Only From Marikina: “Salitang” Marikeño
Marikeños are unique people with a very rich culture. Part of their contribution to the Philippine heritage are these terminologies or “salita” or katawagan” that is truly from Marikina:
(Source: Balitang Komunidad, April-July 2008 Edition)
“Pareng Tonyo, palitan mo na nga itong kakarag-karag mong sasakyan at nagtitingarok na!”
More Marikeño Terms Introduced by Spinning Lovely Days
This term refers to person washing the dishes or naghuhugas ng pinggan in tagalog. See this: “Puntahan mo si Ena sa kusina, nag-uurong siya ng pinggan.”
Marikeños uses this term to tell someone to get ready or ready some things, another term in tagalog is maghanda. Example: “Magbasta ka nang dadalhin natin mamaya sa handaan.”
I love this term. My blogger friends and I even made it the name of our newest blog www.salamyaan.com. This term means a makeshift hut used as a hangout; usually located beside an equally makeshift basketball courts back in the ’80s. It is called tambayan in the modern day. Sample of a sentence using this term is: “Anak, puntahan mo nga sa salamyaan ang tatay mo.”
Karam is another term for rugby, liquid adhesive usually used in making or fixing shoes. For example: “Pakidikitan nga ng karam ang sapatos ko, nakaangat na eh.”
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A Marikenya Reader’s Dilemma
Sincerely, I’m very happy to know that this site has helped you in some way in coping with your dilemmas. I hope that by posting your letter, our readers may be able to provide some sort of assistance also to you and your problems.
Marikenya,
Hi again! I love reading your blogs. It takes away 800 kilograms of (emotional) load off my shoulders. You see, I am a parent of two, my eldest is now an 8 year old schoolboy, and my baby is now 9 months. Recently, we have been liberated from our predicament of paying for special milk (more expensive than gold!) because we were able to shift to a much much cheaper milk without my baby having any dreadful reactions. That is a burden evaporated! My son, actually my stepson who I’ve had since he was just 2, is in Grade 2 now. He has been “diagnosed” with Mild ADHD. After the early years of complicated arrangements and emotional chaos in relation with his biological mother, I have been faced with yet another turmoil. With all the physical strain from taking care of a baby, and all the stress from daily life, everyday is a struggle. I feel like I am at the brink of breaking down everyday. Are there therapy centers which offer affordable Occupational Therapy sessions? As much as we would like to help him with therapy (which will ease the way for overcoming the ADHD), we simply cannot afford it! Are there also any support groups for parents who may be going through the same ordeal? Hope you could help. Thanks in advance!Ann
A Marikenya Reader’s Notes
It feels good when readers of Marikenya take time to write and give their feedback about the site. Let me share with you this mail I have received from a reader, Prof. Gayondato.
Hello Mhel,
I chance upon your website while doing my research on Social Sustainability - Case Study on Metro Manila in general and Marikina in particular - and of course, the common denominator - Hon. Bayani Fernando.
The site is great. I commend your creative genius and sincere tribute to the land which you cherish and the man who made Marikina’s vision a reality.
I am a great fan as well of your development icon. First, because I was once involved in the development programs of Metro Manila (as MMC staff and land use zoning coordinator for Makirika-Pasig-QC circa late 1970s) and secondly because I have witnessed the passionate transformation of Marikina city as an urban sustainable development model.
I have chosen to write you in your yahoo address to send you as well some photographs taken by my son, Raymond Joseph T. Gayondato (you can catch his photos at rawrage.multiply.com). I’m mighty proud that he was able to capture these beautiful sights of Marikina bridge which I also have also used in my various powerpoint presentations.
I am presently connected as Faculty Member of Colombo Plan Staff College, an inter-governmental organization of 20 member countries, based at the DepEd (former University of Life) complex in Pasig City.
Thanks and more power!
Sincerely,
Prof. TJ Tesoro Gayondato
I remember Prof. TJ from the international forum on Poverty Alleviation I attended at DepEd Compound last year, she was one of the moderators of the forum. I’m really flattered to hear from her. My next Marikina Peek edition would contain his son’s photos of the Marikina bridge so watch out for it.
(You may send your messages, feedback, or suggestions to Marikenya via the contact form or by sending me an email at marikenya@yahoo.com)
A Letter of Concern from a Marikenya Reader
I have received a letter from a Marikenya reader, Ms. Mylene de Leon, also a Marikina resident. I have posted it to reach the Marikina City Government and to create awareness for Marikeños, particularly those living in the area of SSS Village in Concepcion Dos.
