The Shoe Museum in Marikina City is more than just the display of the remnants of former First Lay Imelada Marcos’ ostentatious lifestyle. In addition to the 800 pairs (out of 3,000 pairs) of shoes owned by Mrs. Marcos, there are shoes owned by powerful, rich or famous Filipinos. Some fit all the descriptions, but not one of them flaunted his power, wealth or fame the way the Marcoses did.
Without further ado, here are some of the shoes of Filipino politicians, athletes and celebrities on display at the Shoe Museum.
The Leaders / Politicians:
Shoes of Senator Miriam Palma Defensor-Santiago. Of course, Senator Defensor-Santiago gets the top spot. She is the pride and joy of Ilonggos like me.
Shoes of Senator Juan Martin Flavier. Doctor Flavier was the first person I heard say “abstinence”. He explained it in a way that my young mind understood.
Shoes of the 13th President of the Philippines and Manila City Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada
Shoes of 14th President of the Philippines Maria Gloria Macaraeg Macapagal Arroyo
Shoes of 7th Vice President of the Philippines Emmanuel Neri Pelaez
Shoes of 11th Vice President of the Philippines Teofisto Tayko-Guingona, Jr.
Shoes of 14th Vice President of the Philippines Manuel Leutero de Castro, Jr.
Shoes of 11th First Lady of the Philippines Amelita Martinez Ramos
Shoes of Senator Richard Juico Gordon
Shoes of Senator Francisco Nepomuceno Pangilinan
Shoes of Senator Panfilo Morena Lacson, Sr.
Shoes of Senator Renato Luna Cayetano
Shoes of Senator Ralph Gonzalez Recto
Shoes of Governor of Philippine Red Cross Rosa Rosal
Shoes of 2016 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Ligaya Fernando-Amilbangsa
The Athletes / World Conquerors:
Shoes of World Bowling Champion Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno
Shoes of World Bowling Champion Olivia “Bong” Garcia Coo
Shoes of Tour of Luzon Champion Cornelio Padilla, Jr
Shoes of Philippine Prima Ballerina and Artist Director of Ballet Manila Lisa Teresita Pacheco Macuja Elizalde
Shoes of Miss Universe 2010 4th Runner Up Maria Venus Bayonito Raj
Members of the Local Showbusiness:
Shoes of King of Philippine Comedy Rodolfo Vera Quizon, Sr. popularly known as Dolphy
Shoes of Actor and TV Host German Moreno popularly known as Kuya Germs
Shoes of Actor, Singer and Environmental Advocate Romeo Arcilla popularly known as John Arcilla. He brought Heneral Antonio Luna to life, and for that I am thankful.
Shoes of Film Director Joel Lamangan
Shoes of Fashion Model and Actress Angelita Velazquez Aquino popularly known as Angel Aquino
Shoes of Model and Actress Ara Marie Cristine Reyes popularly known as Cristine Reyes
Shoes of Singer and Songwriter Dennis Regino popularly known as April Boy Regino
Shoes of Ballad Singer Jeffrey Hidalgo
Shoes of Singer, Actor, Dancer, and Model Enrico Raphael Quiogue Nacino popularly known as Rocco Nacino
Shoes of Actress and Recording Artist Maria Margarita Amada Fteha Isidro popularly known as Agot Isidro
Shoes of Ricardo Enriquez Reyes, Jr. popularly known as Ricky Reyes
For more information, please read Shoe Museum – Marikina City, Part I and Shoe Museum – Marikina City, Part II.
Where: Shoe Museum is at the corner of J. P. Rizal Street and Mendoza Street in Marikina City. It is a short walk from Our Lady of the Abandoned and the house of Kapitan Moy Guevarra.
When: Shoe Museum is open for public viewing from Monday to Sunday except on holidays, from 8am to 5pm, with lunch break from 12noon to 1pm. It is open to walk-ins and group tours.
How much: The entrance fee for Shoe Museum is P50.00 (US $1.17) per person.
How: I do not know how I got there. 🙂 I just relied on the help of nice strangers from Marikina. 🙂 I think one can take a jeep bound for Marikina-Bayan from Gateway (Aurora Boulevard) or from Katipunan LRT Station.