Gateway Tower, Quezon City
21 November 2014

President Benigno S. Aquino III graced the ceremony for the 60th anniversary of the Araneta Center at the newly inaugurated Gateway Tower Building in Cubao, Quezon City.

With the theme, “Araneta Center at 60: The Story Lives On,” the occasion was attended by several business dignitaries and government officials, including Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and Mr. Jorge Araneta, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Araneta Group Incoporated.

In his speech, President Aquino described his childhood memories in Quezon City where he and his family used to spend their leisure time in Araneta Center. He reminisced the times where his father, the late Senator Ninoy Aquino, brought him to watch his first boxing match, his first carnival ride, and his fun moments as a kid. As time changed, the President said he witnessed the transformation of the place from a vast land of grasses to a center of commerce, culture, and progress today.

“Napakalaki na nga po ng pinagbago ng Araneta Center mula noong mga panahong iyon.  At kung babalikan nga po ang mga kasaysayan, makikitang ito talaga ang kwento ng Araneta Center: Pagbabago, pagpupursigi upang marating ang mga nakikita sa maliwanag na abot-tanaw, at pag-aruga upang tumubo at maabot ang tunay at buong potensyal,” he said.

Moreover, President Aquino also showed his admiration to the Araneta family for their success in building a new and more progressive face of the Araneta Center.  He then compared this success to endless achievements that can be achieved by the nation if the Filipinos will continue to pursue their dreams and be the start of positive change.

“Kung tayo’y magkakaisa, kung tayo’y mangangarap at talaga naman pong magbubuhos ng lahat ng ating makakaya tungo sa katuparan ng mga pangarap na iyon, makakamtan din ang malawak at positibong transpormasyon sa bawat sulok ng Pilipinas,” he added.

***