Captivating Capiz: History

Capiz became the second Spanish settlement after Cebu when Captain Diego de Artienda, sent by Legaspi landed in the town of Pan-ay and proclaimed it the capital of the province. The capital was then moved to the present location of Roxas City.

Folk history recorded in the Maragtas by Pedro Monteclaro says ten Bornean datus landed at a site now known as San Joaquin town in Iloilo province. They purchased Panay Island from the Aeta, cultivated the land, and renamed the island Madya-as. They divided it into three communities: Irong-irong, Akean (which includes the Capiz area), and Hamtik.

It is said that in Capiz in 1570, the Datu Bankaya’s wife of the Aklan district gave birth to twin daughters. Twin is "Kapid" in the local dialect, so the Spaniards adopted the name Capiz (Kapid) as inadvertently miscommunicated to them by the natives.

Capiz, which was part of Aklan in pre-Spanish times, was one of the early settlements of the Malays, centuries before the coming of the Spaniards to the Philippines. It was part of the Confederation of Madjaas, formed after the purchase of Panay by the Bornean datus from the Negrito king named Marikudo.

When the Spaniards led by Miguel López de Legazpi came to Panay from Cebu in 1569, they found people with tattoos, and so they called it Isla de los Pintados. How the island itself came to be called Panay is uncertain. The Aeta called it Aninipay, after a plant that abounded in the island. Legend has it that López de Legazpi and his men, in search of food, exclaimed upon the island, pan hay en esta isla!. So they established their first settlement in the island at the mouth of the Banica River in Capiz and called it Pan-ay. This was the second Spanish settlement in the Philippines, the first being San Miguel, Cebu.

In the same year of 1569 Captain ('Capitan') Diego de Artieda who was sent by Legaspi landed in the Town of Panay and proclaimed it as the capital of the province. Later, they moved the Capital to its present site upon discovering the town of Capiz (not the province, and now Roxas City) which was near the sea and provided docking facilities.

In 1942, the region was occupied by the Japanese troops. In 1945, the region was liberated by the joint Filipino and American troops with Filipino guerrillas from the defeated Japanese Imperial forces during Second World War.

Capiz and Aklan were united under one province until April 25, 1956, when President Ramon Magsaysay signed into law Republic Act 1414 separating the two entities.

Captivating Capiz Spots

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS

Historical Attractions

Birthplace of Manuel Roxas (Roxas City)
Located in the city proper; a two-storey hardwood and stone house of First Philippine President Manuel Roxas, now a historical shrine.

Moro Towers (Sitio Nipa, Roxas City)
Half-torn stone structures built in 1814 in order to repel the invading Moros and Portuguese colonizers.

Capiz National High School
One of the pioneering educational institutions in the province, Capiz National High School (formerly Capiz High School) was established and completely organized in 1914. Its imposing structure and location (top of a hill) is always a welcome sight. Its 48-step stairway is a popular spot for picture-taking.

Roxas City Bridge (Old Capiz Bridge)
The old and imposing Roxas City Bridge (formerly Capiz Bridge) remained strong and firm after it was built in 1910. Overlooking the Panay River, the bridge is a silent witness to various changes that ushered in progress and development in the city. Like the old bridge, equally alluring is the huge stretch of Panay River that transverses the very heart of the city. Passing the major edifice of the city, the river of Roxas City has been dubbed as the “Venice of the Visayas”.

Cultural Attractions

Ang Panublion (Roxas City Museum)
Built in 1910 as a water tank; has memorabilia of illustrious sons and daughters of Roxas City; collections of religious icons, artifacts, and artworks.

Mundo Dance (Tapaz)
The dance of the mountain tribe known as Mundo is a vanishing remnant of pre-Malayan Indonesian immigrants to Panay. The dance retains to this day the original choreography arranged around ancient Indonesian fertility rites.

NATURAL TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS

Baybay Beach (Roxas City)
Three kilometers from the city proper, this clean black sand beach has beach houses, motorboats for boating and fishing. Also a good place for water skiing.

Olutayan Island
30 minute pumpboat ride from Banica Terminal, Roxas City. The waters are crystal clear. Thirty feet below, multi-colored fishes cavort in flashes of blue, yellow, and red colors sliding through colorful seaweeds. The island’s beach is carpeted with tiny crushed shells called cascaho.

