Araneta City has officially signaled the beginning of its holiday celebration with the lighting of its iconic Giant Christmas Tree

The City of Firsts has officially signaled the beginning of its holiday celebration with the lighting of its iconic Giant Christmas Tree on November 11.

Decked with dazzling lights, colorful ornaments, and glittering tinsels, the Giant Christmas Tree situated at the Times Square Food Park in Araneta City was lit up in a grand celebration attended by local government officials, senior company executives, celebrities, and patrons with the theme ‘Believe in the Magic of Christmas’.

“We made sure to light up our Giant Christmas Tree in time for 11.11, which tradition says is a special date when anything you wish for can come true. It’s also our way of welcoming the return of our guests to the City of Firsts now that quarantine restrictions are starting to loosen up a bit. Even though we’re now welcoming guests of all ages, we’re still making it a point that all of our customers are safe through the health and safety measures that we’ve put in place,” Marjorie Go, AVP for Marketing of Araneta Group, said. 

 

This year’s event highlights a mix of virtual and online celebrity performances and performances, with strict health and safety measures implemented onsite. A pre-show was also held virtually hosted by DJ Onse, and several lucky viewers got to take home some exciting prizes from the virtual games.

This year’s Giant Christmas Tree Lighting event was graced by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and prominent stars like Piolo Pascual, Maymay Entrata, AC Bonifacio, and Reiven Umali (Tawag ng Tanghalan 5 Champion). Also present were Ms. Intercontinental 2021 Cinderella Obeñita, Bb. Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International 2021 Samantha Panlilio, Bb. Pilipinas 2021 First Runner-up Gabrielle Basiano, Bb. Pilipinas 2021 Second Runner-up Meiji Cruz, and Binibining Araneta City 2021 Francesca Taruc. 

 

The lighting of Araneta City’s Giant Christmas Tree has been a fixture of every Filipino Christmas celebration for the past four decades. And as this year’s event carves a year-long milestone in the country, the Araneta Group made sure to celebrate the Giant Christmas Tree spectacle in a big way!

 

As part of this year’s Christmas celebration, the Araneta Group organized the ‘40 Treats for 40’ program, wherein 40 individuals received special gifts from the company. These individuals are essential workers who worked tirelessly even at the height of the pandemic.

 

“Despite everything that is happening around us now, we still want all people to Believe in the Magic of Christmas. We in the Araneta Group would like to share this wonderful time with some very special people. We have chosen 40 hardworking essential workers in our community who have shown dedication to their service ever since the pandemic began," Lorna Fabian, Vice President for Leasing of Araneta City, said.

Mrs. Judy Araneta-Roxas, Vice President of the Araneta Group, also extended an early Christmas greeting to everyone who attended the event and watched it unfold online. "Christmas is a magical time. It gives us restored joy and a reason to celebrate even in these trying times. Today, as we light our Giant Christmas tree, we wish everyone to experience the special magic of the holidays.”

 

A grand fireworks display concluded the event, and signaled the opening of the iconic Giant Christmas tree to the public.

  

Araneta City is giving travelers until February 15, 2021 to get a free AutoSweep Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sticker

Araneta City is giving travelers until February 15, 2021 to get a free AutoSweep Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sticker quickly and conveniently at the City of Firsts!

 

Interested car owners may head to the Gateway Mall for registration and free installation of the AutoSweep RFID stickers from 10 am to 6pm (or until stocks last). Riders are advised to park at any level of the Gateway Mall parking. No RFID sticker installation and testing shall be done outside the Gateway Mall parking.

 

Only 250 RFID stickers will be issued per day. The “no vehicle, no installation” and “first come, first serve” policies will be observed. Be sure to come at the Gateway Mall early to avoid the cut-off.

 

Prepare P200.00 cash as initial load for your Autosweep card. Once the RFID sticker is installed onsite, you are ready to go! Remember to be a responsible driver: stay safe, and don’t drink and drive.

 

AutoSweep RFID is exclusively used at Skyway, South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway (NAIAX), Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) Tollway, Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX), and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).