We would like to seek your help in raising the awareness of our city government on the series of crimes happening within our vicinity in Olive St SSS Village Marikina City. (Creek side)
Just recently, one of our neighbors who had just gone home from her night duty in a call center, was sexually abused inside their home when gang men, forcibly (knife point) followed her entering their home. Previous to that, there have been series of reports of heinous crimes (rape, robbery, hold up within the vicinity of Olive St.) The incident happened when the city government decided to reclaim the government area along the creek side of Phase 2 Concepcion Dos Olive St.
The Government had cemented the area and work on a bike lane. Though the intentions of the government may be good but this just opened more exit doors for unscrupulous people to easily get away of their evil schemes.
The Government had installed lightings however, these were busted, cable wires were already taken by unscrupulous people. We requested that the city government do a regular patrolling within the vicinity and also, kindly INSTALL FENCE along the creek side to prevent entry of Non-resident of Marikina to pass by in the area.and mark as a boundary between Marikina City and Cainta.
Please do something to apprehend those unscrupulous people to bring back PEACE AND ORDER in our area. We do need your Help. Hope this will merit your attention. (It did Mylene. Let us hope it would merit the attention of the local government too.)
Wanna Know If “Taga-Marikina Ka?”
I have first read this article years back when I was researching for materials for the souvenir brochure for the Ka-Angkan festival of Marikina. Thank goodness for Bands, a fellow member of MarikinaValley forum, for posting it and reminding me how good it is to publish here in Marikenya site. The article was written in Filipino and my apology to those who does not understand this language. I can’t translate it for two reasons: I don’t have the authority to do so and I’m afraid I’d alter the thoughts (or pakahulugan) of the author.
TAGA MARIKINA KA
Sinulat ni Rodolfo S. dela Paz
source: River City Gazette Vol.II No. 1, February 20, 2000, Marikina CityTaga Marikina: Ipinanganak sa Marikina, taal na taga Marikina, tubong Marikina, nakatira sa Marikina. Kahit saan man naroroon maging sa abroad, hindi nalilimutan ang Marikina, nasa puso ang Marikina.
Taga Marikina-maputi, makinis at medyo singkit ang mata, pustura, maporma, mapagbiro, masayahin, mabulaklak ang dila. Sa madaling salita, mapagmura, bukang bibig mo, “Putang ‘na mo!”. Taga Marikina: mahilig kumain, mamasyal, magpiknik, magbasketball, makipagkuwentuhan. Sabi nga: “Mawalan na ng isang kalabaw, huwag lang ng isang huntahan”.
Kung taga Marikina ka, mahilig kang kumain ng pansit, goto at tokwa. Kapag umuulan o araw ng Biyernes, ang ulam mo, munggo at kung Linggo, nilagang manok. Kung taga Marikina ka ang tawag mo sa matamis na sawsawan ng lumpia ay maalat. Kung taga Marikina ka, mahilig kang magsugal; tumataya sa lotto, karera, nagsasabong, nagpupusoy, tong-its, bingo, monte, sakla, ending at siyempre pa, jueteng.
Taga Marikina ka kung marunong kang gumawa ng sapatos pero laging nakatsinelas, nakabihis nang maganda kahit walang pera. Taga Marikina ka kung ang bati mo sa kakilala o kaibigan ay hindi “Hi” o “Hello” kundi “Saan ka galing?” o “Saan ka pupunta?” Taga Marikina ka kaya nag-aral ka sa Roosevelt o sa MSAT. Kung nag-aral ka sa Marikina, alam mo ang Central, annex No. 1 at annex No. 2. Love mo si “Little Ana”, si Miss Mendoza. Kilala mo si Mrs. Mesina, si Miss Victorino at Mrs. Zamora. Kilala mo rin si Mr. Trinidad, Mr. Santos, Miss del Rosario, Mrs. Chanyungco at si Maestrong Porong.
Taga Marikina ka kung alam mo ang ibig sabihin ng “naghalo ang balat sa tinalupan, “sagot sa huli”, lamuan, salang bayan, salamyaan, anunciata, zebra, ampay kaban, hiwas, ditchoy, bankilya.
Taga Marikina ka kung nakapanood ka sa Cine Bayan, Lion, Mari at Valley, kaya alam mo ang palko, kabit at ala-berde. Naghawak ka ba ng kateplak? Umahon ka ba sa Antipolo? Sumakay ka ba sa Marikina Valley? Sa NGI? sa Happy Valley? sa Marikina Bus? Kumain ka ba kay Aling Petra? Kay Doro? kay Justina? sa La Pacita? kay Tabio?
