In the heart of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, an abandoned wet market transformed into a vibrant skatepark stands as a powerful symbol of the local skateboarding community’s passion and resilience.
Built by skaters in the late 1990s with no external support, Old Market Skatepark is more than a place to practice tricks; it’s a landmark of Filipino skate culture, fueled by sheer dedication and the desire for a space to call their own.
Today, it remains a gathering place that tells a story of transformation, community, and the indomitable spirit of skateboarding.
Building from the Ground Up
In the 90s, skateboarding was still finding its footing in the Philippines, largely embraced by passionate young skaters who saw it as more than just a sport. For this tight-knit community, skateboarding was a way to express freedom, creativity, and resilience—even if it didn’t yet have the widespread recognition it enjoys today.
With no official skateparks and limited access to equipment, they dreamed of building a place where skaters could thrive. Led by pioneers Nicko “Iko” Jongco, Bong Nacion, and Tong Facundo II, these skaters saw potential in a rundown market space that had been left vacant, collecting dust and weeds.
“We didn’t have stable jobs or funds at the time,” recalls Iko, one of the park’s original builders. “But we were stubborn and determined. We put in whatever we could from our pockets to build this place.” Gathering salvaged materials and scrounging up what they could, these skaters got to work. With no professional builders or funding, they relied on each other, turning the abandoned market into a skatepark piece by piece.
Struggles and strength
It wasn’t an easy journey. Building ramps and rails with limited resources meant constant repairs, and the neighborhood wasn’t always welcoming. Local residents and the nearby basketball community were initially wary, which led to confrontations over the shared space. But the skaters’ resolve never wavered.
They believed in their vision and kept at it, despite occasional setbacks and misunderstandings with the community.
“We faced so many challenºges, but we fought for this place because it meant everything to us,” says Nacion. “We knew we were doing something bigger than ourselves.”
The skatepark eventually took shape, and with it, a place for skaters to gather, practice, and grow.
What had once been a simple dream was now a bustling hub where skaters of all ages came to find camaraderie, challenge, and inspiration. The park became a true testament to the power of community—proof that with enough heart and grit, something meaningful can be built from the ground up.
Inspiring a movement
Over the years, Old Market has inspired other communities and skateparks to rise across the Philippines. With its no-frills, DIY approach, it showed that you don’t need polished facilities or corporate sponsorships to create something meaningful.
The park’s story spread, and cities across the Philippines began building similar spaces, from the surf town of Siargao to cities like Tagaytay, Bacolod, and Ormoc. Skateboarding was no longer seen as an outsider activity; it was now a growing movement, one rooted in community spirit and a shared love for the sport.
The rise of Skate Pilipinas, the national sports association for skateboarding, and the international success of Filipino skaters like Mak Feliciano, Motic Panugalinog, and Fil-American talents such as Mazel Alegado—the youngest skater to compete in the Asian Games—Christiana Means, and Olympian Park skateboarder Kiko Francisco, all point to skateboarding’s bright future in the Philippines.
Much of this progress is inspired by community-driven initiatives like Old Market, which laid a foundation of passion, creativity, and resilience for future generations of skaters.
Preserving a Legacy
Today, the Old Market Skatepark remains a beloved part of Bulacan’s skate scene, though its structures have worn down over time. The original builders, now with families of their own, still return to the park, maintaining the space they poured so much heart into. More than a skatepark, Old Market is a legacy, a piece of Filipino skateboarding history, and a reminder of what can be accomplished through resilience and unity.
“We didn’t just build a skatepark—we built a home,” says Nacion. “This is where anyone can come and feel like they belong, no matter who they are or where they come from.”
Now, as the park faces the need for repairs, the skater community calls for support to preserve this piece of history for future generations.
For those who have ever skated at Old Market, and even for those who haven’t, it represents something bigger: the spirit of skateboarding as a way to break barriers, inspire change, and create lasting bonds.
Old Market Skatepark stands as proof that sometimes, you don’t need much to build something extraordinary. All it takes is passion, grit, and a little bit of concrete.
Indeed, the Old Market skatepark is like the boyfriend or girlfriend your mom doesn’t like, but you still go for it anyway. Because sometimes, you just have to follow your heart (or your skateboard).
If you want to donate or express support, you may contact Nicko Jongco via his Facebook account (https://www.facebook.com/nicko.jongco).