Quipot Cave (Bgy. Burias Mambusao)
30 minute ride over rough roads, it is about 3 km. from the Mambusao Agricultural and Technical College or around 9 km. from the town proper. Wild birds, deer, and wild ducks abound in the place. Near the cave is a stream. The cave consists of many chambers, each at a level different from other chambers. In certain sections, one has to crawl because the space between the roof and cave floor is just two or three feet. There are also sections that seem like a dead end, except for small openings through which only one person can crawl. These holes lead to a chamber as big as a hotel ballroom, which is why it is dubbed as the “Quipot Hilton”. There are plenty of stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is cool inside.

Napti Island (Pan-ay)
About three to four hectares big, located near Olutayan Island; has white sand, small cave, and abundant shells for necklaces. The beach is inviting. The water is cool and clear and free of troublesome jellyfish the whole year round. A small cave, about 100 meters long, winds several feet below the surface across the island. It commands a breathtaking view of Roxas City and Pan-ay. Fishing enthusiasts and gourmets have a wonderful time here because of the plentiful fish and lobster.

Buntod Beach (Pan-ay)
About a kilometer long and is located far from the inhabited section of Pan-ay; one of the cleanest beaches in Capiz; has fine black sand with a beach free of jellyfish all year round; and its water is cool and clear. It is approximately 10 minutes by jeepney, car, and tricycle from the town. It is also accessible by speedboat or pumpboat from any point of Capiz.

Pilar Cave (Pilar)
One and a half km. from the poblacion by jeepney, tricyle, and car over rough roads. About two years ago, townspeople discovered earthen pots with intricately incised designs. The caves must have been burial sites of pre-Spanish Filipinos. The Balisong Cave where the Capiz revolucionarios routed Spanish soldiers is also found hereabouts. The side of the mountain where the caves are is a spectacular sight. It is grayish-black rock rising 200 ft. to the sky. Plants, orchids among them, hang from the cliffs, blooming in the summer and filling the air with exotic frangrances.

Casanayan (Pilar)
A fishing village wherein patis and ginamos are made; vast fields of sugar cane, rice, and corn on the 3 km. road from the highway to this place. It has a beautiful 3 km. stretch of fine gray sand beach fringed with palm trees that neatly line the village as a haven for those who seek refuge from the city hassles. Casanayan is a barrio gifted with a bizarre phenomenon - a woman’s dead body that refuses to decay. Maria Basanes died at the age of 47 from a heart attack way back in 1829. When her body was exhumed ten years after her death, it was found intact and well-preserved, which was surprising because her embalming was supposedly good for only 3 days. Now, the dead body, brownish-black and light and hard as wood, stands inside a small hand-me-down. Her forehead has a portion where its skin was peeled off surreptitiously by men who believed it could be a lucky charm in fishing.

Tucad Reef (Pilar)
It is 10 km. from the Pilar shoreline; this is a submarine islet of seashells and corals topped with thin layers of sand. When the tide is low the whole island emerges, and with it, shells and corals of different colors - green, red, blue, pink, clear water. From this marine garden, the mountains of Masbate can be seen. Tucad Reef is accessible by a pumpboat or on foot during low tides.

Suhot Cave (Dumalag)
Situated in Dumalag, Capiz and only 300 meters away from the provincial road. It is actually a series of interconnected caverns of different sizes. At the cave’s arched entrance is a pool of clear, ice-cold water fed by a rock spring from within the cave. Further on, however, is a crack in the rocks where sulfurous water comes out. Suhot is believed to have a connecting tunnel to the Badiang Cave in Dumarao since both caves are found in the same mountain only 6 km. apart from each other, although Badiang is on a higher elevation. On the other hand, entrance to Badiang is hidden by dense jungle. In pre-war days, phosphate was said to have been extracted from the cave but it was a short-lived effort.

Igang Cave (Maayon)
A limestone cave found in Tapulang, Maayon, around 7 km. away from the poblacion or a 15 minute ride by car or jeepney. It has several entrances at different levels which lead to a central chamber and fan out again to different passages. Big star-like structures connect upper portions to the central chamber, which is well lighted and well ventilated. A gradually sloping passage, 7 feet wide and a foot high, takes one to the lower chamber, which unlike the upper and central chambers is dark. The floor here is covered with guano which townspeople use as fertilizer. The cave has stalactities and stalagmites.

