city, central Luzon, Philippines, on the southeastern shore of Manila Bay. Its site was occupied by small vegetable farms until the mid-20th century, when expanding urbanization transformed the town into a southern suburb of Manila. The Manila International Airport to the east occupies Nichols Field, a former U.S. air base. Parañaque has long been noted for intricate hand embroidery, which has continued as a household industry. Fishing from rafts mounted with salambaos (large nets) is an important activity. The Manila Bay Beach Resort, a national park, is located there. Pop. (2000) 449,811.