Araneta City has long been where Metro Manila’s past and future intersect. As one of the country’s most established mixed-use destinations, it has evolved beyond a center for shopping, entertainment, and mobility into a thriving urban district where heritage coexists with modern city living. At the heart of this transformation stands Ali Mall, a landmark that has remained an enduring part of the city’s landscape for five decades.

As Ali Mall celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, the milestone reflects not only the longevity of one of the Philippines’ most iconic shopping destinations, but also its continued role in shaping how Filipinos experience retail, leisure, and community within an integrated urban environment.

Named after legendary American boxer Muhammad Ali following the historic “Thrilla in Manila” bout at the Araneta Coliseum in 1975, Ali Mall officially opened its doors on 30 June 1976, with Ali himself leading the inauguration.

From the very beginning, the mall redefined the local retail experience by introducing several industry firsts. It became home to the country’s first cinemas inside a shopping mall, the first seven-screen cineplex, and the first multi-level car park directly connected to the mall on every floor. In 1979, it unveiled the Food Gallery, the Philippines’ first dedicated fast-food center within a shopping mall, setting new standards for convenience and lifestyle-driven retail.

Ali Mall has continued to evolve alongside the changing needs of city dwellers. Beyond shopping, it has grown into a practical civic and lifestyle destination, housing a centralized hub for banks and government services, including one of the largest satellite offices of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ NCR-Northeast branch. It also introduced Ali X, a curated lifestyle wing dedicated to antiques, collectibles, art and memorabilia, adding a unique cultural dimension to the mall experience.

More than its retail offerings, It has served as a backdrop for first movie dates, family weekends, casual dining and countless shared moments. Five decades on, it continues to balance nostalgia with renewal — remaining a familiar landmark while embracing new experiences that reflect the evolving lifestyle of the modern city.