Originally established as a fishing village overlooking Manila Bay, Las Piñas became a battleground during the 1898 Philippine Revolution. It is now a bustling city within the National Capital Region and is famed for its Bamboo Organ, which is housed within the 18th-century Saint Joseph Parish.
Things to do in Las Piñas
For a retail fix, head to the SM Southmall, which is home to more than 400 retail stores. It is designed around two atriums where concerts regularly take place, as well as the Game Park with its bowling alley, indoor go-kart track and karaoke bar. You can catch the latest films at the multi-screen cinema complex or in the IMAX theatre before dining at one of the restaurants on Food Street.
Also known as the “Nature Church”, Mary Immaculate Parish is an open-air house of worship in Las Piñas’ Moonwalk Village. It is based on the designs of the Filipino architect Francisco Mañosa and is set within a sprawling mango orchard, with tropical plants backing its coral marble altar. The church boasts the largest palm-covered roof in the Philippines and is decorated with dozens of oyster shell lanterns.
North-west of Las Piñas is the Santuario de San Ezekiel Moreno, which is named after the Spanish Augustinian priest who served Las Piñas from 1876 to 1879. While the church is relatively modern, it is inspired by the architectural traditions of the Spanish Colonial period. Admire the ornately carved doors and the gilded altar centred around an image of Christ.
Getting around Las Piñas
Las Piñas is around 40 minutes’ drive from the historic centre of Manila and 20 minutes from Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Both buses and jeepneys connect to Las Piñas and travel throughout the city.