I think there should be a thread for this... I remember a few years back of a rendering of this plan... can't find it though in the net so far.... anyways.. let me post an old article about this... and the article posted by sinjin in the proposal thread... if anyone has a copy of that rendering please post it here.. :D

if there is an existing thread for this long back.. feel free to merge it there.. :D

-----------------------------

http://siamfuture.com/asiannews/asiannewstxt.asp?aid=467

RP: Redevelopment plan bared for Araneta Center (Oct 17, 00)

AFTER lagging behind the development craze that has swept Metro Manila, the Araneta group yesterday unveiled a multi-billion master plan to redevelop its 35-hectare Araneta Center in Cubao into a mixed-use commercial, entertainment and residential complex.

Araneta group president and chair Jorge Araneta told reporters during yesterday's presentation of the 20-year master plan that the first phase of the project alone would cost P10 billion and that the group was negotiating with possible strategic partners for the project.

"We're talking to at least three groups, both foreign and local, for Phase I. We expect to conclude the negotiations within the next three months," Araneta said.

He said the first phase of the 20-year development plan, which was expected to be completed within the next two to three years, would cover the retail and entertainment component. This phase has already started with the renovation of the Araneta Coliseum and Farmers' Plaza.

Half of the P10-billion estimated project cost for Phase I of the redevelopment, he said, would be financed through internally generated funds. The rest was expected to come from borrowings and cash infusion from the strategic partner.

In a separate interview, Araneta Center Inc. senior vice president for operations Antonio Mardo said the Araneta group was talking to big retailers from Europe, US and Asia as possible partners for Phase I.

Once completed, the Araneta Center's retail facilities would make it one of the world's largest shopping center complexes, with an area of 972,000 square meters, according to the Araneta group's redevelopment consultants.

Aside from retail and commercial areas, Phase I also covered the construction of office and residential buildings, a 400-room business hotel that would be complemented by open spaces and parks.

"The Center will become a major shopping and entertainment destination. It will combine a multi-story mall surrounding a renovated coliseum, hotel facilities and the Manila Tower, and will synergize with surrounding office and residential development to create an exciting environment with animated street life," the company statement said.

Mardo said the new projection was also aimed to become the central business district of Quezon City.

Asked why the group took so long to redevelop the Araneta Center, which used to be the central shopping district of the metropolis before the aggressive expansion of the SM and Ayala groups, Araneta said they had waited for the mass transportation development in Edsa before executing the ambitious master plan.

The Araneta Center, which was established by the Araneta family 40 years ago, is strategically located at the crossroads of the metropolis' two busiest light railway systems MRT-3 and LRT-2 as well as the two busiest thoroughfares Edsa and Aurora Boulevard.

Araneta said the new Araneta Center would devote 54 percent of its space to office and mixed-use complex, 26 percent to retail and entertainment and 20 percent to residential purposes.

Mardo said it is hoped that the redevelopment would allow Araneta Center to regain the high-end market share it lost to other commercial development like the SM and Ayala mall groups elsewhere in the metropolis.

"But we won't abandon the market which has been faithful to us through the years," he said.

The second phase, meanwhile, would cover the office and residential development, while the rest of the project, including the information technology center, would fall under the third phase of development.

Araneta Center tapped Palafox Associates Phils. as architect and urban planner for the project. RTKL International Lld. USA was hired as master planning consultant, Jones Land Lasalle of Hong Kong as retail consultant and Colliers Jardine of Hong Kong as property consultant.

c/o sinjin..

-----

Another Giant Mall, in the next 4 years,
now, in the heart of Quezon City

Araneta Center Inc., now under the leadership of Jose’s son Jorge, intends to regain the center’s former glory. And then some. In the next four years the company plans to complete a 3.5 million-square-foot mall (325,160 square meters), which will connect directly to the two mass transit railway terminals outside the center, and to build nearly 900,000 square feet of offices, a hotel and apartments.

The planned seven-level shopping center, called the Millennium Mall, is to be built around the recently renovated stadium, with 500,000 square feet of shopping on each floor. Besides offering a range of American and European stores new to the Philippines, it will house 366,000 square feet (34,0002 square meters) of entertainment tenants, including a full-size ice skating rink, a multiplex cinema and IMAX theater, a bowling alley and a children’s and family entertainment center as well as other attractions, said Solomon.


The owners also are considering building an additional, 200,000-square-foot mall (18,580 square meters), which they want to call Manhattan Mall, with housing on top.

Araneta 20 year masterplan costs P66.25B ($1.25B)

Under a $1.25 billion 20-year master plan, the company intends to turn it into a virtual city within a city, with the development of about 4,000 housing units, additional office and retail space and a giant communications structure — the Manila Tower — that will rival Paris’s Eiffel Tower in height, he said. Offices will be wired with the latest in communications technology.

A more recent article from the Q.C. thread:


MANILA PROJECT’S ROUND 2: HEAVYWEIGHT EXPANSION

By Edmund Mander

The Araneta family, which built the stadium where Muhammad Ali beat Joe Frazier in 1975, is planning another “thrilla in Manila,” this time with a giant expansion of its retail-entertainment complex.

Covering 86 acres in the heart of Metro Manila, Araneta Center already is one of the largest retail entertainment mixed-use centers in the Philippines, with its 700,000-square-foot Ali Mall, another 650,000-square-foot shopping center next to an open-air farmers’ market, the 20,000-seat Araneta Coliseum and a 22-story office building.

But Phase 1 of the expansion alone will more than double the leasing area of Araneta Center, which lies on the south side of Quezon City, one of 17 cities and municipalities that make up metro Manila. Contractors are breaking ground on a giant new shopping center, office towers and a hotel.

Its combination of location — the complex will be served by two mass transit stations, a bus station and a convergence of major roads — and content will make Araneta Center the Philippines’ primary shopping destination, according to Robert Solomon, president of Robert Solomon & Associates, a veteran of the U.S. shopping center industry who has been involved in Araneta Center almost since its inception.

“We’ve got the north, the south, the east and the west converging on the center,” said Solomon, whose Tarzana, Calif.-based retail and property development consulting firm is one of several international companies working on the project. Others include the Los Angeles office of RTKL, a U.S. retail design company; U.S.-based retail consultants Jones Lang LaSalle; and Hong Kong-based property services company Colliers Jardine.

Araneta Center, the brainchild of Jose Amado A. Araneta, was groundbreaking back in the 1960s, and not just for the Philippines. The Coliseum, popularly known as “The Dome,” was the biggest in the world and a dramatic centerpiece of the mixed-use complex. Ali Mall, named after the famous boxer, was the first enclosed shopping center in The Philippines when it opened in the 1970s, and it was located catty-corner to a 265,000-square-foot entertainment center called Fiesta Carnival, making Araneta the first retail entertainment center in the world, according to Solomon.

“He had the No. 1 center in the industry,” Solomon said. “I don’t believe there was another shopping center in the world that had this level of retail and entertainment tied into one center.”

However, in more recent years, with the complex overshadowed by the development of other business districts, Araneta Center has lost some of its stature, and in places is run-down and poorly lit.

“It’s a little tired,” Solomon admitted.

But Araneta Center Inc., now under the leadership of Jose’s son Jorge, intends to regain the center’s former glory. And then some. In the next four years the company plans to complete a 3.5 million-square-foot mall, which will connect directly to the two mass transit railway terminals outside the center, and to build nearly 900,000 square feet of offices, a hotel and apartments.

The planned seven-level shopping center, called the Millennium Mall, is to be built around the recently renovated stadium, with 500,000 square feet of shopping on each floor. Besides offering a range of American and European stores new to the Philippines, it will house 366,000 square feet of entertainment tenants, including a full-size ice skating rink, a multiplex cinema and IMAX theater, a bowling alley and a children’s and family entertainment center as well as other attractions, said Solomon.

But the expansion of Araneta Center will not end there: Under a $1.25 billion 20-year master plan, the company intends to turn it into a virtual city within a city, with the development of about 4,000 housing units, additional office and retail space and a giant communications structure — the Manila Tower — that will rival Paris’s Eiffel Tower in height, he said. Offices will be wired with the latest in communications technology.
Phase 1 of the expansion of Manila’s Araneta
Center will more than double its leasing area.

The owners also are considering building an additional, 200,000-square-foot mall, which they want to call Manhattan Mall, with housing on top.

Araneta Center Inc., which built, owns and manages the center, is one of several companies in the Araneta Group. Others include Progressive Development Corp., which incubates new businesses; Philippine Pizza, which owns and operates 81 Pizza Hut restaurants across the country; and United Promotions, which runs leisure and entertainment facilities. But Araneta Center is the jewel in the family’s crown, and its renovation and expansion reflect the modernization of the Philippines as a whole, as the country opens its markets to the world.

The center is ideally located to draw traffic, sitting next to two of the city’s busiest avenues — Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue and Aurora Boulevard — and is surrounded by medium-to-high density housing, as well as several universities and colleges. There are 10 million residents in metro Manila, and up to 800,000 people visit the center on weekdays and a million a day on weekends.

The mass transit stations put it just a few minutes ride from other major business districts, including Makati, home of nearly all major Philippine corporations’ headquarters, some of which have been partly responsible for eclipsing Araneta Center in recent years.

The company also intends to broaden the center’s appeal with new tenants. Ali Mall is anchored and leased by local tenants, including the 840,000-square-foot Shoemart store built in 1979, Rustans supermarket and department store, a bookstore and many other moderate price-level stores. Millennium Mall, which will house about 750 retailers, will bring in stores from the United States, Europe and Japan, taking advantage of trade reform legislation passed last year that lifted a ban on overseas retail chains. There will be stores selling fashion, household merchandise, books, music, toys, sporting goods, hardware and computers, as well as more than 100 tenants offering food and beverages, including Starbucks, McDonald’s and Jollibee, a Philippines-based fast-food restaurant. The company is in talks with Wal-Mart, which is scouting around for its first location in the Philippines, and also is eyeing Carrefour, J.C. Penney and tenants like Old Navy, Solomon said.

“To me this is a great challenge, a great opportunity,” he said.

Araneta Center Inc. is off to a running start with the center’s revitalization, having already renovated Araneta Coliseum, one of the center’s original structures, which opened in 1960. Today it is a venue for a range of sports, entertainment and community activities, including family shows, religious gatherings — Pope John Paul II addressed an audience there — basketball tournaments and international cockfighting derbies.

Farmers Plaza, a mall attached to one of the transit stops, was built in 1969 and rebuilt in 1988. A five-level complex, it was expanded and renovated last year, and today offers 647,000 square feet of retail and a food court.

Next to it is the Farmers Market, with 700 stalls offering vegetables, meat and seafood. “People from all walks of life living in and around Manila shop here,” Solomon said, describing the Farmers Market as the cleanest fresh food market in the country.

A lot of work also will go into the center’s public spaces during Phase 1, making Araneta Center a lot more pleasant to walk around; currently, like much of the rest of Manila, it is choked by vehicles of all sorts, from Jeepneys — WWII style Jeeps converted into long-wheelbase taxis — to cars and buses. While architects are not about to challenge the motor vehicle’s tyranny at street level, they are going to lift pedestrians clear of the chaos below by constructing a vast walkway connecting the center’s various components, complete with trees and benches.

“You’ll be greeted by a pedestrian-friendly retail experience that has a series of garden spaces,” said John Tindall, associate vice president and project manager at RTKL for the Araneta Center contract. “We are trying to do something that’s pretty cutting edge.” Pedestrian walkways will connect directly to Farmers Plaza and Shoemart, he added. “The whole shopping center will essentially be lifted above the street,” said Sudhakar Thakurdesai, a former senior vice president at RTKL who worked on the project.

The pedestrian area and the mass transit connectors also will help neutralize the traditional disadvantages of a multilevel center by connecting with the mall’s third and fourth stories, Solomon said.

“They’ll be several ground levels,” he explained.

RTKL also is ascribing themes to the various levels, putting entertainment on the top two floors, for example, and dedicating two other levels to fashion, explained Darryl Yamamoto, RTKL’s lead designer on the project.

Phase 1 is expected to take about four years to complete. When it is done, the renovation’s impact will be felt well beyond the extensive boundaries of Araneta Center, those involved in the project say.

“Our vision was to create a gateway to Quezon City,” Thakurdesai said. “The location is unique, and when this is done I really think this is going to become a gateway and an icon.”

www.icsc.org/srch/sct/current/sct0401/page48.html

From Araneta Group site
http://www.aranetagroup.com/aci.shtml

ARANETA CENTER MASTER PLAN

The Araneta Center Master Plan represents a bold new development concept. It will mix state-of-the-art retail, entertainment, commercial, hotel and residential uses in a complementary, transit oriented development pattern within lush “garden city” environment that will attract a wide range of public and private activities.
Integrated into the whole development will be an information technology backbone that will provide state-of-the-art communications, networks, utilities, and other technology support facilities to support existing and nurture the development of new, information technology oriented companies and individuals

http://www.aranetagroup.com/images/img_acimaster.jpg

Thanks for that link!!! They finaly fixed the website!!! I'm just going to transfer some info from Araneta site to Q.C. thread.

^^ My article and your article was actually the same but mine's was summarized to highlight the important sentences. ;)

^^ The entire article focuses on the center. Your summary refers to the malls and the modernization. :)

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/thomasian/img002.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/thomasian/img008.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/thomasian/img009.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/thomasian/img010.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/thomasian/img011.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/thomasian/img012.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/thomasian/img013.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/thomasian/img014.jpg

^^ Wow I didnt expect Cubao to be like this! :pepper: :pepper:

Just reposting this interesting article earlier posted by Sinjin in another thread. Mas bagay yata ito sa thread na ito.

Another Giant Mall, in the next 4 years,
now, in the heart of Quezon City

Araneta Center Inc., now under the leadership of Jose’s son Jorge, intends to regain the center’s former glory. And then some. In the next four years the company plans to complete a 3.5 million-square-foot mall (325,160 square meters), which will connect directly to the two mass transit railway terminals outside the center, and to build nearly 900,000 square feet of offices, a hotel and apartments.

The planned seven-level shopping center, called the Millennium Mall, is to be built around the recently renovated stadium, with 500,000 square feet of shopping on each floor. Besides offering a range of American and European stores new to the Philippines, it will house 366,000 square feet (34,0002 square meters) of entertainment tenants, including a full-size ice skating rink, a multiplex cinema and IMAX theater, a bowling alley and a children’s and family entertainment center as well as other attractions, said Solomon.


The owners also are considering building an additional, 200,000-square-foot mall (18,580 square meters), which they want to call Manhattan Mall, with housing on top.

Araneta 20 year masterplan costs P66.25B ($1.25B)

Under a $1.25 billion 20-year master plan, the company intends to turn it into a virtual city within a city, with the development of about 4,000 housing units, additional office and retail space and a giant communications structure — the Manila Tower — that will rival Paris’s Eiffel Tower in height, he said. Offices will be wired with the latest in communications technology.

Guys, I'm gettin headaches with all this Araneta Center infos scattered around the forums. Of course I appreciate them all but it would be better if they stay in one thread instead of being scattered all over the forum.

Some guidelines:

1. If you're talking about the Araneta Center's current structures, current pics, current - anything, etc. Post them here: The Quezon City Thread - Eastwood City, Araneta Center, Libis (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=289592)

2. If it's anything about the future of Araneta Center. i.e. proposed structures, malls, whatever in the future or in the masterplan. Post them here. 20-year Araneta Center Redevelopment Plan, Cubao, Quezon City (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=301869)

Guys, I'm gettin headaches with all this Araneta Center infos scattered around the forums. Of course I appreciate them all but it would be better if they stay in one thread instead of being scattered all over the forum.