 

PROCEDURES:  

 

STEP 1. Bring your vehicle at Araneta City and park at the Gateway Mall (any level).

STEP 2. Proceed at the AutoSweep booth located at the ground floor (near Taco Bell and Breadtalk).

STEP 3. Fill out form (or submit accomplished form, if downloaded online) at the booth.

STEP 4. After presenting your form, the Autosweep representative will conduct a short interview to assess your vehicle. Pay the P200 initial load (strictly cash only).

STEP 5. After paying, accompany the Autosweep representative to your vehicle for the installation and testing of RFID sticker.

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

 

Promo is on a first come, first served basis. Only 250 RFID stickers will be issued per day.

No online or phone-in reservations will be allowed.

No vehicle onsite, no RFID sticker issuance policy.

Payment of P200 load shall be made in cash only.

No RFID sticker installation and testing shall be done outside the Gateway Mall parking.

 

Let Araneta City fill you up with the warmth of the Yuletide season for the long weekend ahead

Are you spending the Christmas in Metro Manila? Join us at Araneta City, and let us fill you up with the warmth of the Yuletide season for the long weekend ahead. 

 

We have listed down below all the fun and exciting holiday activities in the City of Firsts where you can safely participate:

 

Extended Photography Contest

 

Amateur and professional photographers who love taking Christmas snaps now have more time to catch up with the ongoing photography contest of Araneta City. 

 

Go for a photo-walk tour at the City of Firsts and capture all the joyful moments you can find in different Christmas attractions. Share you photos on Facebook and Instagram with a caption of your experience!

 

Submission of entries is up to Christmas Day, December 25.

 

Christmas Masses

 

Christmas Day shoppers and diners at Araneta City may join the mall masses – Gateway Mall chapel at 6 pm, Ali Mall chapel at 12:30 pm, and Farmers Plaza Chapel at 5pm.

 

Strict social distancing and health precautionary measures are in effect in Araneta City chapels.

 

Outdoor Dining

 

The Times Square Food Park remains open the whole Christmas weekend to give an al fresco feel under the warmth of a Giant Christmas Tree. Choose from a wide variety of holiday street foods and cuisines as you share countless memorable experiences with your friends.

 

Open hours will be shortened on December 24 and 25 from 3pm to 9pm only.

 

On December 26 and 27, diners will be serenaded by the music of budding artists JC Laborte and Jay Musngi.

 

For more al fresco dining options, the Pop-up Night will continue to serve on December 25 and 26 along Malvar St. (Manhattan Row) from 5pm to 11pm. There still will be various grilled food choices and smoky barbecues ready to satisfy your cravings.

Grand Fireworks Display

 

Catch the amazing fireworks display at the Times Square Food Park on December 25 and 26 at 7pm. 

This can also be viewed in different locations in Araneta City as the fireworks will brighten up the city sky.

 

Grand Clearance Sale

 

Get discounts on numerous great finds on any Araneta City store from December 25, 2020 to January 17, 2021.

 

Stores in Gateway Mall, Ali Mall and Farmers Plaza will be giving as much as 70% off on select items as Christmas gift to all shoppers and mall-goers.

 

Season Promos

 

Spend the Christmas weekend at Araneta City and get a chance to win exciting gift items. For a minimum of P1,000 single-receipt purchase from any Araneta City establishment, one gets a  chance to bring home City of Firsts merchandise items or a brand-new iPad Air through the Scratch to Win promo. Read here for more details. https://aranetacity.com/news/article/get-exclusive-araneta-city-christmas-gifts-with-the-scratch-to-win-promo.

 

Also, inch your way closer to winning at the Joyful Treats at the City of Firsts raffle promo, as entries are doubled when one purchases and presents receipts at designated redemption booths from December 24, 2020 to January 3, 2021, and from January 15 to 30, 2021. Click here for more details. https://aranetacity.com/news/article/Double-the-chances-at-the-Joyful-Treats-at-the-City-of-Firsts-raffle-promo.