The Coves of Ivisan (Brgy. Basiao & Brgy. Balaring)
10 km. or 30 minutes by jeepney, car or tricycle over rough roads from the town proper. These two barangays have cornered the white sand beach coves in the whole Capiz. In Basiao are the following coves: Marangcalan, Dinogmaan, Patyo, and Basiao.

Suhoton Caves
Located in Jamindan, it has several multi-layered chambers in its vast interior. Inside one chamber is an altar-like formation surrounded by stalagmites that seem like giant images in silent repose. Some chambers are as big as hotel ballrooms or cathedrals.

Mantalinga Island
Nearby Mantalinga Island, which is a kilometer away from the shoreline of Baybay beach, has been identified by the Department of Tourism as an ideal spot for scuba divers and a perfect rotunda for sailboat (dilayag) and kayaking contests. Recently named “Good Luck Island” by DOT consultants, the place is believed by the local fisherfolk as source of luck when names of their fishboats are written on the side of the island before it goes fishing for the first time.

RELIGIOUS AND MAN-MADE TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS

Religious Attractions

Pan-ay Church
This awe-inspiring church is a monument to past Spanish grandeur in Pan-ay town. Almost 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 that shines in subdued tone in misty light. The central altar is an elaborately sculptured 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 surrounded by 8 smaller bells. Shrouded with many enchanting tales, the huge bell holds more fascinating truth. It was cast from 76 sacks of coins believed to have been contributed by the citizens of the town. Its mammoth size holds a staggering record. It is seven feet in diameter and weighs 10.4 tons. In fact, it is estimated to be the largest in Southeast Asia.

Dumalag Church
It is 200 feet long and 50 feet wide. The walls are 3 feet thick and made of yellow sandstone. It has two doors at its side and one main doorway in front. There are six arched windows at each side with columns between them reaching to the roof. There are also small buttresses at the sides. The facade is decorated with small columns. At the front left side of the church is the 5-story belfry housing 5 bells of different sizes, all made in 1881. The church’s interior is shaped like a cross. The church was finished in 1872 when Fr. Andel Abasolo was parish priest of the town.

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Cathedral
One of the oldest in Panay Island, the church is a silent witness to events that have unfolded in the city over the past centuries. Its imposing view is being complimented by its location which is beside the city plaza fronting the Panay River and the old Capiz (now Roxas City bridge). Fiesta lights add glitter to the church.

Man-Made Attractions

Mussel Farm (Sapian)
Ten kilometers north of the town’s commercial hub, out in the sea, this mussel farm patiently lies like a silent picture of a thousand bamboo stilts arrayed 6 feet apart into the briny water. However, each bamboo pole stuck through the sea floor 6 to 7 feet deep yields hundreds of fat dark green mussels neatly arranged like dark distended leaves sprouting heavily on top of each other. One gets to this sea farm by means of pump boats, dugouts or rafts from Sitio Angkin.

Captivating Capiz : Panay Church Bell

One place that captivates in the Captivating Capiz is the church in Panay . This is one of the oldest church in Asia having a very memorable and valuable history in the Philippines. According to my sources, Panay church was recently restored and rebuild to make it last for more longer years. If in case you will visit the captivating Capiz visit Panay and see their church, the church that houses the biggest bell in Asia.

Trivial information about the church: It is about 250 feet long and 80 feet wide with a 9 feet thick walls blocks. The central altar is elaborately sculptured retablos of silver and hardwood in the florid style of Baroque art. The antique huge bell is surrounded by 8 smaller bells. The huge bell was made from 76 sacks of coins believed to have been contributed by the citizens of the town. It holds the record of being the biggest church bell in Asia and 2nd in the whole world. It is 7 feet in diameter and 10,400 kg. in weight. Still not convinced about this? Be captivated, visit the Captivating Capiz of the Philippines.

In 1566, Fray Martín de Rada is said to have preached the Gospel in Bamban (Pan-ay) and from there he proceeded to evangelize Dumangas to the south. The Augustinians continued to spread their net of evangelization to the south and west of Pan-ay until they had established footholds in the whole island. By the late 1500s, they had been had been the sole evangelizers of Panay island until the Jesuits arrived at this time.