Some guidelines:

1. If you're talking about the Araneta Center's current structures, current pics, current - anything, etc. Post them here: The Quezon City Thread - Eastwood City, Araneta Center, Libis (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=289592)

2. If it's anything about the future of Araneta Center. i.e. proposed structures, malls, whatever in the future or in the masterplan. Post them here. 20-year Araneta Center Redevelopment Plan, Cubao, Quezon City (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=301869)

3. Discussion about the multi-tower condominium project of Megaworld and Araneta Center should be continued here: Manhattan Garden Residences (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=285035)

Thank you.

:goodbye:

I guessed it right na aabutin ito ng ganito. :ohno: I just remembered that it happened to me already here few months ago when I kept on reposting on the closure of 2 Market! Market! Cinemas in all the mall threads. lol. ;)

Wow i can't believe that the whole shopping complex will be 972,000 sq meters!!! that's like 10.5 million sq ft!!! :eek2:

isn't it that as of to-date, only Phase I has been built right?... or part of it only?... The Gateway Mall is part of Phase I, I believe..

:goodbye:

I guessed it right na aabutin ito ng ganito. :ohno: I just remembered that it happened to me already here few months ago when I kept on reposting on the closure of 2 Market! Market! Cinemas in all the mall threads. lol. ;)

Hey dont fret, it's for everyone, okay. It's not your fault. :pet: Hope this makes you feel better bro. :hug:

BTW, Sinjin, I love the cat. :okay:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/thomasian/img010.jpg



WOW, 972,000 sq.m. for Araneta Center and the world's largest shopping complex now is about 600,000 sq.m. if I am right.

Hey dont fret, it's for everyone, okay. It's not your fault. :pet: Hope this makes you feel better bro. :hug:

BTW, Sinjin, I love the cat. :okay:

Wahahahaha, ang kulet ng cat. To think na pusang kalye lang 'to. ;)

Hey dont fret, it's for everyone, okay. It's not your fault. :pet: Hope this makes you feel better bro. :hug:

BTW, Sinjin, I love the cat. :okay:

Dancing Evil Cat! :lol:

Wahahahaha, ang kulet ng cat. To think na pusang kalye lang 'to. ;)

Reminds me of Jagger, yung pusang kalye na inampon ko. :okay:

Holy crap that's freakin huge. Will they be demolishing any existing structures to make room for the additional shopping space. I really wouldn't mind if they demolished SM. hahahaha.


I think the concept for Araneta center is just superb. My only wish is for them to open a giant United Colors of Benetton.

well.. they'll be demolishing the Plaza Fair Mall beside the Gateway Mall....

^^ SM Cubao is an ugly building anyway and deserved to be pounded into rubbles. :lol:

looks like a good plan. i just hope that they can implement it fully, and if they do, be sustainable.

i wish na they build all of this

well... I think they will do so... it would be a matter of time... hehehe... hmmm if this plan begain in 2000... by 2020... Aranate Center would be grand!

so.. there'll be no ground breaking yet? or demolishion at least?

well.. they'll be demolishing the Plaza Fair Mall beside the Gateway Mall....

Yup, it will be demolished to make way for this... 26-Storey Gateway Call Center Tower - Araneta Center, Cubao (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=269914&page=1&pp=20&highlight=gateway)

wow araneta coliseum must be ecstatic will all the plans for him.

Holy crap that's freakin huge. Will they be demolishing any existing structures to make room for the additional shopping space. I really wouldn't mind if they demolished SM. hahahaha.


I think the concept for Araneta center is just superb. My only wish is for them to open a giant United Colors of Benetton.
sm is not even part of the masterpaln map....and besides, sm already palns to refurbish their building

sm is not even part of the masterpaln map....and besides, sm already palns to refurbish their building

Good if they're planning to because as what I saw in the picture, it's like a shoebox na kinain na ng mga ipis.lol.

More Office Buildings To Rise In Araneta Center
Business World - 12/5/05

More office buildings for call center and
business process outsourcing (BPO) firms
will rise inside the 35-hectare Araneta
Center in Quezon City as part of plans
to transform the retail site into an integrated
mixed-use complex. In 2006, the
flagship company of the Araneta family,
Araneta Center Inc. (ACI), will convert
the 3,000-square meter old SeaFood
Market Restaurant — now called the
Expo Center — into a call center location.
This is a one-floor facility located at
the corner of EDSA and McArthur Street.
The company is also looking at converting
a portion of the top floor of Ali Mall,
which now hosts cinemas, into office facility
to meet urgent demand from the
industry. These will add to the four-floor
office facility at Gateway Mall, which is
now fully occupied by BPO firm Accenture
Philippines. The company is now looking
at expanding the Gateway and Plaza Fair
buildings, to make way for the Gateway
Office Tower. The planned facility, with
total floor size of 11,054 square meters,
had already been registered with the Philippine
Economic Zone Authority as an
information technology building as early
as last year. And if the 1997 master plan
of the ACI will be followed, an eight-hectare
Cyber Park will be developed on the
land where the Elephant World, Fiesta
Carnival and parking space fronting the
Coliseum are located. The Cyber Park has
been initially planned to house up to 10
office buildings.

very impressing design and plans. i hope that it all go as planned. it had a great advantage with lrt and mrt stations in in that area. but they need to rehabilitate the surrounding areas also to make it look nice. any renderings of the manila tower? now we know that rtkl in the consultant architect and palafox is the local architect. anyone have connection in palafox?

Edmund actually if you ever get to visit the area, you'll already notice the big difference from the Araneta area of our youths! It's much nicer already, cleaner too. I don't go there often (maybe one a year, well in reality maybe twice in the past 10 years!) but I'll try to take pix so you guys can appreciate the diff. Better yet if one of us could go and take a pix when they get there , even on phone cam, then the peeps abroad can see how different it is from before!

very impressing design and plans. i hope that it all go as planned. it had a great advantage with lrt and mrt stations in in that area. but they need to rehabilitate the surrounding areas also to make it look nice. any renderings of the manila tower? now we know that rtkl in the consultant architect and palafox is the local architect. anyone have connection in palafox?

araneta center is really clean and nice now...

Yeah i agree it looks quite nicer now. Even the Araneta coliseum looks kind of cute .

Quite odd that no one has yet posted pictures of what the Gateway Mall looks like...

Interesting to note is that there are 3 distinct and independent "Lacoste" shops located in one floor. Sosyal talaga.. Lacoste accessories, shoes and apparel. Automatic Center also carries a different name and carries the bigger size TVs and digital equipment. Mandarin Oriental Deli is also inside.

I will see if I can provide camphone pictures within the week.

grabe, ang tagal a.. 20 years.. but i guess all major redevelopment plans really do take this long.. tsk tsk.. i guess it'll be my children who will reap the wonders of a new and modern philippines..

well.. the 20 year period began in 2000 if I'm mistaken

grabe, ang tagal a.. 20 years.. but i guess all major redevelopment plans really do take this long.. tsk tsk.. i guess it'll be my children who will reap the wonders of a new and modern philippines..
wa hu hu swerte mga bagong generation. :bash:

Do you think the (in)famous night spots like Bartolina 1, 2000, etc will ever be removed?? :eek2:

Sayang naman kse... :bash: or maybe it will be replaced by the higher end investors like AirForce 1...hehehehehe. From what I heard, Parañaque is planning to rid itself of "these" type of establishments...

cool....i would like to see more pictures of the current araneta center....

bartolina 1 and 2 na yata!! parang takusa 1 and 2.. heheheh ok doon sa Lanai.. oops..

Do you think the (in)famous night spots like Bartolina 1, 2000, etc will ever be removed?? :eek2:

Sayang naman kse... :bash: or maybe it will be replaced by the higher end investors like AirForce 1...hehehehehe. From what I heard, Parañaque is planning to rid itself of "these" type of establishments...

a Billion ? and they couldn't get a better perspective.

c/o sinjin..

and a giant communications structure — the Manila Tower — that will rival Paris’s Eiffel Tower in height, he said. Offices will be wired with the latest in communications technology.

i once read an article about a "manila tower" proposed during the ramos administration that would have been built somewhere near luneta.. communications tower din sya mga 350m something ata ang height tapos may rendering in fairness cool sya kasi parang twisted... although hindi ko sure kung twisted nga sya kasi parang painting lang ung rendering...:)

I wish they design these redevelopments more "tropically".. Landscapes and such are not enough..

Cubao was one of (or the) financial district and booming area back then, but then lost ground to Makati. The Aranetas as of years ago started to really give it a big run by getting back into the game by developing more and redeveloping.

Just like the Ortigases, the Aranetas rested on their laurels and just allowed their respective commercial centers to stay that way year after year, allowing newer shopping destinations to take over their lead. Nagising lang sila only a few years ago when they both decided to give their centers a facelift.

There are also several condominiums rising in cubao. One is Portovita at Araneta Cubao.

More philippines condominiums listing can be found here: www.philippinescondominium.com

There are also several condominiums rising in cubao. One is Portovita at Araneta Cubao.

Question: Does Portovita have all its development permits and license to sell issued already?

hi! can anyone provide information about this particular project, ill needed it for my study plsss..thx:)

Parang mahirap nang hanapan ng info ito. Maybe you can use a more recent project or proposal/vision?

ano na ang nangyari sa redevelopment plan ng araneta center? ano na ang movement nya so far?

sa laki ng plans nila., konti palang nagagawa., that includes the gateway mall., and a 1 floor call center building.

^^ I did try to confirm this 20 year development plan to the Megaworld sales ppl when I visited their Manhattan Garden display at the Gateway mall. Apparently, Mega is just responsible for the residential part while the rest of the commercial development....those pretty office towers....are to be done by Araneta Properties. Sigh...I suppose we'll just gonna have to hope that Araneta Properties do deliver. After all, its their area and if they don't deliver those beautiful office towers, they will forever be left behind by the Ayalas and Ortigas, which they don't want and why they have this 20 year plan to begin with...

sa laki ng plans nila., konti palang nagagawa., that includes the gateway mall., and a 1 floor call center building.

And this 20 year redevelopment plan includes creating the world's largest shopping complex. But if they don't start with it now, I doubt they would still be able to grab the title. :D

i doubt they'd be able to grab that title ever., (sa pace nila) alam mo naman ang dubai.,? always aiming for the biggest, tallest, at lahat na ng -est., :)

@queetz., yep megaworld is only for the residential part., i think aaron told me that some time ago., ano kaya hinihintay ng araneta to develop their part of araneta center? kahit ung gateway tower nila wala pa., parang hukay palang ata siya hanggang ngayon., ang nakikita ko lang na gingawa sun ngayon is the ongoing demolition of the site for manhattan parkview., (or parkway)? basta ung phase 1, along aurora., :) :lol: pati narin ung sa rehab(extension and recladding) of the philam life building., along aurora.,

isa pa,. sana naman utang na loob gibain(or rehab) nila yung mga eyesore sa kanto ng aurora at edsa., napa gandang location pa naman.,

question? kanino ung HUGE lot across araneta? corner edsa and aurora.

no way na makaset pa ng record ang araneta. few days ago, al ghurair of dubai presented his plan of creating a mall with underground sections covering a total floor area of 40million sq.ft. i don't know kung ano ang conversion nyan sa metres, pero i'm sure, malaki, hehehe. :ohno:






i doubt they'd be able to grab that title ever., (sa pace nila) alam mo naman ang dubai.,? always aiming for the biggest, tallest, at lahat na ng -est., :)

@queetz., yep megaworld is only for the residential part., i think aaron told me that some time ago., ano kaya hinihintay ng araneta to develop their part of araneta center? kahit ung gateway tower nila wala pa., parang hukay palang ata siya hanggang ngayon., ang nakikita ko lang na gingawa sun ngayon is the ongoing demolition of the site for manhattan parkview., (or parkway)? basta ung phase 1, along aurora., :) :lol: pati narin ung sa rehab(extension and recladding) of the philam life building., along aurora.,

isa pa,. sana naman utang na loob gibain(or rehab) nila yung mga eyesore sa kanto ng aurora at edsa., napa gandang location pa naman.,

question? kanino ung HUGE lot across araneta? corner edsa and aurora.

Parang mahirap nang hanapan ng info ito. Maybe you can use a more recent project or proposal/vision?

oh ok...but what do you think this "communications building/tower" will be?
if it will rival the size of Eiffel tower, will it also be a transmission tower plus office building?:)

Araneta Center fasttracks expansion
as another firm signs up to be part of the Cyber Park

Another topnotch Business Process Outsourcing firm -- Agentworks Contact Solutions of SM Eventures – has signed up up to be part of the Cyber Park.

Agentworks is constructing a 120-seater office to give jobs to around 700 BPO professionals. Their site at the Araneta Center is to be their sixth, with other offices located in Ortigas, Tomas Morato, Commonwealth, Makati, and SM Manila. Agentworks specializes in outbound services to sectors such as finance, energy, and education.

Recruitment for the Agentworks site at the Cyber Park has begun this month, while operations will be launched by December.

Araneta Center is fasttracking its redevelopment projects to offer more office spaces as a way to keep up with the growth of the Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) and Information Technology industries in the country today. It is currently the home of two other BPO facilities namely Accenture, a major player in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry with over 100,000 employees worldwide, with its offices at the Gateway Tower.

Araneta Center Cyber Park also recently welcomed its first tenant in the complex, APAC Customer Services Inc., who have started part of their operations last March.

Advanced Contact Solutions, the first and only listed call center in the Philippine Stock Exchange, has also opened its sixth call center facility at the Old Rustans Superstore Building. Eventually the whole block will give way to the rise of the Araneta Center Cyber Park, composed of 46-storey buildings of office space.

With its growing number of BPO and IT office spaces in its vibrant vicinity, Araneta Center is set to become a self-contained business community that intersperses shopping, dining and entertainment venues with the hustle and bustle of corporate life. With its accessibility and proximity to main thoroughfares and trade areas, the Araneta Center is poised to be at the forefront of preferred technology hotspots in the country today.

Hawaii 5-0 nga nag sara na ehh...

Question: Does Portovita have all its development permits and license to sell issued already?

yes. when i went home to the pinas last oct, i made it a point to get a copy of the hlurb license to sell. :banana::cheers: at first i wanted to scan and post it here but that would have benn so OT, lol!! :nuts:

with the way developments are happening at Araneta Center, baka mawala na yung pang-masa aspect niya before. :ohno: :cheers:

sana mag renovate din sila sa ARANETA COL.
Gawin nilang katulad sa STAPLES CENTER.

i thought they just recently renovated araneta? would they renovate it again?

with the way developments are happening at Araneta Center, baka mawala na yung pang-masa aspect niya before. :ohno: :cheers:
Um, that's the point? :D

parang upper-echelon class na ang look ng araneta e.

i thought they just recently renovated araneta? would they renovate it again?

Oo ginawa nilang parang circus ung itsura sa labas :lol:

circus?

Tila mahilig ang mga araneta sa primary at secondary colors!

What's happening sa Araneta Center ..parang ang bagal nung redevelopment nila... Trinoma and the currently renovating SM North Edsa mas mabilis pa to think nauna namang mag announced ng redevelopment ang Araneta Center ..gawa na ba yung bagong Ali Mall ?
They have that advantage of having MRT /LRT and EDSA highway on their turf pa naman .

my guess is that the Aranetas in saving money for 2010. or simply, they don't have it. well, sm (finally) is being renovated. at last!

the araneta's announced the novotel project... pero with their retail, walang expansion ng gateway (so far).. although ali mall is ongoing renovation.. hoping that it will have that gateway feel.

sm cubao is being renovated... i think they will put megastrip style restos facing the BPO's... the basement will be a supermarket... the department stores will sport the new look as well.

at this point.. what araneta only have is LAND.

Under construction naman po yung IT park nila and under renovation po yung ali mall

Yeah! mahilig sila sa pang circus na kulay! Kulang nalang Bingo halls and Pula Puti booth. :)

I am excited na din sa planong ito ng Araneta at least lalong tataas ang market value ng mga may units sa Manhattan towers. Sana mabilis bilisan lang para lahat ng taga manhattan toers ay masaya.