 

Hype Free Ride

 

On December 26, Hype – a mobility company service – will be giving free car rides to commuters and customers of Farmers Plaza from 12pm to 7pm.

 

Hype cars will be available at the Roxas St. entrance of Farmers Plaza, and will accept rides to any point of destination within Metro Manila.

 

Celebrate Christmas with comfort and joys at the City of Firsts.

 

#TuloyPaRinSaAraneta #ComfortandJoys #CityOfFirsts

 

Get your free Easytrip RFID stickers at Araneta City this Nov. 18-19

Araneta City will welcome more people who are interested in having an Easytrip RFID sticker installed on their vehicles for free this coming November 18 and 19. 

 

For interested individuals, they will need to bring their vehicles to Araneta City and park at either Gateway Mall or Ali Mall parking areas starting 10am. Easytrip RFID stickers will be installed on a first come, first serve basis. There will also be a limit of 200 RFID stickers distributed per mall per day. 

After parking, individuals can then proceed to the Easytrip booth located at Gateway Mall Basement Parking 1 and Ali Mall Cinema Level 3 and fill-out the form available in the said booths and online. After completing the form, individuals can then present it to the Easytrip representative who’ll proceed to conduct a short interview and assess their vehicle. After this, they can pay for the ₱500 initial load before accompanying the Easytrip representative to their vehicle for the installation and testing of the RFID sticker. 

 

Before this, Araneta City successfully held a similar event last October 20 and 21. Around 800 Easytrip RFID stickers were installed over the two days, and with these two additional dates being made available, 800 more RFID stickers can be further distributed. 

 

With the Free Easytrip RFID sticker installation, vehicle owners can enjoy contactless and cashless travels in North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, CAVITEX, C5 Link, and the Cavite-Laguna Expressway. 

 

To learn more about this event and to keep updated with Araneta City and the latest news and promos, visit https://aranetacity.com/. You may also like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

 

 

Experience a new level of convenience in shopping with the ARANETA CITY ASSIST now

Order remotely your freshest market produce at Araneta City’s Farmers Market this weekend and get a chance to enjoy a one-day-only P50 discount on delivery charge!

 

Buy any items at Farmers Market wherever you are in Metro Manila using the ‘Araneta City Assist’ service on October 31, 2020 (Saturday), from 6am to 6pm, and enjoy a P50 off on delivery service for every P1,000 single-receipt purchase from any market stall.

Availing of this promo is very easy:

 

• Check out ‘Araneta City Assist’ on our mobile app or on our website (https://delivery.aranetacity.com/) and view the list of participating Farmers Market stalls.

 

• Contact the store to place an order and discuss your preferred mode of payment. • Mention the promo code FARMERS MARKET to avail the P50 delivery discount.

 

Participating Farmers Market stalls include Aman&Gie, Arvien Seafoods, Dondon and Mhean (Palengke Queen), Jerry & Rose Meat Shop, Juliet's Meat Shop, Les Aunor Meat Shop, Ludy's Meat Shop, Loleng's Meat Shop, Jenny’s Meatshop, Lito & Ossie Valdez Meatshop, Sister Belen Kitchenette, Seafood Basket, Twinheart Seafood, and Papinas Fruit Shop.

 

Check out their website and social media pages for the complete promo mechanics, terms, and conditions.

Araneta City Assist is your digital link to participating City of Firsts store for a hassle-free and safe purchase and delivery of your favorites.

Araneta City celebrates Halloween!

Get ready, because the ‘bots are spreading tricks and treats as Araneta City celebrates Halloween!

 

Robots are invading Araneta City and they have quite a few surprises for everyone, wherever they are! This year, Araneta City is bringing the celebration not only within the City of Firsts but also virtually to make sure that everybody can join in on the fun!

