Cubao Plaza – Where to go and dine here?

Cubao is Quezon City’s grand old commercial heart, with Araneta City, formerly Araneta Center, at its forefront. Quezon City is known as the “City of Stars” because of its culture, entertainment industry, and media. It is home to the headquarters and studios of major broadcasting networks and is well-known for its commerce, education, research, and technology, as well as its politics, tourism, art, and sports. Moreover, Cubao began to bloom with the construction of the Araneta Coliseum and has since gradually declined as larger shopping malls and commercial developments appear outside the area. Even so, it is still one of the component business districts in Metro Manila. Serving as one of the biggest economic revenue contributors. I haven’t really strolled around this area in my 10 years of living here in Metro Manila. Which is why I am very excited to visit the place and show you around.

ALI MALL

Ali Mall is a shopping center in Araneta City, Cubao. The retail area was made in honor of boxer Muhammad Ali in 1976, making it one of the country’s oldest malls. Before, there were no cinemas, only a few air-conditioned areas, and there were very few stores. Moreover, it was frequently disorganized and crowded, making it dangerous if you were alone. Now, Ali Mall has been redeveloped and now offers a wider variety of shopping and dining options, as well as environmentally friendly air conditioning and a stadium-seating, state-of-the-art Cineplex. It now has a retail pedestrian link to the SM Department store lined with cafes and food kiosks, as well as a one-stop government and banking center. Many satellite government agencies now have offices on the third floor. There are some new shops that I was not aware of and will visit soon. I would definitely come back here!

Why should you go here?

• There are unique stores like the Antique Shop!
• If you like instruments, they have an area where musical shops sell almost anything you need.
• The top-most floor have almost all of the government agency satellites.
• It’s indeed not as crowded as it used to be.
• A lot of food places to choose from after your shopping spree.

Helpful Information

• Address: 13th Avenue corner, P. Tuazon Blvd, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
• Opens daily from 10 AM – 9 PM
• Developer: Araneta City Inc

GATEWAY MALL

Shopping malls are everywhere in Cubao. One of the most popular ones is the Gateway Mall. It features five levels of the best in shopping, dining, fashion, services, and entertainment, as well as three levels of basement parking. Furthermore, a walkway connects Gateway Mall to the Coliseum as well as the two major transit systems, the MRT-3 and LRT-2. Making it a very busy place because it serves as a point for the train stations. One of my favorite parts is the cinema and the oasis. The cinema’s lighting is somehow dark but still aesthetically pleasing. It reminds me of retro or vintage vibe cinema. They have an outdoor smoking area they call “oasis” where you can puff a cigarette and grab some drink in the middle of the mall. There were tables, chairs, and a counter where it seem like there could be a bar or restaurant too.

Why should you go here?

• It’s very accessible to train stations.
• You can find almost everything you need. Such as grocery stores, branded shops, vintage looking cinema, and more!
• Located in Quezon City’s business district.
• Good place to go for a mall date or hanging out with friends.
• Good ambiance.

Helpful Information

• Address: General Aguinaldo Ave, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
• Opens daily from 10 AM – 9 PM
• Developer: Araneta City Inc.

FARMERS MARKET

You will never run out of shopping choices in Cubao. If you’re looking for mass-friendly affordable place to buy your daily food needs, try going to Farmers’ Market. It is a very spacious wet and dry market in Cubao where you can find freshest meats and produce at relatively low price. You can test out your haggling skills here as well, but make sure you’re haggling reasonably. Vendors are trying to make a living too! The market has been operational since 1975 and popular being one of the best and largest fresh produce markets both in Metro Manila and in the country. But the fun doesn’t stop there, they also have “Dampa” restaurant inside where you can eat seafood dishes either from the ingredients you bought or from their ready to eat menu. It is indeed a great place to replenish yourselves after the tiring seafood shopping.

Why should you go here?

• You have to try Sister Belen’s Paluto! The food hits home and *chef’s kiss*
• Very spacious and has a lot of choices!
• The seafood and meats are very fresh. There are some fishes that you’ll see still moving.
• Haggling is allowed (just be reasonable)
• Located in Quezon City’s business district.

Helpful Information

• Address: Farmers Market, 11 General Araneta, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
• Opens daily from 4 AM – 7 PM

FIESTA PARK

If you have kids, young siblings, or if you’re a kid-at-heart, you should visit this newest attraction in Cubao! Araneta Fiesta Park in the “City of Firsts” has a variety of exciting rides and activities for children and adults alike. This new entertainment destination is located right next to the Araneta City Bus Station. It opened to the public on June 3rd, in collaboration with S&T Leisure Worldwide. It has morphed the well-known Times Square Park into an amusement park complete with rides, games, and other attractions sure to please any family or barkada. If the family gets hungry after a long day of fun, there is a food bazaar where they can satisfy their street food cravings. I brought my daughters here and I’m happy to see that they had fun as much as I did! Indeed a great place to bond with the youngsters!