Pan-ay Bell

Because of lack of food, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi transferred the Spanish settlement from Cebu to Panay in 1569. The town was formally founded in 1572 (1581 according to Jorde), although by that time Legazpi had moved the capital of the Philippines, further north, to Manila. Fr. Bartolome de Alcantara was named the prior of the town with Fr. Agustin Camacho as assistant. A prosperous town due to trade, Pan-ay became capital of Captivating Capiz for two centuries, until Capiz was named capital. The town name was eventually given to whole island. After 1607, Fr. Alonso de Méntrida, noted for his linguistic studies and Visayan dictionary became prior. In the 18th century, Pan-ay was famous for its textile industry which produced a cloth called suerte and exported to Europe. In the 19th century, Don Antonio Roxas, grandfather of Pres. Manuel Roxas, opened one of the largest rum and wine distilleries in the town. The Augustinians held the parish until 1898, when administration tranferred to the seculars.

The first church was built before 1698 when it is reported that a typhoon had ruined it. In 1774, Fr. Miguel Murguía rebuilt the church, but it was later damaged by a typhoon on 15 January 1875. Fr. Jose Beloso restored the church in 1884. The church is best known for its 10.4 ton bell popularly called dakong lingganay (big bell). The bell was cast by Don Juan Reina who settled in Iloilo in 1868. Reina who was town dentist was also noted as a metal caster and smith. The bell was cast at Pan-ay from 70 sacks of coins donated by the townspeople. The bell was completed in 1878. It bears an inspiring inscription which translated reads: “I am God’s voice which shall echo praise from one end of the town of Pan-ay to the other, so that Christ’s faithful followers may enter this house of God to receive heavenly graces.”

Sta. Monica Church, Pan-ay, Capiz

Heritage Features: Pan-ay belongs to the Baroque style. The pediment cascades gracefully down. The façade is ornamented with swags of flowers, niches and statuary. The bell tower to the left of the façade is simple in contrast to the façade. It base is planned as a quadrilateral but its upper stories are octagonal with the two sides longer than the other. To the church was attached an L-shaped convento, which had been ruined. Remnants of the covento have been incorporated into the present modern convento. Behind the church are remnants of a wall, which according to town lore was once a fortification. Attached to the sacristy is a large storage room, now converted into a Blessed Sacrament chapel.

The interior was formerly divided into a central nave with flanking aisles, but in recent years, the wooden posts that marked the divisions were removed to improve sight lines to the altar. The wooden choirloft was also removed because it was damaged by termites, so were the wooden floors of the bell tower. In place the tower has an independent steel stairway that leads to the topmost floor. This floor has been reconstructed in reinforced concrete with coral stone facing. The roof of the church, already damaged by a storm in 1984 and subsequently repaired, was already in a dilapidated condition in 2000. Its wood work was rotten and was in danger of collapsing. The woodwork and roof have been replaced by a steel and galvanized iron structure.

The church retains much of its original floor: terra cotta tiles, white marble and black slate as accents and for the sanctuary.

The church has three altars in Baroque style. The retablo of the central altar has been painted over in silver and gold enamel, however, the side altars have hardly been touched and probably represent the original colors of the woodwork—primaries of blue, red, green, orange with gold leaf accents. These altars are unique for Latin inscriptions carved on roundels set in its reed thin columns.

Captivating Capiz Festivals

What so special with "Captivating Capiz" is its festivals. Every year the province of Capiz celebrates the Sinadya sa Halaran, a festival that usually happens in December. They also have this food festival called "Diwal Festival".

From the history of Capiz, this festival commerates the rich culture and tradition of the captivating place. Colorful parade and fascinating fireworks are some of the highlights of this event. This year Capiz will celebrate their festivities with, "We are sure", another "big bang!"

The Many Colors of Capiz

MUCH celebrated as the “Seafood Capital of Philippines,” Roxas City, as well as Capiz, has truly metamorphosed from being typecast as aswang haven to one of the road maps of tourists whenever they come to the Philippines.

Rich in culture, steep in tradition and blessed with the bounties of nature, Capiz is home to festivals that have caught the eyes of the country as well as the whole world.

