On November 11, 1962, a small group of psychologists gathered at Selecta Restaurant along C.M. Recto Avenue for what would later be considered one of the most defining moments in Philippine Psychology. They came from different institutions, drawn to that single place by a common purpose. From the University of the Philippines (UP) came the Chairperson of the country's first Department of Psychology, Dr. Agustin Alonzo, Fr. Jaime Bulatao, S.J. founder of the Department of Psychology and the Central Guidance Bureau of the Ateneo de Manila University, was also present. With them were Dr. Sinforoso Padilla, who established the Psychological Clinic at UP, and Dr. Jesus Perpinan, who founded the Psychological Clinic at Far Eastern University. Dr. Mariano Obias was also present at that historic meeting presided over by Dr. Alfredo Lagmay of UP, which saw the birth of the Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP).

Two months later, the PAP ushered in the new year by electing its first set of officers. It was on January 1, 1963 when Dr. Sinforoso Padilla became the Association's first President, Dr. Alfredo Lagmay the first President-elect, Fr. Jaime Bulatao, S.J. the first Executive Secretary, and Dr. Estefania Aldaba-Lim the first Treasurer. Atty. Narciso Albarracin, who helped the group with their incorporation papers, was sworn in as the Legal Counsel of the Association.

The first plenary meeting was held on March 30, 1963 at the Ateneo de Manila University in Padre Faura. Dr. Sinforoso Padilla delivered the presidential address. After that, the group held monthly meetings and picnics where scientific researches were presented.

In January, 1964, the first annual national convention was held at the NSDB Science Pavilion on the corner of Taft Avenue and Herran (now Pedro Gil), Manila. The high point of the convention was a Symposium on the Filipino Personality which was later published as a book and remains one of the classics in Philippine psychology.