Explore the Beauty, Fun and Adventure in Capiz

Experience the fun and beauty of Capiz. Discover the culture and tradition of Capizeños. Join the exciting adventures and great festivals. Be amaze with enchanting wide powdery gray-sand beaches of Baybay and Olotayan Island. Be fascinated with the beautiful sunset.

Welcome to a rich culture province called Capiz! 

   

         Capiz is known as the "Seafood Capital of the Philippines" for it is one of the richest  fishing grounds and a major contributor in the aquamarine industry of the Philippines. Capiz was among the top 15 most frequently visited places in the Philippines. Be amaze for I will bring you to the different kasadyahan sa Capiz. Capiz is known for the Placuna placenta oyster shell that has the same name locally and is used for decoration and making lampshades, trays, window and doors.

       Sinadya sa Halaran is the highlight of the kasadyahan sa Capiz, a merging of the Roxas City Fiesta "Sinadya" and the Province celebration of "Halaran". "Sinadya sa Halaran" is a commemoration of the feast of the patroness of Roxas City which is the Immaculate Concepcion and a thanksgiving. It literally means "Joy in Sharing and Thanksgiving" . Rituals and festivities of every municipalities where captivated in this occasion. Fireworks, grand parade, fluvial processions, fair and food festival, street dancing, and exhibits are some of the things to see of this event.

The biggest bell in Asia and the 3rd in the World.

       According to Philippine history, Don Juan Reina was commissioned by  Friar Beloso to cast the largest bell in the Philippines and Asia and the third biggest bell in the world in 1878. The town people call “Dako nga Lingganay” (meaning, “big bell”), was made from 70 sacks of gold and silver coins donated by the townsfolk.

   
  2nd Spanish Settlement...

       The bell can be found in Sta. Monica Church in Panay, one of the oldest towns in the Philippines about 20 minutes away from the Capital City Roxas' Plaza. It is founded by Spanish Augustinian Friars in 1581. The structure is made of coral stones and measured 70 m long, 25 m wide and 18 m high. The floor is covered with marble. It's interior is baroque



Capiz is province is rich with beautiful beaches to visit and enjoy.

        Another kasadyahan sa Capiz is the Baybay Beach is 5-10 minutes ride from Roxas City airport. It is a popular weekend spots for local and foreign tourists from nearby towns and provinces. Even me and my mom like to hang out there with her amigas. The beach is seven-kilometer long stretch of sugar-fine glittery and black sand with relatively calm waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and skimboarding. It is facing the Sibuyan Sea. The place is a good seafood tripping to visit and dine. The People's Park is located at Baybay Roxas where me and my family usually dine and especially you can see the beautiful view of Mantalinga Island here. Delicious and yummy seafood dishes is served here like Diwal, Oyster, Hipon and my favorite inihaw na pusit. I say you should try it. Manamit guid!(Masarap talaga!)

Grilled Squid

Sinigang na hipon

Diwal or Angel Wings

Actually there is a so-called the Diwal Harvest Seafood Festival is held every 2nd weekend of July. The Diwal is a rare bivalve found abundantly along the coastal waters of Roxas City and Capiz.

Oyster

Olotayan a romantic island destination...


         Referred to as the “Mini-Boracay” in the City of Roxas, Olotayan Island is approximately an hour boat ride from Banica wharf at Roxas City, this barangay is blessed with serene shores with white sand mixing with corals washed ashore by strong waves, Olotayan beach offers a tranquil and relaxing “out of the city hassles” atmosphere. With clear waters and a rural setting, where sea waves and occasional laughter’s from kids playing at a distance, the place is fit for honeymooners or businessmen who wants to have “a get away” from it all. 

