It did not take even a week for me to crack and spazz the usual spazz — wanting so much to see the event with my own eyes and shooting to my heart’s delight. I simply love it when Marikina does this. And it gets even better because my city has once again promoting what it does best: Shoe Production!
So today, me and my friend Chesca started our adventure by walking along Calumpang road (aka JP Rizal st.) towards where one of the venues was. The weather was great, the breeze was picking up… it was a best day to see and document!
But first, I’d happily commend the creative strategies Marikina did to promote the event. If I’m not mistaken, this be a Guerrilla style of advertising which worked just wonderful!
(Introductory banners along Dong Juan Sumulong Ave. with arrows navigating people to where the venues were. There was “Elegant,” “World Class,” “Affordable,” — proud traits of Marikina shoes!)
There were the “paper bag” displays around Plazas with the details of the event — the title, the venues and how long the event would run (until December 2012, ladies and gentlemen).
And there were foot prints of their tagline, Walk This Way, on the pavement starting from the Marikina Bridge running to JP Rizal st. (and Shoe Ave, if I’m not mistaken?). One could not simply miss these since it was painted hugely and artistically; I literally smiled the first time I saw it.
Arriving at the venue (at the Patio Del Zapateros), we were greeted by merriment of visitors and attentive store keepers. I actually quite liked the fact that there were Marikina Officers around the place, a mini stage with a screen (for entertainment, I’mma sure), free seats and table and really spacious (and mighty clean!) area to go around.
I also noticed that there were selective local brands outside and have their own stalls while others were inside another building. I think these local brands do a rotational exposure: 10 selected brands would have a chance to showcase their works on a bigger and noticeable outdoor area and then the next 10 would do the same, after a certain period of time. I’m just guessing really.
(the other local brands found inside the building. There were so many! I couldn’t go around with the amount of visitors inside. Heh. Heh.)
A small section of the venue where they placed historical details and facts regarding the blooming of shoe production here at Marikina plus photos.
Oh. Whoever thought of that, “Shoe-Kat ka!” and “Shoe-per star of the Week!” I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE. I couldn’t help but giggle at it. Fine fine word play, if I do say so myself. I love it really.
Price range, you ask? My buddy and I went around to inspect and saw pairs of shoes amounting from 200PHP to 700PHP (I’d confirm once more if I have time to go back! I want to buy myself a pair or more!). Not bad, really. And with a sturdy quality like that, it’s definitely a catch. One can find themselves in treasures of designs and types — all having different sizes. Great, yeah?
That saying, for shoe-loving persons like me! and for those who are interested to see Marikina’s local branded shoes and the event itself, come by here and experience Marikina’s Walk This Way Shoe Festival! There are so much fun going, styles to choose from, and affordable shoes to buy buy buy!
Thank you for this event, Marikina!
– Jiandra, ever the Marikina City-fan
Credits to Ms. Jiandra go on and visit her wonderful blog here.
Marikenyo 