Pasay

The history of Pasay is closely intertwined with that of the entire Metro Manila region, with roots stretching back to the pre-colonial era. It is a narrative of an ancient settlement transforming into one of the key transport and cultural hubs of the Philippines.

Founding and Early Mentions

Before the arrival of the Spanish, the territory of modern-day Pasay was part of the prosperous Kingdom of Namayan, a confederation of barangays (districts) that controlled lands from Manila Bay to Laguna de Bay. According to one popular legend, the name "Pasay" comes from Princess Dayang-dayang Pasay, who ruled these lands. The settlement was an important trading post where merchants from China, India, and other parts of Southeast Asia arrived to exchange goods.

Key Factors of Development

Several factors played a key role in the development of Pasay:

• Geographical Location: Its position on the shores of Manila Bay and proximity to the mouth of the Pasig River made it a strategically important point for trade and navigation.
• Colonial Influence: With the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century and the founding of Manila, Pasay became an important suburb. In 1727, it came under the ownership of the Augustinian Order. On December 2, 1863, the settlement was granted city status.
• Urbanization: During the American colonial period, Pasay began to urbanize rapidly, transforming from an agricultural area into a prestigious residential suburb of Manila.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Initially, Pasay's economy was based on agriculture and fishing. Thanks to the active trade that took place here even before the arrival of Europeans, the region was economically developed. During the colonial period, Pasay was also known for its gardens and became a place where the Spanish botanist Cornelio Pineda practiced gardening; the city was even temporarily renamed Pineda in his honor. Gradually, with the development of transport infrastructure and population growth, the city evolved into the major commercial and residential center we know today.

Key Dates in the History of Pasay

The history of Pasay is a chronicle of the transformation of an ancient settlement into one of the most important cities in the Philippines. Here are the main milestones of its development:

• Before 1571: The territory of modern-day Pasay is part of the prosperous pre-colonial Kingdom of Namayan, an important trade center.
• 1571: Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi declares the lands, including Namayan, the property of the Spanish crown.
• 1727: The area comes under the ownership of the Augustinian Order and becomes known as Pineda.
• December 2, 1863: Pasay is granted the status of an independent town (pueblo) and is officially named Pineda.
• 1901: During the American colonial period, the town is included in the province of Rizal.
• January 1942: During World War II, the city is occupied by Japanese forces.
• February 1945: Pasay suffers heavily from destruction and fires during the liberation of the Philippines by American forces.
• June 21, 1947: Pasay is granted city status (chartered city) and is named Rizal City.
• June 7, 1950: The city's historical name, Pasay, is restored.
• 1974: Pasay hosts the prestigious Miss Universe international beauty pageant, attracting global attention.
• 1976: The city becomes part of the National Capital Region (Metro Manila).
• December 22, 1979: Pasay is granted the status of a highly urbanized city, highlighting its economic and social significance.

Key Milestones in Pasay’s Development

Pasay's transformation into one of the Philippines' key cities has been marked by several landmark projects and events that defined its modern appearance and economic specialization.

• Post-War Reconstruction and Cityhood (1940s–1950s): Following significant destruction during World War II, Pasay was actively rebuilt. In 1947, it was granted city status (chartered city), which served as the starting point for its administrative and urban development in the post-war period.
• Construction of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (1960s): The creation of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex on reclaimed land in Manila Bay turned Pasay into the country’s primary cultural hub. This ambitious project, initiated in 1966, established the city as a center for theater, music, and the visual arts.
• Strengthening the Role of a Transport Hub (since the 1980s): The development of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), a large part of which is located in Pasay, solidified the city's status as the Philippines' main air gateway. This contributed to the growth of tourism, trade, and international integration.
• Reclamation Projects and the Creation of "Bay City" (since the 1990s): Massive land reclamation efforts along the coast created a new district — Bay City. This area became a platform for implementing major commercial and entertainment projects, fundamentally changing the city's landscape and economic potential.
• Opening of SM Mall of Asia (2006): The arrival of one of the world's largest shopping and entertainment complexes, SM Mall of Asia, provided a powerful boost to Pasay's economy. The mall attracted millions of visitors and investors, turning the waterfront into a vibrant center for trade and leisure.
• Growth of the Entertainment Industry (since the 2010s): In the Entertainment City district, part of Bay City, world-class integrated resorts and casinos such as Solaire Resort & Casino and City of Dreams Manila were built. This transformed Pasay into a leading center for the gaming and entertainment industry in Asia.
• Emergence as a Business and MICE Tourism Center (since the 2010s): The construction of modern office buildings (E-com Centers), the SMX Convention Center, and the multifunctional Mall of Asia Arena made Pasay an important hub for international conferences, exhibitions, and business events (MICE), as well as business process outsourcing (BPO).

