Pasay facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pasay
Highly urbanized city
Pasay skyline Pasay City Mall and Market Pasay City Hall Welcome Sign Bay City Globe Rotonda Pasay Rotonda NAIA Terminal 2
Flag Seal
Nickname(s):  The Travel City
Motto(s):  Aim High Pasay!
Anthem: Pasay, Mabuhay Ka! (English: "Long live Pasay!")
Map of Metro Manila with Pasay highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Pasay Location in Philippines
Country	Philippines
Region	National Capital Region
Province	none
District	[[{{#property:P7938}} | — Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1804: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).]]
Founded	December 2, 1863
Renamed	September 6, 1901 June 7, 1950
Cityhood and renamed	June 21, 1947 (as Rizal City)
Highly urbanized city	December 22, 1979
Barangays	201 (see Barangays)
Government
• Type	Sangguniang Panlungsod
Area
• Total	13.97 km2 (5.39 sq mi)
Elevation	21 m (69 ft)
Highest elevation	449 m (1,473 ft)
Lowest elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Population  (2020 census)
• Total	440,656
• Density	31,543/km2 (81,696/sq mi)
• Households	127,629
Demonym(s)	Pasayeño
Economy
• Income class	1st city income class
• Poverty incidence	2.30 % (2021)
• Revenue	₱ 6,767 million (2020)
• Assets	₱ 19,343 million (2020)
• Expenditure	₱ 5,771 million (2020)
• Liabilities	₱ 10,022 million (2020)
Service provider
• Electricity	Manila Electric Company (Meralco)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	1300–1309
PSGC	[https://psa.gov.ph/classification/psgc/?q=psgc/barangays/{{#pro000&regcode={{&provcode= p {{#property:P988}} ]
IDD : area code	+63 (0)2
Native languages	Tagalog
Website	www.pasay.gov.ph

Pasay, officially known as the City of Pasay (in Filipino: Lungsod ng Pasay), is a very busy city in the National Capital Region of the Philippines. It's a "highly urbanized city," which means it's a big, important city with its own government. In 2020, about 440,656 people lived here.

Pasay is located just south of Manila. It grew quickly during the time when the United States governed the Philippines. Today, it's famous for being home to most of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and large areas like Newport City and the SM Central Business Park.

What's in a Name? The Story of Pasay's Name

Have you ever wondered how Pasay got its name? There are a few interesting stories and ideas:

Legends About Pasay's Name

• Princess Pasay: One story says the city was named after Dayang-dayang Pasay. She was a princess from the Kingdom of Namayan. Her father was Rajah Sulayman, a ruler of the Kingdom of Maynila. Princess Pasay inherited half of her father's lands, which included the area where Pasay City is now. She is said to have founded the city.
• Prince Pasay: Another legend suggests the city was named after Pasay, one of the sons of a Namayan ruler. He also inherited lands that became the city.
• A Love Story: A romantic tale tells of a man named Jose. He cried out "Paz-ay!" at the grave of his rich girlfriend, Paz. Their love was forbidden, and Paz died from sadness. To honor her, Paz's parents named their large farm Paz-ay, which later became Pasay.

Historical Theories About Pasay's Name

• The Pasaw Plant: Some historians believe the city is named after a special plant called pasaw (Pseuderanthemum reticulatum). This plant was once very common in the area and was used for medicine.
• A Marketplace: American historian Austin Craig thought Pasay was once known as Javan Pasar. This name might have come from the Arabic word bazar, which means marketplace. This makes sense because the town was a trading spot.

A Look Back: Pasay's Journey Through Time

Pasay has a long and exciting history, from ancient kingdoms to a modern city.

Early Beginnings of Pasay

This map shows the area once ruled by Namayan, which included Pasay, in modern Metro Manila.

Long before the Spanish arrived, local stories say that Pasay was part of Namayan. This was a group of small communities (called barangays) that stretched from Manila Bay to Laguna de Bay. When the Spanish came, this area became known as Santa Ana de Sapa, which is now Santa Ana, Manila.

