Featuring Province of Capiz

Capiz is dubbed as the "Seafood Capital of the Philippines", boasting its 80-kilometer coastline and wide expanse of swampy lands easily converted into fishponds. It holds one of the richest fishing grounds and a major contributor in the aquamarine industry of the Philippines.

You are welcome to our Blog where you can learn more about the history, places, events, products and delicacies in Capiz. Experience the bounty of this province by the sea. Be captivated by the natural beauty of this peaceful and lovely place at the heart of the Philippine islands.

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.

Where To Go?

Must visit tourist spots in Capiz for better experience and to explore the beautiful places in this province. I assure that you will enjoy 

Panay Church

The Santa Monica Parish Church, also called Panay Church, Spanish: Iglesia Parroquial de Santa Mónica, is a historic church in Panay, near Roxas City in the province of Capiz, on Panay island in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines.

It is address at Roxas City-Panay Road, Panay, Capiz.

Mt. Nangtud

Mount Nangtud is the second highest peak in Panay Island, Philippines after Mount Madia-as. It is located on the border of Barbaza, Antique and Jamindan, Capiz. With an elevation of 6,801 feet. It is part of Central Panay Mountain Range, the longest mountain range in Panay Island.

Panublion Museum

Museum displaying historical & cultural artifacts in a converted water tank built in 1910. 

It is address at Legazpi Street, Roxas City, Capiz

Ayagao Beach

One the Capiz best place “beach” in Roxas City, you inadvertently mean Baybay – the strip of fine grey sand beach in the heart of the city dotted with resorts and seafood restaurants.  It is the favorite week-end get-away destination of Roxas City residents.

Mantalinga Island

Mantalinga Island, which is a kilometer away from the shoreline of Baybay Beach, has been identified as an ideal diving spot for scuba divers and a perfect rotunda for sailboat (dilayag) and kayaking contests. Recently nicknamed “Good Luck Island” by tourism consultants, the place is believed to be a source of luck for local fisherfolk. They write the names of their fishing boats on the side of the island before they set out to sea for the first time.

Olotayan Island

Olotayan Island is an island of legend. The name is a combination of olo (“head”) and  “tyan” (stomach), as a Capiz legend tells of a cruel giant whose body the anitos (gods) struck with lightning, scattering his body parts all over the sea. Nearer to Roxas’ shore is Mantalinga Island – reportedly the giant’s “mata” (eyes) and “talinga” (ears).

Roxas City Bandstand

Built in the early 20s by Jose S. Roldan, first Filipino principal of the Capiz Trade School, the Roxas City Bandstand overlooking the serene Panay River is the venue for many political rallies, presentations, and launching of programs that benefit Roxas City and the whole province of Capiz. The bandstand is an earthquake-proof structure that could be moved from one place to another as its original base is rounded or arched allowing flexibility when moved. However, recent renovations have permanently fixed the structure in its present site.

Roxas City Bridge (Spanish Bridge or Old Capiz Bridge)

The Roxas City Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks of the City of Roxas, capital of the province of Capiz. Built in 1910 as Capiz Bridge, it was then later renamed as Roxas City Bridge, coinciding with the renaming of the municipality of Capiz to Roxas City.

The bridge crosses the Panay River with one end facing the city's rotunda and the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral at the background. The best spot to take a photo of the bridge is Altavas Street located the southern terminus of the bridge.

To get to the bridge, you can simply take a tricycle within the city and ask the driver to drop you off at the cathedral. From there, you can just cross the street towards the bridge. 

There is so much more to visit here in the province of Capiz. You can choose your favorite spot now. Enjoy!

Spectacular Festivals

The province of Capiz celebrates colorful fiestas every year.  The locals hold these festivals yearly as a sign of thanksgiving for bountiful harvests.  Townspeople also want to honor their town’s and the province’s patron saints.

• Pangahaw Festival, January20

A thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest by the indigenous peoples of Jamindan. It is during this time when all the members of the family come together and share.

• Hil-o - Hil-o Festival, Last Saturday of February

Connotes reciprocity that demonstrates the mutual interdependence among our people, expresses itself in many forms and in many ways.

• Ilig Festival, Second Saturday after Easter

“Ilig” which means “a downstream or seaward travel” or “a trip in the direction in which a river flows,” is a celebration which brings to mind the Dumalagnons’ age-old practice of transporting their chief product, bamboo, baled together into rafts, sometimes laden with marketable foodstuffs, to places down Panay River, particularly to Capiz, now Roxas City. It is a tribute to this very useful woody grass, be it in butong, kawayan, dalusan or bulo, a main source of living for the townsmen whose resilience and patience in meeting the difficulties and challenges in life is comparable to that of the pliant and enduring bamboo tree. The festival also assumes some religious significance: it reminds the Dumalagnons that his day on earth is temporary, that he should be on a constant journey – “ilig” –towards heaven – his God’s abode and also his real home – and that for such a venture he needs to load himself with strong faith and works of love and charity termed as taw-anay gugma. The highlights of the festival include Sadsad-Hapayhapay (street dancing), Tangkores (bayanihan), Kabutungan (bamboo trade fair), Biray-Lantay (fluvial parade at Panay River), Mapa-Suhot Kita! and other activities that will showcase the significance of bamboos. This celebration culminates on the 2nd Saturday after Easter, the Feast of Mary, Our Lady of Consolation, the secondary patroness of Dumalag

• Sinaot Festival, May 3

Inspired by the Maskara Festival of Bacolod City that started in 1988; it is a street dancing contest among groups dancing to the tune of the Latin beat garbed in colorful Caribbean costume; this is the centerpiece of the town’s religious fiesta.

