This is an excellent backpacker's budget place to stay in Zamboanga, but it's a fair distance from the town center on Mayor Jaldon Street going out towards the airport.
During the heat of the day it would be a good idea to take a tricycle but it's not a bad walk if there is a shady side of the street to walk on in the mornings or afternoons.
Atilanos is actually a cluster of family owned pension houses and restaurants all with the family name Atilano.
It's a good place stay because everyone is related and it is unlikely any troublemakers will target this pension house because there are too many watchful eyes.
Atilano Pension House
466 Canelar
Mayor Jaldon St. Z.C.
phone 062 990 5088
La Mirage, on the same road but closer to town was recommended to me buy a fellow that has been traveling in this area 25 years. It is probably a good place too but I never stayed there so I don't have first hand experience.
All of the kids hanging around in the Atilano compound are decendents of old man Atilano who was a candidate for mayor.
Rooms start at 250 and 300 for singles - with tv it is an extra 50 pesos.
Air con rooms are 500 pesos for a single and 600 pesos for a double. The restaurant downstairs has an impressive menu but there are really only 3 options and they are in the 3 pots out front. The food is good and its cheap.
There are some good restaurants a short down the street towards the airport. One has an outstanding soto special for 60 pesos. For those that can only eat fast food there is a Jolibees and Greenwich at the end of the road at the intersection by the airport. There are a couple of internet cafes there as well.
If this place is too rustic for your needs, the Hermosa on the same road but close to town is quite nice for a mid range hotel. I think that the rooms start at 700 to 900 pesos. I stayed there a few years ago but found it a bit to sterile for my taste.