Travel Log: Roxas City

Roxas City… seafood capital of the Philippines

Roxas City, capital of the province of Capiz, is located at the northeastern tip of Panay Island in the Western Visayas Region. In 1569, the Spaniards settled in the neighboring town of Pan-ay. With the discovery of coves and waterways in the vicinity that could serve as gateways for shipping and trade, the capital was moved from Pan-ay to Capiz. When the Americans came in 1900, they introduced the democratic system of government.

HOW TO GET THERE…

From Manila – take a boat from Manila under the Super Ferry or Negros Navigation transportation company. The trip lasts up to 18 hours. There is also a roll-on roll-off (RORO) option that passes by Roxas City straight from Cubao in Manila. For the jet setter, both Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have flights that fly to Roxas daily, every morning. The flight takes only 40-45 minutes.

From Iloilo – two hours away from Iloilo City by L300 van and about three hours by bus. Terminals in Iloilo City are located at the Tagbac Common Transport Garage in Jaro for both the L300 vans and Ceres Liner buses. Fares range from 100-150 pesos depending on the mode of transportation chosen.

WHAT TO EAT…

Seafood! Seafood! Seafood! Roxas boasts an abundance of fresh fish, aligue-packed crabs, squid, prawns, diwal and succulently sweet tasting oysters among its tasty catch.

WHAT TO SEE…

Roxas City Museum known as perhaps the only museum in the world that was originally a water tank. It is also known as Panublion. Located just across from City Hall, this impressive circular piece of architecture offers visitors a comprehensive view of Roxas City's past, present and future, and a complete record of those who have contributed to making Roxas City what it is today. Constructed in 1910, the museum used to be a water tank that served local residents for more than three decades.

Birthplace of Manuel Roxas, located in the city proper. A two-storey hardwood and stone house of first Philippine President Manuel Roxas, and now a historical shrine.

Quipot Cave (Bgy. Burias Mambusao) is a 30 minute ride over rough roads, about 3kms from the Mambusao Agricultural and Technical College, or around 9kms from the town proper. Wild birds, deer and wild ducks abound in the area.

From Kalibo – only an hour and a half away from Kalibo, Aklan, by bus or L300 van. Fares range from 90-100 pesos, and the vehicles go directly to the city's L300 van and bus terminals.

From Boracay – about four hours away from Roxas City. Take a motor boat to the Caticlan wharf, then take the bus or L300 van back to Kalibo. Follow the travel instructions above given from Kalibo to Roxas City.

From Bacolod – a ferry ride away from Iloilo City, which takes about 60-90 minutes. Fares range from 100-300 pesos depending on the class and boat selected. From the port, take a taxi or jeepney to any of the transportation terminals mentioned above.

Baybay Beach is just 3kms away from the city circle. It is a favorite weekend spot for locals, and those coming from nearby towns and provinces. Considered a “must not miss” spot in Roxas City, it is an ideal haven for swimming, snorkeling and kayaking.

Olotayan Island is blessed with a coarse, white sand beach and serene shores. The waters are crystal clear. Thirty feet below, multi-colored fish cavort in flashes of blue, yellow and red, sliding through colorful seaweed.

Mantalinga Island is an ideal 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 fisher folk.

WHAT TO DO…

Halaran Festival is the joint festival of the City of Roxas and the Province of Capiz. It is a mixed festival in that it is celebrated for both cultural and religious reasons. It is celebrated every first weekend of December in commemoration of the Feast of the Virgin of the Immaculate Concepcion, who also happens to be the Patroness of the City of Roxas. Sinadya sa Halaran boasts colorful activities like the grand parade of festivals, the fluvial parade and the lighted river floaters. There is also the traditional seafood festival and the grand pyrotechnic display.

Sinadya Festival showcases cultural and religious activities that express the spirit of the Capizeño. Sinadya means "let be happy". As a religious festivity, the faithful honor their Patroness and Mother through traditional rituals, lining the Fluvial Parade, the Prosesyon Sang Birhen and Misa sa Plaza in gratitude for the bountiful blessings they shared through her intercession.

Diwal Harvest Seafood Festival is held every second weekend of July. The Diwal is a rare bivalve found abundantly along the coastal waters of Roxas City and Capiz. It is known for its sweet and juicy qualities and its immaculate, while elliptical shells, hence the name “Angel Wing” shell.

For more information, check out , www.tourism.gov.ph, www.corporate.mozcom.com, www.roxascity.gov.ph, or www.geocities.com