Out of Town Blog
Malibay’s Food, Faith, Feast, and Fabled Past
On a typical day, Malibay appears as a standard urban community and shopping district close to Pasay City’s provincial bus terminals.
However, at sunset, the neighborhood comes alive with the glow of neon signs and local dining spots illuminating the narrow streets, turning it into a vibrant street food destination.
Despite its simplicity and the ongoing difficulty visitors face in finding parking, the area consistently attracts food enthusiasts eager to enjoy affordable, delicious food and drinks.
The lively atmosphere of Bangkok’s night food streets and Singaporean hawkers likely appeals to millennials, Gen Z, and white-collar workers alike, all seeking a budget-friendly food crawl.
Locals and guests can select from a wide range of meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, iced drinks, shakes, coffee, desserts, and various small treats.
The Malibay food colony offers more than just typical street snacks on sticks like tusok-tusok; it features cozy, Instagram-friendly, and intimate restaurants that could easily be part of a shopping mall.
What makes these restaurants interesting is their local, home-grown character, showcasing the entrepreneurial spirit of the people of Pasay.
In the local dining scene, Capitol Harlem, Tito’s Tapsilugan, and Walastik stand out as enduring names that have delighted generations of diners with their exceptional flavors.
Capitol Harlem, the most iconic of these restaurants, opened its doors in 1940 along Libertad St. It is famous for its crispy pata, pancit bihon, buttered chicken, and the exotic dishes kaldereta and adobong kabayo.
Tito’s Tapsilugan, a popular spot for diners, offers tender beef that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. However, Malibay is more than just a culinary destination; it is a cradle of heritage and culture, with a rich history that often goes unnoticed.
Once part of neighboring Paranaque, Malibay was characterized by hilly paddies inhabited by herds of wild deer in the late 1800s. The name is derived from the phrase “Ma-ibay diyan!” meaning “there’s plenty of deer there,” which has persisted through the decades.
The district takes pride in its rich traditions, where centuries-old faith and festivities intertwine around the patron San Juan de Nepomuceno. The parish’s annual fiesta, held in mid-May, spans a week…
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