Pasay was originally a barrio of maasim (Masama). People then clamored for separation which was granted on December 2, 1863.
One of its most famous inhabitants in Pasay is former Pasay City Mayor Miguel Cornejo. He is the father of famous Filipino music composer Rodolfo Cornejo and lawyer/pianist Crisanto Cornejo.
Pasay became a city on June 21, 1947 with a population of 88,000 and was renamed Rizal City, after Jose Rizal, the country's national hero. In 1949, it was renamed back to Pasay.
On May 21, 2006, SM Mall of Asia was opened in Bay City.
Pasay City's city anniversary is every 2nd day of December