Captivating Capiz- React for Olotayan Island

Roxas City --- REACT (Regional Emergency Assistance Communications Team) HALARAN, a local emergency communications team under the Office of Civil Relations-Philippine Information and Civic Action Group (PHILCAG) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), conducted a relief operation in Olotayan Island here.

Olotayan is an island-barangay off the coast of Roxas City. It is one square mile and an hour travel from the city. It has tourism potential because its shorelines have blue waters that are pristinely beautiful. It is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. However, almost 80 percent of its 985 inhabitants are in the poverty threshold. The island has one source of electricity, a generator which has been non-operational since April 2007. Much of Olotayan still relies on the barter system, or trade, to support and feed their families. The super typhoon Frank worsened their situation and devastated some parts of the island.

REACT Halaran's Leonardo Eusalan,
Romulo Capunong, Mark Ortiz, Brgy Capt
Bongbong Aninang, Eugenio Chu, Jose
Aligno, Catalino Albar and Rudy Alba

A group of REACTors led by Group Chief Mark "Surfer" Ortiz went to Olotayan Island to distribute relief goods to the residents. The members who went with him are Immediate Past Group Chief Romulo "Direct Hit" Capunong, Past Group Chief (PGC) Eugenio "Honeybee" Chu, PGC Jose "Ali Baba" Aligno, PGC Catalino "Octagon" Albar, REACTor Rudy "Capiz Shell" Alba, and PGC Leonardo "Poodle" Eusalan. They brought with them 225 packs of relief goods and distributed them to the people in the island-barangay. The barangay council led by Brgy. Captain Manuel "Bongbong" Aninang assisted the group during the distribution.

Beneficiaries await the distribution of
relief goods.

REACT Halaran is a local group member of REACT Philippines Inc. which is considered as the largest civic communications organization in the country. The assistance of REACT is often sought especially when rapid information gathering and dissemination is required. During non-emergencies, REACT local groups conduct free medical clinics, anti rabies missions, tree planting or clean up drive. REACT supports the campaign against illegal logging and for the protection of wildlife, marine life and the environment.

-----------BY: DONNA CASIO--------------

Captivating Capiz- Roxas City, Capiz Officials

Roxas City, Capiz Officals

Hon. Victor Tanco
City Governor
Hon. Felipe Barredo
City Vice Governor
Hon. Vicente B. Bermejo
City Mayor
Hon. Ronnie T. Dadivas
City Vice Mayor

Sangguniang Panlungsod
Members
Hon. Erwin B. Sicad
Hon. Amador P. Anisco, Jr.
Hon. Gregorio Crisostomo A. Arcenas
Hon. Herbert S. Chu
Hon. Ramon A. Albar
Hon. Jose D. Agdalipe
Hon. Rolando V. Ignacio
Hon. Carla B. Abela
Hon. Dennis Q. Altobano
Hon. Rogelio A. Delfin

Hon. Katrina F. Barrios
SK Federation President
Mr. Dino Beluso
SP Secretary

Captivating Capiz- "The Seafood Capital of the Philippines"

This is your ultimate tour to the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, ROXAS CITY, capiz! enjoy the city's attractions and captivating tourist spots, the Olotayan Island, panublion, the city landmarks!! The captivating Sinadya sa Halaran festival and aswang festival. The different schools here in Capiz :smac,cpc,fcc.

Captivating Capiz - Typhoon "Frank"

An aerial view of the devastation caused by tropical typhoon Frank in the province of Capiz, particularly in Roxas City, Panay, and Pontevedra.

Video courtesy of Capiz Provincial Government.

Captivating Capiz- Parade of Festivals

Presentation of Capiz during the Parade of Festivals in Regional Tourism Assembly in Iloilo.Performers came from the town of Pres. Roxas.

Captivating Capiz- Birthplace of Pres. Manuel Roxas

Located in Ilawood, a section of the city west of the plaza is a bahay na bato in which Pres. Manuel Acuña Roxas was born. Declared a national historical site, the marker affixed to the residence in 1958 by the Philippine Historical Committee reads in part; "On this site in the town of Capiz, was born President Manuel A. Roxas, 1 January 1892. Fiery Orator, Dignified Statesman, Realistic Economist, and true patriot. Second Son of Gerardo Roxas and Rosario Acuña … Last president of the Philippine Commonwealth and first president of the Republic of the Philippines, 1946-1948."