Naligo ka ba sa ilog? nagnakaw ng singkamas sa tumana? nanuro, naglaro sa baha? namalaka, naglimas, nagmaya? nagsalon sa Riverview, sa Rolando’s, o nag-outing sa Balara at Villa Lolita? Kung hindi mo alam ito o hindi mo ito naranasan, baka hindi ka taga Marikina.
Taga Marikina kapag alam mo kung saan ang Daang Bakal, dairy, oval, patindig-araw, balubad, lambak, tayug, olandes, Ilaya, Ibayo, halang at Chorillo. Taga Marikina ka kung kilala mo ang angkan ng adobo, bangus, kamatis, ibon, kalambyang, bibe, puto, kalabaw, paminta, kulubot, daga at iba.
Kung taga Marikina ka, siyempre kilala mo si Alo, si Herman, si Terry at si Eleng-Eleng, gayundin sina Eliong taba o si Emiliong laki. Kung hindi mo sila kilala, baka kilala mo si Temyong Hudas, si Kletong P_k_, si Angel mayaman, si Mariang mahirap, si Mr. Cruz, si Kamote, si Bigote, si Pitoy.
Kung taga Marikina ka, ang tawag mo sa duktor mo, Seseng, Isaac, Juan, Ading, Eloy, Mario, Sitong, Dick, Tasyon, Luming, Itoy at Erning. Kung taga Marikina ka dapat alam ang pangalang Padre Arciaga, Father Godoy, Mons, Cruz, Fr. Ignacio at Padre Mirasol.
Taga Marikina ka, Mayor mo si BF, malinis ang lungsod mo, may River Park, may Rescue 161, walang sidewalk vendor, bawal magkalat, bawal ang hubad, bawal ang umihi at dumura. Maraming punong kahoy, maliwanag ang mga ilaw, uso ang jogging, aerobics, bowling at ballroom dancing.
Taga Marikina ka, ipinagmamalaki mo ang lahat ng ito, hinahangan ang lungsod mo. Pinupuri ka. Mabuhay ang mga taga Marikina! Mabuhay ang Marikeño. Ang taga Marikina laging sikat, mabait, masaya, masipag, matulungin, matalino, at higit sa lahat, huwag mong kalilimutan - MAYABANG!
Marikenya Reloaded. Experience It Better Now.
After some months of hoping for a makeover, the new Marikenya was finally developed — new title and tag, new theme and layout, more contents and announcements. It was more like planning and designing my new house but instead of shopping for teak furniture and consulting with an architect or an interior designer, I talk to “master” bloggers who are expert in html codes, programming languages, seo tactics, etc. Let me share with you the stages of development Marikenya’s blog has undergone…
—> The First Marikenya’s was simply a journal of my life’s experiences, learnings, triumphs and defeats which I hope to share with those who care enough to read. I called it My Freedom from Thirst. A good friend commented though that my theme’s color was dull.
—> After a while, I learned a little about designing headers and through the help of my friend neil, the site was improved with my very first customized header and with contents on Marikenya, my beloved hometown.
—> Since I was a certified kikay, I realized after some time that I wanted my blog’s design to be colorful and with a lot of widgets. I searched for the right theme, designed my new header and again seek neil’s help to upload it. I was very contented with the output and I have baptized the site “Marikenya in Full Color: Living the Different Shades of Life.”
—> Months after, I realized that my friend’s blog which was younger than mine immediately earned its page rank but my marikenya remained PR0 (page rank zero). A friend advised that I should find the niche of the site and focus only on several categories and subjects so I deleted and replaced the categories of marikenya and focused on these topics: Marikina, Education and Learning, Traveling and, Blogging. I then changed the title of the site to Journal on Places, Pieces and Praises.
—> Until finally, I leaned how to use Core FTP which is the program for uploading files like themes and images to my site (a lot of thanks to Neil and Glitch for their patience and time). At this point, I wanted a major marikenya makeover. I spent about a day looking for the perfect wordpress theme and some more hours designing the header and uploading it. Here comes the newest look of marikenya:
Marikenya.com is not just a personal blog now. It has become a way of life for me, continuously developing and updating it for the sake of the community who regularly reads it, mostly comprising of marikeños and those who experienced marikina in one way or another.
Although I’m already happy with the look of Marikenya today, I maybe changing some more attributes of the theme like colors etc. I would be very happy for suggestions and feedback on improving the layout or the contents.
To everyone, thank you again. 
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Marikenya’s One Great Love
“There is no feeling more comforting and consoling than knowing you are right next to the one you love.”
