Re-Imagi(ni)ng

Spectacular Ali: From

the Battle Space into
Mall Space
Danim R. Majerano
Airnel T. Abarra
PHILIPPINES
Outline
Context and Method
Thrilla in Manila
Marcos and Araneta Conspiracy
The Construction of the Mall
Re-imagi(ni)ng the Spectacular Ali
Ali as Spectacular Mall has produced
Context and Method
To share the historical experiences of the
Filipinos who appreciated the Thrilla in Manila
To discuss the concept of power and space; how
hegemonic forces from the ruling class in the
society attempts to construct it
To analyze the image of Ali and his socio-cultural
manifestation in terms of its mythical image,
usage and diverse possible meanings in Filipino
society
Context and Method
Fieldwork (On-site
Documentation)
Semiotic/reading the space
Archival
Audio-Visual Reviews
 Thrilla in Manila
1 October 1975
Araneta Colliseum
The Greatest Event in All
Sports History
Ali won bytechnical
knockout(TKO) after
Frazier's chief second,
Eddie Futch, conceded the
fight prior to the 15th
round.
Marcos and Araneta Conspiracy
Araneta Clan: Holders
of Araneta Coliseum
and many private
properties.
Jorge Araneta and
Irene Marcos
Marriage- Bond
between ruling
families.
Constructing the
New Society under
the President Marcos
The Construction of
the Mall
It was built in 1976, making it one of
the oldest malls in the Philippines.
The mall was named in honor of
boxerMuhammad Ali.
Ali inaugurated the mall for his
championship and lifes story of
victory and struggle.
It is located atAraneta Center, Cubao,
Quezon city beside another Mall.
Three-level mall.
It has been renovated 4 times.
Re-imagi(ni)ng the Spectacular
Ali
The historical memory
transmutes into
commodification of space.
The appropriation of sport
spectacle as manifestation
of power of ruling classes.
Making part of daily urban
life (malling) in the
Philippines in relation to
lifes victory and struggles.
 Spectacular Ali:
A Commemorative
Exhibit
Ali Mall, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines
Ali as Spectacular Mall has
produced
(Lico, 2003 & Tolentino, 2001) :
the myth of modern progress,
the myth of modernity,
the myth of national consciousness,
the myth of globalized world,
and mall culture: mass
consumerism
Maraming Salamat
po!
Thank you!