World Class Marikina Made Shoes Now Available at MarikinaShoes.theshop.ph

TheShop.ph team showing the ropes on how to navigate at the new MarikinaShoes.theshop.ph website.

We've marveled at the craftsmanship of the people of Marikina. As a shoeholic, I've seen countless foot wear made by local craftsmen in the city and yes, they're probably some of the best in the world. The generations of families that are all based here perhaps made Marikina the shoe capital of the Philippines and with fervor, they're going to be dipping their hands into something new. Specifically, it's e-commerce and what countless possibilities it could provide to not just business owners, but to craftsmen and their families. They're going to improve lives and communities, how you say? It's with the help of LBC Express Inc.’s TheShop.ph.

Mayor Del De Guzman and the LBC The Shop's Team

Mayor Del De Guzman and Marikina based MASIDO Shoe Manufacturers

LBC Express Inc.’s TheShop.ph partnered with MASIDO or Marikina Shoe Industry Development Office and the local government of Marikina City to launch the newest online shop MarikinaShoes.theshop.ph. Now, you'll be able to see 8 real deal Marikina based manufacturers here and it's all because they want the local shoe industry to flourish in the next few years. Getting the word out and maintain it in cyberspace would get exposure to a larger audience, an international one, isn't that a great idea?

MASIDO Technical Consultant Noel Box, Marikina City Councilor and Marikina Shoe Industry Development (MASID) Council Vice Chairman Mario de Leon and Marikina City Mayor and MASID Council Chairman Del de Guzman.

Mayor Del Deguzman and Marikina City Councilor Mario de Leon says "We are thankful for this collaboration with TheShop.ph by LBC. Through them, not only we will be reintroduced internationally, but this will also help our industry. We will be with you every step of the way in moving your products forward. We are not just going to deliver shoes, but also smiles to your customers doorsteps." He also assures their partner manufacturers that they will be with them in this journey, that's something really reassuring.

Looks like these international quality shoes are now heading their way to Asian homes, soon the world. I've seen several to my liking which includes the ones made of genuine buffalo and cow leather, the classic Spanish era looking ones and some boots. This will probably grow in the coming months and years, plus with the world class facilities that LBC has to deliver these all in your homes, there's great promise that you're not only going to get great shoes but help Marikina go out there and be the shoe capital of the world!

Congratulations to all the manufacturer partners of http://marikinashoes.theshop.ph! I can't wait to see those shoes on my doorstep soon!

For more information about their products:

Official GMA Artist Center

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http://marikinashoes.theshop.ph

A Uratex Foam Plant Visit

If you've got a bed, a pillow or soft foamy things at home, most often than not you've got a URATEX product. The company that have started to produce polyurethane foam in 1968 by Robert Cheng promised only one thing in particular, to provide comfort for life.

We visited their plant in Muntinlupa a few months ago and it was a first for me. Honestly, I felt like a kid going on a field trip. Though the place was filled with onlookers wondering who we were, and what we were doing there. Security was strict, you can't go walking or crossing the street if you're not in a designated area. They said it's because they wanted both visitors and employees to be safe since their trucks and forklifts travel very fast inside the plant. A single mishap would disrupt production and they just want things in order. That part is really understandable.

Each foam maker have their own formula in making this, but what they are basically doing is trapping air inside the product after having chemical reaction. These chemicals are stored in huge silos inside their property and are kept in constant temperatures to make that perfect foam. It is in liquid form and when they get combined in the machines, they just let it expand and stay on its form.

A special wax paper is also used so it wouldn't stick on the conveyor belt. It just basically "happens" on its own then they let it rise.

Then they cut it into the length of their warehouse so it could be arranged and sit to dry them for a few days. You might think it's already good foam at its state but inside, it's still hot, wet and raw. 

They use huge cranes to arrange these on lanes that are also either manually done or computerized. The drying also goes in stages and after it dries you can already cut them up for whatever purpose you want to use it for.

They also use metal rods so they can stick it into these foams to check for temperature. The outside layer may look dry but it's bubbling hot inside if it just came out of the machines. People here take precautions so none of them get into an accident as safety is their first priority especially in this part of the production.

They cut up those huge logs into blocks like these, some of which could be 10x as big as your bed. Different densities for different applications. If you want a softer bed, a softer foam. If you want a firmer bed, then they can make you one as hard as a rock.

They drop, spin and cut them with knives and hot wires so they would look like your everyday foam beds. They also have these processes organized so they don't have to go to other warehouses to finish one product. 

They even make special foams for sound proofing, the ones under the carpet, or the ones carved like hands for sports events like UAAP or PBA. I'm sure you've seen some of that!

As part of URATEX's environmental responsibility, they don't waste any materials and use them jagged cuts to create new foams for flooring and carpet appliques. Unfortunately, old foams would not be safe to recycle because of hygienic purposes. It's understandable because imagine the years of dirt that goes through every bed in a lifetime. Uratex is always finding ways to be environmentally responsible, starting in their own turf in Alabang. Utilities, Water, garbage, packaging, are all monitored so they would be sure to keep clean in the facility.

If you wish to visit them at their Parañaque plant, they've got a full store too in front of the property. The store can cater to your needs if you need plastic, foam, quality premium beds that can satisfy even the most discriminating people. For those who want to have the dreamiest place to sleep when they get home from work, I suggest you also try and check their premium mattresses - especially the models that are firm to lie on, some of which are so awesome, soft and cuddly to sleep in - we all tried it there. Oh yes! The whole line is available for viewing, so you may go ahead and try it out if you're looking for the perfect bed. We just did!

It was a joy to be with very nice people from Uratex, thank you so much for having me that afternoon. I enjoyed it a lot, and really learned so much in just a few hours. Thank you and I hope the next time I write about them, I can tell you more about why I have Uratex in my home too.

For more information about their products:

Uratex Philippines

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Visit their official website

http://www.uratex.com.ph/

ACME MADE Skinny Sleeves 50% Off at Digits Trading

Looks like there's good news from Acme Made - the brand of Laptop, Tablet, Phone and Camera Cases from San Francisco. In the Philippines, this is available in shops like iStudio, Beyond the Box, iCenter, Switch, iStore, digitalhub, Liteware, Powerhub, Mobile1, IGIG Center, Senco Link and techsavvy. They feel you needed something so good with your Macbook Air and Macbook Pro devices so they came up with the idea of giving you all a 50% voucher that you can use with selected Acme Made products that you can use from June 10 to July 10, 2014.

It's time to take care of those gadgets that you took so long to save up for and the sleeves will do it if you don't want it to be scratched on surfaces or normal wear and tear. Head on to the Digits Trading Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/digitstrading and check out other Acme Made products that they have inside the store. Get the discount and the best protection you can have for your devices and if you have other devices, don't worry because their other products will fit it too!

For more information about their stores:

Digits Trading

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Visit their official website

http://www.digitstrading.com