 

It started last October 18 (Sunday) with Halloween Alert: Search for the Hidden Robots in the City which lasted until October 20 (Tuesday). In this activity, participants had the chance to search for the robots hidden at the Gateway Mall, Ali Mall, and Farmers Plaza activity areas. By taking a photo with the robot they found at one of the backdrops Araneta City has prepared and then posting it on Facebook with the hashtag #RobotsInvadeTheCity, they’ll have a chance to win some fun gifts and exclusive goodies!

 

For the more artistic kiddos and kids-at-heart, Araneta City is having the Arts and Craft: Halloween Greeting sand art online workshop on October 21 (Wednesday). Participants can create their own sand art, take a photo of it, post it on Facebook until October 28 (Wednesday) with the hashtag #RobotsInvadeTheCity, and tag Araneta City for a chance to win a special surprise!

 

Araneta City will also have a Virtual Halloween Party on October 25 (Sunday). Customers with a single receipt purchase worth ₱500 from any Araneta City establishment can redeem a virtual party pass at the Gateway Mall or Ali Mall concierge and claim one loot bag. Attendees can look forward to an afternoon of magic tricks and a futuristic performance from ADDLIB. And to cap it all off, Araneta City is holding a virtual costume contest, with one winner taking home ₱5,000. So get your spookiest look ready!

 

For more information about the Virtual Halloween Party, click this link: www.shorturl.at/hrEX3. And to keep updated about the latest news from Araneta City and other promos, like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Share your #AranetaFirst memories and win some cash!

It’s already been a year since the Filipino public was introduced to the new “Araneta City” brand. 

 

From being the country’s first Smart 5G Lifestyle Hub to the topping off of the first ibis Styles Hotel in the country and the New Gateway, the first anniversary of the City of First’s rebranding was filled with memorable events. Today, Araneta City continues to innovate for every Filipino, making it a great place to discover and experience all of your ‘firsts’. 

 

And to mark this special occasion, Araneta City is inviting everyone to celebrate with them. 

Here are just some of the things that you can look forward to: 

 

Have your favorites from Araneta City delivered to you for free!

 

Looking to refresh your wardrobe? Maybe you’re craving for your favorite dish. Or maybe you just need some gardening supplies to step up your plant game. Whatever it may be, Araneta City’s got your back! Have anything and everything you need or want from Araneta City delivered to you through the Araneta City Assist service. And to make it sweeter, Araneta City is treating everyone with FREE delivery on September 24. Now that’s what we call a great deal!

 

Share your #AranetaFirst memories and win some cash!

 

Share some Instagrammable pics of your memorable firsts enjoyed at Araneta City and get the chance to win ₱5,000 and have the opportunity of being featured in Araneta City’s ads. All you need to do is share your photo on Instagram with a caption that details your favorite memory at Araneta City and use the hashtag #AranetaFirst. 

 

You can also have fun on your Instagram Stories and share your Araneta City firsts through the special Araneta City-branded Instagram Filter. Just Follow Araneta City on Instagram and look for it in the effects tab!

 

Relive the history of the City of Firsts!

 

Araneta City has been a part of our lives for 60 years now. Go back in time and discover all the innovations and milestones of Araneta City through the City of Firsts exhibit. The exhibit started last September 21 in Gateway Mall activity area and can be visited until September 30. 

 

For those who want to enjoy the experience online, Araneta City will also launch its Virtual Exhibit, which will be available starting September 24 at https://firstyear.aranetacity.com/.

 

Change up the way you shop with Araneta City’s innovative services!

 

Enjoy the mall from the comfort of your own home with the Araneta City 360 Virtual Mall. Using 3D technology, Araneta City is making a realistic shopping experience complete with a 360-degree view of a mall storefront facade that showcases various products. 

 

By end of September, you can also use Ask Araneta to look for that specific item that you’ve been searching for. All you need to do is message them with a complete description of the item you want to buy and they’ll search for it. They can even ask to have that item reserved for you for 24 to 48 hours, so that you can pick it up at your own convenience. 

 

If you have no time to go out and do your shopping, Araneta City-Zen Personal Shopper is the service for you. Just go to the MyKuya app, select Araneta City-Zen Personal Shopper, and book a personal shopper to do the shopping and item delivery for you. 