Can any one update us on Araneta Center redevelopment plan. Nasa labas kasi ako ng bansa at I am really excited sa mga kuwento sa akin. Magiging full business center na talaga ang Araneta Center and I am quite excited din at tataas ang market value ng 3 units condo sa Manhattan garden center. God bless Araneta Center at kayang kaya mong pantayan o mahigitan pa ang Ayala.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=421094&publicationSubCategoryId=76

Araneta Center fast-tracks redevelopment
Philippine Star
December 05, 2008

Araneta Center, known as the country’s premiere shopping and entertainment hub, is currently fast-tracking the fulfillment of its 20-year Redevelopment Master Plan aiming to secure its status as the total lifestyle destination at the heart of the metro. Among the projects on the rise include a hotel development; the renovation of Ali Mall, the country’s first shopping mall; the expansion of the upscale Gateway Mall; the construction of additional Cyber Park buildings along with the first transit-oriented residential development in the Philippines. One of Araneta Center’s anchor tenants, SM Department Store, is also giving their outlet a major facelift, with a project cost of P1 B, to complement all the major developments in the busy vicinity.

Garden inspired, transit-oriented

The Araneta Group forges a partnership with Megaworld Properties—developers of the country’s most successful techno-residential centers like Eastwood City and the IBM Plaza—to create a mixed-use complex that’s set to give a whole new meaning to the concept of a lifestyle center.

Manhattan Garden City is the first of its kind in Philippine real estate as the transit-oriented project will be the first to offer the convenience of getting the best out of the shopping and dining experience as well as proximity to all the major destinations of the metro via the two major light rail transit systems—the MRT 3 and LRT2—directly connected to the Araneta Center.

The mixed-use development, composed of 20 residential towers, will also be the first to incorporate garden-style landscaping in its three-story elevated walkways directly connected to Gateway Mall. It is one of the project’s unique features that is designed to make walking to the transit lines and around the Araneta Center as leisurely as a stroll through a park, further enhancing the new urban experience.

Occupying 5.7 hectares within the Araneta Center, Manhattan Garden City’s first phase has already begun with the construction of Manhattan Parkway, composed of three towers of executive studios as well as residential suites. Apart from offering a majestic view overlooking Manila Bay, Manhattan Parkway will also offer leisure amenities such as a fitness station, a spa, a gym, and jogging trails. It will also serve as the gateway to a myriad of different lifestyle and traffic-free travel options.

tuloy pa ba ung proposed millenium mall at manila tower??

JulZ, what do you mean by proposed millenium mall at manila tower?? Bago ito for me.

^^check nyo po ung first page ng thread na to...nandun po:) sana matuloy..hehe

wala bang insider dito sa araneta? excited ako sa manila tower.

sinasayang ng Araneta ang oppurtunity sa pagdedelay ng project. ano pa ba hininhintay nila. anjan na ang MRT at LRT2.

^^ Siguro sinesecure muna nila na meron silang enough finances kapag dumating yung time na nasa kalagitnaan na sila ng redevelopment.

Cubao area is the only area (i think) left untouched for re-dev't.

napag-iiwanan na ng panahon.

I wonder how are they going to re-route the jeeps and the buses inside Araneta center. For sure, this will be a huge traffic problem. Also, is the management of AC going to put gates in its entrances? too many problems hounding this project. IMO

with the way developments are happening at Araneta Center, baka mawala na yung pang-masa aspect niya before. :ohno: :cheers:
There could always be a new place for the masses. ;) Cubao needs to have some urban facelift.

^^ True! :master:

^^ Siguro sinesecure muna nila na meron silang enough finances kapag dumating yung time na nasa kalagitnaan na sila ng redevelopment.

kasi nagiipon na sila sa pagtakbo ni mar sa presidente:lol:

i think tuloy naman ang redevelopment ng Araneta Center

Under renovation ang Ali Mall

Under construction ang 2nd building sa cyberpark nila kaya hindi masasabi delay oo mabagal pero hindi delay! medyo malaki lang siguro ang budget na kailanga nila sa ibang project nila kaya ng Gateway tower 2 di ba?

^^ Example of that siguro yung napakalalim na hukay ng Gateway Tower 2. Tapos yung Manhattan.

Kailangan talaga nila ng siguro 300 Billion pesos, para ma-reinvent into something na talagang everyone will be blown away, tsaka di ba ayon sa mga presentations nila e magiging very futuristic ang dating ng buong complex?

^^ Even if they get P300B right now, they will most likely divert it first to the campaign fund of the foul-mouthed Roxas in 2010. The scary thing is if Roxas loses, will all developments plans be shelved? Hopefully not but it is possible.

Why did you say so? Are they an ally of Roxas?

Why did you say so? Are they an ally of Roxas?

^^ Mar Araneta-Roxas is the scion of the Araneta clan.

^^ Oh... so that's why. Thanks!

:ohno: Last year news na po to pero possible cause ito ng delay ng Araneta Center redevelopment.

Gateway mess: Court orders Araneta Center to pay contractor P114M

MANILA, Philippines - The Court of Appeals has ordered Araneta Center Inc. to pay its contractor some P114 million in damages for work done on the plush Gateway Mall in Cubao, Quezon City.

In the same decision, the CA directed the construction firm CE Construction Corp or Cecon to award P31.5 million to Araneta representing liquidated damages, defective and incomplete works, bookmarking granite tiles and permit license and other advances.

The 75-page decision was penned by Associate Justice Agustin Dizon and issued on April 28.

In it, the CA's 16th Division also modified a ruling of the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission (CIAC).

The CIAC had earlier ordered Araneta to pay respondent Cecon some P231 million.

"On a practical matter, despite the extended and unauthorized delay by Cecon, Araneta cannot deny that it was able to obtain benefits from the Gateway Mall,"the CA said in its ruling.

"Araneta was able to accept tenants and correspondingly start to earn rental income from the partially completed Gateway Mall," the court added.

The CA noted that Araneta, to this day, continues to earn income from the mall, notwithstanding that there are many defects and some uncompleted parts left by Cecon.

Records showed that Araneta and Cecon have been doing business together for more than 25 years.

Sometime in the late 1980s, Araneta started conceiving a re-development plan for the Araneta Center Complex, which it formalized in June 2002 by sending invitations to different construction companies for them to bid on the project.

Among those invited was Cecon.

On August 30, 2002, Cecon submitted its design and construct proposal for Araneta Center Redevelopment Package for P1.44 billion.

The contract period for the project was for 400 calendar days with a completion date of January 9, 2004.

The project was not completed in the original time alloted with Cecon submitting 15 requests for time extensions.

Araneta informed Cecon that, as a cost-saving measure, Araneta would be purchasing certain equipment such as elevators/escalators, chillers, generator sets, indoor substation, cooling towers as well as pumps and tanks, for the project and that these would be charged to Cecon.

Araneta deducted a total of P251.4 million representing the value and/or costs of the items taken out from Cecon's scope of work.

As of May 30, 2005, Araneta had a balance of P1.186 billion for Cecon's supply and installation of the subject equipment.

Araneta claimed that it was unable to settle this balance because Cecon did not furnish Araneta with copies of the purchase orders/sales invoices for certain equipment it supplied and installed.

Following delays, Cecon claimed that Araneta's refusal to pay Cecon the amounts due it, as billed, was affecting its ability to operate.

While the last undisputed completion date before the commencement of the arbitration before the CIAC was March 15, 2004, Cecon's percentage of completion of the project was only 81.92 percent as of April 5, 2004.

On June 30, 2004, Araneta reminded Cecon that the 400-day completion date had long since passed and that it was reserving all its rights arising from such lapse.

Despite the uncompleted state of the Gateway Mall, Araneta allowed its tenants to open on August 2004 and proceeded with its "soft blessing" on November 26, 2004.

Araneta notified Cecon about a number of non-conforming and/or defective works including, among others, the unevenness of the exterior walls of the Mall, leaks in the cistern tanks and leaks in the exterior walls.

The more significant of these defective work involved the extensive cracks in the cement flooring of the basement levels and parking driveways, the chalking of the cement on certain areas of these basement floors, the wrong installation of granite tiles that resulted in a mismatched appearance of the floors and the discoloration of the granite tiles.

On January 29, 2004, Cecon filed a request for adjudication/complaint with the CIAC.

On October 25, 2006, the arbitral tribunal rendered its decision awarding P229.22 million out of P303.63 million being claimed by the contractor and likewise awarded P11.795 to Araneta out of P180 million being claimed by the developer.

Araneta then appealed the case. While the case was still pending before the CA, the CIAC issued a final award and ordered Araneta to pay Cecon P231 million. - GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/93840/Gateway-mess-Court-orders-Araneta-Center-to-pay-contractor-P114M)

Aah kaya pala ang pangit ng flooring nggateway mall. Ang dumi dumi tignan kahit nung bago pa sya. Inferior quality granite tiles kasi ginamit. Siguro due to above controversy kaya nahirapan ipagpatuloy ng araneta ang redevpt plans nila

^^ my god, this is unbelievable!!

^^sbi nga ni chris tiu...believe it! :D hayy

Excited to receive more news on Araneta Development progress. How about Novotel ...when will the construction to start? How about gateway Mall 2 extension...matagal na yong hukay doon. How about the IT school to be built just besides Novotel.. how true? These will make Araneta the center of all business centers in Metro Manila. Great with more shopping centers to mushrooms in the ground level of
Manhattan Garden City towers. What else we will expect to surprise us from Araneta. By 2014 Araneta will be the only entertainment hub + business centers combined Ayala -Adriatico Mabini- Fort. Ask for it, Araneta will give you what you want in one package on 2014... 5 years from now on entertainment to business to shopping and malling.

Ang tanong, may pambayad ba ang araneta..

^^ :lol: paconsuelo na lang yung award na napanalunan ng "defective" na mall..

Excited to receive more news on Araneta Development progress. How about Novotel ...when will the construction to start? How about gateway Mall 2 extension...matagal na yong hukay doon. How about the IT school to be built just besides Novotel.. how true? These will make Araneta the center of all business centers in Metro Manila. Great with more shopping centers to mushrooms in the ground level of
Manhattan Garden City towers. What else we will expect to surprise us from Araneta. By 2014 Araneta will be the only entertainment hub + business centers combined Ayala -Adriatico Mabini- Fort. Ask for it, Araneta will give you what you want in one package on 2014... 5 years from now on entertainment to business to shopping and malling.

QC's Triangle Park Commercial Strip will bring the Ultimate shopping package for the 21st century with over 30 Hectares of pure Shopping Land Area (SM North Edsa + TriNoma + Eton Centris Complexes). Growth along the shopping strip of the Triangle Park as evidence by retail projects slated for 2009 alone 1. SM North's Grand Relaunch (2009) + TriNoma Expansion (2009) + Eton Phase 1 - Opening of Centris Station Mall (2009).

Ang tanong, may pambayad ba ang araneta..

Yun lang..... :lol: :lol:

my take is, walang gusto maglabas ng pera ngaun, and they're not as inviting like other families to investors who will capitalize on the land they have. well kung ganun talagang maiiwan sila nyan.

QC's Triangle Park Commercial Strip will bring the Ultimate shopping package for the 21st century with over 30 Hectares of pure Shopping Land Area (SM North Edsa + TriNoma + Eton Centris Complexes). Growth along the shopping strip of the Triangle Park as evidence by retail projects slated for 2009 alone 1. SM North's Grand Relaunch (2009) + TriNoma Expansion (2009) + Eton Phase 1 - Opening of Centris Station Mall (2009).

^^ i liked the way you phrased this statement, and i believe such too... i feel the edsa strip of QC is realizing its potential..

the hardest part about this rehabilitation is the lingering image of cubao/araneta center being the poor-man's cbd. the holistic aura of the place is unkempt and depressing, which is really apparent as you see the dilapidated buildings along EDSA.

the araneta's may not be loaded and liquid as manong lucio, but they should try to market the rehabilitation of cubao/araneta center better... i suggest they restructure their marketing team as they seem to be ineffective... and they must manage their EDSA frontage to look as clean and fresh as they can, since this facade is the first thing anyone sees when they pass by..

^^ i liked the way you phrased this statement, and i believe such too... i feel the edsa strip of QC is realizing its potential..

the hardest part about this rehabilitation is the lingering image of cubao/araneta center being the poor-man's cbd. the holistic aura of the place is unkempt and depressing, which is really apparent as you see the dilapidated buildings along EDSA.

the araneta's may not be loaded and liquid as manong lucio, but they should try to market the rehabilitation of cubao/araneta center better... i suggest they restructure their marketing team as they seem to be ineffective... and they must manage their EDSA frontage to look as clean and fresh as they can, since this facade is the first thing anyone sees when they pass by..

^^ So true!! Although they already made great inroads in sprucing up Araneta Center from within, the look from the EDSA side looks so horrible. They should try to make the Center look attractive from the outside. Ocean Theater has already been auctioned off but it went to the Eurotel group so we can not be sure if it will be developed in the near future and not sure if any development will complement the whole Center look. Aside from Ocean Theater, the ACT theater must go as well.

^^ Dati nainis ako nung sa likod nila tinayo yung Gateway, sana dinemolish na lang yung Farmers Plaza.

^^ Dati nainis ako nung sa likod nila tinayo yung Gateway, sana dinemolish na lang yung Farmers Plaza.

^^ Farmers Plaza may not be that appealing but it serves a purpose of being the link between MRT 3 and LRT 2. But I do agree that they should at least renovate it to make it more appealing to the eyes.

http://www.aranetacenter.net/uploads/gal_nalimall_1.jpg
Ali Mall updates, sorry no photos, imagine niyo nalang muna :lol:

They opened the 4 cineplexes in Ali Mall kahapon lang, their opening date according to the tarps scattered all around Araneta Center is February 3, 2009.

Based from what I saw, the 2nd level of the mall was restructured, parang V-mall na siya ng Greenhills. Full of curved hallways compared to it's ground floor na linear ang design. It looks better - pillars in metal cladding, white ceilings, earth toned tiles - modern na ang Ali Mall. Mas magiging okay pag open na ang mga stores sa 2nd floor, kasi kahapon medyo gloomy pa.

Sa third floor ang highlight ng opening, doon ata nakalagay ang new Food Gallery & the 4 Cinemas I mentioned earlier. One problem though, may guard na nakaharang sa escalator pataas at di kami pinayagan umakyat. Ang nakita ko lang ay may mga kumakain na policemen. I think it's a private opening event so shoppers are not yet allowed, maybe it's for special guests that day. Ang labo din kasi ang daming tarps na nagsasabi na open na, though di naman pala open sa public. I guess sinundan nila ang design ng Gateway Mall & SM Marikina wherein the Food court & the Cinemas are close to each other. I hope may makapunta pag open na yung area (siguro open na yun) & bring us some photos here in ssc :)

As usual, parang minadali ang opening kasi ang ground floor ay devastated. Ruined flooring, ceilings are covered in white plastic, & exposed aluminum bars - di pa nga tapos. Sana inuna nila ang ground floor kasi yun ang high traffic area, pero reverse ang ginawa nila, inuna ang taas leaving a view of chaos sa ground floor, tsk tsk tsk. The basement looks dead because they transferred the Food Gallery. Open pa naman yung ibang shops pero I wonder kung ano ang ilalagay dun sa dating Food Gallery, sana wag another supermarket!

SM Cubao updates, sorry no photos din.

Based from the elevator operator ng SM Cubao, they moved the date of Cyberzone's opening from Feb 24 to Feb 8, swerte daw kasi. I'm not really sure about the info pero based from what I saw (nagsneak ako sa small door) under construction pa at mostly, color blue lights lang nakikita ko pero parang maganda nga ang kakalabasan ng Cyberzone. SM Supermarket looks good kaso di pa matao, the half part of the mall is finished & it really looks modern, sinunod na nila ang other half.

