It sits there like an island, in the center of a fork on the road.
Located along J.P. Rizal St., the building is said to be an armory during the colonial period then eventually became a detention center during the Filipino-American War. Around forty years later during World War II, it was a motor pool for American soldiers. Whatever it may have been in the past, the building remains to play a significant role in the city’s history.
At present, it has become Marikina’s Shoe Museum – a sort of an archive of things that celebrate the city’s role as the nation’s shoe capital. Its most popular attraction is the former First Lady Imelda Marcos’ selection of shoes. After all, Madam Imelda wouldn’t be her imeldific self if not for her infamous shoe collection. Next to them are some of her belongings, sort of artifacts from the reign of her dictator of a husband Ferdinand Marcos over the islands.
The city is bent on revitalizing the local shoe industry and thus have organized the Sapatos Festival. Held last October, it features locally crafted shoes and bags, celebrating the craftsmanship and ingenuity of local shoemakers. And with Markina City Ordinance No. 55, Series of 2015, it would seem that this event will indeed be a yearly celebration to look forward to.  |
The Shoe Museum is situated (almost) across the Our Lady of the Abandoned Church.
One will pass by it on the way to Rustic Mornings. |
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| Sitting next to the door, hese guys give us a picture of how shoes are made in Marikina. |
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| The shoe collection of Imelda Marcos occupy both the first floor and the mezzanine. |
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| A shoe chair for the lady who had so many pairs! |
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| The museum also features one gigantic shoe as well as other types of footwear from around the globe. |
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| Wooden Shoe Molds |
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| The collection features local and foreign brands like Rustan's and Chanel. |
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| The building has retained some of its old world charm with its Capiz window shutters and big doors. |
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| Marikina's famous mayor, Bayani Fernando donated a pair. |
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