 

For more information about Araneta City’s rebranding anniversary,visit https://firstyear.aranetacity.com/. You may also go to their official website or follow their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages for other exciting promos, deals, and services.

 

Enjoy a new way of shopping from home with the Araneta City-zen Personal Shopper!

With just a few clicks on your smartphone, you may book your very own personal shopper at Araneta City, and even get a chance to win an exciting prize!

Buy from any store at the City of Firsts using the Araneta City-zen Personal Shopper service in the MyKuya app from August 15 to 31, and be one of our 5 lucky shoppers who will win Php1,000 worth of grocery packs!

Any purchase via the Araneta City-zen Personal Shopper service is valid for the promo -- whether a sumptuous take-out dinner from one of the restaurants in Ali Mall, fresh produce from Farmers Market, new fashion finds from Gateway Mall, or plants or other gardening supplies at Farmers Garden.

To avail of the service, download the MyKuya app from Google Play for Android users or the App Store for iOS users. Open the app, input your current location, and click the Araneta City icon. Once you get a match with a personal shopper, you can chat with him or her to facilitate the purchase and delivery of your preferred goods.

Announcement of winners will be made on September 3, 2020 via the Araneta City’s official Facebook page.

For complete promo details and mechanics, visit the Araneta City website (https://www.aranetacity.com/news/article/Shop-remotely-get-lucky-with-Araneta-City-zen- Personal-Shopper-promo)

Araneta City, J. Amado Araneta Foundation Honors #ResilientPinoy

The J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF), the social responsibility arm of Araneta City, continues to honor Filipino entrepreneurs who navigate through the crisis and emerge stronger in its online campaign, #ResilientPinoy. Launched last 7 July, JAAF #ResilientPinoy features human interest stories of resilience and recovery.

The struggle is real during the COVID-19 pandemic – especially for micro, small, and medium scale industries that are not as well-resourced as large companies. With an invisible culprit, the business environment suddenly changed, and the norms are suddenly shaken. There were those who hit the bottom and quit, those who found new opportunities, and those who are resilient enough and bounced back. #ResilientPinoy is their story.

JUNALYN ALIVIO
The Boholana Essentials
As a #ResilientPinoy, Junalyn didn’t lose hope in business. For her, you need to reflect, reassess, revisit, and tweak the business blueprint. Junalyn sees the future with lots of local eco-hub stocks to support women entrepreneurs like her. She’s now exploring online reselling to continue The Boholana Essentials in this time of crisis.

The Boholana Essentials
Likhang Filipina, 3rd Level, Ali Mall, Araneta City https://www.facebook.com/theboholanaessentials/https://www.instagram.com/theboholanaessentials Telephone: 0977-1976170



MELINDA CASTRO Baguio Gawang Kamay
Through Baguio Gawang Kamay, many families were provided jobs. The local crafters were able to send their children to school and provide food for their families, and they are more inspired
J. AMADO ARANETA FOUNDATION, INC.

 

Address: 26th floor Gateway Tower, Araneta City, Quezon City Tel. No.: +632.8.588.4000 local 7297/4115

to do more local products. Like the majority, Melinda and Baguio artisans got affected by the pandemic. “Mahirap. Ilang buwan ding walang benta. Gusto na naming pumunta sa Maynila para buksan ang tindahan. Hindi kami tumigil manalangin, at ang paggawa ng crafts, pinaghusayan pa namin nang husto.” They are now migrating their marketing online, aside from the physical store, through the leadership of Melinda.

Baguio Gawang Kamay
Likhang Filipina, 3rd Level, Ali Mall, Araneta City https://www.facebook.com/Baguio-Gawang-Kamay-Products-from-the-North- 401049000307779/

MARY ANN SANTIAGO JBrothers RestroGrill
Mary Ann worked in a big restaurant chain for about 10 years until its closure due to the pandemic. With her 2 young children in mind, she thought, “paano ako makakahanap ng paraan ngayon para sa buwanang gastusin ng pamilya?” Even with the financial assistance, what if the lockdown continues? Within 2 months, Mary and his partner Mike Sabaulan started JBROTHERS RESTOGRILL in Marikina City, and a milk tea and waffle station (and online counterpart). They added healthy refreshing drinks at frozen ready-to-eat food packs, with paluto services. Now, Mary Ann and Mike are planning to setup their own meat shop.

