Parañaque

Parañaque
Highly-Urbanized City
Aerial View of Parañaque City
Seal
Nickname(s): The Fashion Capital of the Philippines The City of Lights The Bay City
Motto: Bagong Parañaque (New Parañaque)
Location within Metro Manila
Parañaque Location within the Philippines
Coordinates: 14°28′N 121°01′E / 14.47°N 121.02°ECoordinates: 14°28′N 121°01′E / 14.47°N 121.02°E
Country	Philippines
Region	National Capital Region
Districts	1st and 2nd District of Parañaque City
Founded	November 30, 1572 (town)
Incorporated	February 15, 1998 (city)
Barangays	17
Government[1]
• Mayor	Edwin L. Olivarez (LP)
• Vice Mayor	Rico Golez (UNA)
• Sangguniang Panlungsod	Councilors 1st District Jason P. Webb Roselle P. Nava Raquel P. Gabriel Joan V. Densing Alma Moreno-Lacsamana Brillante V. Inciong Ricardo L. Baes, Jr. Rufino M. Allanigue 2nd District Wahoo C. Sotto John Ryan G. Yllana Vincent Kenneth E. Favis Florencia N. Amurao Juvan Esplana Miles S. Antipuesto Jackie Bustamante Tess De Asis ABC President Jeremy S. Marquez
Area[2]
• Total	46.57 km^2 (17.98 sq mi)
Elevation	12.0 m (39.4 ft)
Population (2010)[3]
• Total	588,126
• Density	13,000/km^2 (33,000/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Parañaqueño-Parañaqueña
Time zone	PST (UTC+8)
Zip Code	1700
Dialing code	02
Website	www.paranaque.gov.ph

Parañaque, officially the City of Parañaque (Filipino: Lungsod ng Parañaque) is one of the cities and municipalities that make up Metro Manila in the Philippines. It is located at 121°01' East longitude and 14°30' North latitude and is bordered to the north by Pasay, to the northeast by Taguig, to the southeast by Muntinlupa, to the southwest by Las Piñas, and to the west by Manila Bay.

Like the rest of Metro Manila, Parañaque experiences a tropical climate with only two distinct seasons, wet (July to September) and dry (October to June). The city enjoys an annual rainfall of 1,822 millimetres (71.7 in) and an average daily maximum temperature of 34.4 °C (93.9 °F).^[4]

Established as a fashion capital of Metro Manila, Parañaque is also known as a fashion industry in the city.

Etymology

There are several accounts as to how Parañaque got its name. One such story stated that long ago, at the mouth of what is now known as the Parañaque River, there stood a balete tree that, when viewed from afar, looked like a majestic ship. This earned it the name Palanyag, taken from the term "palayag", which means “point of navigation”.^[5]

Another version of the story was that, before the Spanish colonizers came to the Philippines, there were some natives who lived close to the Manila Bay whose main livelihood was fishing or paglalayag. On the other hand, the neighboring place from the east called Muntinlupa had rice farmers who were referred to as taga-Palayan. One day, the fishermen and rice farmers had a feast and many got drunk from tuba or fermented coconut wine. One farmer suggested that they should name the whole place Palayan as a sign of cooperation and goodwill between them. However, a fisherman protested and stated that they should name it Palalayag instead. As a compromise, they agreed to merge these two words and came up with Palalanyag. However, another drunken guest shouted, “Mabuhay ang Palanyag at ang mga taga-Palanyag!” The rest liked this word better and ever since then, the place was called "Palanyag".^[5]

In another story handed down to generations, when the Philippines was conquered by the Spaniards, some soldiers riding a horse-drawn carriage asked to be taken to a certain place. However, the coachman did not understand the Spanish soldier’s pronunciation. When they arrived, one of the soldiers said, “Para aqui, Para aqui” meaning, “Stop here, stop here.” The coachman did not understand and kept going whereas the soldier also repeated his instruction, “Para aqui, Para aqui”. The coachman left the carriage and told the townspeople that, “These Spaniards are repeatedly saying para aniya ake... para aniya ake” to which the townspeople just laughed. The incident circulated and was repeated around for days and the term "Para Aniya Ake" stuck.^[5]

History

Early history

Due to their proximity to the sea, the early Paraqueños traded with the Chinese, Japanese, Indonesians, Indians and Malays. Traditional livelihoods included salt-making, fishing, planting rice, shoemaking, slipper-making and weaving.