    Olotayan, the only island barangay of Roxas City with estimated land area of 100 hectares, actually got its name from native word “olo” (head) and “Tyan” (stomach). A popular legend that have survived the passing of decades said that in the olden days a wicked giant lived in the land and has always brought havoc and sufferings to the inhabitants who turned to the “anitos” or “anitas” (gods or goddess) who dwells in the land for help. Their pleas were heard and a strong lightning hit the wicked giant which scattered his body to the sea. The islands of Roxas City where then named after the body parts of the giant. Thus, his head and stomach (Ulo and Tiyan) became the island of Olotayan. Other islands like “Mantalinga” came from the Mata (eyes) and Talinga (ears), Tuwad (Buttocks) and Sepatos (feet).

Source: http://capiznon.org/2008/12/02/olotayan-island/

Festivals in Capiz

Sinadya sa Halaran Festival

The Sinadya sa Halaran Festival is the joint festival of the City of Roxas and the Province of Capiz. It is a mixed festival in that it is celebrated for both cultural and religious reasons. It is celebrated every first weekend of December in commemoration of the Feast of the Virgin of the Immaculate Concepcion who also happens to be the patroness of the City of Roxas. Sinadya sa Halaran boasts of colorful activities like the grand parade of festivals, the fluvial parade, the lighted river floaters. There is also the traditional seafood festival and the grand pyrotechnic display.

Sinadya sa Halaran is one of Roxas City’s most important annual events and is fusion of two festivals – “Sinadya” (City) and “Halaran” (Province) which literally means joy in sharing and thanksgiving. It is celebrated on December 4-8 to commemorate the religious activities that embody the true Capiceño spirit. The highlights of the celebration are the Dancing Parade, ”Higantes”, Fluvial Parade, Fireworks display, Mutya sa Halaran beauty pageant, Coronation of the Fiesta Queen, and Agri-Aqua Trade Fair.

Capiztahan Festival

ROXAS City, Philippines—Roxas City’s main streets glittered with more than a million colored lights on floats and dancers on Saturday as highlight of this year’s Capiztahan festival.

The Parade of Lights, which passed through Arnaldo Boulevard, featured 15 floats depicting flowers, animals and sea creatures designed with colorful electric light bulbs.

the festival marked the 112th foundation day of Capiz and commemorated the 65th death anniversary of

its most prized son, President Manuel Roxas. Capiz was founded on April 15, 1901, while Roxas died on April 15, 1948.

Seafood fairs offered the city’s famed oysters, fish, shells, prawns and shrimps at People’s Park along the beach.

The Parade of Lights has become the unique identity of the festival as Capiz hopes to boost its spot on the tourism map, aside from being known as the country’s “seafood capital.”

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/393847/seafood-capital-becomes-city-of-million-lights-during-festival

Pangahaw Festival

Pangahaw is a tradition of celebrating a new morn hay for the odds long ago. It symbolize s the significance of the Filipino Capizeños who give thanks to God who give them blessings. Pangahaw is derived from the word “mahaw” which mean breakfast. It is also the culture of Jamindanganon which implies their habitant such livelihood, agriculture, forestry ect. It includes the pagtutuba, pag aani, pagpapanggas (pagtatanim), pag-arado (plowing) and many more.

For the ancient filipino it is important to rejoice and give “alay” or halad to praise God.

Source: http://shiningjamindan.webs.com/newsandevents.htm

Lingga-anay Festival

Lingga-anay Festival is the annual Municipal Fiesta of Panay celebrated to pay homage to the Biggest Bell in Asia and to display the town’s rich cultural history together with its vast marine resources. The Festival boasts a one-of-a-kind street dance accompanied not by drum beats but of rondalla, which are the distinct feature of ecotis.

Source: http://panay.gov.ph/lingga-anay-festival/

Tagbuan Festival

Tagb-uan Festival is a celebration of blessings and bounty. It is the annual fiesta of the municipality that reunites all Pilareños in faith, history and culture. It is being performed Every May 29 to showcase the tradition of Pilarenos on Barter trade. “Tagbu”, a local term which means “to meet” is where the upland farmers exchange their products to the commodities of the fishing community in the lowlands.

Source: http://pilarnon.capisnon.org/pilar-capiz-celebrating-for-their-success/

Talahong Festival

Talahong has been derived from two words “talaba” and “tahong”. It was learned that more than 100 sacks of “talaba” and “tahong” are being disposed for sale to other parts of Western Visayas every day.

