As the saying goes, good shoes take you to good places.
This holds a profound truth, especially in Marikina, a vibrant city referred to as the shoe capital of the Philippines. This city has carved out a distinct identity within the footwear industry, skillfully balancing the preservation of traditional craftsmanship with incorporating modern trends.
Rolando Santos, known as Tatay Oly, a 77-year-old Sapatero, has been doing his job for more than 60 years already. His fascination with the process began in his youth, as he observed his father skillfully making a pair of shoes.
“Nasisiyahan ako sa kaniyang [father] ginawa sa akin, dahil sa kaniya, natuto akong gumawa ng sapatos. Sabi niya, dito, kapag marunong kang bumasa at sumulat puwede na,” Tatay Oly said.
Tatay Oly made a lot of shoes for different walks of life, yet he fondly recalls the moment he embarked on the journey of building his own family, a cherished chapter in his life filled with love and commitment. Among the memories that stand out is the day he handmade a beautiful pair of shoes for his son’s wedding, pouring his heart and craftsmanship into every stitch.
In 2017, the heartfelt encounter between Tatay Oly and former President Rodrigo Duterte unfolded as an unforgettable moment.
Tatay Oly gifted the former president a pair of shoes through his daughter, Rosemarie. She sent his father’s handmade leather boots to the fashion house, which made the president’s Barong Tagalog for his inauguration.
“Siguro mga… Hindi lang siguro Trenta pares (30 pairs) ng sapatos ang ginawa ko para sa kaniya [former president Duterte] Natigil lang noong natapos ang term niya,” he added.
Tatay Oly, labeled as one of Marikina’s Pride and the Presidential Shoemaker, showed remarkable resilience throughout the pandemic.
Despite the challenges that many faced during this difficult time, he continued to craft his products with passion and intense dedication.
“Matagal man akong kilala, hindi pa rin nagbabago ang aking hanapbuhay. [Kaya] Sana ‘wag magbago ang pagtingin ng tao sa akin. Dahil ako naman, hindi rin magbabago ng materyales na ginagamit sa kanila.”