This house is probably one of the oldest in Roxas City, Capiz; it survived the conflagration that consumed many houses in Roxas during World War II. The house stands on a lot which was once part of a more extensive piece of real estate, owned by Eleuterio Acuña, Pres. Roxas' maternal grandfather. The residence was inherited by Don Eleuterio's youngest daughter, Jovita, who married Conrado Barrios, a justice of the Court of Appeals during the post war years. Conrado renovated the house, changing the configuration of the rooms and adding a staircase inscribed with the initials CJ. Descendants of the Conrado and Jovita lived in the house for a while, and had the lower story rented out. The house, however, has been uninhabited for some time. Plans are to convert the house into a lifestyle museum and a museum honoring Pres. Roxas.

Captivating Capiz- Roxas City, Seafood Capital of the Philippines

Alluring Capiz is abundant with seafood found on its rich marine fishing ground. Savor the taste of mouth watering, tempting, fresh, safe, yummy, plentiful and cheap seafood, such as oysters or “talaba”, clams,
mussel, greenshell or “tahong”,” angel wings or “diwal”, milk-fish or “bangrus”, king crab or “alimango”, blue crab or “kasag”, shrimp or “pasayan”, prawn or “lukon”, squid, tangigue, scallops, seaweeds or “gulaman”, lobster and Lapu-lapu. These seafood where served at restaurants located at Baybay beach. Our seafood is the freshest and the tastiest you will ever experience and truly captivating. Capiz is also known for its cutflower production and marketing. Orchids, heliconias, anthuriums, roses, and other ornamental plants are suitable for reproduction in the province. Having a 400-hectare site ready for contract-growing arrangements, the cutflower industry is poised to become a major income-earner for the province and attracts investors mostly from Japan.


Your experience in visiting mezmerizing Capiz will not be completed without bringing home dried fish pasalubong such
as “Tabagak”, “uga” or “tuyo” and dried squid or “pusit”, also banana crackers, banana chips , fresh lumpia and “dayok”. All these can be bought in Balay Capiznon, Banica market and Teodoro Arcenas Trade Center.

Captivating Capiz- Sulong Roxas(Roxas City, Capiz Theme)

Promoting the Capiz helps to be recognize by some people who are not yet aware of the beautiful island. Capiz is famous for being the “Sea Food Capital of the Philippines“. Sometimes some people discrimate Capizeños about the myth “Aswang“,. With this captivating Capiz, it helps to promote the wealthy and progressive Province of Capiz and not just only the captivating Capiz, but also the Roxas City

Captivating Capiz- "Hymn of the Capizeno's"

O, Capiz, also known as the Capiz Hymn, is the official provincial anthem of the province of Capiz in the Philippines. The hymn, which bested 24 other entries in a province-sponsored competition, was written by Charmaine O. Guartero, a high school music teacher at Filamer Christian College.

The hymn was adopted on June 23, 2006 by an ordinance of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Capiz and performed for the first time at the charter aniniversary of the province. The current arrangement, meanwhile, was unveiled on June 25, 2007. According to then-governor Vicente Bernejo, who is currently serving as the mayor of Roxas City, said that in the Capizeños' quest for development, "we need a melody that will inspire us and forge our efforts together to achieve our dream for a better Capiz", describing O, Capiz as a unique expression of what the true Capiz is and what Capizeños really are.

Captivating Capiz- "Caves"

Igang Cave(Maayon)

A limestone cave found in Tapulang, Maayon. It has several entrances at different levels which lead to a central chamber, and fan out again to different passages. Big stairlike structures connect upper portions to the central chamber which is well lighted and well ventilated. A gradually sloping passage, 7 feet wide and a foot high takes one to a lower chamber, which, unlike the upper and central chambers, is dark. The floor here is covered with guano, which towns-people use as fertilizer. The Igang Cave is laced with stalactites and stalagmites of various sizes. The whole cave, including its chambers and tunnel system, is some three hectares. It is 7 kms. away from the town proper and is a 15 minutes ride by car or jeepney.