JBrothers RestoGrill
41G Russet St. Corner Purple St.
SSS Village, Concepcion Dos, Marikina City Telephone: 0915-3915567
fbpage: http://www.facebook.com/jbrothersresto/

JOSHUA PALO
4E Food Products and Lucho’s Flavor Food House
Since the restaurant he was working for remains closed, Chef Joshua gets no income. Thinking of his family, Joshua went on to making and selling home-made table-top condiments and pizza. He is now producing fermented cayenne pepper sauce, chili garlic, sriracha, yellow habanero, salsa verde and pizza through his 4E Food Products and Lucho’s Flavor Food House. “I have to make my passion profitable. Ngayon, literal na passion feeds passion talaga. I am selling condiment sauces via Lazada and online also. Another opportunity came along nung nakipag-partner yung kaibigan kong may pizza business. Sabi ko “Iba ka talaga God! You are unexpectedly so good.”
J. AMADO ARANETA FOUNDATION, INC.

  

Address: 26th floor Gateway Tower, Araneta City, Quezon City Tel. No.: +632.8.588.4000 local 7297/4115

4E Food Products and Lucho’s Flavor Food House Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga
FB Page: 4E Food Products
Contact Number: 09159116688
Email Address: joshuapalo06@gmail.com CATHERINE ANN LORENZO

Roasted Duck Express by Yong-A
Cathy was put in charge of the family business, Yong-A Oriental Duck Express, which had its grand opening a few days before the ECQ was imposed. The total lockdown left her with no choice but to temporarily cease operations. On June 10, Yong-A decided to reopen and adapt to the new normal – which means only take-outs, pick-ups, and deliveries. Foremost in their minds in saving the business were the employees who are affected and their families. “We had to shiftour operations to an online approach. Taking advantage of technology, we adapted digital market strategies and integrated online and e-commerce platforms to reach out to our market conveniently. ROASTED DUCK EXPRESS by YONG-A came about. A product of the needs of the times, we have evolved. Necessary employees are working again. Yong-A has bounced back and evolved into Roasted Duck Express to emphasize the shift away from the dine-in services,” Cathy declared.

Roasted Duck Express by Yong-A
Ground Floor Sekai Center Ortigas Avenue Corner Madison Street, San Juan City Email Address : roastedduckexpress@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roastedduckexpress
IG: https://www.instagram.com/roastedduckexpress/
Website: https://roastedduckexpress.com

JONATHAN DALIDA Jhon Marcio
Jonathan’s story can be summarized in a Facebook group page post he made last June 14: “Ako ay isang food and beverage cosultant sa mga newly-opened restaurants. I used to handle 20 restaurants before. Isang araw bigla na lang kaming tinakbuhan ng owner ng business, at kahit piso wala kaming nakuha. Sa umpisa, umasa na lang kami sa bigay para sa aking 5 anak – as young as 4 months old at meron din akong 3-year old. Umutang ako para mgkaroon ng konting puhunan. Gumagawa ako ng SIOMAI CHAHAN RICE WITH EGG at benebenta ko ng tig-Php55. Sa maliit na tubo, makakaipon ako para sa aming pang araw-araw na pangangailangan, lalo na sa mga anak ko. Manghihiram ako ng bike para makapag-deliver sa inyong mga tahanan.” John’s post garnered enough interest, not just likes and reactions, but actual orders. JHON MARCIO was born. Jonathan now gathers orders through the week and does deliveries on Sundays. His chahan rice with egg menu has since expanded and he now offers Pansit Malabon, varieties of chahan rice, and chicken wings in different flavors. Based in Muntinlupa City, Jhon Marcio caters to needs and does delivery all over the Metro.

