Night Out discovers why ‘X’ truly marks the spot in Cubao.
 

It’s a Saturday night, and I put on a comfortable thrift-store blouse, ratty jeans, and a pair of slightly dirty sneakers. I grab a screen-printed canvas tote and my camera, and parade my ‘indie outfit’ around the house.

“Where are you going?” my mom asks. “Ukay-ukay modeling gig?”

“For your information, this is indie!” I cry indignantly. “And I’m going to Cubao X.”

“’Indi maganda,” she cackles. “And Cubao X is what? Porno?”

My mom, like most of her generation, doesn’t have an idea what Cubao X is. To her, Cubao is the haven of kawatan and adult movie theaters—no wonder why she immediately assumed the worst.

Cubao X (a.k.a. Cubao Expo), at first glance, is a compound of tiny, two-storey establishments near the Araneta Center. I haven’t really seen the place during daytime, but I’m sure it looks like a ghost town, with rows of shuttered stores, while the rest of Cubao throbs with life. As the sun descends, though, Cubao X slowly wakes up. Though it may sound otherwise, Cubao X isn’t a red-light district—it’s actually the melting pot of independent, artsy, and hip culture in Manila.

Formerly the Marikina Shoe Expo (quite confusing, since it actually is in Cubao, but some shops sell Marikina-made shoes), Cubao X is like the Filipino version of Singapore’s uber-hip Ann Siang Hill. It’s home to the buzz-worthy Bellini’s Italian restaurant, interesting galleries featuring the work of talented young artists, and other quirky establishments.  

Dining (and drinking)

Bellini’s is probably the not-so-hidden treasure of Cubao X. The restaurant serves authentic Italian fare, which is affordably priced for its unforgettable flavors. Much has been said about this quaint little resto, but you’ll never really know until you try their remarkable dishes. The waiters are very nice, plus the interiors are an additional treat for the eyes. The homey and kitschy feel of Bellini’s is a welcome change from brightly-lit fast-food joints and elegantly ascetic high-end mall restos.

Mogwai is the ‘in’ bar if you’re hip and indie. I was pleasantly surprised at how cheap their booze is, compared to bars in Tomas Morato or Makati. It’s really cool to bring your barkada to Mogwai for a round of drinks and endless kwentuhan, with the bohemian ambiance in the background. This place also serves the divine Dark Molten Lava cake! Plus, there are film showings every now and then, so check their schedules for movies you’ll never see in malls.

Shopping

Yes, you can shop at Cubao X. Not just Marikina shoes (which are, of course, of superior quality), but also books, quirky accessories, vintage toys, deconstructed and one-of-a-kind clothing, and even artwork!

Another of Cubao X’s many gems is the I Love You Store. It’s on the second floor of a bar (I don’t really remember its name, since I’m always excited to get to the store), and has an eclectic collection of fashion items—bags, accessories, eyewear, dresses, shirts, belts, and a plethora of other unique finds. The prices aren’t too steep, either—just right, considering that most items are both unique and vintage, or were created through inimitable skill and long hours.  

There’s also a little store near the entrance (I think it’s called Vintage Pop) that sells old vinyl records and books, as well as other quirky little items like Coca-Cola telephones and one-of-a-kind clocks. A visit here a few months ago yielded a first-edition paperback of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot, for only PhP100.  

In Cubao X, there’s always that great find—if you have patience and a very quick eye.

Events

Cubao X has always been a good place for me to catch up with my art school friends. Various events—featuring and organized by local arts luminaries and bohemians—are held regularly at the many galleries in the compound, though the people often treat the street as an extension of the event area.  

Art and photo exhibits, poetry readings, live art demos, film screenings, and indie music performances are held all year round at Cubao X. There are also regular ‘art fairs’, where artists and other online-store owners get the chance to sell their graphic-designed, handmade, or one-of-a-kind wares.

I love hanging out at Cubao X, because it’s a respite from the rest of the mainstream world—a place where you can embrace your ‘artsy’ side. There’s shopping, dining, and entertainment; and everything’s inexpensive, novel, and kitschy-hip.

So put on your best ‘hipster’ look, and give Cubao X a try. Just make it clear to your friends or parents that Cubao X is not an adult movie house.

(For Palo Garcia, food is definitely serious business.  Aside from buffet raiding, she also enjoys reading toothpaste labels, micro-blogging, and playing video games.)