Why should you go here?

• It’s fun!
• Accessible to malls and other famous shopping places.
• Located in Quezon City’s business district.
• Affordable ticket rides.
• So many rides and fun games to choose from.

Helpful Information

• Entrance is free, you only have to pay for the ticket rides.
• Ticket starts at Php 50, Try all the rides for only Php 500. 
• Address: J3C3+VX8, Times Square Ave, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
• Opens daily from 10 AM – 9 PM

FARMERS PLAZA BAZAAR & CUBAO EXPO

FARMERS PLAZA BAZAAR

If you’re looking for a place in Cubao where you can buy affordable clothes and shoes, try checking-out Farmers Plaza Bazaar! Farmers Plaza is a shopping mall in Araneta City. The five-level complex, which was renovated and expanded in 1999 and 2014, was the first commercial condominium in the Philippines, making it one of the country’s oldest commercial buildings. It serves as a hub for bargain hunters. The EDSA-MRT station is directly connected to the plaza’s shopping concourse, providing shoppers from all over the metropolis with maximum comfort and convenience. The mall also has a Food Court/Plaza and an activity area atrium, where public events, sales, and concerts are held, both on the Lower Ground Floor. They also have the Farmers Plaza Bazaar, an indoor bazaar with fashion, electronics, and food stores on the 4th floor. I enjoyed my time buying my kids toys here!

CUBAO EXPO

If you’re looking for a place to drink and buy vintage items, you should go to Cubao Expo! Cubao Expo, also known as Cubao X, is a popular hangout for hipsters who appreciate vintage items. The compound is known for its retro vibe and the various urban subcultures that congregate in the area. Each of its shops has its personality and sells a variety of items, including trinkets, vinyl records, art, skateboards, streetwear, and food. Some bars are ideal for a drinking session. I came here with my coworkers, and it would have been fun if we stayed longer (I couldn’t coz I also brought my kids). It was my first time strolling here, and it’s a lovely place to unwind with some drinks and food. There are so many stores that are selling unique items at low prices. I’ll return here the next time.

Why should you go here? (Farmers Plaza Bazaar)

• Perfect place to shop budget-friendly items!
• Very spacious and has a lot of choices!
• Haggling is allowed (just be reasonable)
• Located in Quezon City’s business district.

Helpful Information (Farmers Plaza Bazaar)

• Address: 25/f Gateway Tower, Araneta Center, Quezon City, Metro Manila
• Opens daily from 10 AM – 9 PM

Why should you go here? (Cubao Expo)

• Very safe compound.
• You can drink and chill with loved ones.
• There are so many stores selling unique items, perfect for personal collections or as a gift.
• The vibe is very cozy and vintage.

Helpful Information (Cubao Expo)

• All customers are served by a public pay restroom.
• Address: Cubao Expo, 3 General Romulo Ave, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
• Opens daily from 9 AM – 12 AM

ART IN ISLAND 3D MUSEUM

If you enjoy optical illusion, art, and anything creative, visit the Art in Island in Cubao! This is the “biggest 3D museum in Asia” where primarily murals rely on optical illusion to make two-dimensional works appear three-dimensional. Visitors are welcome to photograph themselves to become “part” of the composition of the works. Moreover, art in Island is a Quezon City interactive art exhibition or “selfie museum.” Yun Jae Kyoung, a South Korean businessman, founded it, and the first exhibits were completed in four months by 14 Korean visual artists. They also have a cafe by the exit where you can dine with loved ones after strolling around the museum. I went here with my kids and we were all amazed by all the paintings displayed. The paintings look more tricky on photographs. I recommend visiting in this unique museum! Definitely worth your time!

Why should you go here?

• It is the biggest 3D museum in Asia, veryspaciousand they have tons of mind-boggling artwork!
• Very unique!
• Memorable experience for you and your loved ones.
• Located in Quezon City’s business district.
• You’ll see some artworks inspired by famous artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Edvard Munch, and Leonardo Da Vinci.

Helpful Information

• Address: 175 15th Ave, Cubao, Quezon City, Metro Manila
• Entrance fee: Php 500 for adults and Php 400 for students. Discount for seniors and PWD.
• Opens from Tuesdays – Sundays 12 PM – 8 PM