• Lingga-anay Festival, May 1-4

A vivid and accurate interpretation of the Panayanons deep love for our birthplace and strong sense of responsibility towards our  fellow Panayanons. It was inspired by the “Dakung Lingganay” or the big bell in which the town is well-known for.

• Guyum-Guyuman Festival, May 9-15

Taken from the town’s old name: “Caguyuman,” meaning anthill. People from nearby municipalities of Pan-ay, Panitan, Maayon and Pres. Roxas would thrive in the marketplace like swarms of ants for trading. This rich tradition is now a celebration of life and thanksgiving for all “Caguyumanons.”

• Tagbuan Festival, June 3

Conceptualized during pre-spanish time where the Aetas brought their harvest into town for barter of the abundant catch of the fishermen. The upland people met with the fishermen on the seashore. The Hiligaynon term for the meeting of the upland people and the fishermen is “Tagbu.”

• Agdahanay Festival, June 4-13

Held in the honor of the town’s patron saint: San Antonio de Padua, the festival gives due recognition to the Cuarterohanon’s hospitality. “Agdahanay” means inviting and accommodating others. One whole week of fun, revelry, cultural activities and frenzied street dancing.

• Tilibyugay sa Talahong, July 22-26

A 5-day event showcasing different activities like street dancing competition. The concept is based on the rituals on how to express gratitude for a bountiful harvest or a good catch, which features fishing and related activities. Seafood Cooking contest; Miss Tilibyugan sa Talahong Pageant; aqua trade fares; festival parade; barangay night; youth night; sports activities; parlor games cultural presentation and novelty shows are also culminated.

• Hi-o-hanay Festival, June 22–24

A manifestation of culture inherent to Sigma as a cultural expression of symbiosis. It is the way showing this rich cultural tradition to the younger generation in order to let the Hil-o hanay spirit continue with passion. It gives honor to the noblest and highest virtue of “community-ness” of its people, their innate and common traits that keep the balance of their relationship with one another, their environment and their God, the crowning glory that fires their initiative to constant becoming -  their search for culture of excellence.

• Padagyaw Festival, August 1-5

Being held every year mirrors the spirit of unity and cooperation of its people shown in the street dancing and pista ng bayan. These are concrete examples of group effort. Ideas and concepts were turned into actions of well-rehearsed and well-executed play, dancers and graceful rendition of songs and dances. A delight to the eyes of the heart.

• Pagpasidungog Festival, Aug. 1-10

Meaning to honor. The Panitan Municipal Government gives honor and recognition to every Paniteño who has given something for the social, cultural, educational and economic development of this town. Pagpasidungog honors those whose success in life gives inspiration to the young generation.

• Buyloganay Festival, Sept. 6-10

"Buyloganay” is a word typical of Ivisan culture characterized by the gesture of unity and cooperation. It is celebrated every September 10 in honor of its patron saint, St. Nicholas of Tolentino.

• Patabang Festival, Sept. 21–30

Based on the people’s generosity of heart and the idea of “you’ll help me and I’ll help you,” which is reflected in their way of life. “Pagpatabang” is one valuable trait of Tapaznons when it comes to some occasional time of hard work such as working in the farm during planting and harvesting season, transferring of the house from one place to another, preparing food during thanksgiving and many more. This bayanihan spirit is very common among the Tapaznon’s simple way of life.

• Pasalamat Festival, Sept. 20–22

In honor of the town’s patron saint, Sto. Tomas de Villanueva, “Pasalamat” is the annual theme of the towns fiesta celebration. The occasion is an auspicious opportunity to highlight the town’s rich culture and heritage, strengthen Daohanons Solidarity as a community ans as well as thanksgiving to God Almighty for the good health abs prosperity received through His blessings.

• Inilusan Festival, November 20-25

First celebrated in 1975, the Mambusao is an annual cultural-religious festivity. This is a colorful pageant celebrated by way of recollecting the stories of Mambusao and depicting the historical and cultural growth of the town. Celebrated in honor of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the term inilusan means the mutual and reciprocal giving and sharing of food and resources in generous measures and in the spirit of fraternal goodwill that permeates the daily life of Mambusaonons.

• Sinadya sa Halaran, First week of December

Loosely translated as joyful in offering, the festival is a jovial celebration of thanksgiving and sharing of these blessings that took forms in programs and activities that depicts oneness of Capiznon with his Devine Source of blessings, with the blessings themselves and with humankind.