On any given Sunday, the Marikina River is seen suddenly teeming with life. No, fish aren’t miraculously thriving in what some call a biologically dead river. However, there is life of a different kind that emerges on the riverbanks. Marikina Riverbanks, that is.
On the surface, Marikina Riverbanks is just like any small-time mall, it lacks the high end shops and the rustle and bustle of the bourgeoisie and the riche that lends upper-class atmosphere to Greenbelt or Rockwell. It lacks the sophisticated movie theatre that all large modern malls now have. In fact it doesn’t even have a second floor!
All these things are trivial matters to the people who regularly visit Riverbanks. They don’t come here to hobnob with the rich and famous, nor do they come here to spend thousands of pesos on articles of clothing, or to sip their coffee in high end coffee shops (although ironically one is being constructed in the outskirts of the mall). They go to Riverbanks to shop for bargain clothing, perhaps buy a DVD or two, or even go the regularly-held dog shows in the Riverbanks pavilion. For the people who come on Sundays (or any day for that matter), Riverbanks represents a small slice of luxury and fun in the working classman’s life.
There are a multitude of wares being sold in and around various corners of the mall. Stalls sell sneakers that perfectly mimic Nike’s and Adidas’ wares. I can attest to this having recently bought a pair of L23 Nikes for an eighth of the price a real pair would have cost. It looks the same, and even smells the same. Perhaps a bit less comfortable, but you do get what you pay for. Of course, being in the heart of the Philippines shoemakers capital, there are also local shoes proudly displayed on the shop windows proudly announcing their origin. Clothes are also sold here at bargain-basement prices for good quality. And in case you wanted the genuine article, there is a Nike shop here, which sells both older models and new ones for cheaper prices.
In another corner of the mall, you can find hardware from Save on Surplus shops. Fax Machines, mouse pads, monitors can be had for prices that usually don’t exceed eight thousand pesos. On the other hand, there is also the software being sold, which is probably the biggest draw of Riverbanks. DVDs and CDs galore await those who want to catch up on the latest TV series or install new programs on their computers. Cell phones of all models, both new and used, are sold in various stalls, which gives these portions of the mall an atmosphere of being in a cellphone bazaar.
Riverbanks gives a feeling of bargain fun for those looking for a good time. Do not expect high-end shops or designer clothing to be sold here. Expect rather, a chance of having good value for your money, and perhaps finding a gem or two in a rather unlikely place.
For the people who are the regulars of Marikina Riverbanks, the mall represents a chance to make lakwatsya and be with friends. It’s a place for families in the lower income bracket to hang out and have fun. It provides the tired and weary working class a place to feel relaxed and comfortable.
Even if it’s just on any given Sunday.