SINADYA SA HALARAN

An infusion of two of the province’s biggest festivals, Sinadya sa Halaran is an artistic and cultural pageantry as well as a religious celebration held every first week of December.

Literally known as “joy in giving and thanksgiving,” Sinadya sa Halaran was originally celebrated separately. Sinadya was a festival celebrated every December in Roxas City in honor of its patron saint, the Immaculate Conception. Among the famous activities during this celebration were displays of rituals and festivities originally Capiceño, including fireworks display, parade of giant paper images, fairs and food exhibits, as well as dance contests.

On the other hands, the Halaran festival, which was celebrated every first week of October, showcased the history of Capiz from the landing of the Bornean datus on the shores of Panay. Halaran, which came from the Visayan word halad, means gift or offer. This came from the legend of the Bornean datus’ gift of golden salakot to the native aborigines’ chief. This resulted to festivity and celebration which was offered by the natives to the deities.

In 1997, these two festivals were fused together and since then, it became grander than ever. According to Bryan Mari Argos, “the parade of festivals is a testimony of how rich Capiznon culture is.” This richness is clearly exhibited in the people’s love for merrymaking and enjoyment.

During this December festival, color and excitement flows everywhere in Roxas City. A solemn procession on the river, fireworks display, and trade fairs were held aside from the street performances staged by the different municipalities of the province.

The seafood-themed tribal competition held in the city plaza is also a breathtaking event that adds up to the excitement of the festival.

But the most opulent event of them all is the coronation of the festival queen, who usually comes from a prominent family in the city. A parade follows the day after the coronation where she is usually driven in a flower-filled and elegant vehicle that drives her around the city.

DIWAL FESTIVAL

Initiated by the then-City Mayor Antonio del Rosario in 2005, Diwal festival coincides with the harvest of the said seafood every July.

Famous for its exotic taste, Diwal is also known as the angel wings since for if two shells are opened up; they certainly look like an angel’s wings. It came close to extinction from the city waters in the 1980s after man-made abuses, but due to the measures made by the city government and with the efforts of Dr. Liberato Ureta and Evelyn Marasigan of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas, the celebrated bivalve was restored to its original number.

And to celebrate its great comeback, the Roxas City government took it as a celebration not only to show the whole world its rich marine life that made the city and he province as the “seafoods capital of the Philippines,” but also to promote tourism by luring visitors from around the country and the world to the enticing taste of diwal.

ASWANG FESTIVAL

Held every last week of October shortly before All Saints’ Day, Aswang Festival was organized in 2004 by the Dugo Capiznon, Inc. with the prime role of promoting tourism as erasing from Capiz the trademark as a place of aswang.

A very Capizeño version of the Western world’s Halloween, the festival garnered controversy and strong opposition from the local Catholic Church, since accordingly, it promotes to the belief of aswang and scares off children.

Nevertheless, according to Cherryl Ann R. Lastimoso, head of Dugo Capiznon, Inc., the main purpose of the festival is to undo the belief of many that Capiz is really a place of aswang and other creepy creatures. It also stress out that they are instead promoting tourism since the festival has already garnered a considerable number of visitors attracted with its pristine beaches and exotic delicacies. Lastly, according to Lastimoso, they aimed to promote economic progress since the festival has generated income for small and medium businesses.

Among the activities during the festival were educational symposiums about the aswang, trade fairs, street dancing competitions, among other.

HIL-O-HANAY FESTIVAL

Pailig it lantay, or parade of raft in the river, celebrating the spirit of bayahanihan and simply celebrating the abundant life in the countryside are the essence of the Hil-o-hanay festival of the Municapality of Sigma.

Although it has been a traditional way, the Hil-o-hanay festival, which means reciprocation, is manifested by the bayanihan spirit. It is coincided with the feast of Sigma’s patron saint, John the Baptist every June.

In the past, when farming was still made by hand, farmers depended on one another to accomplish their planting, harvesting, winnowing, and threshing of the crop. When the cycle is ended, farmers and their families gathered and shared their crops and products with one another.

The festival had its humble beginning when it was established in 1990. Back then, it was almost unknown except in Capiz. But since 2001, Hil-o-anay festival began to make news and continuously progressed to one of the region’s most awaited events.

