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24 Hours in Cubao Expo: A Day of Art, Food, and Fun
A once-hidden gem in Quezon City, Cubao Expo has grown into one of Manila’s coolest cultural hotspots. And for good reason! Cubao Expo’s unique blend of art galleries, indie shops, food, music, and nightlife attracts everyone, from nostalgic collectors to modern-day culture enthusiasts. So, come along and discover the best this creative hub has to offer.
Morning in Cubao Expo
Explore cozy coffee shops and unique indie stores as Cubao Expo comes to life.
Start with Coffee Shops
Cubao Expo is home to some of the city’s coziest coffee shops.
Image Credit: @thebrewmancoffee
What better way to start your day at Cubao Expo than a cozy cup of coffee? The Brewman is a popular choice, known for its third-wave coffee and well-lit space that’s conducive to working or studying. You can also try Silingan Coffee, a coffee shop that nourishes both body and mind. Enjoy simple rice meals and delicious brews while you take in thought-provoking protest art.
The Brewman: +63 917 828 4849
Hours:
- 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Monday
- 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday
Silingan Coffee: +63 936 958 2181
Hours: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday to Sunday
Go on a Vintage Shopping Spree
From vintage vinyl records to quaint thrift spots, there’s no shortage of indie stores to discover at Cubao Expo.
Image Credit: @goodvibrationsrecordsph
Once you’re done with your morning cuppa, take advantage of the calmer morning crowds to browse Cubao Expo’s handful of indie stores and their unique finds.
Sort through vinyl records at Good Vibrations Records, a haven for music lovers. This small bar and listening room allows you to browse their collection of titles spanning various genres, from classic rock to contemporary indie.
Browse through vintage clothing at WCHA Fashion Haus. It offers a curated selection of high-quality, pre-loved clothing, shoes, and bags at affordable prices.
Step back in time at John’s Antique Shop, a Cubao Expo mainstay since the early 2000s. Its shelves are stacked with all kinds of curious knick-knacks—comic books, vintage typewriters, old radios, hand-blown glasses, you name it.
Good Vibrations Records: +63 977 240 2098
Hours: 1 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday
WCHA Fashion Haus: +63 935 626 9650
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday to Sunday
John’s Antique Shop: +63 995 558 5367
Hours: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Sunday
Afternoon Exploration
Ready for an afternoon of artistic inspiration and culinary delights? Cubao Expo’s galleries and restaurants await!
Savor the Food Scene
Indulge in real Italian cooking at Bellini’s, one of the city’s most beloved Italian restaurants.
Image Credit: @bellinis1999
When lunchtime rolls around, you’re in for a feast. Cubao Expo boasts a delicious variety of restaurants and foodie spots. Try these two popular choices to get you started.
Bellini's is a local favorite that serves authentic, affordable Italian dishes in a quaint setting. Fun fact: It was featured in the Filipino film One More Chance, which you can stream now on Netflix. If you’re in the mood for more Asian flavors, Best of Luck is a popular choice for authentic Chinese food. Their black pepper sausage and lemon chicken are must-tries!
Bellini's: For reservations, send a message on Facebook or Instagram.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Monday to Sunday
Best of Luck: Message them directly on Instagram.
Hours:
- 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday
- 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday to Saturday
Explore an Art Gallery
Check out the works of contemporary artists at Pablo Galleries, a must-visit for cultural enthusiasts.
Image Credit: Pablo Galleries Instagram
After lunch, walk off your food coma with a leisurely stroll through Cubao Expo's art gallery, Pablo Galleries. This vibrant space is dedicated to contemporary and up-and-coming Filipino artists. You’ll find a range of intriguing paintings and sculptures that capture the energy of the local art scene.
Pablo Art Gallery: (02) 8877 6284, +63 917 579 9261
Hours: 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday
TIP: To make your urban adventure more convenient, download the GCash app for easy and secure online transactions. Use it for your vintage shopping spree, food trip, or bar crawl.
Evening Adventures
As dusk settles, discover live music, craft beer, and late-night eats at Cubao Expo.
Wind Down with Dinner
Fred’s Revolucion—a historic dive bar that first opened in Escolta, Manila—now has a second branch at Cubao Expo.
Image Credit: @freds_revolucion
As the sun sets, Cubao Expo transforms into a buzzing nightlife destination, offering craft beers, live music, and dining options late into the night. Start at the iconic Fred’s Revolucion, which serves ice-cold drinks as early as 5 p.m. Now on its second branch, this eclectic dive bar offers an easy-going atmosphere and beer selections that won’t break the bank. Plus, their bar chow is to die for! Fuel up for a long night of drinking with an order of crispy Ho Chi Wings or flavorful Thai noodles.
For a modern take on Filipino cuisine with a spicy kick, check out Habanero Kitchen Bar. Adventurous foodies should try their innovative dishes and habanero-infused cocktails.
Fred’s Revolucion: +63 998 531 7949
Hours: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday
Habanero Kitchen Bar: +63 977 206 5489
Hours:
- 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday
- 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday to Sunday
Listen to Live Music
Say cheers to old and new friends when you visit any of Cubao Expo’s many bars.
Image Credit: @intbar.extcafe
Next, sit back and soak in the sounds of Cubao Expo’s live music. Drop by INT.Bar / EXT.Cafe, a speakeasy cocktail bar that hosts live performances, as well as DJ sets and even movie nights. For a late-night bite, grab a seat at Ichiban Takoyaki. Besides serving up delicious Japanese skewers, they also host themed music nights and more.
INT.Bar / EXT.Cafe: For reservations, send a message via Facebook or Instagram.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 12.30 a.m., Monday to Sunday
Ichiban Takoyaki: +63 977 216 1093
Hours:
- 3 p.m. to 12 a.m., Monday to Thursday
- 3 p.m. to 1 a.m., Friday to Saturday
- 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday
History and Quick Tips
Rich in history and culture, every establishment in Cubao Expo has something unique to offer.
Image Credit: Ichiban Takoyaki Facebook
Cubao Expo’s enduring architectural features when it was a shoe expo and its unique blend of old and new establishments create a distinctly retro atmosphere. Directors and photographers seeking a nostalgic Metro Manila vibe frequently choose Cubao Expo as a location for indie films and photoshoots.
While wandering through the shops, take a moment to chat with the shop owners. Each establishment has a unique history to tell, privy only to those who’ve been around long enough to see it themselves.
Cubao Expo is located at 3 General Romulo Avenue, Cubao, Quezon City, 1109, and is How to Get There.
How to Get There:
- By Train: Take the MRT to Cubao Station or the LRT-2 to Cubao Station. From there, it's a short walk to Cubao Expo.
- By Bus: Numerous buses pass along EDSA, Aurora Boulevard, and Araneta Avenue, with stops near Cubao Expo.
- By Jeepney: Depending on your starting point, look for jeepneys with routes passing through Cubao.
- By Taxi/Ride-hailing: You can easily hail a taxi or book a ride through Grab or Angkas.
There's some street parking available around Cubao Expo, but it can be limited, especially during peak hours. You can find several paid parking lots nearby, offering a more secure option. Check for parking lots around Araneta City or Gateway Mall.
Stay connected during your urban adventure! A reliable mobile connection helps you look up store hours, event schedules, or transportation options. Explore Globe’s monthly data plans or affordable promos with flexible top-ups! Cubao Expo offers something for everyone, from art and live music to delicious food. Enjoy every moment in this creative hub in the city!