Pilar Caves

One and a half kms. From the poblacion by jeepneys, tricycles and cars over rough roads. About two years ago, townspeople discovered earthen pots with intricately incised designs. The caves must have been burial sites of pre-Spanish Filipinos. The Balisong Cave where the Capiz revolucionarios routed Spanish soldiers is also found hereabouts. The side of the mountain where the caves are is a specta-cular sight. It is grayish-black rock rising 200 ft. to the sky. Plants, orchids among them, hang from the cliffs, blooming in the summer and filling the air with exotic fragrance.

Quipot Cave (Mambusao)

30 minute ride over rough roads, it is about 3 kms. from the Mambusao Agricultural and Technical College or around 9 kms. from the town proper. Wild birds, deer and wild ducks abound the place. Near the cave is a stream. The cave consists of many chambers each at a level different from other chambers. In certain sections, one has to crawl because the space between the roof and cave floor is just two or three feet. There are also sections that are seems like dead ends, except for small openings through which only one person can crawl. These holes lead to a chamber as big as a hotel ballroom, which is why it is dubbed the "Quipot Hilton". There are plenty of stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is cool inside.

Suhot Cave(Dumalag)

Situated in Dumalag, Capiz and only 300 meters away from the provincial road. It is actually a series of interconnected caverns of different sizes. At the cave's arched entrance is a pool of clear, ice-cold water fed by a rock spring from within the cave. Further on, however, is a crack in the rocks where sulfurous water comes out. Suhot is believed to have a connecting tunnel to the Badiang Cave, Dumarao since both caves are found in the same mountain only 6 km apart from each other although Badiang is on a higher elevation. On the other hand, entrance to Badiang is hidden by dense jungle. In pre-war days, phosphate was said to have been extracted from the cave but it was a short-lived effort.

Captivating Capiz - “Dumalag“

Dumalag is located by the slopes of several mountains on hilly but fertile land irrigated by the Panay and Malisbug rivers and other rivulents. It is bounded by Dao, Dumarao, Cuartero, Calinog and Tapaz. Dumalag one of the central towns of Capiz province. The name Dumalag, came from the Bisayan word ” dalag” which mean yellow. Others claim, that the “dalag” came from the color of the Pan-ay river that cuts across the town which is used to turn yellow because of the leaves of the certain tree. Another term is also “dumalaga” or spring chicken which could have been in abundance in the area in early times. Another municilapity of Roxas City is SIgma. Sigma is a 4th class municipality n the province of Capiz, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 27,366 people in 5,541 households. Sigma composed of 12 barangays.

* Acbo
* Amaga
* Balucuan
* Bangonbangon
* Capuyhan
* Cogon
* Dayhagon
* Guintas
* Malapad Cogon
* Mangoso
* Mansacul
* Matangcong
* Matinabus
* Mianay
* Oyong
* Pagbunitan
* Parian
* Pinamalatican
* Poblacion Norte
* Poblacion Sur
* Tawog

Dumalag is typical small town in Capiz. People know and great one another by name. Seeking directions to reach the places that brought them to the idyllic town, 35 kilometers from Roxas City. Dumalag is located in between of Cuartero and Tapaz. Their source of income came from rice planting and selling vegetable. Their work are farmers, fisherman and vendors. One thing that captivate the Dumalag because they a lot of tourist attraction that they can see.

Tourist Spots

CAPTIVATING SUHOT SPRING

One of the attraction that captivates the eye of the tourist is the SUHOT SPRING. The leading natural attraction of Dumalag is the Suhot Spring and caves being marked by the towering Panginraon Range. The natural brigde and the famed caves of Suhot lead into minimally explored caverns which are claimed to strecth as far as the other side of Panginraon, facing Dumarao, a neighboring municipality. The foot of legendary Panginraon mountain, just 300 meters from the town proper. Surrounded by lush vegetation and second - growth forest, the cave strecthes 18 kilometers. Its innermost recesses and labyrinthine passages have remained unexplored.



