Roxas City is the capital of Capiz Province – the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines” in Western Visayas. If you are on Panay Island, it is highly recommended that you visit this rich city to witness and experience the heritage sites of the modern generation. Also, the province has the most controversial and awaited annual festivity in the Philippines – the “Aswang Festival.” Politically, the city is prominent because it is the hometown of the late Philippine President Manuel A. Roxas.
Capiz Tourist Spots:
- Panay Church
- Roxas City Museum or Ang Panublion
- Roxas City Fountain
- Roxas City Bridge, built in 1910
- The Bandstand, designed by Jose S. Roldan
- Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral
- Capiz Provincial Capitol
- Seafood in Baybay
How to Get to Capiz:
- By Air: I booked a Cebu Pacific flight from Manila to Roxas City Airport. So after deplaning, I waited an hour in the waiting area at the airport’s entrance. I wasn’t waiting for somebody else; I used the airport’s free public Wi-Fi to read travel blogs online. Unfortunately, the management turned the connection off. Thus, I had no choice but to move on – to travel to my first destination – the old Panay Church. To complete my Western Visayas list, I listed the “8 Must Visit Tourist Destinations.”
- By Bus: In Cubao or Alabang, ride in an ALPS bus to Shell, Mambusao Intergrated Terminal, Jamindan Bus Stop, Ivisan, or Roxas City Integrated Transport Terminal.
I did not accommodate those tricycle drivers offering their service at the airport. I proceeded outside the airport and asked the locals for the cheapest transportation to Panay Church. They suggested just riding in a tricycle, which I did! From the airport main gate to the church, travel time was 20 to 30 minutes, and paid 200 pesos. From afar, I quickly noticed the church's gigantic white dome and gray artistic facade. Super Excited!!!! So, when we arrived, I hurriedly got off the trike, paid the driver, and started walking around.
From what I have observed, the interior of Panay Church is not as stunning as the Manila Cathedral, or maybe because the lights were just off, but the exterior, such as the walls and the facade, were just eye-dropping. With due fairness, the church's structural integrity seems to be okay and properly maintained.
According to the historical marker: "Pan-ay was originally called Bamban, was established in 1572. The first church, constructed in 1774 by Fr. Miguel Murguia, was heavily damaged by typhoon in 1875. The present church was constructed in 1884 under the direction of Fr. Jose Beloso who commissioned Don Juan Reina to cast a bell for the church from seventy sacks of coins donated by the townspeople. This bill, the biggest in the Philippines, measures seven feet in diameter, five feet in height, and weighs 10,400 kilograms. By virtue of NHI Board Resolution No. 3.S.1997, this church is declared a National Historical Landmark."
Going Back to Roxas City: In front of Panay Church, the majority of the mode of transportation is via tricycle. I rode in a tricycle to the boundary, those with the “WELCOME and COME AGAIN” arc, and then another tricycle ride to the City.
The tricycle driver dropped me off by the entrance of Roxas City Museum – called Ang Panublion. The museum has a collection of antiques, paintings, other works of art, and memorabilia left by politics and culture. What’s special inside are those costumes and other personal belongings of the late President Manuel A. Roxas and those Chinese earthen wares discovered on the sunken ships on the seabed of the province.
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| Photo: Roxas City Fountain. |
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| Photo: Roxas City Bridge, built in 1910. |
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| Photo: The Bandstand by Jose S. Roldan. |
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| Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral |
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| Photo of the gorgeous Capiz Provincial Capitol. |
Just a few meters away is the City Plaza, where the other heritage landmarks are situated. If you are catholic by faith, the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral is one of the well-known houses of worship. It is also one of the historic landmarks in the City, built in the 1800s. On the rotunda, there is the Roxas City Fountain that is still standing and the Roxas City Bridge that traverses the Panay River. Of course, the seat of the political leaders can be found inside the capitol, which has an intricate color and designs.
As mentioned, Capiz is the Seafood Capital of the Philippines; therefore, don’t forget to visit Baybay, similar to Roxas Boulevard in Manila. In the afternoon or during the sunset, this spot is where you can find a lot of grilled products. The area has a cool and fresh ambiance because of the sea breeze – perfect for a date! But I was alone during my visit. From the plaza, it’s a 15 to 20 minutes travel via tricycle.
Where to Stay in Roxas City, Capiz:
- Affordable Place to Stay. I booked via Hotels.com a cheap overnight stay at Pete’s Inn located on Washington Street, just a walking distance from the City Plaza by the Panay River. To book or check their updated rates, click HERE
- Sky Garden Hotel by RedDoorz, click HERE
- Islands Hotel, click HERE
- The Beachhouse and Bar in BayBay, click HERE