Spanish Period

Parañaque was founded in 1572 by the Augustinian Missionaries from Spain. Early records began in 1580 when Fr. Diego de Espiñar, an Augustinian missionary, was appointed Prior of the town convent. As resident priest, he established the mission house there, with its spiritual jurisdiction reaching up to Kawit in the province of Cavite. The Council of the Definitors (a conference of chiefs of the religious orders) held on 11 June 1580 (Conquistas delas Islas of Fray Gaspar San Agustin) accepted Palanyag, as Parañaque was then known, as an independent town. The image of Palanyag's patroness, Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso, was brought to St. Andrew's Church in La Huerta in 1580. Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso is the third oldest Marian Image in the Philippines.

Early Spanish census dated 1591 to 1593 also mentioned Longalo (or Dongalo) and Parañaque as two villages along Manila Bay composed of some 800 tribute-payers. Politically, Dongalo and Parañaque were then under the Provincia de Tondo. The community was headed by cabezas de barangay, a Westernized version of datus (chieftains), and the principalia, the local aristocrats, who together justified and moderated the demands of the Spanish colonizers. Education was limited to the principalia as they were the only ones who could afford it.

Historical accounts state that the town's strategic location enabled the townspeople to play an important role in Philippine history. Palanyag was located at the crossroads of Manila, between the provinces of Cavite and Batangas. In 1574 during the invasion of the town by the Chinese pirate Limahong, Parañaquenos, particularly those from Barangay Dongalo, heroically aided in preventing the attack in Manila. This incident became known as the "Red Sea Incident" due to the blood that flowed through the sacrifice of the people of barrio Sta. Monica. With the arrival of Spanish forces led by Captain Juan de Salcedo from Ilocos, Limahong was finally repulsed and the occupation of the town was prevented.

When the British invaded Manila in 1762, the townspeople once again remained loyal to the Spanish colonizers, especially the Augustinians. The invasion however showed that the Spaniards was not invincible and that their rule was not to be permanent. More than a hundred years later, this would prove to be true. During the Philippine Revolution of 1896-1898, the Spaniards realized that the town was a practical gateway to Cavite, the bastion of the revolutionary Katipuneros. Conversely, the Katipuneros based in Cavite saw the town as their gateway to Intramuros, the Spanish seat of government in Manila. Prominent Paraqueños such as Manuel Quiogue and secular priest Father Pedro Dandan became leading revolutionary figures.

American Period

During the American Period of the Philippines, Parañaque became one of the first municipalities in the Metro Manila region.

World War II

A burning building along Taft Avenue which was hit during the Japanese air raid in Barrio Parañaque, 13 December 1941.

During the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II, Parañaque supplied leadership to guerilla movements such as the ROTC Hunters, as well as food and arms. Parañaque was one of the first towns to be liberated and its guerillas helped pave the way for the combined American and Philippine Commonwealth forces to enter the south of Manila. As can be gleaned from the above, Parañaque has played and continues to play a strategic role in the Philippines' political and economic progress.

After the liberation and the Battle of Parañaque on 1945 by combined Filipino and American ground troops with local recognized guerrillas, the general headquarters of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and Philippine Constabulary was rebuilt and stationed in Parañaque after the war.

Martial law

On 21 August 1983 during the authoritarian regime of Ferdinand Marcos, Benigno Aquino, Jr. (a prominent opposition senator and husband of eventual Philippine President Corazon Aquino), was assassinated at Manila International Airport (now Ninoy Aquino International Airport).

