[ad_1] OK, let’s get something out of the way: No, we didn’t see any aswang. Not that we expected to. Capiz’s close association with stories about the aswang — perhaps the country’s most well-known blood-sucking, fetus-munching, sometimes shape-shifting folk monster — has been so embedded in the Pinoy psyche that when we mentioned to anyone we know that we were Capiz-bound, it was the first thing to pop on their minds. It was also one of the first topics that our guide in Capiz addressed, barely five minutes from the moment we emerged from the airport. But as one great philosopher said, “C’mon guys, it’s 2022!” 😅 For the longest time, the aswang has overshadowed whatever else the province has to offer tourists. But Capiz is so much more than its folklore. Aside from its natural wonders, it also actively pushes sustainable attractions showcasing its culture, history, and cuisine, while helping promote the livelihood of the local community. If you’re into new and off-the-beaten path destinations, here’s a list of the things to do and places to visit in Capiz. Note: This article is a work in progress. As of now, we have only explored Roxas City and neighboring Panay. We’ll update this as we travel and discover more of the province. WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE? Roxas City is the capital of the province of Capiz. In fact, the province got its name from it, which was formerly called the Municipality of Capiz before it was renamed in honor of Manuel Roxas, the fourth president of the Republic of the Philippines. Today, it serves as the gateway to the province and nearby areas in Panay Island. Here are some of the key attractions in Roxas City. Roxas City Museum (Ang Panublion) Sitting at the heart of the city is the Roxas City Museum, officially named Ang Panublion Museum. The Hiligaynon term panublion means “heritage”, an apt description because it showcases cultural and historical artifacts including those of the province’s indigenous groups, the Ati and the Panay Bukidnon. It is a great first stop of the tour because it can serve as a quick overview of what the city and province have to offer. This way, you’ll have more context when you visit another historic or cultural site, allowing you to appreciate them better. Also on display are collections depicting the history of Capiz and of Panay Island as a whole. At the very center of the room stand blown-up photographs of various scenes in the province. The museum structure itself is considered a historical landmark. Dating back to 1910, the circular water tank survived the claws of World War II and was eventually repurposed as a museum in 1993 by the city government. Location: Legaspi Street corner Hughes Street, Roxas City, CapizOpening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Tuesday – Friday); 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Saturday & Sunday); CLOSED (Monday)Entrance Fee: FREE City Plaza Just one block away from the Panublion Museum lies the Roxas City Plaza, the city’s historic core. Surrounded by a number important structures, the square is a one-stop site to see some of the city’s key landmarks: a fountain at the center, which also serves as the Kilometer 0 mark the Rizal Monument and the Capiz Provincial Capitol on the eastern side a historic bridge on the southern side the Roxas City Hall on the northern side the Roxas Monument on the western side the City Bandstand But perhaps the most dominant structure here is the Roxas Cathedral. More formally known as the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral, it is the center of Catholic faith in Capiz and the seat of the Archdiocese of Capiz. The church’s history can be traced back all the way to 1707, when it was established by Augustinian missionaries. But the building we see today was completed in 1827. Palina Greenbelt Ecopark & River Cruise Situated on the outskirts of the city, about five kilometers west of the urban center, the Palina Greenbelt Ecopark offers riverside agro-tourism, river tour, and fresh seafood treat on one of the many floating open-hut cottages. Get a glimpse into the seafood farming industry. Remember, Roxas City is the country’s seafood capital! Here, fishermen grow their own oysters, mussels, shrimps, and other marine products, promoting sustainable tourism and the local community’s livelihood. Managed by the community-based organization, Palina River Development Association, Inc., this multi-awarded undertaking has received recognitions including the ATOP-DOT Pearl Awards 2016 (Grand Winner for Community-based Responsible Tourism Enterprise), the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award 2018, and the Capiz Green Enterprise Award 2019 (Champion). If you want to dig into the freshest catch, it is highly recommended to order a day or two before your scheduled visit. For reservation and pre-order (menu), you may reach the management via the contact details below. You may also bring your own food, but corkage fees apply. Location: Sitio Cablatan, Barangay Cagay, Roxas City, CapizOpening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily). Note that the schedule might change, so always check the official Facebook page before visiting.Fees: P10/head (Entrance); P1,500 (Stationary Floating Cottage, 4 hours); P1,500 (River Tour, 1 hour, 15 pax); P2,000 (1-hour River Tour + 2-hour Stationary/Swimming)Corkage Fees: P20/menu, P50/case, P100 (Lechon), P100 (Ice Cream)Contact Details: 0910 609 7475 / 0946 319 5772 Paseo del Rio & Casa de Mercado Launched to the public in February 2022, Paseo del Rio (River Walk) used to be a dumping site but was later rehabilitated and transformed into a scenic promenade. Running between San Roque Bridge and Jumbo Bridge (Juliano Alba Bridge), it is a public leisure space, where people can have a relaxing walk along the Panay River. The most prominent structure here is Casa de Mercado, fronted by the Paseo del Rio welcome sign. As of this writing, the casa is largely empty and only booked for private and public events. But it doesn’t take much imagination to see it and the whole stretch as a vibrant cultural hotspot — possibly a weekend market — that
