Araneta City marks Mother’s Day with weeklong 'Her MoMents' celebration

 

Araneta City, the City of Firsts, is marking Mother’s Day with a weeklong lineup of activities that puts the spotlight on mothers—from community-driven markets to wellness experiences and family-oriented events.

From May 7 to 10, the City of Firsts will host a series of on-ground activations across its malls, offering Araneta City-zens different ways to celebrate and spend time with the women at the center of their families.

“Mothers hold together not just families, but entire communities,” said Marjorie Go, Vice President for Marketing of Araneta City. “We want to have a City-wide celebration that will allow families to bond in ways that are meaningful to them, whether that’s through shared experiences, simple moments, or supporting local communities.”

Well Mama Expo (May 7 to 10)

The celebration opens with the Well Mama Expo at Quantum Skyview of Gateway Mall 2, featuring products and services focused on mothers’ health and well-being. The expo brings together wellness brands offering food options, self-care products, and services that support a more balanced lifestyle. There will also be a raffle and freebies for all participants.

Dining raffle promo (May 8 to 10)

A special treat awaits moms at World Kitchens, a destination for global flavors located at Level 4 of Gateway Mall 2. Diners who reach a minimum spend of P5,000 may join the raffle for a chance to win dining vouchers and a staycation at Novotel Manila Araneta City. This is a perfect gift not just for mothers but also for the entire family.

Mother's Day Market (May 8 to 10)

In partnership with POP QC, Araneta City will host the Mother’s Day Market at the General MacArthur Avenue activity area of Ali Mall. The market will feature products from Quezon City-based solo parents, persons with disabilities, persons deprived of liberty, and small business owners. The market highlights grassroots entrepreneurship while offering shoppers a more purposeful way to find gifts.

For Tiny Hands and Mommy Expo (May 8 to 10)

At the activity area of Gateway Mall 1, mothers can enjoy a brief pampering experience. There will be a glam station where makeup artists will pamper them with quick makeovers to help them rediscover their confidence. Mother's Day is their time to shine and feel empowered.

Run with Moms (May 10)

The aRUNeta Run Club will hold a special fun run on Mother's Day. Join morning runners and joggers as they sweat it out around Araneta City and exercise Zumba-style at the Green Gate of Smart Araneta Coliseum. Mothers will receive special items from partner brands to help them stay beautiful and protected this summer season.

Kitchen Queens (May 10)

Moms are invited to the activity area of Farmers Plaza, where they can learn new recipes and cooking techniques! In partnership with Mama Sita's, a cooking show and forum will take place, where mothers can enjoy live cooking demonstrations and connect with other mamas.

Mommies on the Move (May 10)

At Ali Mall, mothers and their cute babies are invited to dress up in their best Hawaiian costumes and shake their hips in a tropical celebration. Exciting prizes from partner brands await the best-dressed mothers and babies.

“At the City of Firsts, we look at Mother's Day more than just a seasonal event,” Go added. “It’s an opportunity to create spaces where mothers feel seen and appreciated, and where families and communities are brought together.”

Filipino traditional woven products take center stage at Habi Fiesta! 2025

 

The Philippines prides itself on the creativity of our people, from colorful paintings that depict the joy of our everyday life to music that captures the spirit of our nation. These art forms reflect the beauty of our culture and highlight the awe-inspiring talent of our countrymen.

One of the most important cultural treasures of the Filipino people is our handwoven fabrics crafted through the centuries by indigenous artisans from across many parts of the archipelago. Fabrics like Inabel of Ilocos, T’nalak of Cotabato, and Yakan of Basilan tell the story of our people—with each fiber, every warp and weft, creating a dazzling tapestry of culture, tradition, and artistry.

To celebrate the rich weaving tradition of our people, the J. Amado Araneta Foundation (JAAF) through the Gateway Gallery is once again holding Habi Fiesta!, an annual fair devoted to Philippine weave and its by-products. The event which takes place from May 16 to 18 at the Gateway Mall 1 Activity Area will bring together vendors of Filipino woven fabric and its products from various weaving communities.

“Habi Fiesta! is our way of celebrating the Heritage Month of May,” Christine Diane Romero, Executive Director of the J. Amado Araneta Foundation said. “Our woven fabrics created by indigenous weavers from various parts of the country are some of the most important symbols of our heritage. It is an enduring tradition handed down over generations that links us directly to the past. These are reminders of the dazzling vibrancy of our culture and the undeniable talent of our people.”

The event is a flagship initiative that supports JAAF’s culture and arts program which is anchored to the Gateway Gallery, the art museum of Araneta City. This year’s edition of Habi Fiesta! features a wider selection of vendors, side activities such as weaving demonstration, and more accessible payment with the vendors’ use of popular digital payment methods.

Some of the participating sellers this year are: Abel Kan Burda Ta Ka Itnegan (Abra), Namarabar Ethnic Products (Abra), Laga Weaving Creations, and Abella's House of Crafts (Ifugao).

“This event brings together weavers from all over the Philippines to showcase the best the country can offer. We are excited to showcase their products and have more Filipinos see the artistry and talent of our weavers. Each item that you’ll see here is part of the story of who we are as a people, and wearing or using products made from these fabrics is a statement of support and pride for our artisans. We hope you can come and visit Habi Fiesta! and celebrate this important part of our culture and heritage,” Ms. Romero concluded.

For more information about Habi Fiesta! Please visit and follow the pages of the J. Amado Araneta Foundation (website https://jaaf.aranetacity.com/. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JAmadoAranetaFoundation/.) and Gateway Gallery (website: gatewaygallery.ph, Facebook: GatewayGalleryPh).