Bay is one of the oldest towns and was the first capital of the province of Laguna in the Philippines. Its old territory used to cover the areas of Los Baņos, Bay, and Calauan. Before it was occupied by the Spaniards, this small town was inhabited by settlers headed by Datu Gat Pangil and was founded sometime in 1570. The name Bay was said to have been derived from Datu Pangil's three daughters. After they were baptized, they were named Maria Basilisa, Maria Angela, and Maria Elena. The first letters of Basilisa, Angela, Elena were taken together and read Bae. Over a period of time, Bae became Bay.
