I wanted to go to Roxas City, Capiz not to explore the unknown. Despite its riveting background and mysticism, when I visited the province, I just wanted to indulge in their seafood offering. My mission was simple: I wanted to dine along Baybay Beach.
Capiz was our last minute re-route in our Panay Island roadtrip. We were supposed to head back to Iloilo after visiting Aklan but realized that the food that Roxas City has in store is too tempting to skip.
We rode the van from Kalibo and alighted at the city center. The very first thing we noticed is how collectively obedient the people of Roxas City are. Everyone followed pedestrian signs. In fact, when someone tried crossing on a red pedestrian light, passers-by (civilians) were quick to put the man in place. This does not happen in Manila. We rationalize our disobedience by the number of people doing the deed. Sad.
There were also a lot of army officers around Roxas City. This made me feel secured. If there is one thing I abhor most about traveling, it’s being ripped off by my fellow kababayans. I took advantage of their presence and asked directions, and also how much fare I should pay. Not only did they answer my inquiry, they even hailed a tricycle for me and instructed the driver where to drop me off. I really appreciated that.
When we arrived at Baybay, an array of food stalls, reminiscent to Manila’s Dampa, welcomed us. And just like any Dampa experience, I had a hard time choosing what to eat and where to eat. Thank goodness though for this very bubbly tindera who welcomed us with all her flamboyant will. She was also very considerate. She knew we wanted to try everything so she suggested that we order Diwal (angela wings clam) half of it baked, while the other, sigang-ed. It was a great bargain because she didn’t charge us extra! We also ordered grilled hito and liempo and ate to our heart’s content.
We also met one of the restaurant’s most loyal patron. It was a black stray dog who took shelter in their food hub. The fur-baby was well-behaved and only ate when given food. Of course, we did give him liempo and in return, he allowed us to play with him and take photos by the beach! The Sibuyan Sea was restless when we were there but the wind was the perfect prelude to the sunset. Within our eye’s reach was also Mantalinga Island. According to the locals, this island is dubbed as “Good Luck Island” because it is believed to give good fortune to fishermen. In fact, it has been the local tradition to have the names of the boat etched on the rocks on the side of the island before they set out to sea for the first time. We wanted to go to the island so bad because we heard that it’s also a great dive spot however, time wasn’t on our side. We had to take the next bus back to Iloilo.
Instead of trying our luck in crossing the Sibuyan Sea, we just walked around town and hunted for souvenirs. Being at the center of the Roxas City Plaza is humbling. We, Manilenos, brag too much about what we have back home without realizing that the provinces has so much better to offer. Roxas City is known for its Eight Heritage Monuments on its plaza alone. Among the eight is the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral which is the oldest , having been built at around the 1870s.
Sitting on its right is the Capiz Provincial Capitol Complex that is said to have a simplified take on the Spanish-Filipino architecture. It was designed by an American architect, William Parsons, which could be the reason why art enthusiasts can detect a hint of the bright and clear California feel on the building.
Right at the entrance of the Capiz Provincial Capitol Complex is also an American-era inspired statue of our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Although it stands on the center of a parking lot, the capitol building gives it a good backdrop when viewed from afar.
The last photo I took of the Eight Heritage Monuments was the gazebo (the very first photo on this blog). It was a bit frustrating since we were caught in between the late afternoon rush hour and there were a lot of foot traffic around the structure, thus making it hard to take a photo, so I had to make do of what I have. The gazebo was designed by Architect Jose Roldan who was then the founding director of Capiz School of Arts and Trade, or the now Capiz State University.
I liked Capiz. It was just sad that I didn’t have much time to explore further. We were able to secure souvenirs from the tiangge at the side of the church, though. Hopefully we’d back soon to see what this beautiful province has to further offer!
***Roxas City, Capiz is part of our independently-arranged Panay Backpacking Adventure in hopes that we finish Project 81 (Or visiting all the 81 provinces of the Philippines)!!! You can read our adventures around the Panay Island by clicking the links below:
Antique: La Escapo Mountain Resort
Guimaras: Island Hopping and Trike Tour
How to go to Roxas City, Capiz:
There are Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific flights that cater the Manila-Roxas City route. You can check their latest fares at their respective website. Also watch out for fare promos!!!
From Iloilo City, there is a bus or van that can take you to Roxas City, Capiz. Travel time usually takes 2 to 3 hours.
From Kalibo, Aklan (our route), we paid around 100 Php to get to Roxas City via Van. The travel time is pretty short at more or less an hour to hour and a half.
Jannispaghetti = Wanderlust 