Parañaque today

Due to its strategic location, it is an important centre for trade and business in Metro Manila. Baclaran, where a large number of dry goods stores are located, is one of the busiest markets in the country. Small fishing villages called “fisherman’s wharves” are also situated alongside Barangay La Huerta, where the famous DAMPA, a seaside market with numerous restaurants serving fresh seafood, is found. This has the country’s international airport as well as the Baclaran Church, one of the most active parishes in Manila, and the Duty Free for imported goods.

Although having experienced rapid growth in infrastructure and revenue, Parañaque has yet to go back to its "subdivision" roots and address the rising reports in crime. The city has seen crimes involving call center workers.

Timeline

• November 8, 1975: Parañaque was a municipality of Rizal, until November 7, 1975, by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 824, when Parañaque became a part of Metropolitan Manila or the National Capital Region.
• February 15, 1998: Parañaque was converted as the 11th city in Metro Manila (after sister city Las Piñas in 1997), and was chartered and urbanized by Former President Fidel V. Ramos during the celebration of the city's 426th Founding Anniversary.
• May 2001: SM City Sucat, (formerly SM Supercenter Sucat) was formally launched, becoming the first SM Mall franchise in Parañaque.
• November 2002: SM City Bicutan, the second SM City Mall in Parañaque was launched, becoming one of the most popular malls in Parañaque after Uniwide Coastal Mall. In the same month, Parañaque celebrated its 430th Founding Anniversary as a municipality now turned into a city.
• February 2003: the City of Parañaque celebrated its fifth Cityhood Anniversary.
• November 2007: Parañaque celebrated its 435th anniversary of a former municipality now a city.
• February 2008: the City of Parañaque celebrated its 10th Cityhood Anniversary.
• February 2009: Speedworld Motorcross Racing Park was formally opened beside SM Bicutan in West Bicutan, Parañaque.
• June 2012: SM Hypermarket of Lopez, Well Done, And It's Coming June They Celebrate The One Year of SM Hypermarket in Lopez.
• November 2012: Parañaque celebrated its 440th anniversary of a former municipality now turned into a city.
• February 2013: the City of Parañaque celebrated its 15th Year Cityhood Anniversary.
• March 2013: Solaire Resort & Casino was officially opened making the 1st Casino Hotel, Located In Aseana City and also the 1st 6 Star Hotel in Parañaque.
• November 29, 2013: SM City BF Parañaque was the third SM City Mall in Parañaque was launched.
• February 2, 2015: City of Dreams Manila was officially launched and opened marking the 2nd Casino Hotel, Located in Aseana City after Solaire Casino Resort Hotel, and also the 2nd 6-Star Hotel in Parañaque.

Local government

Parañaque is composed of two congressional districts and two legislative districts which are further subdivided into 16 Barangays. legislative District 1 consists of eight barangays in the western half of the city, whilst legislative District 2 consists of eight barangays in the eastern part of the city.

List of former mayors

• Santiago Garcia (1897)
• Timoteo Bernabe (1898 – 1899)
• Maximo Rodriguez (1900 – 1901)
• Patricio Bernabe (1902 – 1903)
• Valentino De Leon (1904 – 1908)
• Flaviano Rodriguez (1908 – 1912)
• Nicanor Mayuga (1912)
• Francisco A. Cruz (1916)
• Andres Buenaventura (1916 – 1922)
• Victor Medina (1922 – 1925)
• Dr. Juan Gabriel (1925 – 1928)
• Olympic Peña (1931)
• Sabas De Guzman (1931 – 1934)
• Dr. Francis Gabriel (1934 – 1937)
• Sixto Clemente (1945)
• Laureano Capistrano (1945)
• Nicanor F. Cruz (1946 – 1955)
• Col. Eleuterio De Leon (1956 – 1964)
• Florencio Bernabe, Sr. (1965 – 1986)
• Rodolfo Buenavista (1986 – 1987) - OIC
• Walfrido N. Ferrer (1988 – 1992)
• Dr. Pablo R. Olivarez (1992 – 1995)
• Joey P. Marquez (1995 – 2004)
• Florencio M. Bernabe, Jr. (2004 – 2013)
• Edwin L. Olivarez (2013 – Present)

