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From world-class events to the best of shopping and dining, there is no doubt that Araneta Center is indeed the leisure hub of Quezon City. In response to its patrons' ever-changing needs, Araneta Center has launched a slew of redevelopment projects that are meant to bring back excitement to the entertainment capital of Metro Manila.

One of the Philippine's most prominent landmarks, the Big Dome continues to be the venue of choice for renowned international and local acts. From sporting events, concerts and musical extravaganzas, circuses and ice spectacles, first-rate cockfights, beauty pageants, commencement exercises, and even religious conventions, no other venue can give an event a more world-class appeal than Araneta Coliseum, the Philippines' foremost events venue.

Exciting events for true sports fans

Apart from being the home of PBA, the Big Dome is also known to host various sporting events. As proof of its international appeal, the Araneta Coliseum is set to play host to six legends of the NBA for the much-anticipated “NBA Asia Challenge”, which will be happening today. Four of them will team up with D-Leaguers to play a PBA All-Star selection in a one-game exhibition match.

Ticketed to play are two-time slam dunk champion Dominique Wilkins, 49; 7’1” center Vlade Divac, 41; crossover killer Tim Hardaway, 43; and 16-year veteran Robert Horry, 38. The visitors will be coached by another legend, Lenny Wilkens with Kareem Abdul Jabbar as a “celebrity assistant.”

The best of Philippine basketball

Currently on its 72nd season, the UAAP fever continues to draw in throngs of supporters from the participating schools most especially when arch-rivals AdMU and DLSU are scheduled to meet at the hardcourt. However, this year's most-awaited match up between the rivals had a different tone as the epic face-off served as the schools' tribute to the icon of Philippine democracy, President Cory Aquino, who passed away last month.

The August 9 match was definitely a sight to behold as both sides suddenly became united through the event's theme, “One Color, One Goal”. The so-called “Cory Magic” certainly filled the atmosphere as all the students – in spite of being from rival schools, all offered the day's game in memory of the late Pres. Aquino who has served as a big inspiration – especially to the youth through her unconditional love and service to her country. It was truly one special Sunday afternoon at the Big Dome.

The PBA, meanwhile, is gearing up for its next season with teams Coca-Cola and Sta. Lucia currently in the middle of an aggressive rebuilding process in preparation for the 35th PBA season opening on October 11.

Lady Gaga
The best & biggest acts perform at the Big Dome
International chart-topping music artist and fashion icon, Lady Gaga took Manila by storm last August 11 as she performed to a jampacked show at the Big Dome. Excitement filled the air as one of the music world's brightest young stars took the stage that night to the delight of more than thirteen thousand fans who trooped over to the Araneta Center to see her perform live.

Known for her unconventional fashion style and shock value, there's no doubt that Lady Gaga knows how to entertain – and keep her audience wanting more. Aside from the pulsating beats that her brand of music is known for, Lady Gaga also amazed and delighted her fans with her fashion forward costumes (from the 70’s inspired pop glam outfits with signature tanga to the eye-popping bubble dress), heart-stopping dance moves, a big sexy bike, a bubble-filled transparent piano, and of course her vocal prowess making the August 11 affair the talk of the town for weeks.

The Dolby Super Digital 3D Experience
Whether you're a movie buff or not, Gateway Cineplex 10 gives local movie-goers a taste of the future of motion picture through the Dolby Super Digital Cinema Technology which is now available in two of Gateway's state-of-the-art theaters. This technology makes it possible for movies to feel breathlessly real, and Araneta Center is the first to have acquired this theater technology in the country.

Expect a totally eye-popping movie experience especially when this year's most-awaited blockbuster movies premiere in the country. Whether in 2-D or 3-D digital formats, moviegoers will be able to enjoy incredible clarity and detail from each movie that they're going to watch at Gateway Cineplex 10's digital cinemas.

A TRUE SHOPPING & DINING HUB
The Araneta Center has evolved into a leisure haven for everyone seeking quality goods, bargains, world-class entertainment, dining outlets, fresh produce, and other lifestyle needs.

And while ongoing redevelopment efforts now give Araneta Center a new contemporary feel that appeals to more discriminating customers, it's accessibility and charm continues to draw in the patronage of its original clientele.

Rustan’s
When it first set up shop in Araneta Center, the Rustan's Superstore was an integration of a department store and supermarket back in 1976. However, when construction began for the Gateway Mall, Rustan's became the mall's anchor store with the supermarket at one end and the department store – filled with its famous signature and local brands, on the other.

SM
Back in 1980, SM Araneta Center first opened its doors under the name Shoemart Cubao. It is one of the oldest SM malls in the country which has recently gotten a much-needed facelift. Apart from providing quality products and services at prices that fit any budget, SM's ongoing renovation as well as the introduction of new merchandising concepts truly makes shopping at SM a delightful experience.

Shopwise Hypermart
As the country's largest hypermarket, Shopwise offers a great selection of grocery items at more affordable prices. Aside from the actual hypermarket, shoppers are also treated to a delicious mix of dining options, thanks to the food tenants that abound at Shopwise.

Farmers Market
As the Philippines' cleanest and largest wet market, Farmers Market continues to set the benchmark among traditional palengkes by providing customers not just with an expansive array of fresh choices but also a convenient and comfortable shopping experience. It is also famous for having a live seafood section which also carries the city's widest selection of seafood choices that are flown in daily from various fishports all around the Philippines. Early in the morning, you'll find some of the country's top chefs paying a visit to Farmers Market to shop for their various culinary requirements.

