A small community that was once a thriving trading district during the precolonial era of the Philippines, the city of Parañaque is still a center of trade activities. Located in the southern area of the National Capital Region (NCR), it covers a land area of approximately 17.98 square miles and a population of 588,126 according to the 2010 national statistics. It was once called “Palanyag”, meaning “my beloved” by the residents because of their affection for their hometown.
Due to its close proximity to the sea, the townspeople traded with the Malays, Japanese, Indonesians, Indians, and the Chinese. When the Spanish arrived, the town was dominated by missionaries, whose goal was to inculcate Christianity in the natives. The St. Andrew’s Cathedral is one of the remaining churches from that era, and is a popular tourist attraction. During the American Occupation, the city became the one of the first municipalities of the Metro Manila. By 1998, it was converted into the 11th city of the capital.
When the country gained its independence, the city was reconstructed and transformed into a dynamic financial and commercial center. One of the busiest and largest dry goods market is located here. Baclaran is an area lined up with flea markets that sell practically anything and everything. It is sometimes referred to as the “Fashion Capital of the Philippines” because of a wide array of affordable clothes, shoes, and bags being sold.
The city has three major shopping malls, all owned by SM Prime Holdings, Inc.:
Most of the commercial establishments are concentrated along Dr. A. Santos Avenue (DASA) and Doña Soledad Avenue. While prime residential areas are in barangay B.F. Homes and the barangay of San Antonio. Boulevard 2000 is a project that the city is undertaking to become the major business district of the South. This area is emerging as a new lucrative location in the capital, as many companies are expected to move their headquarters here. Asia World City is self-sustaining 200-hectare community.
It is also the location of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1, where major international carriers are located, making it an ideal place for businessmen and jet-setting families or individuals.
The city has been experiencing rapid growth in infrastructures and revenues in the past couple of years, both in the commercial and residential sector. With many commercial establishments and institutions situated in various parts of the city, the number of professionals and families that have opted to live in Parañaque has been steadily increasing.