Facebook: Jhon Marcio https://www.facebook.com/naithan.gabriel Address: Manggahan Itaas, Putatan, Muntinlupa City
Contact Number: 0966-7038362
Email Address: jonathandalida0@gmail.com

Five tips to help prepare for online classes

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students welcome a new school year differently. No more flurry of activity in the morning or a rush to make it on time to school, as classes from preschool to college shift to online. 

That’s a big adjustment, for sure, but there are a few things that students and their parents can do that will make online classes a breeze.

Here are some tips from Araneta City: 

Gear up with the right tech

The quality of a student’s experience during online classes will depend on a lot of things, but one of the most important, is the gadget that they have with them. Whether they want to use a laptop, a tablet, or a smartphone in the conduct of their classes, it’s good to have a reliable device that has a high-quality screen, great cameras, and a dependable speaker and mic combo. If the student in your life wants to deck out their setup, they can up the ante by investing in mechanical keyboards and a professional headset. Who said learning can’t be cool? 

Digital Walker, I-Studio, and Xiaomi in Gateway Mall; AV Surfer in Ali Mall; and Gadget Worx in Farmers Plaza carry a wide array of gadgets that are great for online classes. So, whatever device a student needs, whatever their budget, they can find the tech that works for them at Araneta City. 

Don’t forget the essentials

Having classes online doesn’t mean that students could get away with doing all of their school work on their device. It’s essential to break out their pen and notebook to write down essential points in their lessons. According to a study published in Psychological Science, writing with pen and paper does wonders when it comes to retaining more information. So, don’t forget to pick up a reliable pen and notebook. 

Araneta City is the perfect destination for school essentials, with a variety of shops like National Bookstore in Ali Mall and Farmers Plaza, and Fully Booked and Office Warehouse in Gateway Mall. Students will surely find the things to get them ready for their online classes.

Spruce up the wardrobe

Getting in the right headspace for class, especially when you’re at home, can be a bit tricky. A simple way to get students in the mood for learning is by having them dress up as if they’re leaving home and heading for school. Wearing clothes that are presentable but comfy can really do wonders when it comes to getting amped for online classes. 

Shop the latest looks at Rustan's Department Store, Mango, and Marks & Spencer in Gateway Mall, or Plains & Prints and Giordano in Ali Mall. Farmers Plaza also has Oxygen, Petrol, and Dickies USA, for those back-to-school OOTDs. 

Complete the entire outfit by copping a few new kicks from Adidas and Royal Sporting House in Ali Mall, Nike and Vans in Gateway Mall, or Rusty Lopez in Farmers Plaza. 

Prepare a workspace

Having a dedicated place where students can have their online classes and work on their school requirements allows them to focus on their tasks. It’s best to place their workstation in a well-lit and ventilated area. You can also make this area more conducive to learning by placing a few plants on and around the work desk. Some studies have shown that plants can be helpful in improving the concentration and memory of people. This can be helpful especially for students who have difficulty getting stuff done with the distractions around them. It also serves as a visual respite after long hours glued to the computer.

Pick up some house plants and gardening supplies from the Farmers Garden in Araneta City and bring some life to your student’s workspace.

Take a break

Studying from home can be stressful in its own way, so encourage students to take periodic breaks and relax. One of the best ways to take a breather from school work is by grabbing a quick snack. Ordering delightful treats and having it delivered can be a great way to help a student escape the stress of school work. 

Araneta City has a lot of great dining options that deliver. Take a pick from the long list of dining destinations and have your food delivered via the Araneta City Assist (through the Araneta City website or mobile app) or the Araneta Citi-zen Personal Shopper (through the myKuya mobile app) when online classes get a little too demanding. 

For more information about Araneta City, promos and the latest offerings, like and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Take a trip to some of the world’s top culinary destinations right in the heart of the metro

Traveling outside the country remains impossible as of the moment, but who said we can’t take a trip to some of the world’s top culinary destinations right from the very heart of the metro? 