After the then-municipal Mayor Roberto Sualug legally appointed the Sigmahanon Foundation for Culture and the Arts, Inc. (SFCAI) to spearhead the festival and since then, promotion of Sigma’s cultural heritage seemed to be in an upswing mood.

The two-day festival is itself staged to make Sigmahanons appreciate their rich culture and feel the virtue of reciprocation. Aside from the pailig it lantay, hut making contest is another event to be watched. Payag or hut, is the conventional home of Sigmahanons, as also those who live in the countryside. The contest is made to emphasize on conserving the traditional architecture as well as promoting the payag-making industry.

Another unique event in the festival is the hi-o-hanay sa plaza, where everyone joins one another for sharing of native food and drinks, the very reason why the Hil-o-hanay Festival was established.

LINGGA-ANAY FESTIVAL

Housing Southeast Asia’s largest bell, the Municipality of Pan-ay has more to offer other than its much-celebrated bell or the history Sta. Monica Parish. Celebrated every April, Lingga-anay Festival is a display of Pan-ay’s significant history as well as its marine resources.

According to historical accounts, when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi ran out of supply in Cebu, he moved to Panay and landed at the banks of Sta. Monica River in Pan-ay, thereby establishing the first Spanish settlement on the island.

With last year’s theme “Dunang Manggad kag Ikasangkol Pasanyugon, Kaumwaran Pangkalibutan Maagum,” (Enhancing Natural and Human Resources for Global Competitiveness), the municipal government lined up different activities to attract local and international aficionados. Among of which included painting and kite flying contests and agri-fishery biggest product contest. The festival also was highlighted by a spectacular fireworks display and the solemn coronation of the fiesta queen.

BALINTAWAKAN FESTIVAL

Celebrated every May, Balintawakan Festival began as a simple gathering of old folks of the Municipality of Pontevedra who were bound by an unwritten dedication to preserve a simple custom began long ago but only halted by World War II. Among the things to see in the festival are the binayle at the town’s public market and highlighted by the search for Miss Balintawakan and by the Rigodon de Honor. The balintaw, a Filipino costume is the official outfit of womenfolk taking part in the event.

PATABANG FESTIVAL

Patabang Festival was an annual event in the Municipality of Tapaz based on the munificence of heart and the idea of helping one another in case of need, or in local term tabang.

Patabang is one of the virtues of Tapaznons when time comes to some occasional time of hard work such as working in the farm during the planting and harvesting season, moving houses from one place to another, preparing foods during thanksgiving and many more. This bayanihan spirit is very common among the Tapaznons simple way of way of life particularly during times of hardships and difficulties. Patabang plays a essential part in every Tapaznon’s life serving as the tie that binds them together in their aim to achieve prosperity and progress.

Captivating Capiz Crafts

Truly, Capiz cradles one of the most Captivating Craftsmen in the world being able to make the best Capiz crafts and ornaments as well as indoor and outdoor decoration stuff. The world had seen what the extra-ordinary craftsmen from Capiz can do with the ideas that form in their minds when we are talking about Capiz shell crafts.

The province indeed is home to only the best ideas and the best craftsmen of makers of some of the most beautiful Capiz ornaments. The island is also home to some of the most unique ideas from the past traditions integrated to form only the best products made from the local Capiz shells that can be found in its own seas.

Capiz Hymn

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Lyrics of Capiz Hymn

O, Capiz

O, Capiz duog nga hamili Dunang manggad sang Diyos pinili. Kadagatan mo kag kabukiran. Pagatatapon imong kabuganaan.

Capiz matahum nga ngalan. Sa tagipusuon ikaw mapahamtang. Dumuluong ka, O Capizeno man ang kagayon. Sa gihapon, nahamut-an.

O, Capiz, Capiz, bisan diin kami padulong O, Capiz, Capiz, imo ngalan pagadal-on

Capiz, Probinsya nga pinasahi. Bilidhon ang mga palanublion Ipadayon, palig-unon, itib-ong Capiznon. Tanan, magahugpong.

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The hymn says it all. The heart, goal and the promise of the province to the Capiznon. It describes the richness of its natural resources from land and sea and the uniqueness of the province compared to other places in the country. The hymn try to persuade every Capiznons of the Captivating Capiz to lift up its name to the whole world. Capiz is really impressive!

