In 1999 when the majority of basketball teams and players in a Filipino-
American basketball league in Sacramento area decided that as much
as they love to play the sport of basketball, they would rather quit playing than to play again for that same league. But because of their love and passion for the sport of basketball, majority of these players approached Tess and Benjie Santos who have the same love and interests in the sport of basketball. These players were asking for help. They were saying how much they would love to continue playing as long as it would be for a different league. Benjie and Tess immediately understood how these players felt because their sons also play basketball. They gave these players assurances that they would try to help them. With Benjie and Tess, the following people came along: Noel Rominque, Jun Mateo, Sonny Kellogg, Rey Rodriguez and Vicky Rodriguez. With the efforts of all these people, a new league was formed under the leadership of the staff of the then Philippine Eagle Newspaper of Sacramento. The first league was held at Full Court Gym in Gerber Road in Sacramento. This league became the combination of the other Filipino-American Basketball League and the new league under the leadership of the Philippine News staff. The Basketball League had two divisions: Open and Masters Division.

After the very successful first season, majority of the teams and players suggested to continue the current league under the leadership and guidance of the current officers. With the community service in the minds of the current leaders, a new Filipino-American basketball League was officially launched. The officers were: Commissioner was well known Toyota player Francis Arnaiz, Jun Anselmo as President, Sonny Kellogg, Jun Mateo and Butch Villanueva as Board of Directors. The second season was held at Mather Sports Complex in Rancho Cordova.

While the second season was in progress, the basketball league still had no official name. It was simply known as The Philippine News’ community project. With the continued success of the league, the officers decided that this league needed to have an official name of its own. There were so many different names that were suggested. Finally, PASA came along. PASA stands for Pilipino American Sports Association. PASA, a Tagalog word that means "PASS" in English. The PASA logo became official too. Thanks to Chris Figueres for the PASA logo design.

After the second season, some of the original officers decided that due to their hectic daily life schedules, they would have to give up their positions. Although they gave that up, most of them remained as Special Consultants. New Officers were: Tess Santos as Commissioner, Rey Rodriguez as President/Treasurer, Benjie Santos as Vice President/Operations In Charge, Vicky Rodriguez as Secretary. The league remained to have two divisions: the Open and Masters.

PASA League started playing at the Laguna Creek High School’s gym since the start of the third season. After two years of success, new officers came in. Raul Cupino as President, Lito Chua as Vice President, Lita Dionisio as Treasurer, Lydia Ilomin as Secretary, Kenneth Evans as In Charge of the Referees. Board Members: Rey G Rodriguez, Vicky Rodriguez. PASA at this time started to have 3 divisions: Open, Master and Youth with the Youth division divided into 2: the 12 years and under and 13 to 15 age groups.

As PASA is going to its 5th year of operations, new officers are: Rona Vera as President, Kenneth Evans as Vice President, Lydia Ilomin as Secretary, Rey Rodriguez as Treasurer, Romy Francisco as Auditor, Atty Vic Lladoc as Legal Counsel. Board Members consist of: Benjie Santos, as Officer in Charge of Basketball Operations; Rex Cabrera as Game Coordinator; Vicky Rodriguez for Advertising; Nelda Abeleda and Sheila Crisologo for Advertising; Dinnah San Pedro for PRO.

PASA continues to provide training in the sport of basketball in an atmosphere of good sportsmanship and fair play with an equal opportunity for growth of individual skills, team play and the true enjoyment of playing basketball.

PASA is now well known not just in California but up to Hawaii. PASA All Stars Players became the Champions in Vallejo Tournament and in Santa Clara, CA where the participating teams came from all over California and even from Hawaii. These All Star Players even played in the Philippines ... in Cebu City and Nueva Ecija. This coming summer, PASA All Stars are going to Hawaii to compete there too. New season will start in February 15, 2003 at Laguna Creek High School Gym for all divisions .. Open, Masters and Youth .