Originally, Sapian celebrates the Tilibyugan and Religious Fiesta from July 21 – 26 every year. It has been observed for a few decades with its own distinctiveness in preserving the cultural practice and traditions. The feast is celebrated in honor of the Patron Saint, Saint Anne.

On the other hand, the birth of Talahong Festival was very enormous. It was conceptualized based on entrepreneurial and tourism purposes to trigger the economic growth of the whole town.

Hence, showcasing of seafood products particularly the “talaba” and “tahong” is the highlight of the two-day event. It is also the infusion of arts and culture that will serve as a tool in promoting Sapian as its best and provide revenue for the fisherfolks, travel, operators, stakeholders and the local government.

The Municipality of Sapian is one of a coastal town in the Province of Capiz. On the northern portion of Sapian is Sapian Bay which covers nine out of ten barangays. Talaba and Tahong are very rich in production in these areas. Since Sapian is abundant with seafood products, it was the initiative of the Local Governement Unit to organize a Talahong Festival (Talaba-Tahong) every 2nd Friday and 2nd Saturday of May each year that promotes the local products as its best.

Source: http://sapian.capisnon.org/talahong-festival/

Sinaot Festival

During May 1, Labor Day, a religious feast is celebrated in the town of President Roxas. The feast of the town's patron saint is the highlight of its annual municipal and religious fiesta scheduled from April 30 to May 3.

The feast day activities start off with a procession and a concelebrated mass at the parish church. At noontime, guests, families, and friends relish the delicious food every household has prepared as a gesture of traditional hospitality we Filipinos are known all over the world.

The whole afternoon is highlighted by the Sina-ot, a streetdancing activity to the Latin beat with performers garbed in colourful Carribean costume.

The competition is among groups that represent a cross-section of the Poblacion, other lowland barangays, and the academe.

The Sina-ot at President Roxas, inspired by the MassKara Festival of Bacolod and the Halaran of Capiz, started in 1988 during the administration of Mayor Ramon C. Locsin with Sangguniang Bayan Member Jonathan B. Diosaban as the first Sina-ot chairman.

Since then, the festival has become the centerpiece of the towns’ annual municipal and religious fiesta, drawing an increasing number of tourists and “balikbayans”.


Source: http://vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/The-Sina-ot-Festival

Guyum-Guyuman Festival

Guyum-guyman Festival was taken from the town’s old name: “Caguyuman,” meaning anthill. People from nearby municipalities of Pan-ay, Panitan, Maayon and Pres. Roxas would thrive in the market place like swarms of ants for trading. This rich tradition is now a celebration of life and thanksgiving for all “Caguyumanons.”

The town ofin 1853 at the present site of Barangay Sublangon. Formerly the town was a part of Panay, being the first settlement in the Province of Capiz.

Source: http://www.retireinthephilippines.info/2012/06/03/guyum-guyuman-festival-in-capiz/

Hilo Hilo Festival

Maayon Municipal and Religious Fiesta known as Hil- o Hil-o Festival which connnotes reciprocity that demonstrates interdependence among our people. It expresses itself in many ways. It could simply be helping one another to make a heavy work for one be lighter. It can be rendering of services or giving material donations for a relative, a friend or a neighbour who is holding a very important affair in the family. This Festival is celebrated annually every 3rd week of February.


Source: http://maayon.capisnon.org/hil-o-hil-o-festival/

A Must Places to Visit in Capiz

Capizeños are so blessed to be here in Capiz because of the province's richness in marine nature, culture and historical places.

Birthplace of Manuel Roxas

A two-storey hardwood stone house of the First President of the Third Philippine Republic President Manuel Roxas, now a historical shrine is located in the city proper of Roxas, Capiz.

Ang Panubli-On

Ang Panubli-On (Roxas City Museum) originally built in 1910 as a water tank; it now stands as a museum. It has memorabilia of illustrious sons and daughters of Roxas City; collections of religious icons, artifacts and artworks.

