A Trip to Pasig City Museum

Pasig City Museum is just one of the historical museums in Manila and it’s definitely worth checking out!

Whenever I have some free time from my full-time job, like the weekends and public holidays, if I’m not spending it in another town or another country, I’ll be spending it exploring museums in Manila or nearby provinces. Back when I used to live in Pasig, I tried doing a simple research on museums to visit there, and luckily there are some! The Pasig City Museum is owned and maintained by the city government of Pasig and I am very certain that it’s a historical museum, so I did not hesitate to pay a visit there. After all, from the place where I live, it is just a short jeepney ride.

About Pasig City

Pasig City is located in the National Capital Region, which is commonly referred to as Metro Manila. It is a highly urbanized city that has grown significantly over the past few decades, but it has a rich history that dates back several centuries.

Pasig City was originally inhabited by the Tagalog people, who were known for their agricultural practices and trading activities. In the 16th century, the Spanish arrived in the Philippines and began to establish settlements throughout the country. One of the first Spanish settlements in Pasig was established in the late 16th century, and the city became an important center for agriculture and trade.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Pasig continued to grow and develop as an important center for commerce and industry. The city became known for its factories, which produced everything from textiles to ceramics. In the mid-20th century, Pasig became part of the growing urban sprawl of Metro Manila, and it experienced significant population growth and development.

Today, Pasig City is a bustling metropolis with a vibrant economy and a diverse population. It is home to many businesses, including call centers, BPOs, and other technology firms. The city is also known for its beautiful parks and landmarks, including the Pasig River and the Ortigas Center, which is a major commercial and financial district in the Philippines.

PASIG CITY MUSEUM: HISTORY

From the outside, Pasig City Museum looks like a typical old school mansion. This place actually used to be a mansion of the former Mayor of Pasig City, Don Fortunato Concepcion. The house served as Mayor Concepcion’s gift to his wife. Felizardo Dimanlig, a Pasig native, was the designer of the building. In 1937, the construction of the building got finished. Hence, it depicts a lot of Spanish architectural features. Rumor has it that some of the parts of the mansion are actual pieces from the old Pasig Cathedral. The City Government of Pasig eventually bought the building and inaugurated as a museum in 2001.

Several historical events actually happened in this very building, like the visit of former President Manuel L. Quezon, the conversion of the place by the Japanese soldiers into a detention center during World War II, and the hoisting of the American flag to signify the liberation of the country from the Japanese forces after the war.

PASIG CITY MUSEUM: WHAT TO SEE

The museum basically showcases information and artifacts related to the history and development of Pasig City. There are also artworks and memorabilia which I think belongs to the Concepcion family. I went there on a weekday and it is indeed open. When I stepped inside the museum, no one was there to guide me. After a while, a lady showed up from somewhere and asked me to sign in on a logbook. The museum I think is not used to having solo visitors because seeing the photos in their social media page, they mostly welcomed group tours and field/educational tours in the past. I kinda looked like the weird lady randomly entering places hahaha but I did not mind.

Here are some snippets of what to see inside the museum when I tried going around:

The Mutya ng Pasig

Mutya ng Pasig is a statue of the mermaid which was said to be the one responsible for the cleanliness of the Pasig River during the early times.

Historical Development of Pasig City During the Different Periods

Nagsabado sa Pasig Diorama

“Nagsabado sa Pasig” is a cultural celebration in Pasig City, Philippines, that takes place every last Saturday of August. The celebration is a showcase of the city’s unique culture and heritage, featuring various activities such as street dancing, cultural performances, and a grand parade.

The event is named after the word “sabado,” which means Saturday in Filipino, and is a play on the word “nagsasabado,” which means to gather and prepare for something. The celebration aims to gather and showcase the talents of the people of Pasig and to promote the city’s rich cultural heritage.

During the celebration, the streets of Pasig come alive with colorful and vibrant displays of traditional costumes, music, and dance. The event is participated in by various groups, including schools, community organizations, and local government units.

Different Paintings

Other Beautiful Artworks

Visit Pasig Museum!

How to get to Pasig City Museum? Ride the MRT 3 Blue Line and get off at Shaw Boulevard Station. Take the EDSA Central Exit and look for jeepneys going to ‘Pasig Palengke’ and ask the driver to drop you off at Pasig City Museum. It’s right across the Pasig Cathedral.

PASIG MUSEUM CONTACT DETAILS

Plaza Rizal, Barangay San Jose, Pasig City, Metro Manila
Open from Monday to Saturday, 8AM to 5PM
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pasigmuseo
Email: pasigmuseo@gmail.com
Website: www.pasigcity.gov.ph
(632) 641-0211
Admission to the museum is free, but donations are accepted.