Muntinlupa City's Official Website - Philippines

The origin of the name "Muntinlupa" came from at least three versions. First, its association with the thin top soil in the area thus the term Muntinlupa. Second, residents, purportedly replying to a question by Spaniards in the 16th century what the name of their place was, said Monte sa Lupa apparently mistaking the question for what card game they were playing. Third, the topographical nature of the area, where the term Monte or mountain was expanded to Muntinlupa or mountain land.