MARIKINA City, the country’s shoe capital, announced opening the local government unit’s annual ‘Christmas Shoe Bazaar’ last Monday, ‘giving shoppers a chance to buy high-quality and affordable shoes, bags, and leather goods for the holiday season while boosting the livelihood of local shoemakers and leather goods manufacturers.’
A statement by the LGU quoted Mayor Marjorie Ann ‘Maan’ A. Teodoro as saying that the bazaar is a tradition built to uplift Marikina’s workers-one that began under the administration of her husband, Marikina First District Rep. Marcelino ‘Marcy’ R. Teodoro, and continues to be offered free of charge to support manufacturers.
‘Ito pong bazaar ay taon-taon nating ginagawa. Pinangunahan po ito noong panahon ni Mayor Marcy. Binigay niya po nang libre itong ating bazaar para makatulong na rin po sa inyo,’ she said, noting how the initiative has allowed local producers to earn significantly during the holiday rush.
This year’s bazaar features 39 local manufacturers of shoes, leather goods, and handcrafted bags. Among them are long-established family enterprises and emerging leather brands that have found a steady following in recent years.
Open until January 4, 2026, the Christmas Shoe Bazaar at Marikina Freedom Park welcomes visitors daily from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays to Thursdays, and until 8:00 p.m. on Fridays to Sundays.
The mayor also stressed that the Christmas season remains the most crucial period for Marikina’s shoe and leather sectors, with the bazaar providing an accessible and centralized venue for both longtime patrons and new customers.
‘Alam ko pong malaking bagay po [ito], lalo na itong kapaskuhan mas kumita po ang ating mga magsasapatos, at ang ating leather manufacturers,’ Teodoro said. ‘Kung kaya po naming i-extend, mas maganda pero talagang hanggang January 4 po narito po kami para sumuporta sa inyo.’
The mayor described the annual bazaar, organized by the Philippine Footwear Federation Inc. (PFFI), as a modest yet meaningful way for the city government to stand with its workers-many of whom rely on increased year-end sales to support their families.
‘Ito po ay maliit na bagay na pagtulong po sa inyo, pero alam ko na malaking bagay para sa ating mga manggagawa,’ she said, adding that the city wanted the event to be operational in time for workers to benefit before mid-month payouts.
‘Sabi ko, kailangan bago mag-akinse.’ Teodoro remarked, underscoring the city’s intention for the bazaar to serve as an early economic push for the community.
As the 2025 edition of the bazaar opens, the Marikina LGU chief expressed hope that participating producers will surpass last year’s earnings.
‘Ito po ay para po sa inyo. Nawa, itong bazaar, itong 2025, ay marami po tayong maibigay na tulong sa ating manggagawa, gayundin sa ating shoe manufacturers,’ Teodoro said. ‘Malampasan niyo po ang sales noong nakaraang taon.’