Pagadian, Philippines

Capital City

Forget the picture-perfect Philippines you've seen in travel brochures - Pagadian is a pragmatic, hardscrabble city with a population of 206,483. The tax burden is heavy, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache, but the city's strategic location as the regional center of Zamboanga Peninsula has fueled steady economic growth. Frequent flooding in the low-lying areas is an ongoing challenge, but Pagadian's temperate climate and lack of major typhoons offer some relief. For those willing to navigate the administrative red tape, Pagadian presents opportunities, but it's not for the faint of heart.