Municipality of Capiz

CAPIZ

A Brief History

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.

My Favorite City

Roxas City

Roxas City is a medium-sized city in the provinceof Capiz, Philippines. It is the provincial capital and a component city. As of 2010, the city mayor is former city vice mayor Angel Alan Celino who was elected during the 2010 election.
The city is a center of copra and aquacultureproduction. The surrounding area growssugarcane, rice, coconut, fruit, hemp, andtobacco. The language spoken in Roxas City areCapiznon and Hiligaynon.
According to the 2007 census, the city has a population of 147,738 people with a density of 1,449/km2 (3,752.8/sq mi)
The abundance of marine life makes Roxas City the "Seafood Capital of the Philippines." This environment-friendly city is home to one of the richest fishing grounds in the country. Roxas City's Baybay Beach is just over 7 kilometers long. The tallest sea cliffs in Western Visayas can be found on the city's north side. Roxas City has been a Hall of Famer of the Regional Cleanest and Greenest Component City in Western Visayas Award of the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran Program of the national government.
Economy
Roxas City has basically an agri-based economy. Farming and fishing are the major economic activities which claim 52.87% of the city’s total land area. Although agricultural, the city is now moving towards commercialization and industrialization as it is the center of trade and commerce not only in the province of Capiz but also in the northern part of Panay Island which includes the province of Aklan and parts of Northern Iloilo. The city also start to expand its city proper primarily because of the construction of Pueblo de Panay, which aims to build a new business district that would connect the major highways of the city namely, Lawaan and Sibaguan Highway.
The city has a national port, fishing ports and airport. Visitors or transients in the city could stay at any of the nineteen (19) available accommodation facilities and they could dine at the twenty-one (21) restaurant and thirty-nine (39) refreshment parlors.
Data as of March, 2006

Civilization

Philippine Culture


Common Family Traits

Filipinos highly value the presence of their families more than anything. Regardless of the liberal influence they have gotten from the west, the family remained the basic unit of their society. This trait clearly shows among Filipinos abroad who suffer homesickness and tough work just to support their families back home in the Philippines.

In a traditional Filipino family, the father is considered the head and the provider of the family while the mother takes responsibility of the domestic needs and in charge of the emotional growth and values formation of the children. They both perform different tasks and being remarked separately by the children. Children see their mothers soft and calm, while they regard their fathers as strong and the most eminent figure in the family.

Because of this remarkable closeness, parents sometimes have difficulties letting go of their children and thus results to having them stay for as long as they want. For this somehow explains why grandparents are commonly seen living with their children in the Philippines. Unlike the way people grow old in the west where they are provided with outside homes and care giving, Filipino elderly enjoy their remaining lives inside their houses with their children and grandchildren looking after them.

Another trait Filipinos made themselves exceptional from others is their strong respect for elders. Children are taught from birth how to say “po” and “opo” to teach them as early as possible how to properly respect their elders. These words are used to show respect to people of older level. Even adults will be criticized for not using these words when speaking with their parents or people older than them. Inside the family, the parents are expected to receive the highest respect from the children along with the elder siblings; as they are given more responsibilities to look after younger siblings when parents are not around.

Children fighting back or addressing parents or elder siblings with arrogant tone are not at all tolerated. They are also not allowed to leave the house without their parents’ permission. Upon arriving home, conservative families expect children to practice the kissing of hands or placing their parents or elder family members’ hand to their foreheads with the words “mano po” as a sort of greeting.

Even after finishing school, Filipino children are not obliged to get out of their homes unless they want to. In fact, most of them keep their close relationship to their parents by staying at least before they get married. Leaving them happens only when they really have to, but usually, at least one child, depending on his willingness and financial capabilities, stay even after marriage to support and look after their aging parents.

More over, Filipinos keep close connection with other relatives. They recognize them from 2nd degree to the last they can identify. As Filipinos say, “not being able to know a relative is like turning their backs from where they come from.”


Myths Folklore Superstitious Beliefs and Practices

The early Panayanon believed in many gods. Bulalakaw, a bird which looked like a peacock and could cause illness, was said to live in the island's sacred mountain called Madya-as. A chief goddess was believed to reside in the mountain of the nearby island of Negros Occidental. She was called Laon, after whom Mt. Kanlaon is named. Mediators to the gods, also said to be the first priests, were: Bangutbanwa, who prayed for good harvests and an orderly universe; Mangindalon, who interceded for sick persons and prayed for the punishment of enemies; and Soliran and Solian, who performed marriage ceremonies. Manunubo was the good spirit of the sea.