Captivating the Origin of Capiz

Capiz was believed by native of the province to come from the word "kapid" (which means twin). When the Spaniards settled in the place, they found it difficult to pronounce the word "kapid" thus giving birth to the name "Capiz". Some also believe (specially old people) that Capiz got its name from "kapis", a shell of the mollusk family that is very much abundant in the place. (Source: capiz.gov.ph)

The phrase "Captivating Capiz" is the Capiz governments' development vision or battle cry to promote the enchanting scene of sunset at Capiz Bay province as a tourist destination and envisioned to be the "Eco-Cultural Tourism Hub" in Visayas Region.

Captivating Capiz : Roxas City - The Seafood Capital of the Philippines

Capiz is abundant with seafood found on its rich marine fishing ground. Savor the taste of mouth watering, tempting, fresh, safe, yummy, plentiful and cheap seafood, such as oysters or “talaba”, clams, mussel, greenshell or “tahong”,” angel wings or “diwal”, milk-fish or “bangrus”, king crab or “alimango”, blue crab or “kasag”, shrimp or “pasayan”, prawn or “lukon”, squid, tangigue, scallops, seaweeds or “gulaman”, lobster and Lapu-lapu. These seafood where served at restaurants located at Baybay beach. Our seafood is the freshest and the tastiest you will ever experience and truly captivating.

Capiz is also known for its cutflower production and marketing. Orchids, heliconias, anthuriums, roses, and other ornamental plants are suitable for reproduction in the province. Having a 400-hectare site ready for contract-growing arrangements, the cutflower industry is poised to become a major income-earner for the province and attracts investors mostly from Japan.

Your experience in visiting mezmerizing Capiz will not be completed without bringing home dried fish pasalubong such as “Tabagak”, “uga” or “tuyo” and dried squid or “pusit”, also banana crackers, banana chips , fresh lumpia and “dayok”. All these can be bought in Balay Capiznon, Banica market and Teodoro Arcenas Trade Center.

Captivating Capiz

Living a Life in Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines is simple and peaceful. It is an ideal refuge for those who wish to escape the fast-paced life in modern cities. It owes much of its charms to a mixture of its rich historic and natural beauty untrammeled by modernity and this is the reason Captivating Capiz is truly amazing.

Captivating Capiz is a dream of being in a paradise where there’s no brain aching problems but a lot of wonderful things that you can see especially sea foods. The delectable oyster dishes and fishes grilled and spiced up were running in my head. All are for the satisfaction of my palate. Even if it will make a great "side effect" on my very carefully engraved figure, I will leave that thinking. I will not stop, I will eat those foods in front of me. What I am talking about or what I am referring to is the place called Captivating Capiz which can be found in the heart of the country called Philippines. Capiz is a small province in the Philippines where the first ever president of the Independent Republic of the Philippines was born and raised, His honorable President Manuel A. Roxas. Aside from this historical and honorable political figure of the Philippines, Captivating Capiz is also the home of one of the great legislators of the country, Mar A. Roxas who is tagged as Mr. Palengke because of his vision in making an affordable primary commodities in markets or called palengke in the Philippines.

Captivating Capiz is been the most promising province for investors and tourists. The place is a great source of great skilled workers and also known for having very vast natural resources and raw products that can be used by manufacturers on their leading products. One known raw products used for making furnitures is the Capiz shells which is very abundant in the place and maybe the reason why the province is called Captivating Capiz.

My attraction on this captivating province is becoming enormous in every each day of searching about the grand features of Capiz. I actually made this blog to give my tribute and hail to the future Eco-cultural hub in Visayas. Will the captivating Capiz succeed from this grand vision? Hope I could help with this mission!

I really love the captivating province of Capiz and I just can't accept that people are insulting its name. Maybe you're saying that I am so exaggerated with how I react with this simple tease. No, it is because I am just very connected with the place and I just can't imagine how people are so insensitve about how we native of Capiz were tagged by unfair mark or negative label. That is why I am trying to learn a lot of things about promoting Capiz over the internet. I will announce through out the Philippines and even in the whole wide world and even the universe, that our government is not wrong in describing the province as the "Captivating Capiz". With this blog, I will prove to the world the reality of announcing the place as how the phrase is saying.