📖 About Pasay

Pasay serves as the primary gateway to the Philippines, hosting the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals 2, 3, and 4. This strategic position makes it the first city millions of visitors encounter upon arriving in the country. With a population of 453,186 as of the 2024 census, Pasay has evolved from a coastal town into a major entertainment and tourism hub along Manila Bay.

The city is home to the iconic SM Mall of Asia, one of the largest shopping malls in Asia, which completed a major expansion in 2025. The MOA Sky observation wheel was re-inaugurated in February 2025 with new facilities, enhancing the bay area's recreational offerings. Pasay also hosts Entertainment City, a gaming and entertainment complex featuring world-class integrated resorts, positioning the city as a premier destination for leisure and entertainment in Southeast Asia.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

Pasay's economy is driven by tourism, aviation, entertainment, and gaming industries. The presence of NAIA makes the city a crucial hub for the country's aviation industry, with numerous hotels, travel agencies, and logistics companies operating in the area. Entertainment City has attracted billions of dollars in investment from international gaming operators, creating thousands of jobs and generating significant revenue.

Culturally, Pasay is anchored by the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex, which includes the Philippine International Convention Center, Folk Arts Theater, and various museums. The city celebrates the Pasay Day Festival every June, featuring street dancing, cultural performances, and community activities that highlight the city's heritage and contemporary vibrancy.

📜 History

Pasay was originally known as "Pineda" during the Spanish colonial era, named after a prominent local family. The area was a fishing community along Manila Bay before rapid urbanization in the 20th century. The construction of Manila International Airport (now NAIA) in the 1930s and 1940s transformed Pasay into a critical transportation hub. The development of reclaimed land along Manila Bay in recent decades has further expanded the city, creating new entertainment and commercial districts.