Moro Towers

The Moro Towers is built in 1814 in order to repel the invading Moors and Portuguese colonizers. These half-torn structures, 7 feet squares with a height of 10 feet, are vivid souls of the past. Before they were destroyed, they were twice their present height. These towers are made of black pebbles, and are gradually eroding. One tower is on top of the hill at Sitio Nipa, Culasi, and the other one is at Brgy. Dumolog.

Source: http://vigattintourism.com/tourism/articles/Moro-Towers

 Santa Monica Parish Church

This awe-inspiring church monument reveals the Spanish grandeur in Pan-ay town; a small fortress; it is about 250 ft long and 80 ft wide with 9-ft thick walls of coral blocks. The floor is colored marble which shine in subdue tone in misty light. The central altar is an elaborated sculpture retablo of silver and hardwood in florid Baroque style. The lateral altars have intricately carved tiers of niches for images of saints. Sta. Monica is the patron saint. The church's five-story belfry shelters a huge antique bell and surrounded by 8 smaller bells. Shrouded with many enchanting tales, the huge bell holds more fascinating truth. It was cast from 70 sacks of coins believed to have been contributed by the citizens of the town. It is seven feet in diameter, five feet high and weighs 10.4 tons. In fact, it is estimated to be the largest in Southeast Asia.

Source: http://capiz.gov.ph/

St. Martin Of Tours Parish is a Roman Catholic Church located at in the town of Dumalag,Capiz

Dumalag, one of the central towns of Capiz Province, was founded by the Augustinians in 1590. Later, it passed on to the bishopric but in 1614 or 1615, it reverted back to the Augustinians. Its supposed original name "Ayombong" was replaced with Dumalag in 1631.

Several folklores have been recounted on how the town came to be called Dumalag, as it is known today. According to Fr. Juan Fernandez, the name came from the Bisayan word "dalag" which means yellow. This is because it is claimed that most of the early inhabitants of this town were of Chinese ancestry. Others claim that the "dalag' came from the color of the Pan-ay River that cuts across the town which used to turn yellow because of the leaves of a certain tree that fell into it. Still another version is attributed to the "dumalaga" or spring chicken which could have been in abundance in the area in early times. One more related folklore tells that when the Spaniards first came to the place, they ran across women laundering in the river. The colonizers asked the women about the name of the town and thinking that the question was about the condition of the river, they answered "gadalag", meaning its yellowish, and the name Dumalag came about and the rest is history.

But, has anyone explored the possibility that the name Dumalag actually came from a man's family name? It must be pointed out that there are individuals as well as families today in Panay bearing the family name Dumalag.

Source: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2005/03/18/column1.htm

Agtalin Shrine in Pilar, Capiz

Get amazed by a gigantic statue of the Virgin Mary at the Agtalin Shrine. Located in the municipality of Pilar, the religious icon is considered the tallest in the country at 80 feet tall. The International Marian Research Institute listed the Agtalin Shrine as a premier pilgrimage site. It is believed that some faithful with incurable diseases were healed by praying at the shrine.Amazingly, it nestled on top of the hill, confirming human sentiments.

Found realizing started through the efforts of the Agtalin development Foundation and numerous private citizens. In 1991, construction began with the help of an engineer, a sculpture, volunteer laborers, the difficult terrain, heavy equipment and human labor just kept on working.It was in 21 July 1993 when finally, the beautiful 85-feet statue was blessed by Bishop Onesimo Geordoncillo of Capiz, and then Parish Priest of Dulangan, Rev. Fr. Domingo Deocampo.The Statue considered the highest Marian Statue in Asia, has found a beautiful place in the province of Capiz.

Source: http://agtalinshrine.weebly.com/

Lola Ibe

“Lola Ibe” is the remains of Maria de Juan Basañes. It has been existing for 8 decades. After 10 years of her death, her grave was dug up to be replaced by her dead “apo”, it was then discovered that her body had not yet fully decayed. She is said to be a saint by the locals.

Source: http://pilarnon.capisnon.org/attractions/agtalin-shrine-and-lola-ibe/