The Araneta Center is really changing, though not as fast as the other business districts, it looks better and it's more dramatic because things are evident. You can see & feel how the old Cubao uplifts itself. I can't wait to see the 2020 plan in reality :cheers:

^^ I passed by Ali Mall last week for the first time after so many years. I noticed that they have landscaped the area fronting the Cubao bus terminal. Nice landscape actually.

ang galing naman...inaabangan ko narin yang Araneta Center full redevelopment. Ali Mall at SM City Cubao. Favorite ko rin puntahan yang Araneta Center noon nung malapit ako dyan...tuloy pa ba yung Millenium Mall nila?

^^ Hinde na ata, yung millenium mall diba planned na itayo sa taas ng manila tower eh since nagtoned down yung mga plan nila, hinde na siguro tuloy...

I hope palitan nila yung kulay ng Araneta Coliseum at gawing glass na lang ang wall. Imagine na ang natin na may white dome itong pic sa baba. :)

http://www.kamane.lt/lt/atgarsiai/architektura/architekatgarsis146/lt/pristato_kamane/miliunas/paruosta/siauliu_arena1

^^ Hinde na ata, yung millenium mall diba planned na itayo sa taas ng manila tower eh since nagtoned down yung mga plan nila, hinde na siguro tuloy...

Tama...mukha kasing way overboard yung concept nila noon for Araneta Center...maybe pwede yun after 50 years but in 20 yrs unrealistic. Etong supposed Gateway mall extension nga wala pang ginagawang structural foundation, excavation parin.

On a brighter note: Ali Mall's Newest Revival

http://www.inquirer.net/vdo/player.php?vid=2253

magrerenovate din ba ng exteriors ang SM Cubao? it sort of looks out of place na kasi in that area, lalo na patapos na ang call center near SM and ali mall.

^^ Oo.

I hope palitan nila yung kulay ng Araneta Coliseum at gawing glass na lang ang wall. Imagine na ang natin na may white dome itong pic sa baba. :)

http://www.kamane.lt/lt/atgarsiai/architektura/architekatgarsis146/lt/pristato_kamane/miliunas/paruosta/siauliu_arena1

nice suggestion. sobrang pangit kasi ng araneta coliseum from the outside. to think na eto ang pinaka-attraction sa lugar.

I hope palitan nila yung kulay ng Araneta Coliseum at gawing glass na lang ang wall. Imagine na ang natin na may white dome itong pic sa baba. :)

http://www.kamane.lt/lt/atgarsiai/architektura/architekatgarsis146/lt/pristato_kamane/miliunas/paruosta/siauliu_arena1

^^ The Coliseum is really outdated so it would be nice to see a glassy coliseum. But I don't think the Aranetas have plans of overhauling the coliseum. At least SM is planning an ultramodern one in the MOA area.

I hope palitan nila yung kulay ng Araneta Coliseum at gawing glass na lang ang wall. Imagine na ang natin na may white dome itong pic sa baba. :)

http://www.kamane.lt/lt/atgarsiai/architektura/architekatgarsis146/lt/pristato_kamane/miliunas/paruosta/siauliu_arena1

Pwede rin ito. Kaya lang baka madedemolish muna yung exterior. Sayang naman. Mabuti pa bright colors pa ang ilagay.

At please, baguhin ang court system ng Araneta. Out of date na kayo eh.
From this:
http://www.huffysports.com/images/about/HR-1100.jpg
To this: (2 options)
http://www.basketball-goals.com/IMAGES/8000.jpg
http://www.robbinssports.com/sporting-goods-store/images/spalding-professional-portable-basketball-backstop-electric.jpg

Pati scoreboard rin ah. Anpanget kasi ng video screen eh. Pwedeng ganito:
http://basketball.ballparks.com/NBA/MemphisGrizzlies/scoreboard.jpg

Hay, out of date na talaga ang Araneta.

http://basketball.ballparks.com/NBA/MemphisGrizzlies/scoreboard.jpg



^^ That looks a lot lot better.

Aah kaya pala ang pangit ng flooring nggateway mall. Ang dumi dumi tignan kahit nung bago pa sya. Inferior quality granite tiles kasi ginamit. Siguro due to above controversy kaya nahirapan ipagpatuloy ng araneta ang redevpt plans nila

yeah..... it looks dirty.. kung titingnan parang di nalilinis kasi naninilaw ang granite tiles and parang mali nga ang pagkakainstall nila.

I like the Araneta Center area. Not too pretentious. Though I agree that Aurora Boulevard really needs A LOT of work. And I think there's no need for the Araneta's to rush the redevelopment and should take things a step at a time. Having said that, I would like to see the hotel and office tower begin construction already. Perhaps their waiting till after the elections? ;)

There's a construction on going at the old Uniwide site... Hmmm anyone knows what will be built there?

^^ That looks a lot lot better.

http://basketball.ballparks.com/NBA/MemphisGrizzlies/scoreboard.jpg

much better kung gayahin yung sa STAPLES center of LA Lakers, octagon LED screens!^^

ah grabe ang araneta ang laki ng improvements! from gateway to farmers, to alimall, araneta itself .. hayz. when i was studying at PSBA-QC lagi ako dito tambay eh after claSS, gimik .. ngayun mas ok na sya. pero isa lang ang ndi na bago, ung MCDO sa alimall

ah grabe ang araneta ang laki ng improvements! from gateway to farmers, to alimall, araneta itself .. hayz. when i was studying at PSBA-QC lagi ako dito tambay eh after claSS, gimik .. ngayun mas ok na sya. pero isa lang ang ndi na bago, ung MCDO sa alimall

hinde nagbago yung pwesto, yes, pero nagupgrade naman sila ng interiors :D

http://basketball.ballparks.com/NBA/MemphisGrizzlies/scoreboard.jpg

much better kung gayahin yung sa STAPLES center of LA Lakers, octagon LED screens!^^

I also suggestad that, pero pwede yan! Yan nga lang kaya ng RP na bilhin eh.

I also suggestad that, pero pwede yan! Yan nga lang kaya ng RP na bilhin eh.

kaya yan!

pero they should do first a total renovation of the whole dome, so that it will look good in and out of the big dome!

kaya yan!

pero they should do first a total renovation of the whole dome, so that it will look good in and out of the big dome!

Oo nga naman, medyo nawala na sa time nanaman ang The Big Dome eh, note that their scoreboard's TV looks really bad, from their quality to their look

Sharing you some pics of the newly-facelifted SM-Cubao...

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/46/58/41998564/2_933724813l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/46/58/41998564/2_776743646l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/46/58/41998564/2_769898049l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/46/58/41998564/2_829031345l.jpg

And of course, the awaited Ali Mall-SM bridge...

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/46/58/41998564/2_287109628l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/46/58/41998564/2_787194628l.jpg


:)

ah grabe ang araneta ang laki ng improvements! from gateway to farmers, to alimall, araneta itself .. hayz. when i was studying at PSBA-QC lagi ako dito tambay eh after claSS, gimik .. ngayun mas ok na sya. pero isa lang ang ndi na bago, ung MCDO sa alimall


hinde nagbago yung pwesto, yes, pero nagupgrade naman sila ng interiors :D


Bakit kaya hindi nakipag compete ang McDo sa dun sa Food Court ng Ali Mall?
Ang Jollibee ay meron store dun sa main entrance ng Ali Mall(in front of the old Shakey's Ali Mall).
Ang ganda ng Wendy's dun sa dating Fiesta Carnaval,naalala ko pa noong 80's na katabi nito ay Dunkin Donuts. The old 3M Pizza is now KFC.
Sana ay bigyan importansya ang chapel dyan sa loob ng Ali Mall at iba pang Art Gallery.

May nakita ako noong nakaraang Marso dyan sa Ali Mall na paitings tungkol sa Vendor, ang price pa lang nito ay P2.5K, pagkatapos ng ilang linggo naging 25K na. Noong nakaraang linggo na bumalik ako, tinanong ko kung nandun pa, ang sabi ay wala na :)

wow ahh ganda na ng SM cubao ahh

me skyway pa sila ngayon... :banana:

^^ Cubao ba yan... ahahaha..... i upgrade po ba siya para maging SM City... o ganun parin ... Department Store parin..

ganda...... sarap pumunta dyan parang bago!

SM and Ali Mall: bravo

Any Pics sa SM Cubao Interior
Excited n q eh!!

At least SM is planning an ultramodern one in the MOA area.
Pag nangyari 'to siguradong lilipat ang PBA dun. :cheers:

I was reading the previous posts about Araneta Center's 20-year redevelopment plan & I just feel sad that their plans, for now, didn't succeed. The Millennium mall, the Manila tower, the green roof features, the international partners & other various projects we're not built. The planned phase 1 of the center is one of the forefront mixed-use developments in the Philippines. If I'm right, it was planned before Ayala Center's redevelopment project, QC's CBD & Marikina's CBD.

Now that QC is experiencing an upsurge in infrastructure development like the proposed CBD, which will be spearheaded by Ayala, the new developments like Eton Centris, SM North Edsa & other developments around it's radius like Marikina's CBD; I wonder how long will it take Araneta Center to its 20-year redevelopment plan.

Based from the render, Novotel & Gateway tower will be added in a few years time & more BPO buildings will be built inside Araneta's new Cyberpark. There's also this planned parking building beside the Coliseum. I hope that it will be a temporary structure made of steel, like the ones we see in Greenhills & Makati, so that they can still continue the idea of Millennium Mall for the next 5 years or so.

They really should include an ice skating rink inside the center because SM Megamall's skating rink is now closed. They're planning to convert it to an events center & they'll be closing down the rink in SM Southmall too. They'll be centralizing their ice skating operations in SM Mall of Asia & for us figure skaters, we really feel sad about this. The Millennium Mall, once built, can beat Trinoma & SM North Edsa if they'll be adding features that other malls doesn't have. It can even be called as QC's pride.
http://images.thearanetacenter.multiply.com/image/5/photos/4/1200x1200/4/REDEVELOPMENT.jpg?et=2mlqbZN6NveNJYsWpIve0g&nmid=273319093

source: http://thearanetacenter.multiply.com

^^ Napaka ganda, i like the idea of not covering the entire facade of The Big Dome. This plan is better.

araneter center looks very promising! it's location really helps a lot.. :)

go, cubao!! it's not too late... still a prime location, bagsakan ng commuters from marikina, antipolo and cainta who might want to go to trinoma, sm west, eton centris, even makati and anywhere and everywhere really in m.m... :)

Sana huwag nilang gibain ang 'bahay na puti'. Pwedeng gawing Art Gallery and Museum.

An emerging art district, Cubao Expo & My Breathing Space (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/227413/an-emerging-art-district-cubao-expo-my-breathing-space)
By DANNY CASTILLONES SILLADA
November 1, 2009, 5:19pm
Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/227413/an-emerging-art-district-cubao-expo-my-breathing-space)

“After hard work, the biggest determinant is being in the right place at the right time.” – Michael Bloomberg

What if there’s a place, peaceful and quiet; a place where harried souls can find tranquility with aesthetic ambiance, exquisite cuisine, art, indie films, music, stylish apparel, and collectible items.
What if there’s such a laid-back place amid the hustle-and-bustle of the metropolis, where one can bring a friend, sip a cup of tea or coffee, browse inspirational books, buy rare items, talk to strangers, or simply unwind from household chores and office works.

Somewhere, at the heart of Cubao in Quezon City, there’s a quaint place, an emerging art district, flanked by modern buildings and shopping malls of Araneta Center called “Cubao Expo”. The place retains its 1970s look with two-storey building divided by a “U” shaped street like an open arms, welcoming its visitors and shoppers with placid embrace.

‘Cubao Expo’ as an emerging Art District

Well-known among the literati, painters, photographers, collectors, showbiz people, and indie musicians and filmmakers, the “Cubao Expo”, formerly known as “Marikina Expo” along Gen. Romulo St. in Cubao, Quezon City, was built and developed in 1972 by Mercado Realty during the martial law era, housing the finest Marikina shoes in the country.

However, more than two decades later, the 250 shoe manufacturers in Marikina slowly walked on a descending tramp, until the “Marikina Expo” closed down in 1997 at the height of Asian crisis.

Then came the year 2000, with its new administrator and manager Mr. Bujim Aquino, it opens its door again, but this time to visionary entrepreneurs whose merchandise trudges on rare and uniquely designed products. Soon, art galleries, restaurants, indie film mini-theatre, and resto bar, to name a few, flourish on either side of the street.

And Cubao Expo, as it has been known today, walks again with renewed joie de vivre sans the shoes, nay, still with a handful of Marikina shoes, averring their presence on some glass windows.

As an emerging art district, it is an alternative place not only for people in the art world, but also for shoppers, collectors, tourists, hipsters, and art enthusiasts, who want to experience the bohemian character of its environment.

The Cubao Expo is also an alternative meeting place for corporate executives, lovers, and politicians with its exquisite cuisine and idyllic atmosphere. Among those restaurants and resto bars with cheaper food, wine, coffee and beverages are Alan’s Grill, Bellini’s, Mogwai, and I Love You Store. Genre Bar, an alternative place for indie musicians and music lovers, can be found at the second floor of Alan’s Grill.

Art galleries like White Box, Heritage, Black Soup and Pablo are holding regular exhibit on paintings, drawings and photography from established and emerging artists. Mogwai Cinematheque, on the other hand, with its café and restaurant has a mini-theatre in the second floor, showing short and full-length films from Filipino indie filmmakers.

Chic and distinctive apparel, bags, jewelries and accessories are pullulating at the glass windows of Reading Room, I Love You Store, and Oohwables. For those who are looking for rare design and antique furniture, vintage books, vinyl records, and other collectible items, they can find them at Heritage, Old’s Cool, Karma and Vintage Pop.

And those who are collecting anime items like posters, CD or DVD movies, toys, comics, and other anime collectibles, the Shinsen Anime is a place for kids, teenagers and young adults. While at Kolektib, one can visit actor and comedian Gabe Mercado holding regular workshop and acting classes in his sanctuary.

Cubao Expo is not just the convergence of creative and visionary entrepreneurs. It is a homey and convivial place, creating a subculture among store owners, reviving the vanishing Filipino culture and values of “bayanihan” and “pakikisama”.

Books of Life by Gener Valerio

In the same place at Cubao Expo, there emerges a unique store called “My Breathing Space”, named after the title of a non-fiction book by author and entrepreneur Gener Valerio. The place houses unique decorative and functional items, inspirational books, artworks, and fresh flowers. It also serves coffee and tea to the customers.

The store owner, Gener Valerio, quipped that the place is simply his “breathing space”, where he can invite his friends, sell his merchandise, and offer his inspirational books “My Breathing Space” and “KuroKuroko”, which he called ‘books of life’.

The two books are compendium of personal stories and essays, almost Chekhovian in style except that they are vignettes of memoirs. Confessional, as they may seem yet, the books are about the lessons learned from life, with vivid and poignant recollection of experiences, people, and places – trudging on the existential pendulum between bitterness and acceptance, pains and joys, indifference and compassion, defeats and victories, and so forth.

At the end of each informal or less structured essay, one of the salient characteristics of memoirs, the author always seeks to reconcile and proposes sublime lessons that he learned from life, similar to the formulaic “endings” of fairytale stories albeit, taken from personal, real-life stories.

Gener Valerio’s books are simply amazing to read, provocative, down to earth, witty, and humorous.

Likewise, his haven, “My Breathing Space” at Cubao Expo, is a transcendent place to unwind and unravel from a hectic life with its vibrant interior, photographs, and artworks on the walls.

sana maredevelop yun mga old vuilding ng cubao-araneta. Yun sa New Frontier magnda gawin 5 star cinema... like kodak theater.

i go there.. hope it becomes as bohemian as the old malate... but won't this area be demolished by manhattan garden?

sana maredevelop yun mga old vuilding ng cubao-araneta. Yun sa New Frontier magnda gawin 5 star cinema... like kodak theater.