Districts and barangays

Barangays	District	Population[6]	Area (km²)	Density (/km²)	Zip Code
Baclaran	1st	21,332			1702
Don Galo	1st	10,827			1700
La Huerta	1st	8,788
San Dionisio	1st	60,951
San Isidro	1st	69,035
Sto. Niño	1st	28,235			1704
Tambo	1st	26,209			1701
Vitalez	1st	4,518
BF Homes	2nd	83,462			1720/1718
Don Bosco	2nd	47,621
Marcelo Green	2nd	28,772
Merville	2nd	20,391
Moonwalk	2nd	59,614
San Antonio	2nd	59,847
San Martin de Porres	2nd	20,938
Sun Valley	2nd	37,586

Economy

Shopping Malls

• SM City Sucat is a shopping mall owned and operated by SM Prime Holdings, opened in July 2001. It is the first SM Supermall in the city of Parañaque and the second SM Supermall in the southern region of Metro Manila.
• SM City Bicutan is a shopping mall owned and operated by SM Prime Holdings, opened in November 2002. It is the second SM Supermall in the city of Parañaque and the third SM Supermall in the southern region of Metro Manila.
• SM City BF Parañaque is a shopping mall owned and operated by SM Prime Holdings, opened in November 2013. It is the third SM Supermall in the city of Parañaque and the fourth SM Supermall in the southern region of Metro Manila.
• SM Hypermarket Lopez
• Robinsons Townville BF
• Robinsons Supermarket
• Walter Mart Sucat is a shopping mall and the 1st Walter Mart Franchise in Parañaque City opened in 2009.
• Walter Mart Bicutan is the 2nd Waltermart Franchise in Parañaque City opened in 2014.
• Jaka Plaza Mall, the 1st stripped mall, and the 2nd smallest mall in Parañaque City.
• Pergola Lifestyle Mall, the smallest mall in Parañaque, it has a Robinsons Supermarket & Robinsons Appliance Store.
• S&R Baclaran
• Shopwise Sucat
• Puregold branches
• Baclaran Dry Goods Markets - along Quirino Avenue, Baclaran

Tourism

Parañaque Cathedral.

• Amvel Business Park and El Shaddai International House of Prayer, San Dionisio - where El Shaddai DWXI-PPFI led by Bro. Mike Z Velarde held its daily fellowships every Tuesday and Saturday
• Asia World City - where Michael Jackson's HIStory World Tour Concerts were held, Pacific Avenue, Tambo and Don Galo
• Baclaran Redemptorist Church - officially the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, one of the biggest and most active churches in the country where devotees flock to hear mass every Wednesday, Roxas Boulevard, Baclaran
• Bakahan at Manukan Restaurants - Coastal Road, La Huerta
• Bulungan sa La Huerta (Rumors/Whisperings in La Huerta) - Coastal Road, La Huerta; The 'bulungan' is an act of quietly haggling prices with the fish monger to keep your bid a secret to everyone trying to buy the fish. Like Closed Bidding/Blind Bidding.
• Our Lady Of Peace Hospital
• Chinese Temple - Coastal Road, Don Galo
• Elorde Sports Center - Dr. A. Santos Avenue, Vitalez Sucat Paranaque
• Fresh Foods Market and Ihaw-Ihaw Restaurants (DAMPA) - Dr. A. Santos Avenue, San Dionisio
• Jaka Plaza - Dr. A. Santos Avenue, (Between of Barangay San Isidro And Barangay San Antonio Paranaque City)
• Olivarez Coliseum - Dr. A. Santos Avenue, San Dionisio
• Olivarez Plaza Parañaque - Dr. A. Santos Avenue, San Dionisio
• Rod Nazario Boxing Gym (formerly Wild Card Boxing Gym) - Manny Pacquiao's former practice home, President's Avenue, BF Homes
• San Dionisio Sub-Parish at Baranggay San Dionisio
• Speedworld Motorcross Park - Better Living Subdivision, Don Bosco
• Tambo Mangroves Avian Reserve - Tambo
• National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians Parish- Better Living Subdivision, Don Bosco
• The Cathedral Parish of St. Andrew - the oldest church in Parañaque, one of the oldest churches in the Philippines, built in 1580. It is also the Diocesan Shrine of Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso de Parañaque and the seat of the Diocese of Parañaque, Quirino Avenue, La Huerta. Feast Days: November 30 - St. Andrew / August 10 -Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso.
• National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, one of the biggest and most active churches in the country where devotees flock to hear mass every Wednesday, Roxas Boulevard, Baclaran, Parañaque.