Exciting value-for-money treats
As we enter into the “Ber” months, Araneta Center gives shoppers a good excuse to start with their Christmas shopping early through its much-awaited centerwide sale that will happen this whole month of September.

Check out the fine mix of gift items from the most popular fashion, accessories, footwear and sports brands all at low, low prices. Avail of as much as 70 percent off on shoes, bags, clothes, and accessories at Ali Mall, Gateway Mall and Farmers Plaza.

As an added treat, Araneta Center shoppers also have a chance to win one of 50 brand new Toshiba laptop computers through the Laptop-alooza Centerwide promo which will run till October 31.

A KALEIDOSCOPE OF TASTES, PLACES & FLAVORS
In the mood for some good food? Whether you're craving for some Pinoy favorites or itching to try out something different, Araneta Center has an impressive lineup of over 300 world-class restaurants and foodstops. Comprised of everything from fine dining, casual, to fastfoods, and coffee shops that are located in Ali Mall, Shopwise Arcade, Gateway Mall, Farmers Market and the Coliseum Circle, diners are sure to find something that catches their fancy and satisfy their cravings before, during, and after an action-packed day at the Center.

Whatever it is that you are currently craving for, whether it's a snack, coffee with friends or lunch, dinner chow or post concert nightcaps, expect only the best at Araneta Center's bevy of dining options.

THE RENAISSANCE OF ARANETA CENTER
With redevelopment efforts well underway, Araneta Center is now throbbing with excitement as new amenities designed to provide customers with an enhanced leisure experience are completed.

Skywalk
Mall hop from Ali Mall to SM via the new Skywalk, which interconnects Ali Mall and SM Araneta Center. Tummy ticklers from Sbarro, Dairy Queen, and Dulcinea will soon be available for in-between shopping breaks.

Manhattan Parkway Residences
Of Manhattan Garden City’s 18 residential towers currently being constructed, Manhattan Parkway Residences are the first three towers slated to open.

Soon to be turned over to unit owners, the 28-storey high buildings will have residential spaces from the fourth level up where the amenities and garden are also located. The ground level of each tower will be used as a retail arcade while two levels of the basement and levels 2 and 3 will both serve as parking slots for residents.

Rising Soon
Gateway Tower 2, a brand new extension to the existing Gateway Mall, is currently under construction to accommodate more quality retail and office spaces. This 25-storey facility will be integrated with the mall’s unique amenities as well as the country’s two major mass transit lines.

Soon to rise adjacent to the Araneta Coliseum, Novotel Manila Araneta Center is an upscale hotel under the portfolio of ACCOR, the world’s leading hotel management chain. With 415 rooms, a 600sqm ballroom and large meeting facilities, the hotel is well positioned to cater to the needs of the 56,000 registered businesses in Quezon City and to the MICE (both domestic and international) market.

E-shuttles to drive Araneta Center’s green goals forward

Araneta Center has taken a step further into its environment preservation goals with the launch of the Green & Go Shuttle along with the company’s CSR program for environmental awareness, Oplan Araneta Center. Four environment-friendly shuttles were inaugurated in simple ceremonies in the presence of Quezon City government officials, Bb. Pilipinas beauty queens, and some of the country’s top cagers from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

The Green & Go Shuttle is a battery-powered vehicle that guarantees no environmentally harmful emissions. Unlike fuel-operated vehicles, the shuttle does not release damaging particulates (soot), hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, or various oxides of nitrogen. Not only do these elements contribute to the depletion of the earth’s ozone layer, but also pose health risks to humans.

With a seating capacity of 14 each, the Green & Go Shuttles transport Araneta Center customers between Gateway Mall and Ali Mall for free. Although this free transport service is open to everybody within Araneta Center, it also promises to be beneficial for senior citizens and the disabled who would want to go around the area for recreation purposes. “Like everything else in Araneta Center, the comfort and convenience of our patrons come first,” confirms Rene De la Cruz, COO of the Araneta Group.

The operation of Araneta Center’s Green & Go Shuttles was purposely planned to coincide with the launch of Oplan Araneta Center, which promotes recycling and trash segregation, to reinforce the organization’s commitment to continuously look for ways that would make the premier shopping and entertainment hub more eco-friendly. Along with concern for the environment, the value of discipline, order, and community involvement is also being instilled by Oplan Araneta Center, through garbage segregation and cleanup drives.

Proof of Araneta Center’s commitment to the “greening” of the community can be seen in the design of its latest mall and in the lush vegetation around its many structures. Award-winning Gateway Mall, for example, features a cinema lobby skylight that reduces the need for lighting electricity. The mall also houses the country’s only floating garden inside a mall. Called the Oasis, it has a lush setting that includes a variety of exotic flora and a fishpond, all inside the 4-level, 5,000-sq.ft. structure.

It has also installed “Green Walls” in prominent areas of Gateway Mall and Ali Mall to encourage people to sign up and do their part towards the preservation of the environment.

During the launch, Araneta Center employees turned over to ABS CBN’s Bantay Kalikasan recyclables that they have gathered as a symbol of their commitment to the environmental cause.

These efforts complement the Quezon City government’s eco-awareness campaign that envisions a “Green City.” This campaign involves a green building ordinance which requires all QC buildings to use eco-friendly systems and technologies in the city’s land development projects. The Green & Go Shuttle, an integral component of Oplan Araneta Center, is a vital part of Araneta Center’s green efforts in collaboration with ABS CBN Foundation’s Bantay Kalikasan, and endorsed by the Quezon City government and the Philippine Basketball Association.

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