WITH A reputation of being long-lasting and meticulously-made, Marikina shoes have literally been to places because of positive words of mouth.
In the Philippines, there is no place as widely-known as Marikina City when it comes to shoemaking. Pairs and pairs of their shoes had been exported to other countries while some were sold in exhibits in different cities nationwide.
But just August last year, in time for the Kadayawan Festival 2019, the sisterhood agreement between Marikina City and Davao City brought these famous shoes not only for a three-day or a weeklong exhibit but every single day here in the city.
Officially opening for the public in August 22, 2019, the Marikina Shoes Trade display is available all days of the week at the Pasalubong Center along Palma Gil Street, Davao City near People's Park.
Upon a brief chitchat with Mark Anthony Ducog, one of the sales persons assigned in the shop, SunStar Davao learned that the people behind the Marikina shoes in Davao City are members of the Marikina Shoe Trade Marketing Cooperative made up of 11 shoe brands in Marikina.
Ducog, who is originally from Marikina City, shared that their shop in Davao City is the farthest the shoes had been where they have their own shop for a longer time and not just an exhibit stall that would usually last for a week during fiestas.
"Dito sa Pilipinas ang kinikilala talagang gawaan ng sapatos ay Marikina, Laguna, and Cebu. Pero pinakasikat ang sa Marikina kasi handmade talaga," shared Ducog.
He also said the raw materials are locally-sourced with the genuine leather taken from Bulacan.
"Usually ang isang pares ng sapatos five days ginagawa. Sa isang pagawaan kasi may ibang sections, may cutting, merong tahi lang, merong nagtatahi sa swelas lang, meron din finishing. Binababad muna sa tubig ang leather for five to six hours bago hinuhulma," said Ducog emphasizing that every pair of Marikina shoes sold in the market is special because of how meticulously they are made, with the shoe makers paying attention to every detail.
Based on his experience, Ducog said women shoes and women sandals are the most sellable and same is true for the Marikina shoes in Davao City. They have already replenished stocks straight from Marikina for women footwear since they first displayed August of last year.
But he also said shoe aficionados are still very much into classic pairs such as the oxford type, topsider shoes, and the 60s-designed pairs with modern twist on the color.
Dabawenyos should feel fortunate to have Marikina shoes right in the city. With its reputation of being long-lasting, the price range of P1,500 to P3,000 is no longer a bad thing given that these pairs are sure to last for a very long time.
Ducog calls on to Dabawenyos to drop by Pasalubong Center and to see the different footwear designs that they have to offer. Not only are they proud of the quality of their shoes, they are also confident that the designs are modern-classic and are together with the current fashion trends.