Hotels and casinos

Solaire Resort & Casino

Resorts World Manila

• Aseana City/Entertainment City - Reclaimed Area, Tambo and Don Galo
• City of Dreams Manila- A casino situated in Coastal Road Paranaque. This is the sister casino of City of Dreams in Macau
• Casino Filipino - Ninoy Aquino Avenue, Sto. Niño. The former site of Duty Free Philippines. Closed down in July 2014
• Dream Play Manila - City Of Dreams Manila, Entertainment City, Tambo,
• Roligon Mega-Cockpit - considered as the largest and most modern cockpit in Asia, Quirino Avenue, Tambo
• Solaire Resort & Casino - Entertainment City, Bay City, Barangay Tambo
• City of Dreams Manila - Entertainment City, Bay City, Barangay Tambo

Transportation

Welcome marker over the Sucat Road near SLEX

Another view of the entrance to the City

Rail transport

Parañaque is served by the LRT-1 (via Baclaran Station, which is located in Pasay City) and the PNR (via Bicutan station).

Airport

Parañaque is also the location of one of the terminals of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Terminal 1. It is located along Ninoy Aquino Avenue and many major international airlines operate flights from the terminal.

Road network

Parañaque is serviced by the following major roads:

• South Luzon Expressway
• Manila-Cavite Expressway
• Metro Manila Skyway
• Dr. Santos Avenue (formerly called Sucat Road)
• Doña Soledad Avenue
• Carlos P. Garcia Avenue (C-5 South Extension)
• C-6 Road
• Elpidio Quirino Avenue

Demographics

Population census of Parañaque
Year	Pop.	±% p.a.
1990	308,236	—
1995	391,296	+4.57%
2000	449,811	+3.03%
2007	552,660	+2.88%
2010	588,126	+2.29%
Source: National Statistics Office[7]

Education

The City of Parañaque has a diverse educational system with specializations in various academic and technical fields and is home to many schools and colleges such as Philippine Air Transport Training Services (PATTS College of Aeronautics) which focuses on producing students specialized in the realm of Aviation around the world, Olivarez College, the only school accredited with both the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) and the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities - Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA), Parañaque Science High School, St. Andrew's School (oldest private school in Parañaque, established 1917), St. Paul College of Paranaque, Manresa School, Sacred Heart School and Ann Arbor Learning Center amongst many others.

