Written by: Rita Magallona
Nestled along the shores of the picturesque Manila Bay, Pasay City is one of the premier lifestyle destinations in Metro Manila and home to the country’s major transportation hub and cultural icons. In this city guide to Pasay, find out why this area is becoming a top choice for homeowners and property investors.
Pasay City Guide: What Are the Benefits for First-Time Residents?
Amazing Accessibility to Transportation Hubs
This city is your gateway to the world, as flights take off every day from Terminals 2, 3, and 4 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The high volume of domestic and international travelers is a factor why Pasay has become a cosmopolitan city catering to a myriad of tastes and interests.
Commuters can travel to other parts of Metro Manila via the Manila Metro Rail Transit System Line 3 (MRT) and the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1). The MRT’s southernmost terminus is at Taft Avenue Station, which is linked via an elevated walkway to the LRT-1 EDSA Station. Several bus companies have terminals in EDSA, Buendia, and Taft Avenue. Pasay is connected to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and Cavite Expressway, which lead to southern destinations like Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, and beyond. On the opposite direction, drivers coming from these highways pass by Pasay on their way to Metro Manila and the northern parts of Luzon.
Shopping Malls and Great Bargains
Pasay City is home to SM Mall of Asia (MoA), one of the world’s biggest malls. With approximately 432,891 square meters of shopping space, you won’t run out of retail, dining, and entertainment choices. For luxury brands, head over to Newport Mall at Resorts World Manila, the country’s first integrated entertainment center.
Travelers alighting at the NAIA have the option to shop for imported goods at the duty-free malls near the airport. Interested in bargains? Don’t miss the Baclaran street market where open-air stalls feature affordable clothing, houseware, and gifts.
Top Schools and Universities
Pasay City is home to educational institutions like Arellano University, San Juan de Dios Educational Foundation, Inc., Mahatma Gandhi International School Manila, and St. Mary’s Academy of Pasay. Several aviation schools are also near the airport, including Philippine State College of Aeronautics, PATTS College of Aeronautics, and Airlink International Aviation College.
Some of the country’s top schools in neighboring Manila City are just minutes away via Taft Avenue. These include De La Salle University, St. Scholastica’s College Manila, and the University of the Philippines Manila.
Historical and Cultural Landmarks
Living in Pasay means you can easily go to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), a concrete edifice designed by a National Artist for Architecture. Its namesake agency is tasked with preserving and showcasing the best of Philippine artistry.
Some of the resident performing arts companies include:
- Ballet Philippines
- Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company
- National Music Competitions for Young Artists Foundation
- Philippine Ballet Theatre
- Philippine Madrigal Singers
- Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra
- Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group
- Tanghalang Pilipino
- UST Symphony Orchestra
Within the CCP Complex is the Coconut Palace, a structure made of different kinds of Philippine hardwood as well as coconut lumber and shells and is the current office and residence of the Vice President of the Philippines.
For a different kind of museum experience, you can go to the Upside Down Museum, also in the CCP Complex. There, kids and kids-at-heart can enjoy going through the various setups of upside-down rooms and oversized items designed to make them feel like they are in another dimension.
History buffs should check out the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Aerospace Museum inside Villamor Air Base. Weapons, uniforms, and war memorabilia are on display, with discounted entrance rates for students. The Money Museum at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showcases the evolution of currency and trade from prehistoric times. Exhibits range from shells and paper notes to coins recovered from shipwrecks and intricate gold jewelry from the precolonial era.
Entertainment and Recreation
Pasay City features world-class venues for concerts and major events like the MoA Arena, Folk Arts Theater, and the Cuneta Astrodome. But if you have a taste for more high-stakes entertainment, you can go to the casinos in Resorts World and City of Dreams, both of which also have theaters for live performances.
Ice skating in a tropical country? No problem. MoA features an Olympic-sized ice-skating rink where you can skate and even play ice hockey. But if you just want to have a ride on a huge Ferris wheel while enjoying the view of Manila Bay, you can ride the MoA Eye.
Top Real Estate Properties
Whether you’re looking for a condo that’s preselling or ready for occupancy in Pasay City is a great place to live. It’s no wonder top developers have built condominium properties for those who want to enjoy the many lifestyle options in the Philippines’ Travel City.
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