Mystical Capiz

Mention Capiz and most people will instinctively correlate it with the popular local myth about aswang, the common name for ghouls, monsters, and witches. However, those who believe in the rumor that Capiz is a coven of witches and aswang will surely miss a lot by not visiting this rustic yet beautiful province.

Life in Capiz is as simple and peaceful as any province in the Philippines. It is an ideal refuge for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city life with its unique charm evident in its rich history and serene natural attractions.

Located 375 miles southwest of Manila, Capiz is one of the five provinces that make up the Panay Island in Western Visayas. It is comprised of 16 municipalities, one chartered city which is Roxas City, and 472 barangays. Its topography is characterized by rolling hills, agricultural lands, mountain peaks, and ranges, as well as powdery gray-sand beaches and isolated coves.

The majesty of natural wonders that range from falls to hills and caves as well as the consummate seafood produce and indigenous fares and centuries-old historical architectures are just some of the reasons to explore Capiz.

Something old

Relive Capiz’s glorious pre-Hispanic and colonial past by visiting the Panublian Museum. Located on Hughes St., Roxas City, the museum was originally built as a water tank in 1910 but now houses comprehensive collection of the province’s rich culture and history.

Being the birthplace of President Manuel Roxas, one’s travel experience will never be complete without visiting the two-storey hardwood and stone house of the first president of the Philippines. Located at the corner of Rizal and Zamora Streets, Roxas City, the historical shrine houses the photographs and other memorabilia of the late president Roxas.

Built in 1774, the Sta. Monica Church is considered one of the oldest churches in the country and can be found in Panay, Capiz. Declared as a National Landmark by the National Historical Institute in 1997, its architecture is majestic Baroque.

The grand structure of the church is made of coral stone, shaped into Latin cross with one large central altar and four lateral ones. Each lateral altar, stunningly gilded with retablos of hardwood, supports artistically-made polychrome religious statues.

Atop the five-storey belfry of the church hangs the Dakung Ligganay (big bell), which is believed to be the biggest bell in Southeast Asia, and third in the world. The bell was cast using 70 sacks of coins by Don Juan Reina to honor God and the Virgin of Consolacion in 1878.

The big antique bell, measuring 7 feet in height, 5 feet in diameter, and 10.4 tons in weight, is surrounded by eight smaller bells. Its reverberation can be heard from as far as eight kilometers away.

Of course, nothing beats interacting with the indigenous people of Capiz - Sulod Tribe in Tapaz and Ati of Dumarao - to experience authentic history, culture, and traditions.

Recently, the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts, in cooperation with the local government of Capiz, celebrated the Indigenous People’s Month in Roxas City where over 18 indigenous groups from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao participated.

Entitled “Dungog,” which means dignity in Hiligaynon, the festival featured the significant aspects of the indigenous people’s way of life, highlighting both the tangible and intangible traditions, and mirrored the wealth of heritage and pride of the indigenous communities in the country.

Borrowed from nature

Untouched by modernity, Capiz is envisioned by the provincial government to be the “Eco-tourism Hub in Central Philippines,” branding it as “Captivating Capiz” to promote the province as a tourist destination.

For the adventurous, they can go spelunking or do simple cave exploration in some of the unique cave systems in the Philippines. The Pilar Caves, for instance, have numerous snake-like passageways that would take days, or even months, to thoroughly explore. The caves are situated in the 200-feet high grayish black cliff of the mountains and surrounded by rice fields.

History has it that one of the caves, Balisong Cave, witnessed one of the greatest battles in the province during the Spanish revolution where the local hero Juan Arce died.

Local people and tourists alike frequent the Suhot Caves. The Dumalag caves are a chain of interconnected caverns which have a connecting tunnel to Badiang Cave of Dumarao which is at least six kilometers away. At the mouth of Suhot Caves is a man-made pool whose waters flow from a spring inside the cave.

Numerous eco-parks abound in Capiz such as the Pangilatan Eco-tourism Park which is home to one of the most majestic waterfalls in the province that has an enormous cascade of 81 feet, and the Culajao Mangrove Eco-Park, the only mangrove reserve within the city.

One of the must-see is the Marugo Eco-Resort, which is built in a 400-hectare land situated along the dam. One can cruise along the dam through a floating hut or by kayaking. Several minutes away, one can trek to see the splendid waterfalls.

For a laid-back life, catch a wave or two in the powdery gray-sand Baybay beach while watching the sun sets amidst the backdrop of sea and sky, or explore the rich marine ecosystem in Olotayan and Napti Islands.

Of course, don’t go home without having your fill of seafood. Dubbed as the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines,” Capiz boasts of its 80-kilometer coastlines and wide expanse of swamps which are converted into fishponds where varieties of seafood can be caught. Capiz holds one of the richest fish grounds which make the province one of the major contributors to the Philippine aquamarine industry.

For pasalubong, opt for dried seafood or capiz shells turned into fashion accessories, decorative vases, and lamps, among others. Considered as the most versatile seashell, capiz is admired for its translucent quality, with a luster reminiscent of the mother of pearl shells.

Far from the scary place that the province was rumored to be, Capiz is truly and simply captivating.

[ Roxas Airport Wiki ]