Churches

Current Christian Churches

• Ang Dating Daan - Members Church of God International Sucat Coordinating Center (In Front of Virra Mall)
• Ang Dating Daan - Members Church of God International BF Sucat Coordinating Center (In Front of SM BF Parañaque)
• Ang Dating Daan - Members Church of God International Baclaran Coordinating Center (Near Baclaran Church)
• Ang Dating Daan - Members Church of God International Moonwalk Coordinating Center (Near Kassel Residences)
• Ang Dating Daan - Members Church of God International Sunvalley Coordinating Center (Near Robinsons Supermarket)
• Annunciation Orthodox Church (Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople-Orthodox Metropolitanate of Hong Kong and Southeast Asia)
• Ascencion of Our Lord Parish Goodwill 2 Subd. Brgy BF Homes Parañaque
• Berean Bible Baptist Church - #6 First St. UPS V Subd., Brgy. San Isidro Parañaque
• Beulah Land Baptist Church Tambo
• Bonds Servants of Love Christian Fellowship Marelo Green Phase 2
• Bread From Heaven Christian Fellowship BF Homes Parañaque
• Christ Commission Fellowship BF Homes Parañaque
• Christ Commission Fellowship Max's Sucat Parañaque
• Christ Fishers of Men Christian Fellowship BF Homes Parañaque
• Christ Reigns Baptist Mission Church San Antonio Valley 1
• Citygate Christian Ministries BF Homes Parañaque
• Community of Faith Alliance Church Parañaque
• Day By Day Christian Fellowship Bicutan Parañaque
• El Shaddai International House of Prayer, Amvel City, San Dionisio, Parañaque
• Faith Baptist Church Tambo
• Glory Christian Church Parañaque (GCCP), San Antonio Valley I (near Parañaque Cityhall)
• God's Grace Baptist Church Sto. Niño Parañaque
• Grace Berean Church San Dionisio Parañaque
• Greenhills Christian Fellowship Santana Grove San Antonio Parañaque
• Hail King Jesus Church San Antonio Valley 2 Parañaque
• Hail King Jesus Sanctuary of the Living God Seacom,Parañaque City Branch
• Harvester Church International (Victor Medina Street, Kabihasnan, Sucat, Parañaque)
• Holy Infant Jesus Parish Merville
• Holy Spirit Christian Church Sucat Parañaque
• Hope Of Eternal Life Baptist Church San Isidro Parañaque
• Holy Eucharist Parish Moonwalk Parañaque
• Iglesia Evangelica Methodista en Las Islas Filipinas (Parañaque)
• Iglesia Evangelica Unida de Cristo (Baclaran Unida Church)
• Iglesia Evangelica Unida de Cristo (San Dionisio Unida Church)
• Iglesia Ni Cristo Severina Subd. Parañaque
• Iglesia Ni Cristo UPS 5., United Parañaque Subd., San Isidro, Parañaque
• Iglesia Ni Cristo Better living
• Iglesia Ni Cristo UP1., Malugay
• Iglesia Ni Cristo Ibayo
• Ilang-Ilang Christian Church Fellowship Center Ilang-Ilang Valley, Parañaque
• Jesus Is Lord Church San Dionisio Parañaque
• Jesus Is Lord Church San Martin Parañaque
• Jesus Is Lord Church Tambo Parañaque
• Jesus Is Lord Church Dona Soledad Parañaque
• Jesus Is Lord Church Sun Valley Parañaque
• Jesus Family Salvation International Ministries - Evacom Chapter
• Jesus Miracle Crusade International Ministry (Sucat Outstation)
• Jesus Miracle Crusade International Ministry San Dionisio Outreach
• Jesus The Foundation Christian Fellowship Sun Valley Subd. Paranaque
• Jesus The Gospel Church International Sucat Parañaque
• Jesus, the Divine Healer Parish Tahanan Village
• Jesus Christ The Hope of Glory Ministry Better Living
• Land Baptist Church Tambo
• Lighthouse Bibles Believer Christian Church BF Homes Parañaque
• Living Word Foursquare Church Parañaque
• Lord Jesus Our Redeemer Christian Fellowship Sucat Parañaque
• Martyr's Memorial United Methodist Church Tambo Parañaque
• Mary Mother of Good Counsel Parish Marcelo Green
• Mary, Queen of Apostles Parish San Antonio Valley 2
• Mary Immaculate Parish Better Living Parañaque
• National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (Baclaran Church)
• National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians Parish Better Living Parañaque
• Our Lady of Beautiful Love Parish Merville Parañaque
• Our Lady of Fátima Parish Tambo Parañaque
• Our Lady of Grace Parish Ireneville 1 Subd.
• Our Lady of Peace Parish Fourth Estate Parañaque
• Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish Multinational
• Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish Sun Valley
• Our Lady of Unity Parish UPS 5 San Isidro Parañaque
• Parañaque Bible Christian Church Merville
• Parañaque Valley Baptist Church San Antonio Valley 1 Parañaque
• Presentation of the Child Jesus Parish BF Homes Phase 3 Parañaque
• Pio of Petrecina Parish Church Severina Subd. Parañaque
• Resurrection of Our Lord Parish BF Homes Phase 1 Parañaque
• San Antonio de Padua San Antonio Valley 1 Parañaque
• San Agustin Parish Moonwalk Parañaque
• Severina Christian Church Severina Subd. Parañaque
• Sta. Rita de Cascia Parish (Baclaran Parish)
• Sta. Monica Sub-Parish Don Galo Parañaque
• Sto. Niño Parish Sto. Niño Parañaque
• Southgate Baptist Church Forth Estate Parañaque
• South Manila Alliance Church BF Homes Phase 6 Parañaque
• Sucat Evangelical Christian Fellowship San Antonio Valley 1 Parañaque
• Sun Valley Christian Church Sun Valley Parañaque
• St. Joseph Parish Tambo
• The Cathedral Parish of St. Andrew, La Huerta
• St. Dionysius Sub-Parish San Dionisio Parañaque
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints San Isidro Parañaque
• The Feast SM Bicutan Parañaque
• The Feast SM Sucat Parañaque
• The Rogationist Fathers Inc Multinational Village
• Voice of Victory Church San Antonio Valley 1 Parañaque City Hall
• United Christian Fellowship Forth Estate Parañaque
• United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP-Baclaran)
• United Methodist Church Superville Subd. Parañaque
• Word International Ministries Church Better Living
• Word International Ministries Church Marcelo Green
• Word International Ministries Church Sucat
• Word for the World Christian Fellowship Better Living
• Zion Bible Baptist Church San Antonio Valley 2 Parañaque

