The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Pillar sits on a small rise above the city centre, the seat of the Diocese of Pagadian. The building is modern — late twentieth century — and modest in scale, with a simple white facade and a tall central bell tower. Inside, the nave is calm and bright, with a contemporary altar and a small chapel to the patron Virgin of the Pillar.
The reason to come is less the building than the climb up to it. From the cathedral plaza you get a clean view down over the rooftops to the bay and the port. Early morning Mass is well attended; sunset is the quietest time and the best for photos.