Capiz best Tourist Spot
"Santa Monica Parish Church(Panay Church)"
Some of us, if not all, are fascinated with everything old or ancient, Pre-Hispanic or colonial landmarks like church, houses and fortress. We all have that here (in the Philippines "CAPIZ BEST") scattered all over the archipelago. The bricks, coral stone and the hard wood seems to be the time machine that connects us with our ancestors. If only walls and beams could talk to us, we could have a great picture of our past not known or written by historians.
Minutes away from Roxas City – the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, is a town called Pan-ay where a century old church is standing together with its equally historic big bell housed in its towering belfry. Pan-ay which means “mouth of the river” is formerly called Bamban and was the second settlement of the Spaniards after Cebu.
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| Photo credit to: http://www.freedomwall.net/files/2014/04/santa-monica-parish-church.jpg |
One of the CAPIZ BEST Churh Sta. Monica Parish Church or more commonly known as Panay Church is a 15th Century house of worship built by Fr. Manuel Lopez. It’s the first of its kind in the island of Panay being founded in 1698. Miagao Church in Iloilo was founded in 1731.
Unlike many churches in the Philippines, Sta. Monica Parish Church has a beautiful open space in front that gave it a great view free from any obstruction. Go ahead and pose your signature shot that would complement the Colonial and Neo-Classical Baroque Architecture of the church one of the CAPIZ BEST altar.
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The Altar of the church is as historic as the façade. It has a large central altar and four lateral altars. The main altar is set in silver and is fashioned by baroque decorations. Each altars is where the precious sculptures of different saints are displayed for the appreciation of the faithful and as well tourist. Sadly, according to our guide, the old once were stolen and was sold to some faithful who wants a piece of their saint. Some even bargain for the head, hand or any body parts of the saint made of hard wood. But our guide assured to us that the sculpture displayed in all altars are antique. Some faithful even donated their own antique saint sculpture to the church.
You can find the one of the CAPIZ BEST original roof truss currently displayed at the right side aisle of the church. Touch it, seat on it or even kiss it to have a touch and sense of history. Kidding ;)
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Climb on the 160 steps belfry and see one of the pride and treasure not just of Sta. Monica Parish Church but also of Capiz Province. The church bell is a product of townsfolk bayanihan and faithful spirit. The townsfolk of Pan-ay donated 70 sacks of gold and silver coins to create the gigantic bell. The bell measured 7 feet in diameter, 5 feet in height and weighs 10.4 tons.
Ever wonder how they lift a 10.4 tons bell? They used tick abaca fibers and almost all the men of the town participated in the lifting while, maybe, their wife and children surrounded the church and watching. I imagine a fiesta atmosphere that time where the crowds were cheering while some are preparing food for everybody. Just my fictional mind working ;)
Because its 5 feet in height and of course elevated by about 2 feet, you can go inside the big bell, even stand inside, and have your picture taken there. Just be sure your friend will not ring the bell while you are inside. It could cost your ears and a lifetime rift with your friend if you are not forgiving.
Our guide allowed us to hear the big bell singing in minimal volume. Enough for us to decipher, he rang the bell and the metal vibrated for like hours. There was a melody and the lyrics was like God is calling from heaven. True enough the sound of the bell is very inviting thus maybe, people from then and now remains faithful to the call of God.
How to get to Sta. Monica Parish Church:
From the town, rent a tricycle down to Pan-ay. A tricycle will cost about Php50.00 – Php100.00.
For more information about Capiz sights and attraction you may contact:
Capiz Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office
2nd Floor, Provincial Capitol, Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines
Tel: +63(36) 621-0042 loc. 133
Facebook: facebook.com/CapizTourismAndCulturalAffairs
If you don’t have time to do research for your seafood indulgence in Capiz you may ask Las Islas Travel and Tours to arrange tours for you!
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A visit to this city would not be complete without hearing mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral one of the CAPIZ BEST church in Roxas, just a few steps from the provincial capitol. The church originally built in the 16th century seemed ordinary on one look and do not resemble any feature of churches built during the Spanish era. This can be attributed to the fact that the church suffered the same fate as other religious buildings built by the Spaniards. It has gone several renovations after being destroyed by a typhoon in 1698 and heavily damaged by an earthquake on 1787. The current structure, painted in earth colors was rebuilt in 1954 has a post-American look.
Address: Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Legazpi Street, Roxas City, Capiz
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Baybay Beach in Roxas City one of the CAPIZ BEST beach in Roxas, Capiz is popular weekend spot for locals and visitors from nearby towns and provinces. With its seven-kilometer long stretch of sugar-fine glittery black sand and relatively calm waters, the beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and skimboarding. During a trip to Capiz last December, we had a jam-packed schedule, covering the Sinadya sa Halaran Festival, visiting waterfalls, caves and various pilgrimage sites. It was nice to take a breather and just enjoy the refreshing see breeze at the beach.I enjoy Roxas City for having such a relaxing spot so close to business establishments. The beach is just three kilometers from the main city proper, and a mere 5-10 minute tricycle ride from the Roxas City Airport.
Panublion Museum of Roxas City
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Panublion is a Hiligaynon term for heritage. Roxas City’s museum is aptly called as PANUBLION Museum. The museum building is an old water tank, evident with its circular shape. It serves not just as a repository of old things from the past but as a reminder of a rich heritage that the city has. Entrance to the museum is free. And during our visit it was close to closing time so we were the only visitors around.
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The museum is located at the center of the Plaza, just across the right side street of the Capitol Building of Capiz.
Visit museums. Often we wanted to do things off the beaten track, but it is worth visiting the place that preserves and showcases the culture & history of the place you are visiting. Remember it is the past that shapes what it today.
Address: Legazpi Street, Roxas City, Capiz
Agtalin Shrine
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The Statue is lording the Agtalin Hill in Dulangan, Pilar, Capiz Province is one of the CAPIZ BEST Tourist Spot. overlooking on the other side the coast of Pilar Bay. It is constructed on top of the Agtalin Hill Chapel. Considered by the International Marian Research Institute as worth a pilgrimage especially for those faithful with incurable diseases.
Culasi Port Light House
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Culasi Port Light House is one of the CAPIZ BEST tourist spot. Lighthouse was published over Panoramio. Culasi Port Light House is next to Culasi Point and is located in Province of Capiz, Western Visayas, Philippines.