The kama-kama are dwarves living in earth mounds, and are lazy and fun loving. The tamawu/taglugar are spirits that can be either friendly or evil. They live in resplendent palaces that look like mere boulders to the human eye. When they find a human being attractive, they entice the person to join them; this peculiar act of courtship is called yanggaw. The dwindi is a dwarf residing in a mount of earth. The lulid sa bungsud has a big head, but a small torso and limbs. One who disturbs the mound where it resides falls ill. The agta is a very dark, hairy person living in the forest. Although a trickster, it is helpful to people. The amamanhig is a dead person who has returned to life and simply echoes everything that mortals say; it has lost the power to think. Hiwit or barang is a ritual that gives one of the power to inflict pain on an enemy.

Festivals

Halaran Festival

Every 1st week of October, Roxas City. This festival depicts the colorful history and culture of the Capizeños back to pre-Spanish times particularly the landing and settlement of the Bornean datus. Halaran comes from the Visayan word, halad meaning gift or offer is aimed not only to unfold the charms and beauty of the province but recapture the color and romance and its history. Legend has it that the Bornean Datus gave gifts to the aborigines of Panay as tokens of goodwill and friendship. This resulted in a colorful Halaran celebration highlighted by eating, drinking and dancing to the exotic beat of drums. Halaran is street dancing, lissome Capizeños and babaylans with their offerings to the spirits. It is celebrated every first weekend of October.


Diwal Festival

The Diwal Harvest Seafood Festival is held every 2nd weekend of July. The Diwal is a rare bivalve found abundantly along the coastal waters of Roxas City and Capiz. Ten years ago it disappeared from the waters of the City and Province because of illegal harvesting practices and pollution. Now, ten years later, after intensive research, seeding, and strict fishing and harvesting legislation, the Diwal is again ready for harvest as the efforts of the City have once again caused its abundance. The festival was first celebrated this year and will be celebrated annually. The Diwal is known for its sweet and juicy qualities and its immaculately while elliptical shells, hence the name "Angel Wing" Shell. Every year during the festival, tons of the bivalve are harvested and sold in the open market and the seafood festival, with drinks and music, and lots of partying in thanksgiving to the Almighty for the great and rare bounty that is Diwal.

The two-day celebration fits its national image as the seafood capital. Diwal, popularly known as "Angelwings" is one of the most sought after bivalve for it’s sweet, juicy and tender taste. It can be recalled that Diwal was first harvested in commercial quantity back in 1994. it’s abundance triggered wanton harvest that wrought havoc to its natural habitat. The destruction caused the absence of Diwal for almost a decade until a research team from the Institute of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries of the University of the Philippines in the Visayas came to the rescue in cooperation with the Philippine Council for Aquatic & Marine Research & Development (PCAMRD), the Bureau of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Capiz Provincial Government. The city government funded study on "Habitat and Reproductive Biology of Angelwings, Pholas Orientalis (Gmelin)" eventually restored the natural habitat that brought back Diwal from years of absence.

Tourist Attraction

BIGGEST CHESS BOARD


CHECKMATE comes in literally bigger dimensions for chess lovers in Roxas City in Capiz.
A giant, almost life-size chess set, adorns the Halaran public plaza where members of the Roxas City Plaza Chess Association Inc. (RCPCAI) converge daily for games of chess.
The chessboard, measuring around 12 by 12 feet, has giant wooden chess pieces 2 to 3-feet tall on a tiled concrete board. Playing on the giant board, players have to lift or hug the pieces, made of light wood, around the board. The rules, however, didn’t change.
The chessboard was funded and built late last year by the city government upon the recommendation of the RCPCAI, said Roxas City Vice Mayor Ronnie Dadivas.
Dadivas said there were many chess enthusiasts in the city. The location of the giant chessboard is ideal because it is shaded and accessible to residents.
Jose Albaladejo, director of the chess association, said his group thought of building the giant chessboard to draw more interest to the game.
The chessboard has become an attraction to visitors in Roxas City as it is in the plaza, along the main city streets near the scenic Panay River.
Beside the giant chessboard are rows of tables with regular-size chessboards where games are played from from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Players pay a P5-fee to play for the whole day at the plaza.
Formed in 2007 by at least 20 chess lovers, RCPCAI transferred to their current location last year, said Albaladejo. Members of the association range from teenagers to retirees in their 70s.
“It’s a great way to pass the time and to maintain a sharp mind,” Albaladejo said.
“If you play well on a regular-size chessboard then you will be still the same on the giant one,” he said.


