consultative city planning

and outlining timely programs and projects. The printing and distribution of Citizen’s Charter as a guide on the services of the city government serves as proof of our serious delivery of trans-parent and client-friendly services. The 50% dis-count on real property tax enabled to produce enough funds for the Special Education Fund (SEF) to fulfill the needs in the public schools. The two public schools, Marikina High School and Concepcion Elementary School were also included in the 34 model schools in the whole country to be the pilot of Continuous Improve-ment Program under the Total Quality Manage-ment in Basic Education Project of the Depart-ment of Education.

In the field of Social Services, the City Social Welfare and Development Office has recorded 7,332 beneficiaries in the Pantawid Pamilya Pili-pino Program (4Ps) with the assistance of the DSWD-NCR. The Children-in-Conflict-with-the-Law (CICL) Center was also inaugurated

and launched from the 25 million fund incen-tives that was given to the city being one of the four LGUs of Metro Manila that was given a Good Housekeeping Seal by DILG. The city also distributed a total of 3,925 PhilHealth ID and Membership Data Record (MDR).

In the field of Economy, Sapatos Festival 2013 was launched and the yearly Shoe Caravan in the Metro Manila LGUs, malls and near business centers that on the last count earned 45 million pesos or 92, 585 pairs of shoes. The city complet-ed the replacement of lights in our public market from sodium lights to high efficiently LED lights. The LRPESO listed a total of 5,115 registered applicants on the previously held quarterly job fairs. Records show that BPLO has listed 2, 313 new businesses registered, 13, 201 renewed while 649 were already closed. This is a proof that we encouraged additional investors. The Gross Rev-enue Collection in the year 2013 reached 1. 743 billion, this is again despite of the 50% reduction

In the field of Peace, Order and Security, 100 CCTV cameras were installed on strategic places of the city together with the creation of one state-of the-art Command Center in Marikina City Health Office’s 2nd floor that will be fully operational this year. The Text Blast Equipment is also working that has the abil-ity to send text messages on whatever brand of cellphone within the 500-meter radius. In the field of Environment, Marikina-Brampton Friendship Park was repaired and the Knights of Co-lumbus Park, Cityhood Park, Korean Park were made togeth-er with other open spaces. The planting of 6,000 seedlings of hardwood species and 1,000 samplings of robusta coffee for the regreening and rehabilitation of the Marikina Watershed with the help of DENR, some big companies, universities, NGOs and civic groups. The city maintained 100% garbage collection ef-ficiency in the whole year. The successful launching of the City-hood Fun Ride that was witnessed by 750 bicycle enthusiasts is a proof of the city being bicycle and environmental friendly. Marikina was also chosen to be the host of the 2nd International River Summit that will be held on the month of November 2014 in Marikina Convention Center.

In the field of health, the city achieved the following distinct awards: Red Orchid Award of DOH about the Anti-Smoking Campaign; 2013 Most Outstanding Healthy Lifestyle Advocate; Champion for Health Governance Award and Outstanding Botika ng Barangay 2013. The building of the Balubad Health Center and Lying-in Clinic and the Tumana Health Center are also underway.

10 Make it MARIKINA Make it MARIKINA 11

THINKING BIG, ACCOMPLISHING CONTINUOUS PROGRESS

The successful launching of the Cityhood Fun Ride thatwas witnessed by 750 bicycle enthusiasts

Mayor Del, while reporting his accomplished servicesfor the year 2013 in front of the Marikina citizens

The inaugurated CICL Building

The renovated Marikina-Brampton Friendship Park

Launching the citywide and barangay level validation of the results of Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS)

In the year 2014, the infrastructure projects that we will be funding are the following: New City Hall, PLMar Building-Phase II, Legislative Building-Phase II, CICL Building-Phase II, Manpower De-velopment Center, Multi-Purpose Covered Gyms at Fortune and Marikina Heights, City Children’s Library, Double Arm Twenty Nine Units High Mast at Katipunan Street, Concepcion Uno, Flood Con-trol at Concepcion Creek, Balubad Health Center, Road and Roadside Improvement in different Ba-rangays.

To fully deliver these privileged services for the Marikeños, the city government will be launching the Serbisyo Coupon – a creative strategy that will be led by the General Services Office. This Ser-bisyo Coupon will be a ticket for Marikeños have the FREEBIES and DISCOUNTED services from different department or offices in the local govern-ment.

In the field of Pagawaing-Bayan, pumping stations at Green Street, Concepcion and at Riv-erside Drive in Provident Village are already for operational. This is a big help on preventing high water level during heavy rainfall on the said plac-es. The Phase I of the new Legislative Building was already finished. The construction of the new Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina that has 6 floors and 72 classrooms was already started. New engineering equipment like long-arm back-hoe, telehandler, bobcat and ten-wheeler dump truck, aerial basket and dredging machine will also be coming. All of these were accomplished regardless of our lack on the financial aspect because of the continuous implementation of the 50% reduction on real property taxes.

