8 Things About Cubao That Will Make You Feel Nostalgic

Before Makati and Taguig became a big hit, there was Cubao. 

For a brief moment, Cubao exuded its shining glory as it was labeled as the business, entertainment and shopping mecca during 1960's - 1980's. Presently, a lot of people associate this place to once internationally recognized Araneta Coliseum as the largest covered coliseum in the world. It continues to hold major concerts, sport events, pageants and, previously, derby fights. Around its perimeter rose some establishments that became part of Cubao's history. Some stood the test of time, while some decided to turn down for good. 

Below are some bits about Cubao that we may not know, or remained a nostalgic memory for some who experienced it. 

8. In 1975, the first branch of Jollibee was built in Cubao, and they were just serving ice creams. Yes, it was initially an ice cream parlor.

(c) to the owner of the photo

   It was only 3 years after their opening when they shifted their product focus from ice cream to hamburgers. Then came the birth of their chicken joy, yumburger and jolly spaghetti. Who would have thought that the nation's favorite and childhood-reminiscing classic food items came from a then simple ice cream joint? Speaking of humble bee-ginnings.

7. Ali Mall - the first mall in the Metro... or rather, in the Philippines.

(c) to the owner of the photo

   There were no major malls present at that time, not until a 4-storey with 62,000 square meter mall was built and named after Muhammad Ali (in which he personally graced its opening) to honor his boxing duel with Joe Frazier. It was situated near Araneta Coliseum where the boxing match was held. Remember "Thrilla in Manila"? Not to mention the Skatetown at the top floor that became a hit to funky teens of 70's.

5. Success the second time around

(c) to the owner of the photo

   SM, Isetann, and McDonalds. These mainstream establishments made their second branches in Cubao. So, if you want your business to be this successful, you might want to consider putting your second branch in this area. 

6. The Chain of Malls

   C.O.D. will always be remembered with their annual Christmas animatronics show. Their daily shows start at around 7pm from early December until the Feast of Three Kings of January. It was always a part of my Christmas childhood to watch their mannequins strut, dance and do some freak stunts such as climbing palosebo with moving reindeers and carabaos. The establishment ceased to operate around 2004. Presently, the place is occupied by SM Hypermart.

(c) to the owner of the photo

  Situated at the corner of Gen. Aguinaldo and Gen. Malvar Avenue was once occupied by one of the rising retail chains in Cubao, the Plaza Fair. This mall was eventually demolished and was replaced by Gateway - the first cineplex in the Philippines. 

(c) to the owner of the photo

    Rustan's Superstore Building used to house some posh boutiques, catering to the upper income class shoppers. They eventually moved to Gateway Mall when it opened in 2004. The once classy shopping nook presently turned to provincial bus terminal station.  

(c) to the owner of the photo

   Other shopping malls that became part of Cubao district include: Gaisano, Rempson (presently ABE International Business College along Aurora Boulevard) and Uniwide (now Puregold Grocery). 

5. Marikina Shoe Expo

(c) to the owner of the photo

   Yes, Marikina used to be in Cubao. This place housed the classy Marikina shoes during the Marcos era. The place turned down in 1997 and reopened 3 years after with evolving joints of restaurants (including the famous Bellini's), bars, art galleries, novelty/thrift shops and small indie theaters. Currently, it is one of the favorite shooting places of different movie arms and telenovelas these days. Its glamour stays. 

4. The Rumor Behind the Name of Farmers Market

(c) to the owner of the photo

   According to urban legend, Farmer's market was once a buying station of organic goods of the farmers, such as rice, fruits, and vegetables. There was a man who started buying all of the farmers' products at a lesser cost and started becoming rich after selling these produce at a very high price. The man became greedy; eventually, he did not pay the farmers well and practically monopolized the market. One day, all of the farmers united and connived to cease from selling the man of their hard-earned goods. The man got so furious that he destroyed and burned the farms and houses, with all the farmers in it. After this tragic event, a rich and kind man revived and built a better place, where all the people can sell their produce. So, in honor of the lost lives of the farmers, he named the place "Farmer's Market". 

3. A&W Restaurant

(c) to the owner of the photo

   You know you belong to the generation of 80's and 90's when the name A&W brings a lot of nostalgic memories. When I was a kid, I always crave their Rootbeer Float. This place already closed many years ago, but the "legitimateness" of their Rootbeer float remained to be unparallaled. This corner is now occupied by KFC. 

2. When movie theaters were the main center of entertainment. 

   Recognized as one of the first-run theaters in Quezon City, New Frontier Cinema Theater is one of the big theaters in 1968 with seating capacity at around 3,500. It eventually turned down its operation during 1990's due to booming cinema from different malls within the vicinity. It later housed an old McDonald's branch and some boutique stores which eventually closed.

(c) to the owner of the photo

   Two old movie houses in Cubao that were inaugurated during circa '60 and '70 which currently turned into churches for several religious groups. The previous Cinema 21 now holds a gathering place for "Oras ng Himala" and the previous Quezon Theater is now Jesus Christ is Lord Church

(c) to the owner of the photo

(c) to the owner of the photo

   Other movie theaters that became part of Cubao include: Diamond Theater (presently Diamond Arcade adjacent to Cubao LRT Station), Alta Cinema (presently known to be a common meeting place for R-rated movies and as part of the red light part of Cubao), Sampaguita (presently Eurotel Cubao Branch), Ocean Theater, ACT Theater, Coronet Theater and Remar Theater. 

1. Fiesta Carnival

(c) to the owner of the photo

   Before the uprise of Star City in Manila, Big Bang sa Alabang, Payanig sa Pasig, Happy-Happy sa Quezon City and Enchanted Kingdom, one of the grand, if not THE grand, indoor entertainment park during the 1970's was the Fiesta Carnival. It was a big hit among kids during circa 70's and 80's. It is one ultimate throwback moment where it would definitely hit your childhood nostalgic memories. The carnival feel starts as you enter the place as it offers different attractions such as roller coaster, carousel, caterpillar and horror train, just to name a few. It was during 2000 when the carnival relocated across SM as an outdoor amusement park. The old place where the carnival place left became the present Shopwise. Unfortunately, the outdoor carnival did not cater the taste of the public and decided to close down for good. The once outdoor carnival at the corner of Gen. Aguinaldo and Gen. McArthur Avenue is now the EGS call center building.

   Cubao still serves as one of the district centers that caters to all walks of life. It continues to revive and expand to adapt to the ever-changing needs of the people living or even those passing-by within the area. Other new establishments are now being built on the rise such as Manhattan Garden City Condominium and the renovated Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

   Today, Cubao is a fusion of old and new.

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