Yes that will be nice ma-i restore yung setting nung mga grand theatres like nung olden days para maiba naman sa mga cineplexes...:lol: (still very young then but nakakapanood na ako ng movies nun).

Anyways, from the brochures and scale model sa may Gateway itatayo ata diyan ay tall structure more likely a bussiness structure as illustrated in their MGC brochure.

Regalia
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2438/4102785408_cb9ce7ff84_b.jpg


Updates on development along P.Tuazon area
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2758/4102785736_09c3de67c9_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2793/4102029913_64e0d2e412_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2722/4102030273_d5ce2341e4_b.jpg


http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2800/4102784862_db2a31474f_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2508/4102028917_95553be7e9_b.jpg

Sana talaga ay mag-expand ang Araneta Center beyond dyan sa P.Tuazon, EDSA at Aurora Boulevard. At abot pa hanggang dun sa Robinsons project o 15th-20th Avenue :)
O hanggang dun na sa J.P.Rizal at Anonas LRT Station.

Socorro towers over Quezon City (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideMetro.htm?f=//2009/november/16/metro1.isx&d=/2009/november/16)
Manila Standard (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideMetro.htm?f=//2009/november/16/metro1.isx&d=/2009/november/16)
by Roy Pelovello

BARANGAY Socorro lords it over in Quezon City, earning P10.5 million in realty taxes for the first quarter alone and chairman Jose de Guzman sees bright days ahead with locators clustering at Araneta Center and Megaworld’s 20 high rise in the horizon.

Without flaunting Araneta Coliseum, a landmark in the National Capital Region, he could easily add to his corporate list Gateway, SM mall, Farmer’s Plaza, and Shopwise.

“Yes, Barangay Socorro receives the highest RPTS [real property tax share] year after year, and this is the reason why we are referred to as the richest barangay in Quezon City,” De Guzman told Standard Today, in the village office at the ubiquitous twin water towers near Gate 1 of the Aguinaldo camp.

And Araneta is just starting to boom, according to De Guzman, citing business process outsourcing firms composed of APAC, Accenture, Stellar, and Advanced Contact Solutions. Another building for the Telus is taking its place in the cluster.

Still the momentum of growth is unstoppable, he said, noting that a 10-year development project of Megaworld to construct 20 independent commercial-residential towers, four of which are in progress plus a five-star hotel.

“At present, we project about an 8-percent annual increase in our revenues, but that could increase with these developments,” said De Guzman.

On his first term as chairman, former businessman De Guzman bought two multicabs, four motorcycle units and three tricycle patrols, for the First Response Team composed of 20 barangay tanods, four firemen, and seven traffic enforcers.

The responders, he said, are now equipped with a P300,000 worth of two-way radio system to attend to more than 23,000 residents across 118 hectares of territory.

De Guzman said this year saw the completion of the multi-purpose center for P4 million, and a basketball court for P1 million. In view of the recent flooding, he said repair of the drainage system is being rushed.

He said residents could now go to the village’s medical clinic equipped for diagnostics and treatment including minor surgeries.

Attending to patients are a doctor, a dentist and a psychologist for troubled women and children. Free medicine, free diabetes checkup, as well as free executive checkup for senior residents.

De Guzman said services covered education and livelihood programs for eligible residents including free education under Alternative Learning System and computer literacy, adding that six computer sets were donated to the 15th Avenue and Camarilla elementary schools.

Putting technology to work and further improve service, he said an IBM server is networked with six other computers in the office.

An e-Governance software, he said, organized database and streamlined records retrieval.

He said no effort was spared to protect the youth from vice.

“I hired many of drug addicts and even pushers as tanods and gave them a chance to live a new life. Many people warned me about that. But it succeeded and now the threat of drug in our barangay is largely eliminated.”

For the feat, De Guzman’s village was cited by the Metro Manila police as the second most police-friendly locality.

Asked about his wish list, he has one at the drop of a hat—a 1,600-square meter lot where the village hall sat, owned by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System.

“There’s an offer to sell but at P40 million, that’s still too high for us. Maybe the city government can help us,” he said.

go, cubao!! it's not too late... still a prime location, bagsakan ng commuters from marikina, antipolo and cainta who might want to go to trinoma, sm west, eton centris, even makati and anywhere and everywhere really in m.m... :)

CORRECT....................!!!!!! I can see the progress just last month when i went to Pinas for a week vacation... I can imagin the development within years... baka maligaw na ako noon

Cubao will always be a prime location. As you guys mentioned bagsakan talaga ng mga commuters yan. Andyan pa ang LRT2 at MRT stations.

Cubao will always be a prime location. As you guys mentioned bagsakan talaga ng mga commuters yan. Andyan pa ang LRT2 at MRT stations.

OO nga e dami tao minsan...... ano kaya gagawin ng National Bookstore dun sa property nila in EDSA corner Aurora Blvd tapat ng ACT theater? ang laki lot nun e. Would it be a condo or a commercial complex........?

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs181.snc3/18843_248670181162_645421162_4854374_3590717_n.jpg

I just want to share this..
Araneta Center way, way, way back..

Source: a facebook post

Cubao is really our "Pasyalan" when we were kids. Cinemas, Food Stores and entertainment zones are all here, i really believe that with a huge capital infusion, this once famous city spot can turn into a new CITY!

SM Cubao: New look of leisure experience (http://mb.com.ph/node/238314/)
January 13, 2010, 4:06pm
Manila Bulletin (http://mb.com.ph/node/238314/)

Visitors in the Cubao area will be amazed at the transformation of the SM store in Araneta Center. The grey box-like building, which had been undergoing renovation during the past several moths, has become a dazzling modern structure that redefines the standards of shopping in this busting urban area.

The 102,354 sqm superstore, which includes the SM Department Store, Supermarket, a Cyberzone, as well as retail, food, and service outlets, mixes great design and great retail. Exteriors of the entire building have been revitalized with a combination of crisp colors and materials, carefully proportioned and detailed for a modern appearance.

At the center of it all is the three-level SM Department Store, which welcomes customers with its grand atrium areas filled and lit with a frozen shower of LED lights. The ceiling connecting the two atriums is painted with pinstripes, where grey and white stripes mix with bright colors to create excitement, not distraction. With the ceiling wrapping around the two atriums into the vertical surfaces, the space mixes reality, dreams, and of course, retail.

The design team also used interesting patterns and exciting colors throughout the department store, creating a journey of elegance and surprise to loyal customers, as well as to new shoppers.

The entire store is wallpapered with colors and patterns – mostly stripes – in the floors, walls, ceilings that transform according to the merchandise categories. Even before reading the directional signs, the customers are drawn to their target categories by just sensing the color changes: Blue for men, pink and lavenders anchoring the intimate apparel department, among others.
Fashion presentations are also easy to view from the aisle to the back wall, putting customers at ease while shopping since they don’t feel they are missing anything.

The newly revitalized SM Cubao at the Araneta Center showcases SM as a Fashion Store with two levels of the latest trends in clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories for men, women, teens, tweens, and children.

New innovations in store design go hand in hand with exciting new ways to serve customers at SM Cubao in Araneta Center. Prestige Card members can relax while enjoying special services at the Prestige Lounge at the store’s third level. Among these is the Concierge Service for store information, gift-wrapping, bill payment assistance, and membership concerns, valet shopping and free Wi-Fi access.

sana nga maayos ang cubao. we have apartments being rented here and besides, dito rin ang family home namin...isang bahing lang gateway na. sayang lang kasi ang daming pocket garden ng mga squatters. with its location, the area could have been another corinthians, but i guess, its too late for that. wish ko lang tuloy tuloy na ang redevelopment ng cubao. may effect kaya pag si Mar ang nanalong VP?

I really like the of the modern or state-of-the-art structure development and still beyond lush greenery.

An emerging art district, Cubao Expo & My Breathing Space (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/227413/an-emerging-art-district-cubao-expo-my-breathing-space)
By DANNY CASTILLONES SILLADA
November 1, 2009, 5:19pm
Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/227413/an-emerging-art-district-cubao-expo-my-breathing-space)

“After hard work, the biggest determinant is being in the right place at the right time.” – Michael Bloomberg

What if there’s a place, peaceful and quiet; a place where harried souls can find tranquility with aesthetic ambiance, exquisite cuisine, art, indie films, music, stylish apparel, and collectible items.
What if there’s such a laid-back place amid the hustle-and-bustle of the metropolis, where one can bring a friend, sip a cup of tea or coffee, browse inspirational books, buy rare items, talk to strangers, or simply unwind from household chores and office works.

Somewhere, at the heart of Cubao in Quezon City, there’s a quaint place, an emerging art district, flanked by modern buildings and shopping malls of Araneta Center called “Cubao Expo”. The place retains its 1970s look with two-storey building divided by a “U” shaped street like an open arms, welcoming its visitors and shoppers with placid embrace.

‘Cubao Expo’ as an emerging Art District

Well-known among the literati, painters, photographers, collectors, showbiz people, and indie musicians and filmmakers, the “Cubao Expo”, formerly known as “Marikina Expo” along Gen. Romulo St. in Cubao, Quezon City, was built and developed in 1972 by Mercado Realty during the martial law era, housing the finest Marikina shoes in the country.

However, more than two decades later, the 250 shoe manufacturers in Marikina slowly walked on a descending tramp, until the “Marikina Expo” closed down in 1997 at the height of Asian crisis.

Then came the year 2000, with its new administrator and manager Mr. Bujim Aquino, it opens its door again, but this time to visionary entrepreneurs whose merchandise trudges on rare and uniquely designed products. Soon, art galleries, restaurants, indie film mini-theatre, and resto bar, to name a few, flourish on either side of the street.

And Cubao Expo, as it has been known today, walks again with renewed joie de vivre sans the shoes, nay, still with a handful of Marikina shoes, averring their presence on some glass windows.

As an emerging art district, it is an alternative place not only for people in the art world, but also for shoppers, collectors, tourists, hipsters, and art enthusiasts, who want to experience the bohemian character of its environment.

The Cubao Expo is also an alternative meeting place for corporate executives, lovers, and politicians with its exquisite cuisine and idyllic atmosphere. Among those restaurants and resto bars with cheaper food, wine, coffee and beverages are Alan’s Grill, Bellini’s, Mogwai, and I Love You Store. Genre Bar, an alternative place for indie musicians and music lovers, can be found at the second floor of Alan’s Grill.

Art galleries like White Box, Heritage, Black Soup and Pablo are holding regular exhibit on paintings, drawings and photography from established and emerging artists. Mogwai Cinematheque, on the other hand, with its café and restaurant has a mini-theatre in the second floor, showing short and full-length films from Filipino indie filmmakers.

Chic and distinctive apparel, bags, jewelries and accessories are pullulating at the glass windows of Reading Room, I Love You Store, and Oohwables. For those who are looking for rare design and antique furniture, vintage books, vinyl records, and other collectible items, they can find them at Heritage, Old’s Cool, Karma and Vintage Pop.

And those who are collecting anime items like posters, CD or DVD movies, toys, comics, and other anime collectibles, the Shinsen Anime is a place for kids, teenagers and young adults. While at Kolektib, one can visit actor and comedian Gabe Mercado holding regular workshop and acting classes in his sanctuary.

Cubao Expo is not just the convergence of creative and visionary entrepreneurs. It is a homey and convivial place, creating a subculture among store owners, reviving the vanishing Filipino culture and values of “bayanihan” and “pakikisama”.

Books of Life by Gener Valerio

In the same place at Cubao Expo, there emerges a unique store called “My Breathing Space”, named after the title of a non-fiction book by author and entrepreneur Gener Valerio. The place houses unique decorative and functional items, inspirational books, artworks, and fresh flowers. It also serves coffee and tea to the customers.

The store owner, Gener Valerio, quipped that the place is simply his “breathing space”, where he can invite his friends, sell his merchandise, and offer his inspirational books “My Breathing Space” and “KuroKuroko”, which he called ‘books of life’.

The two books are compendium of personal stories and essays, almost Chekhovian in style except that they are vignettes of memoirs. Confessional, as they may seem yet, the books are about the lessons learned from life, with vivid and poignant recollection of experiences, people, and places – trudging on the existential pendulum between bitterness and acceptance, pains and joys, indifference and compassion, defeats and victories, and so forth.

At the end of each informal or less structured essay, one of the salient characteristics of memoirs, the author always seeks to reconcile and proposes sublime lessons that he learned from life, similar to the formulaic “endings” of fairytale stories albeit, taken from personal, real-life stories.

Gener Valerio’s books are simply amazing to read, provocative, down to earth, witty, and humorous.

Likewise, his haven, “My Breathing Space” at Cubao Expo, is a transcendent place to unwind and unravel from a hectic life with its vibrant interior, photographs, and artworks on the walls.

SIR, CAN YOU PLEASE UPDATE US ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT? HOW ABOUT SA 5-STAR HOTEL NA 2010 AY MAGSTART NA DAW NG CONSTRUCTION BESIDES ARANETA COLISEUM. ALSO, HOW ABOUT THE GATEWAY HOTEL TOWER? MORE UPDATE PLEASE. QUITE EXCITED SA RE-DEVELOPMENT NG PLACE KASI PATAPOS NA ANG UNIT KO SA PARKWAY.

go cubao! go araneta center!:cheers:

Socorro towers over Quezon City (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideMetro.htm?f=//2009/november/16/metro1.isx&d=/2009/november/16)
Manila Standard (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideMetro.htm?f=//2009/november/16/metro1.isx&d=/2009/november/16)
by Roy Pelovello

BARANGAY Socorro lords it over in Quezon City, earning P10.5 million in realty taxes for the first quarter alone and chairman Jose de Guzman sees bright days ahead with locators clustering at Araneta Center and Megaworld’s 20 high rise in the horizon.

Without flaunting Araneta Coliseum, a landmark in the National Capital Region, he could easily add to his corporate list Gateway, SM mall, Farmer’s Plaza, and Shopwise.

“Yes, Barangay Socorro receives the highest RPTS [real property tax share] year after year, and this is the reason why we are referred to as the richest barangay in Quezon City,” De Guzman told Standard Today, in the village office at the ubiquitous twin water towers near Gate 1 of the Aguinaldo camp.

And Araneta is just starting to boom, according to De Guzman, citing business process outsourcing firms composed of APAC, Accenture, Stellar, and Advanced Contact Solutions. Another building for the Telus is taking its place in the cluster.

Still the momentum of growth is unstoppable, he said, noting that a 10-year development project of Megaworld to construct 20 independent commercial-residential towers, four of which are in progress plus a five-star hotel.

“At present, we project about an 8-percent annual increase in our revenues, but that could increase with these developments,” said De Guzman.

On his first term as chairman, former businessman De Guzman bought two multicabs, four motorcycle units and three tricycle patrols, for the First Response Team composed of 20 barangay tanods, four firemen, and seven traffic enforcers.

The responders, he said, are now equipped with a P300,000 worth of two-way radio system to attend to more than 23,000 residents across 118 hectares of territory.

De Guzman said this year saw the completion of the multi-purpose center for P4 million, and a basketball court for P1 million. In view of the recent flooding, he said repair of the drainage system is being rushed.

He said residents could now go to the village’s medical clinic equipped for diagnostics and treatment including minor surgeries.

Attending to patients are a doctor, a dentist and a psychologist for troubled women and children. Free medicine, free diabetes checkup, as well as free executive checkup for senior residents.

De Guzman said services covered education and livelihood programs for eligible residents including free education under Alternative Learning System and computer literacy, adding that six computer sets were donated to the 15th Avenue and Camarilla elementary schools.

Putting technology to work and further improve service, he said an IBM server is networked with six other computers in the office.

An e-Governance software, he said, organized database and streamlined records retrieval.

He said no effort was spared to protect the youth from vice.

