This June, Araneta City will commemorate the 128th anniversary of the country’s independence from colonial rule with a feast that embodies the spirit of being Filipino. The City of Firsts will celebrate Filipino pride by shining a spotlight on the country’s rich traditions in food, fashion, and the arts. Through a suite of activities all over the city, Araneta City will embrace the beauty of our culture and celebrate the joy of being Pinoy.
“The City of Firsts believes that Filipino pride and identity are best celebrated with a community. We are proud to provide a space to commemorate our independence. Through the activities we’ve prepared, we hope to strengthen our collective sense of pride and a deeper appreciation of our culture, history, and identity,” said Marjorie Go, VP for Marketing of Araneta City.
#TatakPinoy: Tara Merienda! (June 11 to 14)
What better way to kick off the Independence Day celebrations than with lots of food! A four-day food feast at the Gateway Mall Activity Area will feature the best Filipino snacks, such as halo-halo, empanada, fruit shakes, rice meals, and more. So make sure to head to the City of Firsts for this Independence Day fiesta!
In the same space, Araneta City-Zens can discover the beauty of the Baybayin, the Philippines’ ancient script, and one of its earliest writing systems. They can write their names in Baybayin or write full sentences, in an exercise that blends self-expression and cultural identity.
Pork Labanan: The Great Pinoy Pork Culinary Wars (June 12)
The Independence Day feast will be elevated through Pinoy pork culinary wars. Organized in partnership with the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc., the event sees the next generation of chefs who will battle to bring the best pork dishes to the table. Head out to the Quantum Skyview at Gateway Mall 2 to witness these culinary wars!
#TatakPinoy: Larong Pinoy (June 12 to 17)
Enjoy the thrill of Filipino floor games at the MacArthur Activity Area at Ali Mall, with a fully interactive setup. The activity will allow adults to relive their childhoods, and little ones to enjoy some good old-fashioned physical fun. There will also be a teks and tatsing tournament along with a display of Manny Pacquiao’s vintage memorabilia and more at Timber Toys and Antiques Retro & Toy Hunters Community’s (ARTHCOM) Freedom Fair.
#TatakPinoy: Tagpi-Tagpi (June 12)
At Farmers Plaza, Dream Entertainment will stage a fashion show on June 12 in celebration of the 128th Philippine Independence Day, presenting a contemporary tribute to national pride through fashion. The showcase will feature models in casual ensembles accented with the colors of the Philippine flag, offering a modern interpretation of patriotic style. Blending everyday wear with symbolic design elements, the presentation underscores both creativity and cultural identity, aligning the runway experience with the significance of Independence Day.
#TatakPinoy: Pista sa Nayon (June 13 to 14)
To celebrate Filipino creativity and artistry, Araneta City has prepared a lineup of shows in partnership with Maevn Designs, in cooperation with DreamLab Studio, Malikhaya Performing Arts Group, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Youth Ministry. Ali Mall will come alive with song, fashion, and movement to celebrate the nation’s independence anniversary.
On June 13, the runway will be illuminated by Kalye Estilo, a fashion showcase that highlights Filipino streetwear. The presentation will feature models wearing diverse and creative interpretations of contemporary Pinoy street style.
And on June 14, guests are invited to immerse themselves in the smooth, evocative melodies of Kundiman, which embody both romantic and patriotic expressions of love. Complementing this musical experience is a runway presentation of reimagined Asian-Filipino ethnic wear, alongside a dance theater performance by the Malikhaya Performing Arts Group. This integrated showcase of music and movement celebrates the richness and dynamism of Filipino artistry.
#PinoyAko: aRUNeta Run Club (June 14)
The aRUNeta Run Club will unite once again for a fun run celebrating fitness and the pride of being Filipino. Participants are encouraged to wear either red, blue, white, or yellow to represent the Philippine flag.
Digital Promo: My Pinoy Figure (June 12 to 17)
Araneta City-Zens can also exercise their Pinoy pride and creativity by creating their Pinoy Figures using rotatable blocks. To join the promo and win special prizes, they must take photos or videos of their creation and tag the official Araneta City social media page. The rotatable blocks are located at the MacArthur Activity Area in Ali Mall, and Gateway Mall 1.