Closed Christian Churches

• Walk By Faith Christian Fellowship Marcelo Green

Masjeed/Mosques (Muslim House of Prayers)

• Masjeed Abdullah
• Masjeed Al-Wasat

Culture

Festivals

Parañaque is famous for its lively festivals, such as the caracol, a festival that revolves around boats. Parañaque is also known for the sunduan, a festival held every November during the Araw ng Parañaque (Parañaque Day) celebration. The city also stages the cenaculo, a re-enactment of the passion of Christ, during Holy Week, the Pasko ng Pagkabuhay during Easter, and the Santacruzan, a procession reenacting the search of the True Cross of Christ, in May. Shortly thereafter, the colorful Flores de Mayo, a festival commemorating the discovery of the cross by Queen Elena (mother of St. Constantine) is held. Paranaque also celebrated a Sambalilo Hat Festival which held every February 13 for the cityhood of Paranaque's anniversary held every year.

An outstanding feature of this historic town by the bay is the cultivation of its cultural traditions such as the komedya and bati-bati, among others, that continue to attract local and foreign tourists alike, especially during the summer months.

Parañaque is also known for sabong, a form of cockfighting constrained in coliseums.

Concert

Pop superstar Michael Jackson performed live at Asia World City in Paranaque on December 8 and 10, 1996 during his HIStory World Tour in front of 110.000 of attendance.

Sports

Manila Nomads F.C. is a football team currently playing in Division 2 of the United Football League.

