Pasig is a busy city that is one of the most populated places in the National Capital Region. It is a place of bustling industry and commerce, and for many years has been a destination for people who have discovered the many fascinating landmarks and attractions that the city has to offer.
MERALCO
Built before the development of the Ortigas Center in the ‘60s, the Meralco building is an enduring witness to the rise of recent regimes, because of its proximity to the Edsa Shrine, which has become the venue for many a political movement. It houses the main office of the Manila Electric Company and always features a unique display at Christmas time.
ULTRA
The University of Life Theater and Recreational Arena, now known as the Philippine Sports Arena is managed by the Department of Education, and has seen countless sports events as well as local and international concerts. Established in 1975, its facilities, such as the oval and the swimming pool, remain the favored training ground for most local athletes.
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHEDRAL
This 16th century church had weathered revolutions and earthquakes, until August 1968, when an earthquake left severe damage upon the church, silencing its bells and halting its clock. The church was reconstructed in 1980, the tower of bells and the clock amply restored. October 2003 marked a milestone in the church’s history when it was converted to a cathedral. The church might have been plundered of its treasures during the war but its historical significance is undiminished.
MUTYA NG PASIG PUBLIC MARKET
Possibly the largest in the country, this public market spans three storeys and 19,475 square meters of floor area. There are approximately 2, 447 fixed stalls, plus some 2, 967 stalls utilized as tiangge (flea market) on weekends. The public market is complimented by a four-storey parking building, complete with a terminal for tricycles on the ground floor, perfect for the throngs of shoppers, even from adjacent cities.
TEKTITE TOWERS
Built in 1993 for the Unified Philippine Stock Exchange, this 34-storey twin towers augured the rise of equally marvelous structures in the Central Business District. The topmost levels offer an arresting vista of the rest of Ortigas Center, but if the prospect is a little too lofty (literally) for you, have a cup of coffee among the business types at the lobby instead.
Accommodations
Here is the list of accommodations that can be found around the city. It offers good services and rooms for everyone.
- Astoria Plaza Suites Manila - 15 J. Escriva Drive, Ortigas Business District Pasig City, Ortigas-Pasig, Manila, Philippines
- Crowne Plaza - Ortigas Ave. Corner Asian Dev Quezon City Philippines, Ortigas-Pasig, Manila, Philippines 1100
- Discovery Suites - 25 ADB Avenue Ortigas Center, Ortigas-Pasig, Manila, Philippines 1600
- Holiday Inn - One Asian Development Bank Avenue, Ortigas Center, Ortigas-Pasig, Manila, Philippines 1655
- Linden Suites - 37 San Miguel Avenue, Ortigas Center, Ortigas-Pasig, Manila, Philippines 1600
- Richmonde Hotels - 21 San Miguel Avenue Ortigas Center, Ortigas-Pasig, Manila, Philippines 1600
- Motorist Hotels and Inns - 2149 A. Luna Street, Pasay Airport Area, Manila, Philippines
Getting There
For a reluctant tourist, the optimal way of going about the city may be hopping into a cab and allowing it to take you on a perfunctory tour. On the other hand, going with any of the public transports available affords you a full experience of Pasig City, teeming with culture and heritage.
On EDSA, you can either take the bus – both northbound and southbound buses stop in front of Robinson’s Galleria, a perfect place to start – or the Metro Rail Transit. The MRT stops at the Ortigas Station from which Robinson’s Galleria is but a leisurely stroll. From Galleria, navigating the rest of Ortigas Center’s “jewel” streets on foot is best.
The quintessentially Filipino rides known as the “Jeepneys” goes the Pasig-Quiapo (and vice versa) route, which has existed for decades, and travels from the western side of Shaw Boulevard. The modern and cooler spin-off of the jeepney – the “FX” - is available at a terminal on the north side of Robinson’s Galleria.