Araneta City is a food-lover’s haven with countless dining offerings that will satisfy even the most discerning gourmand. Here are some restaurants that you can visit and dine at to taste the best the world has to offer!

Indulge in a delicious Chinese feast at Gloria Maris in Gateway Mall and try some of its specialties like Crab with Sotanghon or Fried Lapu-Lapu with Soy Sauce. For an authentic taste of Hong Kong cuisine, Hap Chan in Ali Mall is now open for dine-in. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a warm bowl of delicious soup and noodles, SOUPer Hot in Shopwise Arcade is the place to be. 

Taste the delicious flavors of Taiwan with Tien Ma’s; try its authentic soup dumplings or Xiao Long Bao and one of its bestsellers, the Taiwan Style Beef Noodle Soup. Another Taiwanese special is Chicken Steak available at Chickilicious in Skywalk Ali Mall. It is made with chicken breast fried to golden perfection and seasoned with a variety of flavorings. 

For Southeast Asian cuisine, My Thai and Pho Hoa in Gateway Mall are your best bets! From delicious and warming pho to complex and filling pad thai, you can experience the most delectable dishes from Thailand and Vietnam from these restaurants. 

If Japanese fare such as sushi, sashimi, tempura, and tonkatsu are more up your alley, Araneta City has everything you want. There’s Sachi in Coliseum Circle, Teriyaki Boy in Gateway Mall, Karate Kid in Farmers Plaza, Tokyo Tokyo in two locations at Farmers Market Arcade and Ali Mall, and Kureji and Rai Rai Ken both in Ali Mall. 

Up next in our culinary adventure is Korea! Araneta City is home to several restaurants that serve delectable Korean food. For delicious Korean barbecue or samgyeopsal, try Samgyupsalamat at Manhattan Parkview Arcade or Romantic Baboy in Ali Mall. For a modern take on some well-loved Korean dishes, Kko Kko in New Frontier Theater Arcade is a must-try. 

To end our Korean food trip on a sweet note, chill out at Hobing in Ali Mall, where different flavors of patbingsu or shaved ice dessert are served.

We’re leaving Asia for a bit to visit the beautiful continent of South America to try out some outstanding dishes from the continent! For authentic Cuban sandwiches, Pepi Cubano in Coliseum Circle will satisfy your cravings. Those who want tacos and quesadillas can opt for Taco Bell in Gateway Mall and Cyberpark 1 and Fiery Style in Gateway Tower.

Moving up a bit north, we visit the United States! We have Burgoo in Gateway Mall, Wing Zone in Coliseum Circle, Pancake House in Ali Mall, and Erin’s Artists’ Lounge and Café also in Ali Mall, each one of these having a different take on American food. For pizza lovers, Pizza Hut is in two locations: Ali Mall, and Cyberpark 2. For a cold and sweet treat, visit Dairy Queen in Ali Mall, and Gateway Mall.

What culinary tour would be complete if we don’t include Italian cuisine? First stop, we have Cibo in Gateway Mall where you can try Italian masterpieces like Penne Trio Formaggi, Pancetta, Prosciutto Praga and Coda Alla Vaccinara. For other pizza and pasta dishes, you can also visit Giovanni’s in Manhattan Parkway Arcade, Old Spaghetti House in Ali Mall, and Sbarro also in Ali Mall. 

After our global culinary tour, we’re coming home to Filipino cuisine. We have a variety of choices like Café Adriatico in Gateway Mall, Max’s Restaurant in Coliseum Circle, Buddy’s in Shopwise Arcade in Ali Mall. There are also other Pinoy restaurants that serve various regional dishes like Gilligan’s in Manhattan Parkway Arcade, Gerry’s Grill in Ali Mall, and Empanada Nation in Cyberpark 1. 

All of these dining destinations are welcoming customers who may want to dine inside their restaurants. Safety measures and frequent sanitization are practiced in all establishments to ensure health and safety of customers and employees, so visit Araneta City now and try out all the culinary finds it has to offer!

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