Notable residents

• Karen Davila - broadcaster, TV host, reporter
• Dolphy - late actor, comedian
• Andrew E. - rapper, TV host, comedian
• Geoff Eigenmann - actor, TV host, former MYX VJ
• Ted Failon - broadcaster, TV host
• Gerphil Geraldine Flores - Asia's Got Talent 3rd Placer
• Enrique Gil - actor, dancer, model
• Bianca Gonzalez-Intal - TV host, Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition 3rd Celebrity Placer
• Rita De Guzman - actress, singer
• Bianca Manalo - Binibining Pilipinas-Universe 2009, actress, TV host
• Val Sotto - actor, comedian, former City Councilor
• Joey Marquez - actor, comedian, TV host, former City Mayor
• Norman Mitchell - comedian
• Alma Moreno - actress, Councilor (1st District)
• Roselle Nava - singer, actress, Councilor (1st District)
• Loisa Andalio - ex-PBB Housemate & actress
• Henry Omaga-Diaz - broadcaster, TV host, reporter
• Daphne Osena-Paez - TV host
• Chloe Dauden - former beauty queen, actress, tv host, model
• Japs Sergio -former bassist/vocals of Rivermaya
• Gina Pareño - actress
• AJ Perez - blogger, motivational speaker
• Sam Pinto - actress
• Stef Prescott - actress, StarStruck Batch 4 Avenger Alumni
• Sue Ramirez - actress, model
• Khalil Ramos - singer, actor
• Ram Revilla - late actor
• Biboy Rivera - bowler
• Ryan Yllana - actor, comedian & City Councilor
• Mariel Rodriguez - actress, TV host, former MTV VJ
• Bianca Umali - actress, endorser
• Dimples Romana - actress, TV host
• Vito Quizon - Child Star Of Goin Bulilit
• Jake Roxas - actor
• Korina Sanchez-Roxas - broadcaster, TV host
• Freddie Webb - actor, radio host, former PBA player and Senator
• Pinky Webb - broadcaster, TV host, reporter
• Jason Webb - former basketball player, sportscaster and Councilor (1st District), current Star Hotshots coach
• Anjo Yllana - actor, comedian, TV host, former Councilor and City Vice-Mayor
• Ryan Yllana - actor, comedian, Councilor
• Wendell Ramos - actor
• Sheldon Gellada - Bassist of the Hale Band
• Jondan Salvador - PBA Basketball Player for Barako Bull
• Reynante Jamili - former Filipino Boxer
• Dawn Chang- PBB 737 4th Big Placer
• Arlene Muhlach - actress ABS-CBN
• Richard Hwan - ex PBB Housemate & Model

Former Residents

• Pol Medina Jr. - Cartoonist (Originally from Marcelo Green Village, now moved to Las Pinas City)

Twin towns – Sister cities

Local Sister Cities Of Paranaque

• Iloilo, Philippines
• Bacolod, Philippines
• Tangub, Philippines
• Malabon, Philippines
• Las Piñas, Philippines
• Cebu, Philippines
• Pasay, Philippines
• Panabo, Philippines
• Tagum, Philippines

Foreign Sister City Of Paranaque

• Haeundae, Korea

See also

• Roman Catholic Diocese of Parañaque
• Cathedral Parish of St. Andrew
• Nuestra Señora del Buen Suceso de Parañaque
• Parañaque River

References

1. "Cities". Quezon City, Philippines: Department of the Interior and Local Government. Retrieved 30 November 2012.
2. "Province: NCR, FOURTH DISTRICT". PSGC Interactive. Makati City, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Retrieved 30 November 2012.
3. "Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay: as of May 1, 2010" (PDF). 2010 Census of Population and Housing. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
4. "Physical Profile". About the City. Parañaque City. p. 15. Retrieved 7 March 2013.
5. Baybay, D. F. & Marquez-De Guzman, A. (April 2014). "Palanyag to Parañaque: A History". City of Parañaque. Retrieved 25 April 2014. Check date values in: |year= / |date= mismatch (help)
7. "Population and Annual Growth Rates for The Philippines and Its Regions, Provinces, and Highly Urbanized Cities" (PDF). 2010 Census and Housing Population. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 2012-11-07.

External links

• Parañaque City Official Website
• Diocese of Parañaque Official Website
• Geographic data related to Parañaque at OpenStreetMap