Capiz Paradise



Capiz Paradise is the place of nature lover,were you can spend your time and experience theessence of nature. Capiz Paradise is a beautiful place where you could see different kinds of animals. Capiz Paradise is a resort that has a beautiful spots. There you can see fruit trees, animals, and many more. Capiz Paradise looks like a paradise. There you can have your relaxation. You can also enjoy the services given by the resort.It is found at Barangay Mianay, sigma capiz. It is started developing 7 years ago and the lot of this resort is 4 hectares.Capiz paradise is like a zoo that have more animals like sheep, horse, snake, carabao, eagle, goat, Kangaroo, monkey, crocodile, birds, and more animals. And also fruits they have 50 variety of fruits like Chico, lansones, and rambutan. And it is good advantage to us because it is educational and it is related to nature.Many students and family's will come her in capiz paradise to see our beautiful nature.And you can enjoy because they also have a horse riding, boating and fishing and have a fresh air and attractive views.You will enjoy to swim also, the resort have a two pools and a cottages. Capiz paradise haves a three gates, and the entrance fee is 10 pesos for adult and no fess for those senior citizens.A restaurant in a short order and you can reserve an event because it is opened.You really can enjoy to this resort, if you want to games like badminton, table-tennis, billiard all of this is available but have a fee and they also have a horse riding, boating and fishing and have a fresh air and attractive views.You will enjoy to swim also, the resort have a two pools and a cottages. Capiz paradise haves a three gates, and the entrance fee is 10 pesos for adult and no fess for those senior citizens.A restaurant in a short order and you can reserve an event because it is opened.You really can enjoy to this resort, if you want to games like badminton, table-tennis, billiard all of this is available but have a fee and they also have boating.And if you want to sing they have a videoke in a reception.The Capiz paradise Resort,Every day it keep changing and improving. There's a lot of construction going on, very slowly but carefully building up with love with all the people around the place.





The Olotayan Island

Philippine Archipelago is abundant on having too much natures blessings. There are many tourist spot in the Philippines. Many foreigners are visiting the country because of the famous tourist spots. The most famous one is the Boracay beach Resort, where you can find the famous white sand beaches.

There is one island that has also the beauty of Boracay Island, it has also white sand beaches and the most better fact is, it is not as crowded and more peaceful than Boracay Island. It almost took an hour from a boat ride from barangay banica boat port n Roxas City, this barangay is blessed with serene shores with white sand mixing with corals washed ashore by strong waves, Olotayan Beach offers a tranquil and relaxing experience. If you have a hassle and stress living with the busy life in the city, it is the best place to unwind and relax.

With clear waters and a rural setting, where sea waves and occasional laughter’s from kids playing at a distance, this place really fits for a perfect place for a honeymoon, or if you are one of those busy businessmen, it is a great gate away to nature and feel the calmness of the island. With relatively few visitors and tourists visiting the area, the place remains as placid and native all through the years. Despite its short distance from the city, the place has maintained its rustic view, thus giving visitors an opportunity to be close to nature. With most native folks still adhering to rural way of life, the most sophisticated tourists will find ways to commune with Mother Nature and a chance to get back to the basic of living and witness for themselves the way it used to be with no cars, large buildings and other infrastructures the city have. Others who lives and who have gone to this place called it mini Boracay because of the clear waters, especially white sand beaches. Trully belongs to tourist spots in capiz.

Olotayanons are blessed to settle here in such a beautiful place. Despite of living away from the city, the people here are contended to live in such a simple life. You can simply notice the hospitality of the people by showing their smiles and warm greetings as you stroll around the island.

Most of the men in the island is often busy doing or rather fixing their fish nets or boats. If you try to walk along the small cemented-footway, you can probably met kids playing with everyone; witnessing their innocent smile makes you feel how they are happy to have such life. You will also notice some teens carrying their laundry to help their mothers. Olotaynons are productive even with their own little and significant way of living.




Cadimahan River Tour

One of the fast rising tourist spot in the Philippines is Capiz. Yeah, yeah, there’s a taboo in our society that Capiz is home to witches or aswangs, but it aint true. Capiz is actually a lovely place that is a sanctuary for people who are tired of the busy streets in the city. One of their latest addition to their tourist destination is the Cadimahan Libotong River Tour. The tour takes about 1.5-3 hours at your own convenience. We opt for our Cadimahan Libotong River Tour to take for 2 hours. You have the option to tour the river while eating so it is kind of a floating restaurant. Also, you can have a foot spa(Php 150) or massage(Php 250). We also have a tour guide giving us facts and trivia about the river. The tour is just new but she did an awesome job.