It is considered one of the longest caves in the country and has late been drawing amateur and seasoned spelunkers. The body of water in front of the cave is rich in minerals and originates from the watersheds of Panginraon.It flows through a subterranean passage and empties through the cave’s bowl-like opening guarded by a wall of solid rock.People came to Suhot Spring to test if that tourist spot can captivate them.

The many chambers of the Suhot Caves are grow over with stalactites and stalagmites of considerable sizes and lengths. At the mouth of the caves, near the natural brigde, is a spring with sulfurous, salty water that is consideres by the local folks as healthy for bathing. Suhot Spring and caves have become a favorite destination for people coming from other places visiting Dumalag.

CAPTIVATING DUMALAG PARISH CHURCH



Another tourist attraction that Dumalag captivate is the Dumalag Parish Church under the Patron St. of Saint Martin de Tours. The first church and convent of Dumalag were constructed between 1600 and 1720, and the parish was dedicated to Saint martin of Tour, a bishop. In 1833 Fr. Augustin Duran, whose name has been adopted by one of the Dumalag’s biggest Barangays, started the construction of present church. The church had a five story bell tower which rose majestically at the left side of the church.

The church made of yellow sandstone, is 70m and 18m wide. It has two doors at the sid and one in the front. Small pilasters decorate the facade wall. Six engaged rectangular pilaster rise up to the triangular pediment. The five story belltower rises gracefully by the left side of the church.

Captivating Capiz- Sta.Monica Church

In 1566, Fray Martín de Rada is said to have preached the Gospel in Bamban (Pan-ay) and from there he proceeded to evangelize Dumangas to the south. The Augustinians continued to spread their net of evangelization to the south and west of Pan-ay until they had established footholds in the whole island. By the late 1500s, they had been had been the sole evangelizers of Panay island until the Jesuits arrived at this time.

Because of lack of food, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi transferred the Spanish settlement from Cebu to Pan-ay in 1569. The town was formally founded in 1572 (1581 according to Jorde), although by that time Legazpi had moved the capital of the Philippines, further north, to Manila. Fr. Bartolome de Alcantara was named the prior of the town with Fr. Agustin Camacho as assistant. A prosperous town due to trade, Pan-ay became capital of Capiz for two centuries, until Capiz was named capital. The town name was eventually given to whole island. After 1607, Fr. Alonso de Méntrida, noted for his linguistic studies and Visayan dictionary became prior. In the 18th century, Pan-ay was famous for its textile industry which produced a cloth called suerte and exported to Europe. In the 19th century, Don Antonio Roxas, grandfather of Pres. Manuel Roxas, opened one of the largest rum and wine distilleries in the town. The Augustinians held the parish until 1898, when administration tranferred to the seculars.


The first church was built before 1698 when it is reported that a typhoon had ruined it. In 1774, Fr. Miguel Murguía rebuilt the church, but it was later damaged by a typhoon on 15 January 1875. Fr. Jose Beloso restored the church in 1884. The church is best known for its 10.4 ton bell popularly called dakong lingganay (big bell). The bell was cast by Don Juan Reina who settled in Iloilo in 1868. Reina who was town dentist was also noted as a metal caster and smith. The bell was cast at Pan-ay from 70 sacks of coins donated by the townspeople. The bell was completed in 1878. It bears an inspiring inscription which translated reads: "I am God's voice which shall echo praise from one end of the town of Pan-ay to the other, so that Christ's faithful followers may enter this house of God to receive heavenly graces."

Heritage Features: Pan-ay belongs to the Baroque style. The pediment cascades gracefully down. The façade is ornamented with swags of flowers, niches and statuary. The bell tower to the left of the façade is simple in contrast to the façade. It base is planned as a quadrilateral but its upper stories are octagonal with the two sides longer than the other. To the church was attached an L-shaped convento, which had been ruined. Remnants of the covento have been incorporated into the present modern convento. Behind the church are remnants of a wall, which according to town lore was once a fortification. Attached to the sacristy is a large storage room, now converted into a Blessed Sacrament chapel.