Today, I left work to spend the whole afternoon with the love of my life. Me and my Marikenyo celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary roaming quezon city, marikina and cainta. After going to the Monasterio de Sta. Clara, we went mall hopping which we don’t normally do together (I love going to the mall, he doesn’t).
We were tired and spent, but happy. Mall is not the most romantic place for celebrating anniversaries but anywhere is romantic when you are with the one you love. But in my dream, our celebration is grander. I was thinking of a second honeymoon. And since dreaming is among the few free privileges we can still afford these days, I was thinking of a really luxurious trip to barcelona or london. We would be dining, roaming and painting the town red posing as love sick honeymooners in rome, a romantic country perfect for celebrating couples. In my dream, my husband and I would be able to finally try the easy to book hotels online. I am sure my first trip abroad would be truly memorable if my Marikenyo would be there with me.
Stressed and Tired, Badly Needed a Massage
This week is such a stressful week. Physically and mentally, I’m exhausted. I forgot to mention that I’m wiped out financially, the reason why I kept on writing about my summer dreams.
One good thing about adults and matured people like me (allow me to address myself such please), when I am stressed, I don’t do drugs or get drunk. I just have two quite expensive vices though — shopping and massage therapy.
These days, even if I wanted so much to hit the mall and splurge for a spa massage, budgeting has been harder than ever with the price of rice, oil and other basic commodities going up. Anyway, for those who are spa addict like me, no need to get out of Marikina for luxurious and relaxing sessions. Here are some good spa located in our very own city, Marikina:
—> La Veranda Marikina Garden Spa, The Marikina Orchidarium Compound
#70 General Ordonez St. Marikina Heights, Marikina City, Philippines. Telephone Numbers +632 940-4811 or 941-5035. They offer Massage Therapy, Body Care, Foot Care, and Facial Care services.
—> Balneario Senses at the Marikina Hotel in Pio Del Pilar St. cor. Tangerine St., Brgy. Concepcion II, Marikina City, Philippines. Telephone Numbers +632 998 8342 to 45. Located at the Ground floor of the Hotel, the Spa room offers relaxing massage services for both in-house and walk-in guests. Open from 12:00 NN to 1:00 AM. (NO LONGER OPERATIONAL)
—> The Red Bamboo Spa at the Building K of Riverbanks Mall, Marikina, Philippines. Telephone Numbers +632 9484445. They offer massage and body care services too.
Know other spa in Marikina? Comment on this post or email me at marikenya@yahoo.com.
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Ideas for Summer 2008
The heat is still on! It’s still summer and although I’m perspiring big time whenever I’m out of the house, summer always makes me feel good. For the past years, I have always been the summer-and-water babe, this means that summer for me means swimming, pools and beaches. This summer, I’ve decided not to be out in the sun so much, I was afraid to sacrifice all my efforts to be a little whiter plus the fact that because of the effect of global warming, staying under the sun too long may result to skin cancer and the like. My summer would be ruined by spending for clinical laboratory service, no way.
For those living in Marikina, here are some summer ideas for the family, no need for an out-of-town vacation for a fun and enjoyable summer:
- Picnic at the Park. The riverpark is a long stretch, you can choose between three options: staying under the shade of kubo or huts, barangay Sto. Niño side; eating and relaxing on the cemented tables which can be found anywhere along the whole stretch of the river; and by spreading mats or picnic cloths on the ground and grass. Just this year, two birthdays in our family were celebrated at the park and we had so much fun especially the kids.
- Visiting the Mini-Zoo developed and maintained by Barangay Sto. Niño, it is located near the skating rink at the Kawayanan Area. The mini zoo have a nice collection of snakes, birds and monkeys. They also have giant statues of dinosaurs. Kids will enjoy going to the place.
- Dine and relax at the Fun-Pamilya Park. Marikina has its own version of Kainan sa Dampa. In the Riverbanks area, just across the riverbanks Gazebo, you will find a whole stretch of restaurants serving sumptuous but cheaply priced grilled food of different variety — seafood, chicken and meat. Everything that your heart desire actually. My special favorite is the food house called “Simply Me,” I love their baked tahong and grilled porkchop with lots of garlic on top. The area used to have a go-kart race track too and for 40.00 only!
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Ka-Angkan Festival Today in Marikina
Marikina’s mood is again festive today, the annual celebration of Ka-Angkan is on the roll.
The Ka-Angkan Festival or Festival of Clans started in 1999, it has always been celebrated in April during the Founding Anniversary Week of the city. The theme of the feast: Ka-Angkan Ko Mabubuting Tao [my clan members are good people]. The festival is a tribute to natives or locals of Marikina whose oldest member of the clan lived in Marikina for more than 100 years.