Pasay During Spanish Rule

• Spanish Arrival: On May 19, 1571, Miguel López de Legazpi officially claimed Manila and its nearby areas, including Pasay, for Spain.
• Augustinian Influence: The Augustinian religious group played a big role in Pasay. They turned the area into a large farm called Hacienda de Meysapan. Many local people gave their land to the Church.
• Becoming a Town: In 1727, Pasay was moved under the care of the Parish of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios in Malate. It became separate from Malate in 1815.
• Pineda is Born: In 1862, people in Pasay asked to manage their own town. They wanted to name it "Pineda" after Don Cornelio Pineda, a Spanish plant expert who helped them. On December 2, 1863, Pineda officially became its own town. This date is still celebrated as Pasay's founding day.

Pasay in the Philippine Revolution

Pasay had many heroes during the Philippine Revolution.

• The Katipunan: A secret group called the Katipunan, led by Andrés Bonifacio, fought for freedom. They had a chapter in Pineda.
• Women Fighters: Brave women like Marcela Marcelo also joined the fight.
• Rizal's Influence: The execution of José Rizal in 1896, who wrote books that inspired the revolution, made the desire for freedom even stronger.

Pasay Under American Rule

• First Mayor: After the Philippines declared independence in 1898, Don Catalino became Pasay's first Presidente municipal (like a mayor today).
• Philippine-American War: In 1899, fighting broke out between Filipino and American soldiers, starting the Philippine–American War. American forces eventually took control of Pineda.

Pasay beach, Manila, an oil painting by Fabián de la Rosa, 1927.

An aerial view of Pasay, around the 1930s.

• Back to Pasay: On September 6, 1901, Pineda was renamed back to Pasay. Its area grew in 1903 when it merged with Malibay.
• Growth and Development: Pasay started to grow. Old farmlands became new neighborhoods. New services like postal, telegraph, and telephone lines were set up. Roads were improved, and new transportation like buses and electric trams (tranvia) made it easier to travel.
• First Woman Flyer: On April 11, 1914, Cora Wong, a nurse, became the first woman in the Philippines to fly as a passenger in a seaplane off Pasay Beach!
• Becoming a Suburb: By the 1930s, many important Filipino families moved to Pasay. It changed from a rural town to a busy suburb of Manila.

Pasay During World War II

• Open City: When World War II began, Manila and its nearby areas, including Pasay, were declared an "open city" to prevent damage.
• City of Greater Manila: In 1942, Pasay was combined with Manila and other towns to form the "City of Greater Manila."
• Japanese Occupation: During the Japanese occupation, life was hard. Food became very expensive, and many people moved away. Pasay suffered a lot of damage during the Battle of Manila in 1945.
• Return to Normal: After the war, Pasay became a separate municipality of Rizal province again.

Pasay After Philippine Independence

Becoming a City

• Rizal City: In 1947, Pasay officially became a city and was named Rizal City after José Rizal.
• Back to Pasay City: However, people still called it Pasay. So, in 1950, its name was changed back to Pasay City.
• Aviation Hub: In 1948, what is now Ninoy Aquino International Airport opened. Pasay became the country's main aviation center.
• First Elected Mayor: In 1955, Pablo Cuneta became Pasay's first elected mayor.
• Cultural Center: In the 1960s, Imelda Marcos, the First Lady, started building important cultural buildings on land reclaimed from Manila Bay. These included the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Folk Arts Theater, Manila Film Center, and the Philippine International Convention Center. Later, Star City was also built.

Martial Law Era

• Changes in Government: In 1972, martial law was declared. The way Pasay was governed changed.
• Highly Urbanized: On December 22, 1979, Pasay officially became a "highly urbanized city."
• LRT Opens: In 1981, the LRT Line 1 train system opened its stations in Pasay, making travel easier.

The People Power Revolution and Beyond

• New Leaders: After the People Power Revolution in 1986, Pasay saw new leaders. Pablo Cuneta returned as mayor and served for a long time.
• Modern Growth: The MRT Line 3 train line was built, connecting to LRT Line 1. The Pasay City General Hospital and Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 also opened. These projects helped the city grow even more.

Pasay Today: Contemporary Developments

An aerial view of Pasay in 2015.

• SM Mall of Asia: In 2006, the SM Mall of Asia, one of the biggest shopping centers in the country, opened. The area around it became a major business hub.
• Mall of Asia Arena: The Mall of Asia Arena, a large sports venue, also opened.
• NAIA Terminal 3 and Newport City: In 2008, Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 opened. This led to the creation of Newport City, another area with homes and entertainment.
• Future Plans: The city government is planning to build a new hospital to serve its growing population.