Meanwhile, some of the important events in the field of legislation are the first-ever live streaming of the paperless session of the council last July 24. This is historical on its aim to give access to the Councilors on the legislative docu-ments in digital form. The following ordinances were also passed: the creation of City Veterans Affairs Office (CVAL); approval of the Revised Senior Citizens Code; adopting of the Marikina Revenue Code; empowering of the implementa-tion of the Tuberculosis Control Program, and the guarantee of all applicants of business and building permits including the construction and repair works will first get Public Liability Insur-ance.

12 Make it MARIKINA Make it MARIKINA 13

Included in the Legislative Agenda for 2014 that we will recommend in the Legislative are the fol-lowing: further empowerment of the Shoe Industry together with the construction of the Shoe Trade Center, investigation on buildings and facilities in the whole city to ensure their structural integrity, allocation of additional equipment and other help to further strengthen the ability of our policemen, and giving of incentives to the residents who will give critical information in arresting the criminals especially those who is involved in drugs.

According to Mayor Del De Guzman, this 2014, Marikina will continue to dream. “We will continue to pursue and we will continue to feel the presence of the government for 24 hours. We will continue the implementation of the 7K Program; and we will also continue to give priority to educa-tion, health, and economy.”

The on-going construction of Balubad Health Center and Lying-in Clinic

Mayor Del inspected the on-going construction of Concepcion creek

The new “Timbangan ng Bayan” is tested and inspected by the three heads of Marikina City

Participants are excited to run while waiting for the“go” signal for Tour de Takong (stiletto race)

Digital traffic lights are installed around the city to prevent boredomamong motorists

The final touch construction of PLMAR Building

Vice- Mayor Cadiz, opened the regular weekly session

DEL League 2013 made Marikina Sports Center basketball gym jampacked with basketball enthusiasts

Inauguration of new PLMAR Building Phase I

14 Make it MARIKINA

From shoemaking to baking

Gibson’s Shoe Factory Inc. is a 100% Fili-pino owned shoe manufacturing company located in Marikina City, the shoe capital of the Philippines. The company has a proud 67-year heritage of providing uniform footwear for the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. In the mid-1940’s, Gibson was established and founded by couple Gavino Cruz and Ramona Salvador as a mere casual shoemaker. From the production of casual shoes, Gibson’s in the early 70’s diversified its operation to venture into the field of military shoemaking.

In 1974, the company was passed on to their daughter Leonor Andres in Marikina City. The company was then renamed as Gibson’s Shoe Enterprises, which was accredited by the Department of National Defense the following year, 1975, as one of its suppliers of Goodyear welted shoes and Direct Molded Soled (DMS) combat boots. From the production of casual shoes, Gibson’s diversified its operation to ven-ture into the field of military shoemaking.

To date, the company has four manufacturing plants all situated in Marikina City Philippines. It is by far the most technologically advanced

shoe manufacturer in uniform footwear in the Philippines having cutting edge technology for shoe making such as DESMA Direct Injec-tion Sole Molding Machine from Germany (18 stations), RO-SEARCH Vulcanizing Machine from USA, Electro-Hydra Lasting Machines from Germany and Goodyear Welt Stitching Machine from USA.

For more than 38 years already, Gibson’s has been a prime supplier to the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines supplying MIL-SPECS Tropical Combat Boots, Hot Weather and Dress Shoes, (Clarino) Hi-gloss.

Gibson’s shoes, specifically combat boots and PU, hi-gloss (clarion) dress shoes, is the foot-gear of choice by the men and women of the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, Philippine Marines, Philip-pine National Police and the cadets of the Philippine Military Academy, Philippine Merchant Marine Military Academy and

the Philippine National Police Academy. The company also supplies military footwear products to other law enforcement and security personnel, ROTC cadets and other AFP/PNP uniform retailers.

Gibson’s proudly enjoys being the most recognized name in uniform footwear by the Philippine Federation of Footwear Industries and Gibson’s proudly enjoys being the most recognized name in uniform footwear by the Philippine Federation of Footwear Industries.

Tougher Than The Usual

One can only admire the resiliency of Filipinos. Here in Marikina, almost each and everyone has, in one way or another, stood witness to the hardiness and adaptability of its citizens.

During the deterioration of the shoe industry way back then, a woman by the name of Josephine Po, was one of the shoemak-ers distressed by the declining popularity of Marikina-made shoes. But rather sulking in the debris of her former business, the strong-willed Marikenya stared failure in the eye, and, just like a phoenix, rose from the ashes of the past and …baked.