The interior was formerly divided into a central nave with flanking aisles, but in recent years, the wooden posts that marked the divisions were removed to improve sight lines to the altar. The wooden choirloft was also removed because it was damaged by termites, so were the wooden floors of the bell tower. In place the tower has an independent steel stairway that leads to the topmost floor. This floor has been reconstructed in reinforced concrete with coral stone facing. The roof of the church, already damaged by a storm in 1984 and subsequently repaired, was already in a dilapidated condition in 2000. Its wood work was rotten and was in danger of collapsing. The woodwork and roof have been replaced by a steel and galvanized iron structure.

The church retains much of its original floor: terra cotta tiles, white marble and black slate as accents and for the sanctuary.

The church has three altars in Baroque style. The retablo of the central altar has been painted over in silver and gold enamel, however, the side altars have hardly been touched and probably represent the original colors of the woodwork—primaries of blue, red, green, orange with gold leaf accents. These altars are unique for Latin inscriptions carved on roundels set in its reed thin columns.

Behind Gospel side altar are remnants of decorative painting, also done in brilliant primaries.

Captivating Capiz- Archdiocese

The Diocese of Capiz was created on January 27, 1951 and was elevated to an archdiocese on January 17, 1976. It now comprises the civil province of Capiz and Roxas City and has Kalibo and Romblon as suffragans. Capiz has a population of 652,809, of which 90 per cent are Catholics. Capiz is one of the provinces on the island of Panay. It is part of a group of provinces forming the Western Visayas group now comprising Region VII. On Panay Island, Capiz is bounded on the south and on the east by the province of Iloilo, on the west by Antique, on the northwest by Aklan and on the north by the Sibuyan Sea.

The early history of Capiz is closely associated with that of Aklan. Both were called Aklan under Datu Bankaya who, with ten other datus from Borneo settled in Panay in the 13th century. Aklan was ruled by the descendants of Bankaya until the Spaniards arrived in 1569. Miguel Lopez de Legaspi is reported to have established a settlement in Capiz and made it an independent encomienda.

The entire island of Panay was under the leadership of Datu Sumakwel who is remembered in Philippine history as the wisest of the group of datus from Borneo who bought the lowlands with gold from the Negritos. The so called Code of Kalantiaw, a code of laws in pre-Spanish times, also originated from Panay, presumably made by Datu Kalantiaw, descendant of Sumakwel.

The separation of Aklan from Capiz took place in 1956. Today Capiz is a prosperous province with an oversupply of rice, enough sugar production, and more than enough fish harvested from its 80-kilometer coastline. Most of the inhabitants speak Hiligaynon, a kind of Visayan with a distinct accent.

Since the creation of the Archdiocese of Capiz, no synod has as yet been convened. However, there have been seminars in the vicarial and parochial levels, participated in by all priests and parish leaders. They attend workshops and lectures on communication skills, human dignity, the Church, liturgy, Christian education, social action, Scriptural experience and Church finance. A monitoring team has been assigned to the four vicariates to help their parishes implement their pastoral programs.

In the seminars, which the archbishop himself initiates, updating and renewal in the faith are emphasized. Sacred Scriptures are being presented as an all-important factor in the renewal and maturing of the faith. The documents of Vatican II, the Code of Canon Law, tile pronouncements of the Holy Father and the pastoral letters of the CBCP, most specially the documents and decrees of the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines, are given the importance due them and are disseminated among the clergy and laity.

Decrees, encyclicals, exhortations coming from the Vatican, and pastoral letters and guidelines from the CBCP are reprinted and translated into the local dialect for distribution to all priests for further dissemination to the laity.

There are 85 priests and 54 religious sisters ministering to the needs of the 22 parishes, 1 quasi-parish and 4 chaplaincies. Catholic institutions in the archdiocese, aside from a seminary and Catholic schools, include an orphanage, a home for the aged, and a hospital. The number of BEC's and faith communities have now come up to 763.

Captivating Capiz- Balay Capiznon

This edifice is the venue where locally made products are displayed. It is located at the foot of the Capiz Bridge and is in the vicinity of the Rizal Monument and the Capiz Provincial Capitol. It occupies 700 square meters of a city government lot.