I remember joining the parade some years back, it was fun because of the gimmicks of the clans like street dancing and mascots. After the parade, there was a concert at the riverbanks where the Branson cabins look-alike of every clans were set-up. In their cabins or huts, you’ll see photos and memorabilia of the clans with highlight on the photos of their oldest members as well as their history. I also enjoyed the part where the clan members invite sightseers like me for a snack and even dinner. Whoopee!
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Digi-Ana: Liked your page. Very informative.
Luisa Beltran: You have a nice blog site...im learning a lot about marikina from you. Thanks for putting this up.
Oline:Hi! Love your site :) Loaded with info keep it up! :)
James: Love learning about you and your city
Tintin Rios: Nice article mhel! As always, I am indeed enjoying all the stuff that you are doing. Very honest and very inspiring. Keep it up! :)
Big Brother: Very helpful and enlightening person, always there to lend a hand whenever you’re in need… Keep it up !!! GOD Bless!!!
Zaldy: Very interesting and informative. Lovely as the author.
Kengkay: Ipagpatuloy ang pag blog tungkol sa kagandahan ng pinas… gusto ko ang mga ganitong blogs. nakakataba ng puso :)
Apple Lucero: It's wonderful, and knowledgeable. I love the beauty of marikina, continue blogging, great!
Ed Ebreo: You have a very interesting blog and an even more interesting work. Keep up the great work!
Rino: Thanks for this information. I would never have known about this. Good job and please continue to provide us with more of these…
Eclud: You surprised me mhel!!! This is great.. keep up the good work… (saka parang paganda ka ng paganda..) *From the author: "Aint this the best comment of 'em all?" :D
AnitoKid: Wow! Danda na ng Marikina! It has been a while since I last visited it! I studied at Marist School (Gr 1-6, HS 1-4). Loved your site kabayan! And I kid you not!
MyGlitch: Hi, Mhel. I salute you for promoting Marikina, the only blogger I know who truly loves her municipality.
Alvin Aljecera: Marikina is the Best in TOWN!!!
Lad Madrigal: Nakakatuwa, napaka informative at talagang helpful ang blog mo. Rating: 11 out of 10 haha.
Edelweiza: Hi der! I admire BF, too. I always see him during Cabinet events in the Palace as our office is the one in-charge of them. It’s his strong character and sincere efforts to “urbanize” the metropolis and us city dwellers that keeps me an avid fan. He belongs to a very rare breed of public officials that really walk the talk. I think he deserves all the support he can get from Filipinos. :D
Dennis: I was once a passerby, ngaun mukang magiging regular reader at “avid fan” na din! hahaha!
Ericc: Congrats to this wonderful website! it’s a good advocacy for responsible citizenship and good city governance! all the best to marikina!
Heidelyn A. Camaligan: We are so lucky living here at Marikina, werein lots of educational training are offered.
Islander: Wow! grabe na talaga ang marikina. beyond the legend na kayo. pano pa kami makakahabol nyan? hehe. Alamat!
Reign: I used to pass by Marikina since i’m just 40 minutes drive away from Antipolo but I never thought of these great facts about your lovely place. You’re a sure proud marikeña.
Lotus Flower: Happy Marikina Day to you. Aren’t you glad to be part of this quaint but definitely bustling and progressive city? I am :-)
Meeh: Maituturing na ang marikina ay nakilala sa paggawa ng mga dekalidad na sapatos na nagdala sa ating lugar upang makilala sa ibang panig ng pilipinas at sa ibang bansa…at ipinagmamalaki ko na ako ay isang marikenya…mabuhay!
Tapsiboy: Marikina is my happy and comfort place.
Spinning Lovely Days: I’m so glad there are so many interesting places to check out in our city now. with gas getting so expensive, i’m all for limiting our explorations within marikina. :D as always, thanks for all the wonderful tips.:)
Mera: Ang ganda naman ng lahat ng nakapost dito sa site mong marikenya Ms.Mhel…more of it were very inspirational.interesting and educational…just keep it and godbless u!
Abby: Hi. I'm glad i chanced upon this really interesting blog. i'm from marikina too. we’ve been living here for more than a year now. i'm super excited about your list. you see, hubby and i frequent eating spot in town. we are, still in search for the perfect crispy pata. a lot of my friends say you can find it here.
CallCenterGal: Thanks for the additional tips on improving one’s blog in simple, doable ways.
Sagada Philippines: I like your niche. More power to your blog! =)