Yes. She baked. The shoemaker studied baking and became good at it that

later, she gave life to her masterpiece --- Perfect Moments. After Josephine’s demise in 2013, her brother, Jose Po, man-

aged their business. Perfect Moments boasts cakes and pastries designed by

their artists, Jhen De Pedro and Kenneth Pasilio, which is then adroitly crafted into existence by the hands of Sally Delos Reyes --- an assurance that the quality of your wedding cake, child’s birthday cake or simple guilty pleasures are works of art.

Sally later studied culinary under Heny Sison with which she later contributed her new acquired skill to the menu of Perfect Moments. Apart from the delectable Red Velvet, Chocolate, Carrot, Mandarin Orange, Smores, Sansrival, Fruity Carrot and Blueberry Cheesecake cakes they serve, she added a touch of Italy and Vietnam to the list through her brick-oven baked pizza, Banh Mi sandwich and Vietnamese Coffee (Don’t forget about their “Cookies on stick”, Lollicakes, Russian Tea cook-ies and their all-natural Raspberry juice!).

Perfect Moment makes your moment perfect.

Once a year, everyone is painting the town red. Restaurants, parks and movie houses are being filled with people dating. Yes, people who used to give flowers, chocolates, teddy bears are very generous during the love month of February.

But have you tried doing the unusual during this season? Instead of dating your boyfriend or girlfriend, go on a date with your family. Instead of painting the walls red, let’s make it more colorful by sharing beautiful smiles and greet-ings to everyone a “Happy Hearts’ Month”. Instead of giving the usual stuffs, why don’t you send cards with personal message saying how much you love that special person. It’s cheezy, right? And to make it more fun, why go on a group date with your friends (especially when you’re alone during this season)? It’s love month, loving yourself would be the best thing to do first before loving others.

Yes, Valentine’s Day may be meant to be celebrated by couples in love. But you can always break that rule and still have fun. Valentine’s Day is celebrated because love is always present. Aside from Christmas, this is the best time to spread and show your love, not only to your special someone, but to your parents, siblings, relatives and friends.

A piece of advice: The cheapest way to show your love for someone is simply by saying “I love you”.

Many people say that love is a complicated thing. It may be for Valentine’s Day, Heart’s Day, Cupid’s Day or whatever you want to call it, but what’s impor-tant is that the season of love wasn’t really meant to be defined, it must be felt.

Love is all around!

Make it MARIKINA 15

Horse: Born in 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930, 1918The year of the horse means there is leadership asso-ciated with this sign this year, so your authority may increase, according to Ng. However, the impulsive be-haviour of the horse can lead to recklessness, so stay away from gamblingand speculations.

Rat: Born in 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936, 1924The rat is in opposition this year, so this could mean losing some mon-ey this year. However, the rat sign is generally lucky, which can help keep you out of trouble.

Tiger: Born in 2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938, 1926This should be a good year for tigers, accord-ing to Ng. It could bring luck, joy, ro-mance, spirituality and learning opportunities.

Rabbit: Born 2011, 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927This will be a year of ro-mance and controversy, with lots of happiness everywhere for rabbits. Just be careful about your non-romantic re-lationships with others.

Dragon: Born in 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, 1928This should be a good year for dragons, as horses and dragons to-gether have great ener-gy. Health and wealth abound.

Snake: Born in 2013, 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929Last year was a year of conflict for the snake, says Ng, so this year is a money year.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.ca

Ox: Born in 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925The ox is in conflict with the horse, which could mean arguments with other people this year, says Ng. However, the ox is a sign of au-thority, potentially sig-nifying promotions.

Dog: Born in 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, 1934, 1922This should be a lucky year for dogs, notes Ng. Everything from work and investments to re-lationships are on the upswing.

Sheep or Goat: Born in 2003, 1991, 1979 ,1967, 1955, 1943, 1931, 1919This is a “connecting” year for you, says Ng. Take advantage of your good relationships with other people, particu-larly for male sheep.

Monkey: Born in 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944, 1932, 1920It’s important for the monkey to spread them-selves around in order to gain success this year, says Ng, either travelling or moving.

Boar or Pig: Born in 2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, 1935, 1923Get ready for a great year, says Ng — you’ll make friends, have breakthroughs in busi-ness and be surrounded by help. However, this all will need some effort at the beginning.

Rooster: Born in 2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, 1933, 1921This is gearing up to be a big year for roosters, ac-cording to Ng. There are many opportunities for your work or business, but your personal rela-tionships might be vola-tile. Rely on your friends for help.