Quezon City: Where Every Street Tells a Story

Coming back home to the Philippines in 2019 after many years in the USA was a heartwarming experience. As soon as I stepped out of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, a wave of joy swept over me. I was delighted to be back!

As we drove through the streets toward Cubao, Quezon City, I realized how much had changed. Familiar landmarks and the neighborhood I once knew were now unrecognizable, replaced by towering buildings and expanded malls. The traffic in Manila had intensified significantly, reflecting the bustling life of the city. 

One of the highlights of my visit was reconnecting with former coworkers, friends and family, relishing the chance to catch up after so many years. This trip home, though marked by changes, rekindled cherished memories. 

Traveling from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Cubao, Quezon City

Here’s a friendly guide to get you on your way smoothly! The distance between NAIA and Cubao is approximately 15 kilometers. Depending on the time of day and traffic conditions, the journey can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or more.

You have a few options for making this trip:

1. By Car or Taxi: The most direct and convenient option. Simply catch a taxi or book a ride-sharing service from the airport. If the traffic is light, you’ll be in Cubao in no time!
2. By Bus: You can take an airport bus that goes towards Cubao. It’s affordable and quite comfortable, though travel time might be longer depending on traffic.
3. By Metro Trail Transit: This involves a bit of a trek. You’d need to get from the airport to the nearest train station and then catch a train that connects you to Cubao.

A Place to Call Home

The ride to my Airbnb in Cubao, Quezon City wasn’t as great. The van driver wanted to be paid in dollars rather than pesos and even asked for an extra tip because he said he hadn’t eaten lunch. Although it made me uncomfortable, I ended up giving him what he asked for. 

I rented a room in the Manhattan Heights building right across from Ali Mall, a site that once housed a shopping center renowned for its shoe stores. This was a place I frequently visited to buy shoes when I worked in the Camp.

Settling into my Airbnb next to Ali Mall, my first stop was Jollibee. The taste of palabok and sweet spaghetti was as delightful as I remembered, although the portions seemed smaller, akin to a kiddie meal, prompting me to order a second serving.

Araneta Center also known as “The Big Dome. It is also known for its bustling atmosphere and numerous events and concerts, was still there, standing as a beacon of entertainment.

Ali Mall and ShoeMart, the malls I remembered well, still stood firmly amidst the new developments.

The next morning, I explored Ali Mall. The shopping area had evolved nicely, offering an array of clothing, though I noticed that the sizing had changed, I had to opt for an XL instead of my usual medium.

As I wandered around, I was struck by how much had changed. The Gateway Mall, in particular, was a maze that easily swallowed me up in its vast corridors. Many old landmarks had disappeared, replaced by new ones that I hardly recognized. However, one familiar spot was the Goldilock restaurant. I couldn’t resist stopping there to indulge in their famous ube cake and other delicacies—a nostalgic treat.

During my stay, I often visited Kamayan, Barrio Fiesta, and Max restaurant. Dining alone seemed to draw curious stares from the locals, and once, someone even asked if I was from around here, noting that my backpack wasn’t something seen in local stores. A visit to SM Mall further emphasized my outsider status when a sales lady, after noticing my shoes, remarked that I didn’t seem local.

Regrettably, many of the photos I took during my trip to Manila were accidentally erased from my mobile phone, leaving me with just the vivid memories of my experiences and the changes that had transformed the place I once called home.