The initiative to construct this edifice was spearheaded by the city government and the Dept. of Trade and Industry. Construction began in 1997 and was completed in the same year. The Capiz Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc., was designated as the caretaker of the place and was tasked to oversee the local products put up for display. Local products like preserved foods and delicacies, handicrafts like shellcraft and furniture made from rail ties can be seen at the place.


In the garden of the venue which occupies almost two thirds of the property, ornamental plants, orchids, fruits tree seedlings and other local plants are housed. This area is also the place where plant exhibits are held several times a year.

The Tourism Promotion and Development Office of the city government moved to this place last December 6, 2003 in order that it could cater more to the needs of the people of Roxas City and the domestic and foreign visitors who continue to frequent the city. The inauguration and blessing of the edifice was graced by Mrs. Judy Araneta Roxas, Senator John Osmeña and Representaive Imee Marcos-Manotoc who came to attend the Sinadya sa Halaran celebrations. The display center was renamed Balay Kapisnon. As expected, the place has become a must see for visitors who come to Roxas City.

Captivating Capiz- People's Park

The seven kilometers stretch of ebony beach at barangay Baybay is one of the finest assets of the City of Roxas. When the Mayor noticed its potential, he allowed consigners to occupy the entire beachfront as long as the they sold seafood at low prices, and cleaned up all their areas upon closing. this area which is the favorite haunt of domestic and foreign tourist alike because of its succulent and fresh seafood became known as the Roxas City Seafood Plaza or Talabahan.












Soon, the concessionaires, will not only have the convenience of more stable and more aesthetically appealing stalls but also a steady water supply, as well as other facilities needed in their day to day operations. The general public will also have permanent umbrellas in which to spend their beach holidays and wide tiled parks for children. Public facilities such as toilets and showers will also be installed in the area. In the evening, the place will glow with mercury lamps - but not before everyone is able to witness the breathtaking sunset at Baybay Beach, Roxas City.

Captivating Capiz- Ang Panubli-on, the Roxas City Museum

In 1910, President Pastor Alcazar, third President of the town of Capiz (1908-1912), constructed a water tank near the “Municipio” to provide water to the Kapisnon during the dry months. Water flowed from the roof of the two-storey municipal building to the tank.

The “Municipio” was destroyed during World War II, but the water tank which was 11.5 meters in diameter, 6.10 meters in height and with walls 11 inches thick was spared.

After the war, offices were built around the tank completely hiding it from view with only a water spout visible. In 1993, the offices were demolished and for the first time in three decades, the water tank could be seen. The young people, who were not aware of the existing structure, had to be told that originally, it was a water tank.

The old water tank looks quite imposing, like a lady, grown serene, yet gracious and to demolish it would be like cutting the umbilical cord from the past.

However, that water tank had outlived its usefulness because Roxas City now had a modern water system, a legacy from the late Congressman Gerardo “Dinggoy” Roxas, Jr.

The City Government with a group of culture buffs brain-stormed on what to do with the structure and the idea of converting it to a museum was born. Thus, the Roxas City Museum, Ang Panublion, became a reality with Mrs. Ofelia Rendon as its curator.

Ang Panublion, in its initial exhibit, showcased the Kapisnon: how they lived, how they prayed, how they danced, what they ate, what they wore (gowns, jewelry, etc., and how they spent their time.

What is Capiz??

Capiz is both a geographical location and the name of a shell that is used largely in interior decorating and for decorative gifts and accessories. Geographically speaking, Capiz is a province of the Philippines facing the Sibuyan Sea to the north. Capiz shell, which is used for decorative purposes, is the outer shell of the marine mollusk, Placuna placenta, found in the shallow coastal waters of the Philippines.

Capiz shell is a flat, semi-transparent shell with a pearlescent appearance. Capiz is often used to create lampshades or other luminescent objects, such as candle holders, because of its striking appearance when light shines through. However, it is just as common to see the bases of lamps crafted with capiz shell. Capiz is also frequently used as an accent to many household and fashion accessories. Capiz is generally considered to be elegant and formal.

