Pasig

Pasig is one of the oldest towns in the Philippines, dating back to 1573, and today a key component of Metro Manila's east-side growth. The city straddles both banks of the Pasig River near its outlet into Laguna de Bay. It is a study in contrasts — the historic town centre (Pasig City Hall area) preserves Spanish-era streetscapes and churches, while the Ortigas Center business district (shared with Mandaluyong) is a forest of skyscrapers. The Kapitolyo neighbourhood has become Metro Manila's trendiest food strip.

MRT-3's Shaw Boulevard and Boni stations serve the Ortigas side. Jeepneys and buses from Manila (via Pasig Boulevard) reach the city centre in 1–2 hours. By car, EDSA and C-5 (Carlos P. Garcia Avenue) are the primary arteries. The Pasig River Ferry also stops at the Pasig station.

Tricycles and jeepneys for local routes. Grab is widely available. The Ortigas business district is walkable with sidewalks and covered walkways connecting commercial buildings.

• Pasig City Museum (formerly the Municipal Building) — A beautifully restored Spanish-era building housing the city's history collection. Free entry. Open Tue–Sun 9AM–4PM.

• Pasig Cathedral (Immaculate Conception Cathedral) — A neo-Gothic church built in 1872. The plaza outside is a popular meeting place.

• Ortigas Park — A small green triangle in the middle of the business district, popular with office workers.

• Rizal Province Capitol — The former seat of Rizal province, located in Pasig until the provincial capital moved to Antipolo.

• Eat your way through Kapitolyo — Pasig's legendary food strip along Shaw Boulevard and Kapitolyo streets, with dozens of restaurants from Filipino to Korean to Italian.

• Walk along the Pasig River Esplanade — A riverside promenade recently renovated as part of the Pasig River Urban Development project.

• Kapitolyo food strip (Shaw Boulevard) — The densest concentration of restaurants in Metro Manila. Standouts include Ramen Nagi (tonkotsu ramen), Sarsa (modern Filipino), and Abe (Kapampangan cuisine). Main courses ₱300–600.
• Lola Iday's (Kapitolyo) — Affordable Filipino homestyle meals. The kare-kare and crispy tadyang (beef ribs) are excellent. ₱200–400 per main.
• Tiendesitas Food Village (C-5) — A pavilion of authentic Filipino cuisine from different provinces. Eat at the bulalohan (bulalo stalls) or the barbecue grills. Meals ₱100–300.

• The Brewery at The Palace (ADB Avenue) — A craft-beer bar and rooftop lounge. Flight of four craft beers ₱350.
• Bars in Kapitolyo — The area has several drinking spots like Alba's Restobar and The Cellar.

• Budget: Red Planet Ortigas (Shaw Boulevard, rooms from ₱1,200).
• Mid-range: Richmonde Hotel (Ortigas Center, rooms from ₱3,000); Astoria Plaza (Ortigas, rooms from ₱3,500).
• Upscale: Marco Polo Ortigas Manila (Meralco Avenue, rooms from ₱7,000); Holiday Inn Ortigas (rooms from ₱5,000).

• Estancia Mall (Capitol Commons, Ortigas) — A modern lifestyle mall with restaurants, a cinema, and a supermarket.
• Tiendesitas (C-5 Road) — A sprawling Filipino market village with separate pavilions for handicrafts, native food, pets, and furniture. Open daily.
• Robinsons Galleria Ortigas (EDSA) — Connected to MRT-3.

• Mandaluyong (5 min via MRT) — SM Megamall and the EDSA Shrine.
• Makati (10 min via MRT) — Greenbelt and Ayala Museum.
• Antipolo (30 min by jeepney) — Panoramic city views, the Antipolo Cathedral, and the Pinto Art Museum.