Wawa Dam ( Montalban Rizal)

Constructed by the Americans in 1909 as a reservoir and a pumping facility, it was decommissioned in 1960 when the Ipo- La- Mesa Angat watershed  was made. Today , it attracts tourist from nearby towns and cities to enjoy the scenic views.

  

The Legend of Bernardo Carpio

Folklore tells us that within these mountains the legendary Bernardo Carpio was once trapped between two crashing mountains. But historically the mountains of Montalban were a battlefield during the Japanese occupation. Andress Bonifacio took refuge in the Pamitinan cave in 1895.  A friend (by the way he's long gone) once told me that during his teenage years, he was forced to do hard labor by the Japanese forces here. He witnessed the site where the Japanese buried their ill gotten treasures and escaped mass execution by diving into the river of Montalban. There are also stories by local residents that there is a mysterious force that takes lives by drowning its victims. It is also said that victims are usually first born males. 

                                                            Parking is not a problem 

                                                              Stores and videoke bars 

                                                                       Old Tunnel

                                                            The Dam from a distance 

                                                              Top view of the Dam

The old metal bridge

                                                      

 

                                                      A view of Pamitinan cave
To explore Pamitinan cave, ask permission from Montalban tourism office located infront of the parking area, and a minimal fee is required for the guide.    

Cave entrance                   

 Japanese soldiers died here defending their posts

A local who assit visitors

                                             

If you happened to be around the area, why don't you visit Wawa Dam in Montalban Rizal. It is a nice place to spend the weekend with all the attraction it has to offer. 

      

Cafe Kapitan

Kapitan Moy's house is a 220 year old structure, and in fact the first shoe making house in Marikina. The Kapitan  actually started the whole shoe making industry.(click here for more details)

Residence of Don Laureano Guevarra ( Kapitan Moy)

  This is the site were the first pair of shoes in Marikina was made, in 1993 Mayor Bayani Fernando declared that the house be the central culture of Marikina city. Upon entering the building, a band welcomes guest with festive music. Old Painting and pictures hang  in the interior of the hallway, which gives  visitors an image of the colorful history of the building.

Faces from the past

According to Aurora Lim ( Cafe Kapitan owner) the restaurants location used to be the stable. And within the room ,a deep well is to be found. Aurora also said that before they moved in , the well still functions and used to be a source of clean water for the local residents.

Make a wish

The upper part of the building is the bulwagan hall, it can accomodate around 300 to 500 guests.Commonly used for big events like weddings and Seminars.

Kapitan Moy's house is truly a landmark in the great city of Marikina, come and experience the rich heritage this place has to offer...( click here for more details)

Marikina Shoe Museum

Marikina being the shoe capital, has it's shoe museum located at JP Rizal street. it has numerous collection of shoes from famous personalities. Established under the leadership of  Mayor Bayani Fernando in 1998, Has become a major attraction in the city of  Marikina. The building that housed the museum dates back to Spanish- American era.

 
Mrs. Imelda Marcos has donated around 749 pairs of shoes as part of the exhibit and the collection includes  shoes from local artists, politicians and media personalities. Upon entering the museum, I cant help notice the pillar that is covered with shoe molds.

   
At the second floor you can see a large boot, mannequins depicting shoe making and a collection of famous brands of shoes that are Marikina made.

Here are some of the shoes that are on display  

Part of the Imelda Marcos shoe collection

Bro Eddie Villanueva

Amelita Ramos

Cristine Reyes

Rhea Santos

Gloria Arroyo

April Boy Regino

Joseph Estrada

Bayani Fernando

The Museum attracts not only locals but also foreigners

click here to visit their website
The shoe museum is open from Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm
Lunch break - 12 pm to 1 pm 
Entrance fee - Php 50.00

Isaw, Adidas at iba pa...

I'm sure every Filipino is  familiar with a classic favorite "ISAW'' or grilled chicken entrails. Sounds disgusting for some? In the Philippines almost every part of the animal is used. Filipinos become imaginative and came up with different recipe using parts that are supposed to be thrown. A time honored philosophy " waste not , want not''. Sold by street vendors in the afternoon at street corners where people usually pass by.

Isawan stalls

Barbecued chicken feet ( Adidas) - are chicken feet that are cooked in Adobo then barbecued on a grill.                                                
                                                   

Dugo ( Barbecued blood) - It has a bland taste and it has the texture like a sponge

Chicken Heads - The beaks are removed and then pre-cooked in Adobo, then barbecued. Almost the whole head can be eaten. Except for the bones that make up the head.  

Isaw (  Chicken or pork) - Is a grilled chicken or pig intestine, It has a little bit of a bitter taste, but tasty.

Pig ears ( Tenga) - One of the tastiest part of the animal, it has a high fat content and has a rubbery texture and it is crunchy. 

Pick your choice( Head, Ears, Intestine, Blood)

Spicy vinegar dip

Chicken balls, Squid balls and Fishballs - Sold by mobile carts with a deep frying pan, is a common street food found in every street corner. These are small balls made from fish or cuttle fish. And when you order one, simply get a stick and poke it , dip in spicy sauce or spicy vinegar.

Mobile carts are used

Fishballs, Kikiam

What makes street foods popular, it's cheap, easy to prepare and most of all delicious. Try it?