“I hired many of drug addicts and even pushers as tanods and gave them a chance to live a new life. Many people warned me about that. But it succeeded and now the threat of drug in our barangay is largely eliminated.”

For the feat, De Guzman’s village was cited by the Metro Manila police as the second most police-friendly locality.

Asked about his wish list, he has one at the drop of a hat—a 1,600-square meter lot where the village hall sat, owned by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System.

“There’s an offer to sell but at P40 million, that’s still too high for us. Maybe the city government can help us,” he said.

ang swerte pala namin dito ..ngayon ko lang nalaman

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs181.snc3/18843_248670181162_645421162_4854374_3590717_n.jpg

I just want to share this..
Araneta Center way, way, way back..

Source: a facebook post

Wow Cubao, ang ganda tingnan, tapos ngayon kelangan na ng redevelopment para lang gumanda. But I consider Cubao a success in the way it has become a transportation hub, I mean anywhere in Metro Manila may jeep na papunta lagi ng Cubao.

Absolutely! You can see the success of barangay socorro thru their numerous firetrucks and vehicles. Good for them They get their yearly budget from Real Property Tax in the area and the emergence of the ayala center will bring in more revenues to the barangay, we just hope that the next group of barangay officials use this in a proactive way

Source: http://www.aranetacenter.net/2008/BargainHunters2010.php

http://www.aranetacenter.net/2008/images/new-NFP.jpg

Great news to all bargain hunters out there as Araneta Center, Inc. announces the opening of the Farmers Plaza Bazaar located at the 4th level of Farmers Plaza on November 5, 2010. The occasion forms part of the Farmers Plaza redevelopment program.

True to the spirit of traditional bazaars, the setting of The Farmers Plaza bazaar will include a wide-array of merchandise in time for the Christmas Season - apparel, shoes, bags, gifts and novelties, pearls, fashion jewelry and a telecom hub.

Farmers Plaza Bazaar is a known haven for value shopping and has been popular for having diverse offerings. Wise shoppers from all walks of life converge to satisfy their need for best-quality and unique items at affordable prices.

Customers will experience ultimate shopping activities during their bargain hunting because of the mall’s upgraded facilities and amenities to ensure their safety, security, comfort and convenience.

The new development represents a milestone for the company, which has undergone a comprehensive Master Plan to create a unique synergy that will make the Center a truly special place to live, work and play. Redesigned by expert architects and engineers, it is leased by a dynamic marketing team and operated by service-oriented personnel. Farmers Plaza is Araneta Center’s gateway to EDSA.

Start Christmas shopping early at the Farmers Plaza Bazaar – the newest bargain hunter’s destination -- and avoid the holiday rush. The hunt begins at 10am to 9pm on weekdays and 10am to 10 pm on weekends.

http://www.dci.com.ph/images/gateway.png

Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City

The Gateway Tower is a 32-level mixed use building with 3 levels basement parking, five levels commercial center, twenty two levels offices, two levels penthouse and a helipad at the roof deck. Framings shall compose of structural steel and metal decking for suspended slabs. The façade shall comprise of aluminum panels and punched windows. The total gross floor area is approximately 75,056 sq. m.

Owner/Developer : Araneta Center, Inc.

Architect : In-House Architects

from http://www.dci.com.ph/ (http://www.dci.com.ph/Gateway%20Tower%202.html)

The latest rendering of Gateway Tower. It's less glassy compared to the previous render :(

http://www.dci.com.ph/images/gateway.png

Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City

The Gateway Tower is a 32-level mixed use building with 3 levels basement parking, five levels commercial center, twenty two levels offices, two levels penthouse and a helipad at the roof deck. Framings shall compose of structural steel and metal decking for suspended slabs. The façade shall comprise of aluminum panels and punched windows. The total gross floor area is approximately 75,056 sq. m.

Owner/Developer : Araneta Center, Inc.

Architect : In-House Architects

from http://www.dci.com.ph/ (http://www.dci.com.ph/Gateway%20Tower%202.html)

The latest rendering of Gateway Tower. It's less glassy compared to the previous render :(

TO DATE MALALIM PA DIN ANG HUKAY. WHEN WILL BE THE START OF THE CONSTRUCTION? PARKWAY TOWERS WILL SOON TO TURNOVER ON 2011 AT ALMOST MAGKASUNOD LANG SILA NG PLANO. ANY UPDATE PLEASE.

PAULIRIUM, wont you mind to inform us kung NOVOTEL hotel na ang konoconstruct sa gilid ng Araneta Col.?

TO DATE MALALIM PA DIN ANG HUKAY. WHEN WILL BE THE START OF THE CONSTRUCTION? PARKWAY TOWERS WILL SOON TO TURNOVER ON 2011 AT ALMOST MAGKASUNOD LANG SILA NG PLANO. ANY UPDATE PLEASE.

Yes! That malalim na hukay has been there for YEARS! So when will Gateway Tower actually start????

BTW, I know the rendering is less glassy but it is better than the one between the original glassy and the current one we see now. Now if only they would actually start building the bloody thing!

PAULIRIUM, wont you mind to inform us kung NOVOTEL hotel na ang konoconstruct sa gilid ng Araneta Col.?

Hi Sir. To be honest, I have no idea when will they start the construction of Gateway tower & Novotel hotel. Perhaps, the office tower will be constructed after the completion of the car park building. I'm assuming that they're directly competing with SM Bay City's developments while following the timeline of Eastwood City, where the hotel & the mall development was introduced after a number of condos has been built.

Quoted my post from Manhattan Garden City thread.
If my assumptions are correct, the next project of Araneta will be the Gateway Tower. They badly need to expand Gateway & build a better office tower inside the center. I'm assuming that they will finish first the entire Manhattan Garden City (for larger foot traffic) before Novotel & the Millennium mall will be constructed. As of now, the demand for hotel rooms & a brand new mall is still not feasible.

Yes! That malalim na hukay has been there for YEARS! So when will Gateway Tower actually start????

BTW, I know the rendering is less glassy but it is better than the one between the original glassy and the current one we see now. Now if only they would actually start building the bloody thing!

Recently, inalis yung pedestrian at binakuran ng cemented wall yung project. I don't know if that's the sign na magsisimula na ang construction or ginawa lang for the safety of the public. Hay, sana simulan na nila to. Centris & QC-CBD will directly compete with Araneta Center for office spaces anytime soon. Dapat mauna na sila dahil ang dami ng nasayang na opportunities. Setting up a small CBD in Araneta Center will definitely help those who want to work in QC instead of Ortigas, Makati, BGC & others. Our talent pool in QC is so good. Imagine, all the intellectuals from UP & Ateneo alone can make QC a thriving place for business.

http://www.dci.com.ph/images/gateway.png
The design is good but I don't like that curve sa gilid! Masyadong common na kasi yung design na gagawin nila. It's too Ortigas looking for me. Hindi pa naman nasisimulan, sana baguhin pa nila yung design.

Here are my pegs for the Gateway tower.
http://www.reniaga.com/araneta/gatewaytower3_1.jpeg
http://www.reniaga.com/araneta/gatewaytower7_2.jpg
http://www.reniaga.com/araneta/gatewaytower7_3.jpeg
http://www.reniaga.com/araneta/gatewaytower7_4.jpeg
http://www.reniaga.com/araneta/gatewaytower13_a.jpg
http://www.reniaga.com/araneta/gatewaytower13_b.jpghttp://www.reniaga.com/araneta/gatewaytower13_c.jpg
http://www.reniaga.com/araneta/gatewaytower14_1.jpeg
http://www.reniaga.com/araneta/gatewaytower14.jpg

Disclaimer: I do not own the photos above. Karamihan diyan galing din sa SSC.

Wow.... I really hope everything will be in place .. What will it look like after. 5 yrs. Or 10 yrs....? Naku sana hwag naman gnun katagal matanda mga bumile ng mga unit sa condo....

Wow.... I really hope everything will be in place .. What will it look like after. 5 yrs. Or 10 yrs....? Naku sana hwag naman gnun katagal matanda mga bumile ng mga unit sa condo....

Sinabi mo pa...hehehehe... sana simulan na ng Araneta ang mga redevelopment plans nila.

yeah, they should start by demolishing the ugly buildings along aurora cor edsa. And remove the "Divisoria" feeling (smell, noise) beside those ugly buildings.

agree. the aurora stretch is really an eyesore but megaworld is doing a great job at developing the area. hopefully they start with the "corporate" side of the redevelopment.

Took these photos today from Gateway mall.
http://www.reniaga.com/araneta/gatewaytower.jpg
Gateway tower is now officially under construction! Yehey!
http://www.reniaga.com/araneta/manhattan.jpg
Look at that roof with a wave over there!

The entire project looks amazing! If you view it from afar, Manhattan Garden City looks like a cluster of waves in the sky. Hopefully these roofs will be lit at night. Manhattan Garden City arcade is coming soon as well. Kudos to Araneta & Megaworld.

Merry Christmas guys :)

Good to see MGC Parkview 1 about to top off or looks like it has. It looks very promising and kita ko na rin floor ko. The New Frontier Theater is the one looking odd there (it used to be grand during its heydays). I wonder if a tall structure will be built in that area for business/corporate use as shown in the lay out in the MGC brochure or low to mid-rise as shown in the sclae display near their showroom in Gateway Mall.

WOOOOOW. Sa wakas may mga nilalang na gumagalaw na sa ilalim ng malalim na hukay na iyan. dios mio. it has been how many years since they made that hole on the ground? Novotel nalang kulang :)

^^ Siguro sila din yung mga construction worker dun sa ginagawang parking building... may schedule lang kung saan maghuhukay :lol: Joke lang po.

Finally, after so many revisions, Gateway Tower & Gateway Mall's extension will soon be finished. I hope this building will be impressive enough to jump start the office space demand in Araneta.

2011 looks promising :)

Wow. I really hope everything will be in place . What will it look like after. 5 yrs. Or 10 yrs. Images of the buildings are really look great.

-------------
Bags and Cases For You (http://betterbagsandcasesforyou.info/Large_Cargo_Camera_Bag__Black.aspx)

(Araneta's new scoreboard. Not good enough IMO.)
http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/large/220796647.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1294853005&Signature=gnVxdTLJcwhOn%2Bqcc0dMvTWHDX0%3D

You ain't seen nuthin' yet
SPORTING CHANCE By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star) Updated January 11, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (17) View comments

Since the PBA resumed playing this year after the holiday break, the crowds have packed the Araneta Coliseum like the games were going out of style. PBA media bureau chief Willy Marcial said last Wednesday’s attendance went over 11,000. Then, it was down slightly to 10,000 last Friday but surged to 17,500 last Sunday.

No doubt, the match-ups in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals are mouth-watering. That’s why the fans are gobbling up tickets like nobody’s business. B-Meg vs. Talk ‘N’ Text and San Miguel Beer vs. Ginebra San Miguel are certified crowd-drawers. You can expect even bigger crowds as soon as the finals begin.

When the Araneta gates opened last Wednesday, the fans were treated to a wonderful Christmas present – the 4.9 meter by 4.6 meter LED scoreboard hanging from the ceiling over the hardcourt in the middle of the Big Dome. It’s the biggest indoor installation of an LED video display in Southeast Asia with the distinct feature of 10 millimeter pixel pitch, assuring vivid picture clarity. The smaller the pixels, the brighter the image, explained Uniprom marketing manager and Araneta spokesman Gines Enriquez who added that the previous scoreboard had only a 22 millimeter pixel pitch.

Two American engineers flew in from the ADSystems headquarters in Fort Myers, Florida, to supervise the installation before Christmas. Enriquez, who joined the Araneta group only three months ago after working as programming director for FM radio with ABC-5 and heading the operations of an LED display company, said a team of 12 put up the scoreboard – fondly called the Big Cube – over five days, round the clock.

* * *

“Now, we’re able to provide front row viewing for fans in upper A and general admission,” said Sienna Olaso, director of entertainment and marketing of Uniprom. “No matter where you’re sitting, you can watch the action from a premium position. We’re excited about this development and we hope the fans enjoy our efforts in giving them the best entertainment alternative in viewing.”

Two technicians control what is beamed on the Big Cube’s four-sided monitor. A staff from the PBA feeds the encoded scores directly through the Araneta technicians to reflect immediately on the board. At the moment, a single TV camera is on stand-by to air shots on the Big Cube outside of the angles and footage provided by the PBA coveror.

“By Valentine’s Day, we hope to upgrade our systems, possibly to use three to five cameras of our own,” continued Enriquez. “For the PBA, that’s in addition to what’s patched in by the TV coveror. During the recent China Acrobatics Circus, ABS-CBN mobilized five cameras to take footage of two shows. It was inspiring to witness the different angles that were shown on the Big Cube. They had two backpacks, cameras with long-range lenses and a crane to capture unbelievable angles. In February, we’ve got a lot of concert shows lined up featuring Taylor Swift, Dan Hill and Martin Nievera with Sarah Geronimo. We hope to enrich the spectator experience with our new systems not only in sports but also in concert shows. We want to be both sports-friendly and concert show-friendly.”

The previous Araneta scoreboard was installed eight years ago and weighed six to seven tons. The Big Cube weighs about two tons less but offers magnificent picture quality, thanks to technological advancements. The estimate of the cost of the Big Cube is P35-40 million and it’s well worth the benefit to the fans.

Curiously, the same two individuals assigned by ADSystems to install the Big Cube were involved in putting up the previous Araneta scoreboard. “It helped that they were familiar with how we work and the configuration of our stadium,” said Enriquez, a UP graduate in speech communications. “During the installation process, the engineers were hooked up to technicians in the US and received instructions along the way. What’s beautiful about the Big Cube is it’s upgradeable. Technology in the digital industry is moving forward very fast. Right now, we’ve got full Internet integration with our systems. We can even do live feeds to air on the Big Cube. We can adjust brightness to complement the lighting for TV purposes. From a commercial standpoint, we plan to put a crown above the Big Cube where we can display different brands. We plan to sell ads and provide merchandising opportunities for sponsors. There are outdoor LED installations in Metro Manila but this is the first indoor system so we’re very excited about the potentials of the Big Cube.”

* * *

Olaso said with the four-sided Big Cube, line of vision is no problem wherever a spectator sits in the coliseum. “Even if you’re far away from the action, you’ll be able to see what’s going on clearly as if you’re on the front row,” she said.

Enriquez said the LED scoreboard is perfect for proscenium (as in the China circus) or in-the-round (as in the PBA) shows. He noted that in the next Manny Pacquiao fight, the viewing will be further enhanced by fitting a 30 foot by 30 foot monitor under the Big Cube. By the way, the Cowboys Stadium’s LED screen has a 20 millimeter pixel pitch, meaning the Big Cube displays images twice as sharp and clear.

ADSystems is Animated Display Systems, Inc., a company established by Jim and Teri Thomas in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1980 and later relocated to Fort Myers, Florida, in 1986. It specializes in electronic and digital displays and manufacturing and installing large sign structures. The company employs engineers with software and hardware expertise and a diverse team of service technicians. ADSystems operates out of a 40,000 square foot building in Fort Myers. Among its customers are the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz, St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees. It has installations in South America, the Caribbean, Europe, the US and now, in the Philippines.

The Big Cube makes watching at the Big Dome a whole new enriching experience. It’s a great way to welcome the new year. The fans are surely getting their money’s worth – wherever they sit – witnessing the action in the PBA semifinals.

And with plans to continue upgrading the viewing experience at the Big Dome, you can almost hear Olaso exclaiming, “you ain’t seen nuthin’ yet.”

FINALLY. I never actually thought they were going to replace the old one. At least they're using a LARGE LED screen. But you're right, not good enough. The bottom needs to be smaller. All you really need for that portion are the names of the teams and the total scores. The individual points can be posted on another similar display on the walls of the arena.

--OR--

they could simply design the lower half scoreboard better since it looks like that's also an LED screen. EASY.