Pasay's Location and Layout

Pasay is a busy city with a unique shape and important areas.

Where is Pasay Located?

This map shows the zones and barangays of Pasay.

Pasay is one of the smallest cities in Metro Manila. It covers about 18.64 square kilometers.

• To the north, it borders the capital city of Manila.
• To the south, it's next to Parañaque.
• To the northeast, you'll find Makati.
• To the east, it borders Taguig.
• To the west, it meets Manila Bay.

Understanding Pasay's Areas

Pasay is divided into three main parts:

• Urban Area: This is the main city area, covering about 5.505 square kilometers.
• Airport Complex: This large area includes Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the Villamor Airbase. It's about 9.5 square kilometers.
• Reclaimed Land: This is new land created from Manila Bay, covering about 4.00 square kilometers. More land is being reclaimed for projects like Pasay Harbor City.

An aerial view of Pasay, showing the land reclaimed from the bay.

Barangays: Pasay's Local Communities

Pasay is divided into two districts, which are then split into 20 zones. These zones contain a total of 201 barangays. The barangays are simply numbered, not named.

• The largest zone is Zone 19, covering barangays 178 and 191.
• The smallest is Zone 1, covering Barangays 1 to 3 and 14 to 17.

Table of Barangays

Well-known places and barangays in Pasay

Pasay's Climate: Tropical Weather

Pasay has a tropical savanna climate. This means it's generally hot all year round, with a wet season and a dry season.

Pasay's Population and People

The people who live in Pasay are called Pasayeños. The city has grown a lot over the years. In 1903, only about 8,100 people lived there. By 2020, the population had grown to over 440,000!

Pasay's Economy: A Hub of Business

The main office of Philippine Airlines is in Pasay.

Pasay is a very important city for business and jobs.

• Airline Headquarters: Many major airlines have their main offices here. These include Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Cebgo, PAL Express, and Philippines AirAsia. They are mostly located near Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
• Snack Company: Oishi (Liwayway), a popular snack company, also has its headquarters in Pasay.
• Government Offices: Many important national government offices are in Pasay. These include the Senate of the Philippines, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and agencies related to aviation and trade.
• Banks and Logistics: The main office of the Philippine National Bank is in Pasay. LBC Express, a big logistics company, also has its headquarters here.

Sports and Recreation in Pasay

The Pasay Sports Complex.

Pasay is a great place for sports!

• Sports Venues: The city has several sports venues. These include the Cuneta Astrodome, the huge SM Mall of Asia Arena, and the Pasay Sports Complex.
• International Events: The SM Mall of Asia Arena has hosted big events like some games of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. Pasay has also been a venue for the Southeast Asian Games multiple times.
• Local Sports: Many barangays in Pasay have basketball courts and gyms. You can also find badminton courts and billiard halls.
• Basketball Team: Pasay has its own professional basketball team, the Pasay Voyagers. They play in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.

Unity Run: A Big Event

Pasay has hosted one of the largest running events in the world!

• In 2012, over 209,000 people participated in the "Kahit Isang Araw Lang: Unity Run." It started and ended at the SM Mall of Asia.
• This event broke a Guinness World Record for the number of participants!

Getting Around: Transportation in Pasay

Pasay is a major transportation hub, making it easy to travel within the city and to other places.

Airport: Your Gateway to the World

The biggest part of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is in Pasay.

• Terminals 2, 3, and 4 of the airport are located here.
• Pasay is also home to the Philippine Air Force's main base, Villamor Airbase.

Roads: Connecting the City

A view of Roxas Boulevard from the Libertad overpass.

"Pasay Rotonda," where EDSA and Taft Avenue meet.

Pasay has many important roads:

• Main Roads: Key roads include Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Gil Puyat Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, and Taft Avenue.
• Other Important Roads: You'll also find Andrews Avenue, Antonio Arnaiz Avenue, Aurora Boulevard, Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard, and Ninoy Aquino Avenue.

Expressways: Faster Travel

Several expressways help people travel quickly through Pasay and to other parts of Metro Manila:

• Skyway: An elevated road that runs along the border of Pasay and Taguig.
• South Luzon Expressway (SLEX): Runs directly below the Skyway.
• NAIA Expressway: An elevated road that connects to the airport terminals.
• CAVITEX–C-5 Link: Connects to other major roads like Circumferential Road 5 (C-5).

