Konted's Make My Day 2: The Old Pasig

The Old Pasig

With the construction of the Pasig C5 flyover and the proliferation of business establishments in and around the Ortigas Business district, the old Pasig town proper has been relegated to the background and seems forgotten by some. Pasig, which is now classified as a city with the 3rd highest per capita income nationwide, has been identified with plush subdivisions such as Valle Verde, Green Meadows and Greenwoods and associated with commercial centers like Tiendesitas, Metro Walk, and, yes, with the rows of fine motels. Very few remember the Pasig of old.

Pasig was once a mere component of what was then the province of Tondo. It seceded from Tondo and became the capital of Rizal province. Its location was of such importance that colonizers deemed it vital to occupy and establish military and administrative control over the area. These colonizers were the Spaniards, British, Americans and Japanese. Even prominent revolutionary figures during the fight for independence from Spanish rule such as Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Emilio Jacinto and Dr. Pio Valenzuela would converge at Pasig and would plan their moves during clandestine meetings in some old houses. Acknowledged local hero was Valentin Cruz.

Today, there are only few structures left to remind us of what Pasig used to be. One is the old Pasig Church which is formally called as The Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral situated in what used to be the town proper. With its facade retaining that baroque style of architecture, the old church stands in the midst of a busy traffic intersection where there is a heavy concentration of vehicles and commuters. Fronting it is the old town plaza called Plaza Rizal. Near the plaza is an old house built in the 1800s.

Though there are still 19th century houses that provide us a glimpse of the old Pasig, the Pasig Museum, housed in the old Concepcion Mansion, takes us back in time and gives us the opportunity to better appreciate the rich history and culture of an old town. An old town that has grown into a progressive city. Through its museum, Pasig willingly shares interesting trivia that will surely make one nostalgic. The museum is adjacent to Plaza Rizal. Admission is free.

- Konted

View of Pasig Church from Plaza Rizal

Jose Rizal's monument at the Plaza

One cool, lazy afternoon at the Plaza

Friends or acquaintances meet here under the shade

Cenotaph of Katipunan Supremo Andres Bonifacio. Bonifacio frequented Pasig during the Pre-revolution days.

The junction in Pasig near the Pasig Cathedral.

Two traffic enforcers take control during the rush hour.

Pateros is next to Pasig, just a few minutes away.

The Pasig Museum is housed at the old Concepcion Mansion.

At the lobby of the museum is Fred Baldemor's Mother and Child.

A nymph greets visitors.

History of Pasig begins with the early settlers. The presentation and the arrangement of historical events are commendable.

Diorama of the early settlers who were the Aetas

Dayang Kalangitan was a legendary figure who was said to have once ruled over a great portion of Pasig.

Inscriptions are clear, making it easy for visitors.

The British Occupation is an important chapter of Pasig history. The British occupied Pasig Church and turned it into a horse stable.

Painting of the Asamblea Magna depicting the scene where Katipuneros met secretly at the Bahay Kwago to discuss the uprising that was to take place in August of 1896. Said uprising was called Nagsabado sa Pasig where the Guardia Civil headquarters and stockade were taken over by the Katipuneros.

Local hero Valentin Cruz

Diorama of Valentin Cruz and wife inside their big house.

Valentin Cruz's memorabilia

Vintage rifle of hero Valentin Cruz

About the local hero

The Pasiguena made of plaster of Paris

The old Cine Victoria in Pasig built in 1927

Story of the American Regime

Exhibit of old Philippine Paper Money

Bahay na Tisa is the oldest house in Pasig, having been built in the late 1800s. It is owned by the Tech Family.

More exhibits at the museum

Museum guard serving as good tour guide

The historic Bitukang Manok River which once connected the Pasig River to the Antipolo River. The icon of The Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage used to pass here on its way to Antipolo. The Katipuneros also used this small river as an escape route.

P. Gomez Street near Plaza Rizal in Pasig.

This used to be called Bahay na Tisa which was built in the 1800s.

The Bahay na Tisa is owned by the Tech Family. It is just a few steps away from Plaza Rizal.

An old colonial house in Pasig

Take note of the spire of the old house.

Old truck used in the 60s and 70s. It is still in good running condition.

The Pasig Church which is formally called The Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. The Our Lady Of the Immaculate Conception is the patroness of Pasig and is also the titular Patroness of the Philippines.