As a decorative item for interiors, capiz is often found not only on light fixtures and furniture, but also on walls. Many upscale hotels feature capiz panels on the interior walls of their lobbies and hallways. You might also find capiz in the showers and bathrooms of such hotels. Capiz might be used in homes, but it is generally reserved for formal areas only, though a more casual look can also be achieved with capiz.

Capiz is also used in jewelry, especially necklaces and bracelets, where it can stand alone or accentuate mother of pearl. Capiz can be found as accent trim on leather handbags, watches, and even shoes. It is not uncommon to find giftware made with capiz as well. Dishes are another item that might incorporate capiz to create an elegant, one-of-a-kind look.

Essentially, the use of capiz shell in decorating and fashion is unlimited. It can be difficult to tell the difference between genuine capiz shell and a synthetic shell, but generally, synthetic versions are cheaper. Capiz shell products can add a look of elegance or formality to a room or object, but they can also be used to create a breezy, coastal feel. The decorative purposes of capiz are virtually limitless, and the look it gives depends largely on the quantity used and the accompanying materials, with silver or gold being the most formal and wood being a more casual material combined with capiz.

Captivating Capiz- Pangilatan Waterfalls

One of the captivating places here in Capiz is the Pangilatan Waterfalls found in Tapaz, Capiz. It is also known as Pangilatan Waterfalls Ecotourism Park. The Pangilatan Waterfalls Ecotourism Park is composed of a main waterfalls which has a water drop off of about 81 ft., countless mini-falls whose water drop offs are between less than a foot to as high as 7 ft., the total length of which is at least 3.5 kms and could go as far as 8 kms and a viewing area on the highest point of Barangay Artuz. From here, one could see the rolling hills and mountains of Tapaz and neighboring towns as far as Calinog, Iloilo in the south and Libacao, Aklan in the north.


The Park is located in Barangay Artuz in Tapaz, the biggest among the 16 municipalities of Capiz, the Seafood Capital of the Philippines. Tapaz is 82 kms from Iloilo City and about 63 kms from the proper of Roxas City, the capital of Capiz.
Capiz, one of the Visayan islands in Central Philippines, is located at the northeastern section of Panay Island.

Captivating Capiz- Olotayan Island

Olotayan Island, can be found in Roxas City, Capiz Philippines. It is a place where beauty reigns, where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the beach, in short it is a paradise.

This island is blessed with serene shores with white sand, this island is comparable to Boracay Island(part of Aklan Province). But compared to Boracay, which is a well-known and country's popular tourist destination, Olotayan is not yet discovered by a lot of people. With relatively few visitors and tourists visiting the area, the place remains undisturbed and native. Despite it's short distance from the city, the place remained it's rustic view, giving the visitors a chance to be close to nature. With this, the tourists will find many ways to commune with Mother Nature and a chance to get back to the basic living.
There is no electricity within the island. Drinking water supply was rationed every week from Roxas City by the Metro Roxas Water District. If you want to visit the island you can contact the Olotayan Beach Resort at 6211-058 which is owned by “Dos Hermanas: Dra. Evelyn Sicad and Mrs. Magallanes. There are cottages and beach house with 2 rooms and sleeps up to 4-6 people. A solar panel system generates electricity for the resort.

Other land within the island according to Roxas City hall record was owned by Olotayan Development Realty Corp., lawyer William Villareal, and the Sicad, Aninang and Arenajo families.


The best time to visit Olotayan Island is during summer (March-May). Seasonal conditions can also affect the beach itself. Strong currents and dangerous shorebreaks in the mouth of Punta Cogon River could be experience going to the island in the month of November and December due to typhoon season. You have to check and observed the surf condition at Baybay Beach before going to the island. Hire a bigger boat with life jackets available for the passengers at the Banica Wharf.


Olotayan island is a good place for swimming and snorkelling during calm surf. You can also enjoy sailing, jet-skiing/flat boat riding, wind surfing, skimboarding, fishing and also seaweed harvesting. Don’t forget to bring your googles, underwater camera, swimwear, first aid kits and foods in visiting the island. Boat trip to Olotayan and Napti Island is accessible at Brgy. Banica Wharf, or ask with any beach front hotels/resort in Roxas City to facilitate your trip.