Public Transport: Ways to Travel

A bus driving on Gil Puyat Avenue in Pasay.

• Jeepneys: These colorful public utility vehicles travel on main roads and serve local areas.
• Buses: Buses offer rides within the city and to other provinces. Many provincial bus terminals are near the Gil Puyat Station.
• Trains: Pasay is served by two train lines:
  • LRT Line 1 has four stations in Pasay: Gil Puyat, Libertad, EDSA, and Baclaran.
  • MRT Line 3 has one station, Taft Avenue, which connects to LRT Line 1.
• Other Transport:
  • Tricycles and pedicabs are common for short trips within barangays.
  • Vans and UV Express also provide transport around the city and Metro Manila.

Learning in Pasay: Schools and Universities

The City University of Pasay.

Pasay City has many schools for students of all ages.

• Public Schools: The Schools Division Office of Pasay City manages 18 public elementary schools and 8 high schools.
• Special Education: There are special schools for students with unique needs, like the Philippine School for the Deaf and Philippine National School for the Blind.
• Private Schools: Many private schools, including Catholic schools like St. Mary's Academy – Pasay, also operate in the city.

Colleges and Universities in Pasay

High Schools in Pasay

• Pasay City North High School – M. Dela Cruz Campus
• Pasay City South High School
• Pasay City East High School
• Pasay City West High School
• Pasay City National High School (formerly Pasay City North High School – Tramo Campus)
• Pasay City National Science High School
• Kalayaan National High School
• President Corazon “Cory” C. Aquino National High School

Diplomatic Missions: International Connections

Some countries have their embassies or permanent offices in Pasay, showing its importance on the international stage:

•  Japan
•  Latvia

Sister Cities: Friends Around the World

Pasay has "sister city" relationships with other cities, both locally and internationally. These connections help promote cultural exchange and friendship.

Local Sister Cities

• Las Piñas, Metro Manila
• Parañaque, Metro Manila
• Tacloban, Leyte

International Sister Cities

• Union City, California, United States
• Sacramento, California, United States
• Jecheon, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
• Tainan, Taiwan

Notable People from Pasay

Many famous people have come from Pasay, including artists, athletes, and leaders.

• Marcela Marcelo, Revolutionary General
• Francisco Coching, National Artist for Visual Arts, comic book artist
• Juan Salcedo, Jr., National Scientist for Nutrition and Public Health
• Ramon Jacinto, businessman and musician
• Darwin Ramos, Servant of God, a teenager
• Alejandro D. Aclan, Catholic auxiliary bishop
• Eli Soriano, Filipino preacher
• Maricel Soriano, actress
• Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, president and CEO of Alaska Milk Corporation
• Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, prima ballerina; first Filipino to join the Kirov Ballet
• Anita Linda, film actress
• Sharon Cuneta, singer, actress, and TV host
• Pablo Cuneta, former politician, father of Sharon Cuneta
• John Lloyd Cruz, actor
• Bernard Palanca, actor
• Josephine Roberto, pop singer
• Carl Guevara, actor and model
• Chariz Solomon, actress and TV personality
• Nina Girado, pop/R&B singer
• Maricel Laxa, comedian and actress
• Vhong Navarro, comedian and dancer
• Wacky Kiray, stand-up comedian and TV host
• Diego Llorico, actor
• Junna Tsukii, Filipino-Japanese karateka
• King Girado, singer and musician
• Michael DiGregorio, basketball player
• Mike Cortez, basketball player
• Rodney Brondial, basketball player
• Ryan Araña, basketball player
• Yousef Taha, basketball player
• Silvia Celeste Cortesi, model and Miss Universe Philippines 2022
• Bong Tolentino, politician
• Fernando Lopez, former Vice President of the Philippines
• Jose Feria, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
• Johnny Monteiro, actor
• Gil de Leon, actor
• Cesar Ramirez, actor

Images for kids

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  STI College - Pasay

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  Pasay City General Hospital

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  Pasay City Cockpit

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  Sta. Clara Parish School (Pasay City)

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  The Heritage Hotel - Pasay

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  Bun Su Temple (文殊寺)

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  Chong Fu Temple (巴西巿包王府)

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  Pao Ong Kong Temple Pasay City (巴西巿包王府)

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  Manuel Colayco monument in Derham Park

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  Roman Catholic Cemetery

See also

In Spanish: Pásay para niños