Perfect example: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/de/RoseGardenArenaInterior3.jpg

Anyway, well done. I'm impressed.

props to Araneta! it looks like it won't be easy stealing the crown for best indoor arena in the country.
---------------------------

The Big Cube at the Big Dome

http://yfittopostblogph.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/600ftp_thebigcubeatthebigdome.jpg?w=600

By Patricia Bermudez-Hizon
For Yahoo! Southeast Asia

The Araneta Coliseum is synonymous with grand spectacles of both local and international stars. It is also regarded as a sports event mecca and the championship capital of the Philippine—having hosted the Muhammad Ali-Joe Frazier “Thrilla in Manila,” the World Basketball Championships in the late 70s, PBA battles, collegiate wars, and so many others in its 50 years of existence.

But it’s time for a serious upgrade.

Gines Enriquez, marketing manager and spokesperson for the Araneta Coliseum shared: “Our objective is to always enrich spectator encounter to give them total entertainment satisfaction inside the Big Dome. We owe it to our customers to give them something new, so we are always looking for ways to have an engaging experience for them”.

And what an experience it will be when people get a load of the Big Cube at the Big Dome. No matter how far you are seated, you will be treated to a front row experience all the time.

The cube, which was custom built from the US, is 400 times bigger than the old 8 year old board. Enriquez revealed, “It’s 16 by 17 meters or 60 by 70 feet in size when combined making it the world’s biggest four-screen high definition LED Cube screen center hung from an indoor arena. The Dallas Cowboys football stadium uses only a 20mm pitch but the Big Cube is several times clearer at a 10mm pitch.”

There’s so much room for creative ideas for it. They can patch it with, for example Solar TV’s PBA feed, and use 1/3 of the LED board as the score board and stats board. “Apart from that, we can show player profiles, and other trivias on the screen”, said Enriquez. “We’re adding production and content developers for the screens. We can also have live feed from outside the coliseum, like aerial shots, traffic situation, an interview with an artist, and the like.”

Apart from also upgrading the sound system, a future plan of the management is to put a LED ring around the coliseum like what they do in the NBA venues. “We plan on having Internet integration so that we can be open to possibilities of integrating with iPads and mobile devices so people can send messages, photos, and [other content],” said Enriquez.

The Big Cube was installed before the holiday season and was tested during the Splendide China Circus Show. PBA fans who will troop to the Big Dome for the semi finals will surely be in awe.

Upcoming shows like Martin Nievera and Sarah Geronimo’s Valentine concert, Sergio Mendez, Taylor Swift and other big events will surely be enhanced with the presence of the Big Cube.

http://ph.yfittopostblog.com/2011/01/05/the-big-cube-at-the-big-dome/

The Gateway Tower

The Gateway Tower is a 30 level world-class premiere office skyscraper adjacent to and directly connected on 4 levels to the award-winning Gateway Mall. Aside from its strategic location, The Gateway Tower will possess numerous competitive advantages such as 80,000 square meters of prime office space, ceilings that exceed the height of most other office buildings, as well as 5 levels of luxury retail and 3 levels of basement parking.

Moreover, The Gateway Tower will take into account features most important to multinational corporations, including information networks, power and climate control systems, and the designing of high-volume, high-efficiency output capabilities and upgrade flexibility. Businesses can be assured that not only are their present needs but that their future growth is anticipated as well.
http://www.gatewaymall.com.ph/pics/gatewayelevator.jpg

http://www.gatewaymall.com.ph/pics/gatewayarcade.jpg

http://www.gatewaymall.com.ph/pics/gatewayelevatorlobby.jpg

Source: http://www.gatewaymall.com.ph/

ohh this is exciting. another nice addition sa skyline.

saw that the site is being fenced now and they're digging already!!! Construction of Gateway Tower is in full speed!!

I don't believe for a sec Gateway Tower and Novotel is becoming a reality until I see them both actually topped off. The sheer delay for Araneta to build an office building and hotel where such structures tend to sprout out casually elsewhere (cough...DLIG which seem to have magically appeared, no ads, no announcement or hype, nada) in the metro...sigh...

Guys, pano mag post ng pic coming from my ipod ?

The Araneta Center Masterplan
http://www.aranetacenter.net/2008/images/masterplanimg.png
The renaissance of the Araneta Center is part of a comprehensive Master Plan that will mix state-of-the-art retail, entertainment, office, hotel and residential uses—creating a unique synergy to make the Center a truly special place to live, work and play.

The Master Plan is Araneta Center’s bid to become the ultimate lifestyle destination for the entire metropolis: striking, vibrant and alive with 24-hour activity.

The Coliseum Parking Building
http://www.aranetacenter.net/2008/images/masterplancolparking.jpg

Estimated Date of Completion: Sept. 2011
This eight level facility will consist of more than 1,100 slots of parking distributed in three levels of basement parking and five levels of upper parking. The ramps will have a 10% incline that will allow for easier driving. Fully automated and highly-secured, bright lights and individual sensors will be available, with a security control room at the entrance. For added convenience, four passenger elevators will take you to the parking level of your vehicle.

The Gateway Tower
http://www.aranetacenter.net/2008/images/masterplangatewaytower.jpg
Estimated Date of Completion: Aug. 2012
The Gateway Tower is a 30 level world-class premiere office skyscraper adjacent to and directly connected on 4 levels to the award-winning Gateway Mall.

Aside from its strategic location, The Gateway Tower will possess numerous competitive advantages such as 80,000 square meters of prime office space, ceilings that exceed the height of most other office buildings, as well as 5 levels of luxury retail and 3 levels of basement parking.

Novotel Manila
http://www.aranetacenter.net/2008/images/masterplannovotel.jpg
Estimated Date of Completion: Dec. 2012
Soon to rise on the South East quadrant of the Araneta Coliseum is Novotel Manila Araneta Center, a deluxe business hotel connected to Gateway Mall. Conveniently located in the center of the business and entertainment districts of Quezon City, the hotel will showcase 417 rooms, a 1,000 capacity ballroom, a gym, a bar lounge. Plus all-day dining, spa, swimming pools, and 3 levels of basement parking. The hotel will also offer multiple function rooms with flexible spaces, easily transformed to meet every business needs, with an emphasis on state-of-the-art technology, natural light and contemporary design.

* For more information, kindly check out the source below.

Source: http://www.aranetacenter.net/2008/masterplan.php

any plans of repainting or cladding the Coliseum?

The Parking Building looks like a salad.

^^ i love the salad-y cladding though. green wall is good if they maintain it very well. hopefully the plants will thrive.

mas ok pa tingnan ang parking kesa sa coliseum mismo LOL

the big cube

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/Araneta_Coliseum_Basketball_with_Big_Cube_2011.JPG/800px-Araneta_Coliseum_Basketball_with_Big_Cube_2011.JPG

^^yan na ba iyong bagong cube?

^^yan na ba iyong bagong cube?

Yes sir.

By the way, is the Big Dome back to white in the next few years? Look at the 3D renderings of the Araneta Center oh (see above).

it doesn't amaze me,it was 1990's design of us indoor stadium like foottball stadiums and basketball arena's, we had to adopt latest US designs if araneta's cant afford there is a european makers of led monitor just like they used in seria a,premiership league,bundesliga and la liga ,i think 4mx4m or 16m2 size,we need 30m(L)x15m(W) monitor

The Parking Building looks like a salad.

Natawa naman ako ro'n. There's a building in Eastwood with parking levels adorned with plants made of iron (giant filigree). It looks nice, though, real plants look better as in this render.

Yup it's really the best time to invest in real estate around the area before the prices go soaring high from the Araneta Redevelopment Plan.

out of place na ang character ng colliseum, they really need to renovate it para makasunod sa hitsura ng mga soon to rise structures.

yun Novotel hawig sa character ng Gateway. Also curious kung pano naging connected ang Novotel sa Gateway since nasa gitna yung colliseum

connected by bridge,sigurado panget yan na naman...

^ ^ hahahahaha let's just wait and see

Yes sir.

By the way, is the Big Dome back to white in the next few years? Look at the 3D renderings of the Araneta Center oh (see above).

Thanks!

Repost from Araneta Center threadI've seen the designs of Palafox for Araneta from his book entitled "Palafox Associates the first 25 years". One design features a long curved walkway from LRT2 station that stretches up to the current Araneta Cyber Park. It is attached to a "Y" form walkway that links to the current Farmers Plaza. The Coliseum is placed at the center of this interconnected tubes. It looks good, but I prefer the current master plan wherein the Millennium Mall is wrapped around the Coliseum.

Render of Manhattan Garden City.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/41328_147922138565497_141186869239024_345724_154109_n.jpg
I've got high hopes for Manhattan Plaza after seeing the design of Manhattan Heights. That tall tower with a cone-shaped roof looks stunning.

I just find Manhattan Garden City too festive in color, but all in all, it's a wonderful development for the Araneta Center.

Based from the renderings, White ba uli yung coliseum?

sakop pala ng baranggay Socorro ang Araneta Center.. kala ko hanggang P.Tuazon lang

sana nga madevelop pa ang AC... & baka pati camp aguinaldo... tapos baka magmerge ang ang skyline ng cubao & ortigas

sakop pala ng baranggay Socorro ang Araneta Center.. kala ko hanggang P.Tuazon lang

sana nga madevelop pa ang AC... & baka pati camp aguinaldo... tapos baka magmerge ang ang skyline ng cubao & ortigas

mas maganda sigurong ma retain yung camp aguinaldo....kasi para may buffer na greenery

pangit rin ang straight skyline na puro building lang

tama rin.. ok din yung golf course dun

plus pag mag invade ang countryside rebels....e at least may camp ng army sa mismong metro manila

^lol di nila kaya 20million taga metro

well, not if the 2 million squatters out of that 20 million join their uprising LOL

i doubt they'd be able to grab that title ever., (sa pace nila) alam mo naman ang dubai.,? always aiming for the biggest, tallest, at lahat na ng -est., :)

@queetz., yep megaworld is only for the residential part., i think aaron told me that some time ago., ano kaya hinihintay ng araneta to develop their part of araneta center? kahit ung gateway tower nila wala pa., parang hukay palang ata siya hanggang ngayon., ang nakikita ko lang na gingawa sun ngayon is the ongoing demolition of the site for manhattan parkview., (or parkway)? basta ung phase 1, along aurora., :) :lol: pati narin ung sa rehab(extension and recladding) of the philam life building., along aurora.,

isa pa,. sana naman utang na loob gibain(or rehab) nila yung mga eyesore sa kanto ng aurora at edsa., napa gandang location pa naman.,

question? kanino ung HUGE lot across araneta? corner edsa and aurora.

It's owned by National Bookstore...

Yeah, that lot is so big, i wonder what are the future plans of National Bookstore about it? Will they build their new Headquarters there like what Mercury did in Libis? Hahaha, this is just a wild guess

http://flickr.com/photos/5736837982_a4ed806e46_b.jpg

New Araneta Center Bus Terminal

Taken: 5-19-11

http://flicker.com/photos/5736838124_39c73e2f43_b.jpg

Novotel hotel - Under construction....
Taken : 5-19-11

http://flickr.com/photos/5736286723_7ac6cf81bb_b.jpg

Taken: 5-19-11

sana idemolish yung AirPhil na katabi ng Farmers

yun whole stretch nun area ng old bus terminal, hanggang saan kaya yun ide demolish? I see yun old Puregold nire renovate I thought kasama sa ide demolish yun

http://flickr.com/photos/5736286723_7ac6cf81bb_b.jpg

Taken: 5-19-11

They really have to redesign the crown of Gateway Tower if it will be the tallest structure inside the Araneta Center by 2012 or 2013. The helipad/cement box on top is just too bland for me. I hope the in-house architects of Araneta Center will try to check out SSC or browse the Architecture books of Fully Booked or National Bookstore Araneta. Inspiration is just around the corner :)

The previous designs of Gateway Tower from the Araneta Center website.

http://www.gatewaymall.com.ph/2006/images/mgc04.gif

http://www.aranetacenter.net/2008/images/wnew/aexpand04.jpg

http://www.gatewaymall.com.ph/pics/gatewaytowerportrait.jpg

Here's a perspective view of the tower.

http://www.dci.com.ph/images/gateway.png

http://flickr.com/photos/5755308046_48628c9d50_b.jpg

Gateway tower

Taken: 5-23-11

nice

Steel framed office building, eh?

Well that is something not commonly built in these parts (only a handful, such as the Rufino Pacific Tower, some Robinsons Malls, and some earlier Makati city buildings are steel framed).

Well, my doubt of Gateway Tower's possible completion has subsided just a little, but won't celebrate until the building is topped off and the curtain wall has been fully enveloped. Since it is steel, it should rise up really fast, so perhaps doubt will be eliminated sooner than you think.... ;)

http://flickr.com/photos/5755308046_48628c9d50_b.jpg

Gateway tower

Taken: 5-23-11

nice updates jameskirk O.... ^^

http://flicker.com/photos/5736838124_39c73e2f43_b.jpg

Novotel hotel - Under construction....
Taken : 5-19-11

This is very good progress na construction for NOvotel is already started. Novotel will add extra factor to Araneta Center. Unti unti ng nakakarecover sa lost glory at napag iwanan. On time lang din na mafinish ang construction at mapasabay sa full turnover ng Manhattan Parkways and Parkviews. On the way na din naman ang Gateway tower and this will make Araneta Center back to the top again.

any updates folks?

^^ Yes yes, updates needed, especially that of the Gateway Tower to help alleviate some uncertainty... ;)

Once araneta center is finished, this place will definitely become one of the ultimate lifestyle destinations in the metro! Un nga lang, araneta coliseum needs a more updated and upgraded look on the outside.

^^^ Precisely. Araneta Coliseum looks kitschy and dirty with its current paint job. A return to its classic white color might endow it back its former prestige. It looked nice way back then.

The Big Dome made history... Again.

http://www.aranetacenter.net/2008/images/smartallstar.jpg

A mammoth crowd of 36,000 filled the sparkling new Araneta Coliseum to witness the historic Flash Elorde-Harold Gomes, the Big Dome’s inaugural offering more than 50 years ago. It was acknowledged as an engineering marvel with the biggest clear-span dome – without a single post to obstruct anyone’s view – in the world.

Fast forward to July 23-24, 2011.

Another humongous crowd filled the Big Dome as it kicked off another chapter of its illustrious history under a new name and an exciting alliance with Mr. Manny Pangilinan, the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Ultimate All Star Weekend was a double header against Filipino basketball idols that will long be talked about in the annals of sports.

Making history and churning out the best forms of entertainment is nothing new at the Araneta Center. It now pulses toward a continued dynamic future as a mixed-use development comprising shopping malls, residential towers, office parks among the 2,000 businessmen in its confines, and the million or so people who traverse its premises daily.

So what’s in a change of name? The change of name opens up a whole new celebrity experience for the millions of Filipinos that flock to the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Smart Araneta Coliseum will undergo a grand facelift to guarantee a star treatment for its customers. Picture this – a “green” weather-proof parking facility right beside the coliseum, providing direct access to the coliseum sections; a façade with an exterior wrapped by LED walls, its dynamic colors providing eye candy to everyone; lobbies equipped with the first ever curved escalators as access to the higher levels; luxurious seats and world class rest rooms to bring comfort to a maximum level. Celebrity treatment awaits guests with a VIP lounge where patrons meet and greet their favorite stars and performers, luxurious cinema seats for the VIP box. All these and much, much more.

With these renovations, as in the past, Filipinos can expect the Smart Araneta Coliseum to continue to be stamped in our collective consciousness.

As in the past, the Smart Araneta Coliseum will continue to be a place that will touch many lives that it deserves to be part of our national heritage.

And as in the past, the Smart Araneta Coliseum will continue to be the entertainment mecca of the Filipinos.

Welcome to the Smart Araneta Coliseum!

