Daytrip in Marikina

Whenever there's a short holiday or a long weekend, people usually travel to the north to sightsee in Baguio, surf in La Union, or go to Subic beaches, or to the south to chill in Tagaytay, visit the lakes of Laguna, or snorkel and dive in Batangas. To avoid possible heavy traffic and to try out something different, we decided to head on east this time - to the Shoe Capital of the Philippines.

Here's how you can spend a day in Marikina for less than a thousand pesos.

Sample itinerary in Marikina:

9:00 Breakfast in James Dean Cafe

10:00 Tour Book Museum

12:00 Lunch in Pan de Amerikana

14:00 Have fun in Philippine Science Centrum

16:30 Visit Museum of Miniatures

17:30 Chill in Riverbanks

18:30 Buy something from the Outlet stores



James Dean Café

Located in 127 Dao Street, Marikina Heights, James Dean Café is a small restaurant housing a number of James Dean collections.

Pretty awesome designs and collection

The menu is not extensive though. They only serve hotdogs, burgers, coffee and milkshakes. A meal's cost per person would range from Php 150 to to PhP 300.

I'm not sure if we just came at the wrong time and date (a holiday) but the staff doesn't seem to be paying attention. We came in and seated ourselves and it took time for someone to hand us the menu and take our orders. We also had instructions about our burgers and hotdogs that were noted down but for whatever reason weren't followed, and our ordered soda was not in stock and we were not even advised until we followed it up after almost having finished our food. The taste was just okay, but nothing fancy.

Philippine Science Centrum

Science was that one subject that's always pulled down my grade. I find it hard to memorize not just concepts, theories, and formulas but also perform actual experiments. But if I'd only known a place like this, I may have appreciated the subject more.

It's been a decade since we last visited this place, but I can still remember having lots of fun in this interactive science museum. The current rate as of this writing is Php 150, Php 75 for senior citizens. The rate is good for an hour and a half, but you can extend for another Php 75 per additional hour.

Most of the exhibits are still the same, and the place still isn't fully air-conditioned. But if you can handle the heat, we bet you can still have lots of fun.

Here are some of my favorite exhibits:

Steady Hand Game

The Human Gyro Ride

Experience what it was like to be Sandra Bullock in the Gravity

Tesla Coil

Come Race with Me

Record your time and see if you can beat Filipina former track and field athlete Ms. Elma Muros-Posada. 

The Wonder House

Won't spoil the fun! Not for those who easily gets dizzy though

Fun way to learn about Insulators & Conductors

Distorted Room

The only room where I can be a giant

Watch Me Pedal

Pedal and see the parts of your skeletal system at work

It's quite unfortunate that this exhibit was out of order, along with other machines that are either broken or under maintenance. But the hour we spent was still so much fun! Other favorite features of mine are the Anti-gravity Mirror, Ring Bubbles, Frozen Shadow, Colored Shadow, Head on a Platter, Power of Reflection, Van De Graaf,  and Plasma Sphere.

Pan De Amerikana

Have you always wanted to dine out in a cozy place?
With features of Sampaguita Pictures' artists, huge chess board and pieces, and other artistic wooden furniture and designs, Pan De Amerikana, just might be the place you're looking for. Serving mostly Filipino dishes, you can feel relaxed in the ambiance mostly of wooden and antique designs. And be sure to try their pandesal.

Note though that there are two branches and the upside down designed restaurant is located in Katipunan, not in Marikina.


Riverbanks Mall, Center and Amphitheater

Before you spend the rest of your budget on discounted shoes and bags, you can roam around the Riverbanks, go and chill for awhile at the amphitheater, and be at peace with the river's scenery, a clear blue sky and birds' flying.

What makes this trip more amazing? It was like relieving my US Trip exactly a year ago ~ In&Out, California Science Center, and outlet stores!!!