One of the oldest cities in Metro Manila is the highly urbanized city called Pasay. It is also known as The Travel City. On June 21, 1947; it was incorporated as a city from town and with 201 barangays. An explanation says that Pasay got its name from a princess named Dayang-dayang Pasay. She was a princess of the Namayan Kingdom that existed around 1175. She owned the lands that now comprise Culi-culi, Pasay, and Baclaran.
The city has a lot to offer to local and foreign tourists looking to have a good time around shopping malls, events places, historical museums, and amusement parks. It’s also filled with different food choices.
8 Fun Places You Can Visit in Pasay
Cartimar Shopping Center
Cartimar Pet Shop by Migano Z Maku on Facebook
Cartimar got its name from the first names of its founders Carlos, Timotea and Margarita Cuyugan (chairperson). It is popular for selling affordable pets like dogs, cats, fish, and birds. It also offers plants and flowers, groceries, slippers, shoes, sportswear, and bags.
Coconut Palace or Tanghalang Pilipino
The Coconut Palace is located in the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex and was built in 1978. Imelda Marcos got the idea to build the palace for the stay of Pope John Paul II while he was in Manila, and it served as a government guest house. However, the Pope declined. The Coconut Palace is made of different Philippine materials, including coconut shells and specially engineered coconut lumber. The place got its name because most of the architecture and interior design was made from coconut. After Marcos’ reign, the palace was turned over to the government. Today, it is the official office and residence of the Vice President of the Philippines.
The Cultural Center of the Philippines
Colors of Faith by Pepito Frias from Aliwan Fiesta’s Facebook page
Also known as the CCP, this is the country’s foremost arts institution mandated to conserve, develop, and promote Filipino arts and culture. It was established by former first lady Imelda Marcos on September 8, 1969 for the benefit of the Filipino people. It has six exhibition halls, five theatres, a museum, dining stores, and jogging paths. Different arts and cultural events happen here all year round, like Cinemalaya (independent Filipino film festival) and Aliwan Fiesta (colorful parade of floats and dances from different provinces).
SM Mall of Asia
MOA is currently the 4th largest shopping mall in the Philippines and the 12th in the world. It has a land area of 42 hectares that attracts around 200,000 people daily. Aside from local and international shops, the mall has an Olympic sized skating rink, an IMAX movie theatre, concert grounds, an amusement park, a planetarium, museums, a convention center, a condominium, and several offices. To add to the mall’s uniqueness, it is situated by Manila Bay where you can watch the romantic sunset.
The Mall of Asia Arena
MOA Arena is located within the SM Mall of Asia complex. It is an indoor arena with a seating capacity of 15,000 to 20,000 for sporting events and live local and foreign concerts.
Star City
Star City photo from metrodeal.com
This famous family-oriented amusement park has a total land area of 35,000 square meters. It was built in 1991 near the CCP Complex. It has over 30 rides and attractions, such as the Grand Carousel, Bump Cars, the Giant Star Wheel, Snow World, and Gabi ng Lagim (Night of Horror). They have unique and safe kiddie, teen, family, and extreme rides.
The Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum
This is a military museum of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and was built to honor the heroes and airmen of Philippine Air Force. It has weapons, uniforms, dioramas, miniatures, and memorabilia of early military aviation on display. You can also see an Aircraft Park with historic PAF planes.
The Money Museum or Museo ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
BSP Money Museum from explora.ph
The museum has coins, paper notes, medals, artifacts, and monetary items found in the Philippines during its different historical periods. It also has complementary paintings from the BSP art collection to add to its beauty.
The Upside Down Museum
Upside Down Museum from thejerny.com
The Upside Down Museum offers an experience to see houses turned upside down. It has over 15 features that include the Leaning House, the Floating Corner, the Upside Down House, and the Mirror House, among others.
One fun fact about Pasay is that you can see all modes of transportation and experiences available: bicycles, tricycles, jeepneys, buses, taxis, private cars, ferry, and airplanes. There really is no excuse not to visit it any time of the year.
