Pasay

Pasay is the southern gateway of Manila proper, home to the country's main international airport (NAIA), the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex, and the sprawling SM Mall of Asia. It is the third-smallest city in Metro Manila by area (19 km²), yet one of the most important transportation and entertainment hubs. The reclaimed land along Manila Bay — the CCP Complex, SM MOA, and the Entertainment City enclave — represents modern Filipino architectural ambition. The city is named after the Pasay dynasty that ruled the area in the pre-colonial period.

Pasay is a major transport hub. LRT-1 (EDSA, Taft stations) and MRT-3 (Taft station) serve the city. Buses from all over Luzon arrive at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) at the city's southern edge. NAIA Airport's four terminals are all within Pasay.

Jeepneys and buses are everywhere. LRT-1 and MRT-3 connect to Manila, Makati, and Quezon City. Tricycles operate in residential areas. The NAIA Loop shuttle connects all airport terminals.

• Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) — The country's premier performing-arts venue, designed by Leandro Locsin. Houses the Tanghalang Pambansa (National Theatre), a museum, and an art gallery. Check the schedule for ballets, plays, and concerts.

• Star City (CCP Complex) — A popular amusement park with rides and a Christmas light show. Open late afternoons and evenings. Entry ₱150–500.

• Coconut Palace (CCP Complex) — An iconic 1978 government guesthouse built from indigenous and coconut materials, designed by Francisco Mañosa. Guided tours available by arrangement.

• NAIA Airport Viewing Deck (Terminal 1) — A small public observation area to watch planes take off and land.

• Manila Film Center (CCP Complex) — A striking brutalist building built in 1982 for the Manila International Film Festival.

• Watch a CCP performance — Ballet Philippines, Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, and Tanghalang Pilipino stage productions. Ticket prices varies (₱500–3,000).

• Ride the MOA Eye — A 50-m-diameter ferris wheel at SM By The Bay in the SM MOA complex. ₱150 per ride. Best at sunset.

• Skate at The Skating Rink (SM Mall of Asia) — Indoor ice skating. ₱350 per hour including skate rental.

• Seafood Island (SM MOA) — Pinoy-style seafood. Try the sizzling sisig and the grilled prawns. Main courses ₱300–600.
• Lorenzo's Way (Mall of Asia) — Filipino comfort cooking with huge portions. Sinigang and crispy pata are standouts.
• Figaro Coffee (CCP Complex) — A Filipino coffee chain serving light meals.

• Vieux Chalet (SM MOA) — A craft-beer bar serving local and international brews. Pints from ₱150.
• Coffee Project (Taft Avenue) — Artsy café with good coffee and Instagram-worthy interiors.

• Budget: The Heritage Hotel (Roxas Boulevard, rooms from ₱2,000); Go Hotels NAIA (rooms from ₱1,200).
• Mid-range: Belmont Hotel Manila (across NAIA Terminal 3, rooms from ₱3,000); Microtel by Wyndham SM Mall of Asia (rooms from ₱2,800).
• Upscale: Marriott Manila (Resorts World, rooms from ₱6,000); Okada Manila (Entertainment City, rooms from ₱10,000).

• SM Mall of Asia — Three connected buildings with department stores, imported brands, and a supermarket.
• Baclaran Market (on the Pasay–Parañaque border) — A sprawling tiangge market near the LRT Baclaran station.
• Harrison Plaza — One of Metro Manila's oldest malls, now a retail-and-food hub in the Pasay residential area.

• Manila (15 min via LRT-1) — Intramuros, Rizal Park, and Binondo.
• Parañaque (10 min by jeepney) — Baclaran Church and Entertainment City.
• Makati (15 min via MRT-3) — The Ayala Museum and Greenbelt malls.