Cubao has long been known as one of Metro Manila’s busiest shopping and transportation hubs, making it a fitting location for Anko Philippines to open its newest retail destination. The Australian lifestyle brand officially welcomed shoppers to its sixth Philippine store at Gateway Mall 1, marking another milestone in its local expansion and, notably, its first branch outside the Ayala Malls network.
The opening celebration was more than a ceremonial ribbon-cutting—it reflected Anko’s growing confidence in the Philippine market and its commitment to making thoughtfully designed, affordable products accessible to even more Filipino families.
The morning began with a traditional blessing for the new store, attended by company executives, mall officials, members of the media, and guests. The simple ceremony underscored the significance of opening another chapter for the brand in one of the country’s busiest commercial districts.
Following the blessing, the official ribbon-cutting formally opened the store to visitors.
Leading the inauguration were Kimberly Mulligan, Interim Country Manager of Anko Philippines; Arjun Puri, Global Chief Executive Officer of Anko; Lil Velis-Bowker, Global Chief Retail Officer; Rachael Eames, Global Operations Manager; Herald Quizon, Store Manager of Anko Gateway; Mark Uy, Head of Strategy and Business Development of Ayala Corporation; and Ma. Lorna Fabian, Senior Vice President for Leasing of Araneta City.
As the ribbon fell, guests were invited inside for an exclusive first look at the newest branch.
Walking through the store immediately revealed why the brand continues to attract shoppers looking for affordable lifestyle essentials.
Wide aisles, bright interiors, and neatly organized displays created a welcoming shopping experience. Every section offered something different—from stylish home décor and practical kitchen tools to travel accessories, stationery, toys, beauty products, and everyday household essentials—all carrying Anko’s signature Australian-designed aesthetic.
One of the most enjoyable parts of the event was having the opportunity to freely explore every corner of the store.
Instead of rushing through a guided tour, guests were encouraged to browse at their own pace, discovering products that balance functionality, modern design, and affordability. It quickly became clear that Anko isn’t simply offering merchandise—it’s presenting practical solutions for everyday living.
Following the store walkthrough, members of the media sat down with Kimberly Mulligan and Arjun Puri, who discussed the strategic decision behind choosing Gateway Mall as the company’s newest location.
According to the executives, accessibility was one of the biggest factors.
With Gateway Mall directly connected to both the MRT-3 and LRT-2, the location allows Anko to reach shoppers from various parts of Metro Manila with greater convenience. The executives shared that expanding into Cubao enables the brand to serve a broader customer base while establishing a presence in one of the country’s most connected retail destinations.
The move also represents an important milestone for the company.
While previous branches were located within Ayala Malls, the Gateway opening demonstrates Anko’s continued expansion into other major commercial centers, signaling its long-term commitment to the Philippine retail landscape.
Throughout the conversations, company leaders emphasized that Anko remains focused on delivering quality Australian-designed products without premium price tags. Their goal, they explained, is to help consumers enjoy beautifully designed everyday essentials that fit both their lifestyle and their budget.
As more guests continued to fill their shopping baskets and explore the extensive product selection, the atmosphere reflected genuine excitement rather than mere curiosity.
From students looking for stationery and organizers to homeowners searching for kitchen upgrades and families browsing toys and storage solutions, the store appealed to a remarkably diverse range of shoppers.
The Gateway opening showcased exactly why Anko continues to gain momentum in the local market.
It isn’t simply about opening another retail space. We create an accessible shopping destination where thoughtful design, practical functionality, and everyday affordability come together under one roof.
With its newest branch now serving Cubao and nearby communities, Anko takes another meaningful step toward becoming a household name for Filipinos seeking stylish essentials that make everyday life a little easier—and a lot more enjoyable. (with reports from Denisse Erikka Cruz)
