Cubao, Quezon City, is the “center of the universe,” as many commuters would say. Surrounded by many bus terminals and train stations, it is considered a central hub, or the heart of Quezon City. It lies within a pocket of time, found between malls and traffic-heavy avenues.
(Photo courtesy of Google.)
Built in the 1970s as a commercial complex showcasing the finest leather craftsmanship from Marikina, Cubao Expo was filled with family-run shops selling handmade loafers, boots, and heels. However, as brands invaded malls and manufacturing priorities shifted, the shoe expo faded into obscurity, and then came the antique sellers in 2005.
In the mid-2000s, Cubao Expo began to attract new tenants, including artists, independent merchants, musicians, and cultural rebels seeking a space outside the mall culture. Slowly, vinyl record stores, thrift shops, tattoo studios, speakeasies, and art spaces began to emerge.
This quiet evolution transformed Cubao Expo into a countercultural oasis, offering a diverse range of experiences, from curated vintage finds to independent gigs and spoken word nights. The complex was no longer merely a commercial space; it was a haven for the alternative scene.
To this day, Cubao Expo remains a cultural classic for the local industry. It is a memory kept alive by anyone who refuses to let it be forgotten.
