First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos stepped forward as a passionate advocate for preserving the rich cultural legacy of Marikina’s shoemaking industry at the recent Honoring Marikina Shoe Heritage bazaar at the Marikina City Hall.

The event was more than just a celebration of craftsmanship; it was a tribute to the artistry and dedication that has shaped Marikina’s identity for over a century.

For the First Lady, it was a moment to celebrate a craft that has not only withstood the test of time but continues to evolve and inspire pride among Filipinos.

“Marikina’s shoemakers are artists in their own right. Each pair they create carries the soul of a craft passed down through generations,” Mrs. Marcos said on her social media, reinforcing her deep respect for the local artisans.

Her remarks resonated with the city’s legacy, especially considering that Marikina’s reputation as the “Shoe Capital of the Philippines” was forged through the efforts of both historical and contemporary figures, including her own family’s connection to the industry.

The history of Marikina’s shoemaking dates back to the late 19th century when Don Laureano “Kapitan Moy” Guevarra introduced the craft to the town.

However, it was not until the later years, especially in the 1970s and 1980s, that Marikina’s footwear industry reached new heights under the aegis of First Lady Imelda Marcos.

Imelda, who famously made a global name for herself with her extravagant shoe collection, played an instrumental role in bringing international attention to Marikina’s thriving footwear industry.

She led the opening of the Marikina Shoe Museum, which houses not only shoes from her iconic collection but showcases the artistry and dedication of local shoemakers.

Imelda’s love for Marikina’s craftsmanship helped elevate the city’s status as a center for shoemaking, bringing global recognition to the talents of its artisans.

The Shoe Museum, which was inaugurated in 1998, became a symbol of the fusion of Filipino tradition and modernity — preserving not only the history of footwear in Marikina but also honoring the artists who made it all possible.

While Imelda’s own personal collection drew attention worldwide, it also ensured that the global spotlight shone on Marikina as a hub for world-class shoemaking.

Today, Liza continues to carry that torch, championing the legacy of Marikina’s shoemakers and ensuring that their craft is celebrated and preserved for future generations.

Her visit to the bazaar was a poignant reminder that the artistry of Marikina’s shoemakers is deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric of the Philippines.

“Marikina shoes should be seen, heard, and celebrated — kahapon, ngayon at bukas” (yesterday, today and tomorrow),” the current First Lady said, echoing her commitment to ensuring that the city’s footwear tradition remains a source of pride for all Filipinos.

She emphasized the importance of moving forward while honoring the past.

“Let’s keep walking forward together in our love for all things proudly Filipino,” she said, highlighting her vision of revitalizing and sustaining Marikina’s shoe industry while preserving the cultural heritage that made it famous.

The story of Marikina’s shoemaking is intertwined with the story of Filipino resilience and ingenuity.

From the pioneering efforts of Kapitan Moy in the late 1800s to the international acclaim brought by Imelda Marcos’ influence, the city’s shoemakers have weathered economic shifts, global competition and cultural changes.

Through it all, the people of Marikina have remained steadfast in their commitment to preserving the craft, passing it down through generations.

Liza’s leadership and advocacy for Filipino craftsmanship resonate with the same pride and determination that Imelda once displayed when she brought Marikina’s shoes to the world stage.

While the challenges have evolved over time, one thing remains clear: Marikina’s legacy as the Philippines’ footwear capital will endure, fueled by the artistry of its shoemakers and the support of those who champion their craft.

As Liza noted, the journey of Marikina’s shoemakers is far from over.

Through events like the Honoring Marikina Shoe Heritage bazaar and her ongoing efforts to promote Filipino-made products, she ensures that the story of Marikina’s shoes will continue to walk forward — embracing both the past and the future with each step.

Whether through the iconic shoes of the past or the creations of today, the spirit of Marikina’s artisans lives on, proudly represented by the current First Lady and the Marcos family’s enduring connection to this Filipino craft.