Source: http://www.aranetacenter.net/2008/08press.php

HOORAY FOR SMART! :cheers: I knew they'd do it! Hope to see a rendering soon :)

Another buy-out in the making from MVP?

http://business.inquirer.net/files/2011/08/coliseum.jpg
http://business.inquirer.net/11215/big-changes-come-to-the-big-dome
Big changes come to the Big Dome
By: Tina Arceo-Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer
11:37 pm | Sunday, August 7th, 2011
1 share1 0

ARANETA Group CEO Jorge L. Araneta. Photos by August de la Cruz

Not a few were taken aback by the surprise announcement that the world-famous Big Dome in Cubao, Quezon City—the centerpiece of the sprawling Araneta Center—has been renamed the Smart Araneta Coliseum, at least for the next five years.

After all, the Coliseum, which was at one point the biggest covered coliseum in the world, had flourished for more than 50 years—hosting 6,000 world-class shows viewed by 35 million people—without any help from corporate partners.

But what had been thought to be unthinkable did happen, with Araneta Group chairman and CEO Jorge L. Araneta himself announcing the major development on July 23, during the opening of the Smart Ultimate All-Star Weekend.

The highly anticipated exhibition games were headlined by Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose, Most Valuable Player of the National Basketball Association; Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers; Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets; and Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder.



“More than an alliance, this is a fusion of ideas and ideals, a renewed commitment to sports, entertainment and youth development,” Araneta said before the match between the NBA players and the Philippine Basketball Association selection that was watched by thousands of Filipino fans who filled the Coliseum to the rafters and the millions who watched the broadcast at home.

Araneta told the Inquirer in an interview that there were indeed mixed reactions to the renaming of the Big Dome into Smart Araneta Coliseum, but stressed that it was not unusual for stadiums to have corporate names attached to them.

Examples include the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida, the home of the Miami Heat; American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, base of the Dallas Mavericks; Allianz Arena, home of football giant FC Bayern Munich; and Emirates Stadium in London, home field of the Arsenal FC football team.

Araneta said that the Araneta Group had really been looking for a partner willing to pay for naming rights even before this opportunity came along.

“The plan has always been at the back of our minds,” said Araneta in an interview in his boardroom.


group came close to forging a naming rights agreement back in 1999, but it fell through. The second attempt was successful, Araneta said, because there was an immediate meeting of the minds between the Araneta group and the telecommunications giant headed by Manuel V. Pangilinan.

Smart was committed to youth development programs involving sports, while the Araneta Group wanted to cement the Big Dome’s position as the sports and entertainment center in the Philippines.

By forging the naming rights agreement, Smart and the Araneta Group are confident that they will both get what they want.

Under the five-year deal, the Araneta Group will get a “substantial” annual fee in exchange for allowing the coliseum to be named Smart Araneta Coliseum, the largest indoor facility in Southeast Asia.

Araneta declined to disclose the amount that Smart would pay for having its name attached to the Araneta Coliseum for the next five years, but said that there was not much haggling nor wrangling over the terms and conditions of the landmark agreement.

It helped a great deal that Araneta has known Pangilinan since he was a student at the Ateneo de Manila University.

Araneta shared that Pangilinan’s father was the branch manager of Philippine National Bank’s Cubao branch in Araneta Center for years.

“We used to have coffee all the time in the office,” said Araneta.



That long history eased the flow of negotiations, and Araneta said it was just “purely coincidental” that the coming to the Philippines of the constellation of NBA stars coincided with the conclusion of the naming rights talks.

There could not be a better way to mark the new chapter in the coliseum’s long history.

“It was a good omen of things to come,” Araneta added.

And there are many changes expected to come out of the pipeline.

The Big Dome will undergo a major facelift to further enhance the viewing experience of its hordes of frequent visitors.

Araneta cited the plan to establish the country’s first “green parking facility” beside the coliseum that will accommodate 2,000 vehicles.

This parking facility will provide direct access to the Upper Box and indirect access to Patron and Lower Box areas. It will also have escalators to the General Admission section.



The “green” element will be provided by the carbon monoxide absorbing plants to be installed on its facade, which was designed to allow natural ventilation within the structure. There will also be a park on the top floor of the parking building.

He also disclosed that the Araneta Group had contracted artists from the University of the Philippines—Araneta’s alma mater—to interpret their take on certain events in Philippine history on the Coliseum’s concourse.

“The artwork will cover the history of the Philippines from the coming of Magellan. We are scheduled to unveil the artwork on June 12, 2012,” Araneta said.

And yes, the coliseum seats will also be improved. Brand-new chairs complete with cup holders will replace all of the Big Dome’s 20,000 seats.

Escalators will also be installed to transport the audience to their respective sections. Modern toilet facilities and additional rest rooms will be put in place to accommodate the huge crowds that fill the Coliseum 267 days a year.

But the Araneta group said in a statement that perhaps the most significant change to be brought about by the Big Dome’s renovation is the “celebrity” experience.

Private VIP boxes to be called “Virtual Boxes” will provide VIP seating. The VIPs will get access to top-class food and beverage options as well as catered fare.

To keep up with the times, free Wi-Fi access will be available for concert goers who wish to tweet their experience while in the coliseum.

VIP services will also include access to a plush lounge cum sports bar where special guests can relax before or after shows. A dedicated concierge will be on call for the guests.



Lounge guests will also get the rare chance to meet and greet their favorite performers.

The improvement of safety features also figured highly in the renovation plan. An enhanced fire protection system will be put into place to ensure the safety of every guest. There will be more production and dressing rooms for promoters and artists at the back of house.

Beyond the gates, giant LED walls will display show schedules and other video materials.

Outside the Coliseum, hotels will be constructed to house businessmen, local tourists and visiting performers and there will be a center-wide refurbishing of lighting facilities and street signs to brighten up the center of commerce and entertainment.

All of these positive developments combine to make Araneta look to the future of the Coliseum and the Araneta Center with confidence.

For the patriarch of the Araneta Group, the best is yet to come

a bit disappointed that they retained the retro pattern already existing in the exterior, but an obvious welcome development!

you should be more disappointed that you dont have airfare money to see this.

nice,i want the concrete portion to be cladded with composite panels and more glass panels and steel please to make it appear high tech. I like the transformation of araneta complex.

the seedy movie houses are still in the vicinity, so pangit pa din

http://business.inquirer.net/files/2011/08/new-frontier.jpg

http://business.inquirer.net/files/2011/08/parking.jpg

mukhang okay ang new frontier sana simulan na to.

And yes, the coliseum seats will also be improved. Brand-new chairs complete with cup holders will replace all of the Big Dome’s 20,000 seats.

Private VIP boxes to be called “Virtual Boxes” will provide VIP seating. The VIPs will get access to top-class food and beverage options as well as catered fare.

What, they're planning to increase the seating capacity to 20,000 seats? As for the Virtual Boxes, does this mean that the "VIPs" will not see the actual game or show, and simply be enclosed in rooms with audio-visual equipments like mini cinemas?
a bit disappointed that they retained the retro pattern already existing in the exterior, but an obvious welcome development!
http://business.inquirer.net/files/2011/08/coliseum.jpg
I agree with you Sir Diz, the retro pattern is so old. They should've air conditioned the hallways & wrap those windows with glass. The entrance looks heavy as well. That giant mass of glass & steel on top doesn't "feel" safe to me. I also have a feeling that they'll just paint the facade & existing columns in silver/gray.

http://www.reniaga.com/araneta/8.jpg
After seeing the render, I'm really glad that they've dropped the Star Trek font of the Araneta Coliseum. It's so tacky! I was actually hoping that they opted for a major rebrand when they did this naming rights deal with Smart. The Coca-Cola dome's logo is a good peg for Araneta Coliseum.

http://smartaranetacoliseum.com/2006/images/ccircle/aboucircle.gif
Here's the Coliseum Circle's logo, another tacky design.

Going back to the topic, I was hoping for a "major major" redesign with an international architect involved. Most probably, this plan is done in-house or designed by a local firm.

http://www.reniaga.com/araneta/2.jpg
http://www.reniaga.com/araneta/4.jpg
http://www.reniaga.com/araneta/5.jpg
My suggestions! They can redesign the entrance...

http://www.reniaga.com/araneta/3.jpg
or wrap it with aluminum & glass cladding...

http://www.reniaga.com/araneta/7.jpg
or get some inspirations from Ciputra World/American Airlines Arena/Mall of Asia.

http://www.reniaga.com/araneta/6.jpg
I know this is too impossible...

http://www.reniaga.com/araneta/1.jpg
but I was definitely hoping that they'll come up with something like this! Sigh...

P.S. Their website is 5 years old already. They should redesign it as well.

you should be more disappointed that you dont have airfare money to see this.

no, you should be disappointed that all you have to bring is your mom to these sort of things :lol:

and why? here's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:RoseGardenArenaInterior3.jpg) what i get to see often.

anyway, quit stalking me and tryna talk to me. why do i have to keep telling you that i don't want to talk to your sorry ass? youre starting to look a little desperate. "loser" :lol:

What, they're planning to increase the seating capacity to 20,000 seats? As for the Virtual Boxes, does this mean that the "VIPs" will not see the actual game or show, and simply be enclosed in rooms with audio-visual equipments like mini cinemas?

this is what a VIP box is generally like

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3284/2805321876_f5dddeb493_z.jpg?zz=1

no, you should be disappointed that all you have to bring is your mom to these sort of things :lol:

and why? here's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:RoseGardenArenaInterior3.jpg) what i get to see often.

anyway, quit stalking me and tryna talk to me. why do i have to keep telling you that i don't want to talk to your sorry ass? youre starting to look a little desperate. "loser" :lol:

haha, wikipedia as usual. no photos from you. puro google lang, loser.

why are you so hung up on my mom? I took her to Singapore last time she was here in Manila. what have you done lately? :cheers:

as usual? thats you, fagget. it's one of your 'colleagues'. i thought i told you to stop talking to me, prick. quite literally a prick at that since you're so hard to shoo.

:cheers:

edit: finally found that ignore button. thank god!

i mean you really have to have a sorry ass life to be getting a kick out of showing off your frequent flyer miles of enduring economy class with your mother to an average American college student who has to put 50 grand a year elsewhere. i mean, seriously :| and on an internet forum at that. :ohno:

but enjoy your lifetime of having dinner with your mom. please feed her lots and take her everywhere. i look forward to seeing something like this (http://skydivenut.com/members/wp-content/plugins/RSSPoster_PRO/cache/5985b_tumblr_lp1x09m3Vm1qzma4ho1_500.jpg). :lol:

and with that said, no longer wasting my time on you.

/OT

yeah, flip some more burgers dude, or report some TNTs to the INS. I heard you can make money from those. maybe enough for a ticket to the airports that you been raving about but never been to and only googled about ...

http://business.inquirer.net/files/2011/08/new-frontier.jpg

hay salamat hindi na madungis :banana:

kung kailan naging bago ang istura.. tsaka inalis yung "NEW" sa pangalan :lol:

bakit hinde ginaggamit yunglcd screen ng coliseum for concerts???

I wonder if we're ever going to have some solid, photographic updates on what's really happening in the Araneta Centre, or will it be all talk, renderings, and sports stuff... :(

I wonder if we're ever going to have some solid, photographic updates on what's really happening in the Araneta Centre, or will it be all talk, renderings, and sports stuff... :(

let's just w8 for d nxt few weeks....

ang tanong kelan sisimulan ang grand renovation ng araneta now smart araneta? at ilang taon ang itatagal?

ARANETA CENTER MARCHES SMARTLY INTO ITS NEXT CHAPTER

http://www.aranetacenter.net/2008/images/AERIAL_ARANETACENTER.jpg

While others may rest on their laurels after an illustrious fifty year existence, the Araneta Center is certainly not one to do so. On the contrary, there are many things rising at the 35 hectare property that boggles yet excites the mind.

First, the world famous Big Dome has been renamed the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Chairman and CEO of the Araneta Group, Jorge L. Araneta, announced this himself during the opening of the unprecedented All-Star Weekend at the Big Dome with no less than basketball greats playing in a series of games with thousands of people watching live and millions more on television.

During that momentous occasion, Mr. Araneta proudly announced that “more than an alliance, this is a fusion of ideas, and ideals, a renewed commitment to sports, entertainment and youth development.” Thus even after more than 6,000 world class shows viewed by over 35 million people in the last half a century, the SMART Araneta Center was bracing itself to fortify its position as the entertainment mecca of the country.

The All Star Weekend was the auspicious beginning of the new chapter in the coliseum’s history. But beyond the world class shows that will continue to be shown in the SMART Araneta Coliseum, the venue itself will undergo a facelift to further enhance the viewing experience of its hordes of habitués.

To rise very soon just beside the coliseum will be the country’s first “green parking facility”. Five floors above ground and 3 basement levels of luxurious parking for 2,000 vehicles is a motorist’s dream come true. This state of the art parking facility will provide direct access to Upper Box and indirect access to Patron and Lower Box areas. It will have escalators to the General Admission section. It will be weather proof, valet services and comfortable waiting areas for valet-parked cars. The “green” element comes in via several carbon monoxide absorbing plants on its façade and is specially designed to allow natural ventilation within the structure. To put the icing on the cake, so to speak, there will be a park on the topmost floor of the parking building.

Parking is just the tip of the redevelopment iceberg. Future customers will reel from the star treatment they will experience upon entry at the SMART Araneta Coliseum lobbies. Picture this. Guests will immediately notice the spruced up Coliseum Circle and its improved lighting. Gate managers in new crisp uniforms will smartly greet each guest and direct them to their spanking new seats. These brand new back-seat chairs complete with properly sized cup holders will replace all of the Big Dome’s existing 20,000 seats.

The lobbies of the Green and Red Gates will also have new curved escalators to transport the audience to their respective sections. Even going to the rest room becomes a whole new enjoyable and “comforting” experience. Top of the line toilet facilities and additional rest rooms will be created to accommodate the huge and ever discriminating crowds.

But perhaps the most significant change to be brought about by the Big Dome’s renovation is the “celebrity” experience. Private VIP boxes to be called “Virtual Boxes” will provide VIP seating. This will also have access to a variety of food and beverage options and catered fare. Of course, free WIFI access will be available for concert habitués who wish to tweet their amazing experience while at the coliseum.

VIP services will also include a plush lounge cum sports bar for those who want to relax before or after the show. A dedicated concierge will be on call for the guests. Of course, lounge guests will also get the rare chance to meet and greet their favorite performers in this area.

Safety will also be a priority in the entire renovation platform. An enhanced fire protection system will be put into place to ensure the safety of every guest. There will be more production and dressing rooms for promoters and artists at the back of house. Beyond the gates, giant LED walls will scream show schedules and other exciting video materials to beckon to every passerby.

Outside the SMART Araneta Coliseum, hotels will sprout to house businessmen, local tourists and visiting performers. There will be a center-wide refurbishing of lighting facilities and street signs to transform the area into a luminescent beacon of commerce and entertainment.

Fifty years and counting.

The Araneta Center continues to be the home of the best entertainment events, business conferences, historic visits, sports activities and memorable family milestones of most Filipinos. The crowds have not stopped coming. If at all, the crowds have increased tremendously. Its place in history is irreplaceable. Its stature in the future is replete with exciting innovations. Araneta Center is historic yet now.

source: http://www.aranetacenter.net/2008/08press.php

the parking building will be finished in 4 years time, so there is only 1 year left for the smat to parade the so called parking connected to the boxes, and the very first question is....when?

I hope Mega World does not build additional condo bldgs called Manhattan Plaza because it would obviously add to population density of Cubao.

manhattan spaces pa idagdag mo, 10 palang yan na building ang nailabas nila, wala yung isang 60-story at 9 na 35-45 floors at itoy gagawin sa current bus terminal at dating rustans, babalik ulit ang bus terminal sa old terminal after 5 years at sya naman ang simula ng another 10 towers