Three questions for a Paranaqueno

The city of Paranaque is a highly urbanized city in the Philippines which is part of the larger Metro Manila area. Paranaque itself has a population of more than 660,000 while Metro Manila contains more than 24 million people! The source of the name Paranaque is uncertain but it is likely a combination of native Tagalog and Spanish words. One funny story relates to a drunken feast between neighboring fisherman and rice farmers who compromised on a name combining the Tagalog words for both professions on the spot where the feast occurred. The name could also come from the Spanish words “para aqui” (stop here). Today Paranaque is a busy business and entertainment hub. I spent some time with beguiling James recently.

Jeff: Tell me a little about yourself.

James: I’m a 32 year old Filipino Hufflepuff and I’ve been living in Parañaque, Manila for about 30 years. My family moved here around the early 90s. I enjoy fashion, reading books and comics, watching movies, food, anime and cosplay in no particular order. Currently I am working as part of the controls team for a megabank.

Jeff: What is something someone should know about this area, about where you live?

James: I’ve always viewed my city as kind of a gateway of sorts. Whenever I have to go somewhere new or far off, Parañaque has the means to get you where you need or want to be. We have the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for local and International flights. The Philippine National Railways can take you to either the northern or southern cities. We have 2 well known highway interchanges (Bicutan and Sucat) where you can plot your commute to wherever.  You also have access to all major types of land transportation. We have buses, vans, tricycles and of course lots and lots of jeepneys.

If you’re planning to explore Parañaque, here are some of the places that you can try:

1) PAGCOR entertainment city – located in Tambo, Parañaque this houses hotels and casinos in close proximity of each other. We have the Solaire Hotel and Casino, City of Dreams Manila and Okada Manila.  It’s also really accessible from  the airport.

2) We have a lot malls you can do some retail therapy. We have the popular mall chain of SM with malls in BF Paranaque, Bicutan and Sucat all of which are on the main roads. If you’re tired of malls you can head out to the Baclaran Markets for some bargain finds.

3) You can also visit the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help or more commonly known as Baclaran Church.  Aside from being a good landmark for your travels, you can admire the 62 year old church’s architecture. This is a highly popular place of worship for Catholics especially to those who are praying for help.

Jeff: What is something local that you like to eat?

James: As far as I know we do not have a particular food considered as local cuisine. However, we have a diverse collection of restaurants which can cater to any taste buds. Aside from going to the malls to eat, here are some of the place I absolutely love to go.

1) DAMPA – This is located in Barangay La Huerta. It is one of the popular fisherman’s wharves in Manila. You have a great selection of restaurants that can cook local seafood delicacies like Sinigang na Hipon, buttered mussels and all types of fish dishes. You have an option to buy your own seafood and have the restaurants cook them for you. Most of the restaurants also have videoke rooms for parties.

2) Sinangag Express - Popular for their silog meals (which is a portmanteau of a viand, sinangág (garlic rice) and itlóg (egg, which is cooked either sunny-side up or scrambled). You can enjoy a tapsilog  which is Tapa (dried or cured beef) plus the silog. There are other choices for your silogmeals all of which are local breakfast staples.

3) Aguirre Avenue in BF homes Parañaque -  BF homes is a gated community in Parañaque. Aguirre Avenue in particular has a lot of options you can choose from on where to eat or even have a wonderful nigh out. I enjoy going to Ramen Kuroda for my Japanese cuisine fix and Sa mgyupsalamat for the unlimited meat buffets.

4) 19 East – although considered to be in Muntilupa city already, it’s so near Parañaque it’s just a jeepney ride away from SM Bicutan.  I have enjoyed eating while listening to local musicians perform.

J: Tell me about a dream or goal you want to accomplish this year.

James: Being a city folk, I tend to just stick exploring the city during my free time. For 2020, my goal would be to travel to beaches more!