The architectural landscape of Pasay is a visual history of its rapid transformation from a suburb into one of the Philippines' most dynamic centers. Unlike older cities, it is dominated not by colonial buildings, but by bold architectural designs of the 20th and 21st centuries, reflecting economic growth and cultural ambitions.

Early Period and Traces of the Colonial Era

Pasay's historical architecture suffered significant damage during World War II, so almost no buildings from the Spanish period remain. Echoes of that era can be found in church architecture, such as the forms of the Santa Clara de Montefalco Parish Church, although it has been rebuilt many times. During the American period in the first half of the 20th century, Pasay developed as a prestigious residential area of Manila. Elegant mansions in Art Deco and Neoclassical styles appeared during this time, with a few examples still found in the city's older quarters.

Post-War Modernism and Brutalism

A key stage in shaping Pasay's architectural identity was the construction of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP Complex) in the 1960s on reclaimed land in Manila Bay. The complex's main building, designed by the preeminent Philippine architect Leandro Locsin, is an icon of architectural Brutalism. Its monumental geometric forms made of raw concrete symbolized a new era in the development of national culture and became the city's signature landmark for decades to come.

Modern and Postmodern Architecture: The Era of Megaprojects

Since the end of the 20th century, Pasay's look has been defined by large-scale urban development in the Bay City area, built on reclaimed land. This zone has become a testing ground for the most ambitious modern projects:

• Retail Giants: The 2006 opening of SM Mall of Asia, one of the largest shopping centers in the world, set a new standard for commercial architecture.
• Entertainment Complexes: The Entertainment City district is a prime example of Postmodernism and "experiential architecture." Integrated resorts like Solaire Resort & Casino and City of Dreams Manila capture the imagination with their grandiose forms, eclectic designs, and luxurious finishes.
• Business and Residential Skyscrapers: The city's modern skyline is formed by numerous office towers (E-Com Centers) and residential condominiums. These glass-and-steel structures demonstrate the city's commitment to global trends in contemporary architecture.
• Iconic Structures: The unique spherical design of the multifunctional Mall of Asia Arena has become another recognizable symbol of the new Pasay, a center for sports and entertainment.

Notable Personalities Associated with Pasay City

Pasay City has been the birthplace or workplace of many iconic figures in Philippine history and culture. These individuals have made significant contributions to the country's development across various fields—from politics and architecture to art and entertainment.

• Leandro V. Locsin — A National Artist of the Philippines for Architecture. He designed the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP Complex) located in Pasay. This complex became an architectural icon and the country’s primary cultural center, defining the city’s modern look.
• Pablo Cuneta — A political figure who holds the record for the longest tenure as a city mayor in Philippine history. He led Pasay for a total of 41 years across different periods between 1951 and 1998. His leadership coincided with the city's rapid growth and development.
• Sharon Cuneta — One of the country's most famous and beloved actresses, singers, and TV hosts, earned the title of "Megastar." She was born in Pasay and is the daughter of the long-serving mayor, Pablo Cuneta.
• Jose W. Diokno — An outstanding statesman, senator, and human rights advocate. Born in Pasay, he went down in history as a steadfast fighter for civil liberties and justice in the Philippines.
• Francisco V. Coching — A National Artist of the Philippines for Visual Arts, recognized as the "King of Philippine Comics." Born in Pasay, he created over 60 graphic novels, exerting a massive influence on Philippine popular culture.
• Juan Salcedo Jr. — A physician and scientist born in Pasay in 1904. Following World War II, he was appointed Director of Health of the Philippines and played a key role in the country's recovery as head of the Philippine Rehabilitation Administration.