This booming city in Zamboanga del Sur, Pagadian City, is noted for its rolling terrain surrounding both the commercial and residential districts, reminiscent of the famous Crown Colony, earned its name “Little Hongkong of the South.”

With a total land area of 331.6 square kilometers with 54 barangays, making it the largest province in Western Mindanao, Pagadian City is the point of entry to the cities of Ozamiz, Iligan and Cotabato.

While you can reach Pagadian City by land, sea and air, you can enjoy up close and personal experience with its uniquely designed tricycle that will tour you within the city district. The locals boast it to be “only in Pagadian” with great pride!

Other things that will surprise you when in Pagadian City are the vibrant festivities and warm hospitality by the people. Get to know the local culture and join in the fun as they celebrate its Annual City Fiesta. To kick off the year, it is celebrated every 3rd Sunday of January in honor of the patron Sto. Niño. This colorful event will showcase the Zambulawan festival, a regatta (fluvial parade), trade exhibits, the Mutya ng Pagadian beauty pageant, carnival shows, sports competitions, as well as civic military parade.

On every 21st of June, they will celebrate Araw ng Pagadian. They will commemorate Pagadian becoming a chartered city.

While every September 17 will be Zamboanga del Sur’s Annual anniversary where there will be agro-trade exhibits, a civic-military parade, cultural presentation and sports competitions.

This peaceful city boasts of its natural attractions like the Dao-Dao Islands, Dumagoc Hills and Pulacan falls among others.

Being the cleanest and greenest city of Western Mindanao for several years now, Pagadian City boasts of its Watershed management program, exceptional Ecological Solid Waste Management Program, massive beautification projects of the different barangays, expanded vegetables/ cash crops/ high value crops production activities of the city Agricultural Office.

Experience Philippines and Tourism Philippines 2009, Pagadian City with its marvelous natural attractions, warm people and colorful festivities is living to its name being the “Little HongKong of the South.” Truly, Walang Iwanan sa Bayan ni Juan!

Highlights of the Event

Miss Pagadian 2008 candidates in their sexy swimsuit attire.

Miss Pagadian 2008 candidates in their stunning evening gown.

And the winners are… (drum roll please)

Miss Pagadian 2008 (center): Dannah Crestine Arnejo
First runner up (right): Maggi Benazir Bonsubre
Second runner up (left): Crystyl Fate Casinillo

Together with the guest of honors (l-r), Ilang-Ilang Fernandez Co, Mayor Samuel S. Co, Hon. Antonio Cerilles and Ethel Booba.

Congratulations to the winners. Good job, ladies! Make Pagadian proud of you. See you again next year!

Joining is easy. Here’s how you can join. Register an account in myPagadian community forum . Pagadianons or non-Pagadianons are welcome to join as long as you registered in the forum. Make at least 10 posts and vote for your candidate in the polls. Only one (1) vote per registered user is allowed. Winners will be notified through PM in the forum.

Prizes in store are:

• 1 winner of Php 500
• 2 winners of Php 100 worth of call cards of choice

Deadline of voting will be on June 18, 2008 11:59PM. All correct votes will be electronically raffled after the coronation night on June 19, 2008. The winners will be announced online on the following day.

Only registered users of MyPagadian community forum will have the chance to win the prizes. Call cards are not convertible to cash. Php 500 will be sent through Western Union if the winner is not around Pagadian City.

So, what are you waiting for? Apil na! Register now .

Let your voices be heard. Feel free to register now and be one of the newest member in our community. Register now .

About Pagadian City

500 - Internal Server Error

Pagadian City is a 1st class city in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines. It is the capital city of the province, and the regional center of the Zamboanga Peninsula. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 162,515 people in 28,027 households. It is nicknamed the “Little Hong Kong of the South”.

History of Pagadian City

Pagadian, a former barrio of the town of Labangan of the lone province of Zamboanga, became a municipality on March 23, 1937 through Executive Order 77 of the late President Manuel L. Quezon. Its ascendancy was due to the eager initiative of then Assemblyman Juan S. Alano. Hon. Jose Sanson was the first appointed mayor of Pagadian. After his brief tenure as town “Presidente”, a regular election was held with the Hon. Francisco Consolacion becoming the first elected municipal mayor.

In 1942, entered from the Japanese forces in Pagadian.

In 1945, the Philippine liberation forces with the Filipino guerrillas during the Battle of Pagadian by the attacked of the Japanese forces in the town of Pagadian during World War II.

Later, Congressman Roseller T. Lim authored R.A. 711 dividing Zamboanga into two provinces — the Norte and Sur — on June 6, 1952. Pagadian became the capital town of Zamboanga del Sur which was itself inaugurated on September 17, 1952. Pagadian became a chartered city on June 21, 1969 through R.A. 5478, being the third city in Zamboanga Peninsula. On 2004, despite Zamboanga City government’s opposition to the transfer, Pagadian became the Regional Center for Region IX- Zamboanga Peninsula and it is one of the competitive cities in Mindanao.

The name of Pagadian was derived from the Maguindanaon term pagad (wait) and padian (market), being a market during the Maguindanaon Sultanate.

It was first named Pangadjian, then later named Pagadian.

[via Wikipedia ]