For a time, the province of Capiz, situated on the northeastern island of Panay in Western Visayas, had a fame for being a land of Aswangs (shape-shifting evil legendary creatures). This notion might be traced again to a number of historic occasions. One such occasion was the outbreak of dystonia illness that a number of residents within the province. One other was using the parable of Aswang to scare off Japanese troopers throughout the conflict. Lately, nonetheless, the province has chosen to highlight its plentiful seafood, incomes it the moniker “Seafood Capital of the Philippines.”
Throughout my current go to to Capiz, I used to be lucky to remain for a few nights, permitting for in depth exploration and experiences. Capiz boasts quite a few heritage buildings and surprisingly, a wealth of locations of religion, worship, and contemplation – and no sightings of aswangs for me.
Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral
Within the capital metropolis of Roxas, there’s a phenomenal plaza located beside the Panay River. At its coronary heart, together with the Metropolis Corridor, provincial buildings, and the historic 1910-built Capiz Bridge, stands the magnificent Roxas Cathedral, also referred to as the Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral. This church and parish of Roxas Metropolis is without doubt one of the oldest in Panay island. The present church construction, which has undergone restorations and reconstruction, was initially in-built 1827.
Whereas Roxas Metropolis Plaza could bustle with exercise, contained in the church supplies a solemn and comforting respite.
Ivisan Christ the Redeemer
Alongside the nationwide freeway between Roxas and Kalibo, there stands a 5-story reproduction of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer. Constructed round 2010, this Christ the Redeemer is situated within the hilly a part of Malocloc Norte, Ivisan, Capiz. It’s exhausting to overlook this statue, which appears to look at over passersby on the street, making it a well-liked cease amongst motorists.
Sapi-an Meditation Hills
Located at Sitio Bangkal in Sapi-an, Capiz, the Meditation Hills provide a serene ambiance conducive to meditation. This 5-hectare property, owned by the Villanueva household, impressed the development of the Our Woman of Lourdes Grotto atop these breezy hills.
Dumalag St. Martin of Excursions
The St. Martin of Excursions in Dumalag, Capiz, may seem plain from the surface, however its interiors are really spectacular. With a excessive ceiling and well-lit interiors, the church showcases intricate work, carvings, and structure. The church additionally options an intriguing 5-story bell tower. Constructed between 1600 and 1720, this gem of a church provides guests a glimpse into the city’s historical past.
Dinginan Shrine of the Sacred Coronary heart of Jesus
Demonstrating their devotion, Capiz hosts one other monumental sculpture of Jesus Christ. In Dinginan’s mixed-use improvement, Pueblo de Panay stands a extremely detailed 132-foot monument of Christ. The Shrine of the Sacred Coronary heart of Jesus was accomplished in 2015 by a group led by sculptor John A. Alaban from Roxas Metropolis and foreman Jose Clarito.
Panay Sta. Monica Parish Church
One of the notable church buildings in Panay Island is the Sta. Monica Church or Pan-ay Church. Declared a Pure Historic Landmark in 1997 and a Nationwide Cultural Treasure in 2001 by the Nationwide Museum, this church was initially in-built 1774 and later rebuilt in 1884 after a hurricane decimated the earlier construction. The present church, constructed in 1875, options 3-meter thick partitions made from coral blocks, fortifying its basis. It additionally homes the most important bell in Asia, named Dakong Lingganay, which implies “huge bell.”
It’s shocking to find so many locations in Capiz that showcase the folks’s deep devotion to their religion. Past being the Seafood Capital of the nation, Capiz additionally stands as a pilgrimage vacation spot and a haven for spiritual retreats.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning journey photographer, author and blogger. His works has discovered print in publications equivalent to Singapore Airways’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airways’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has additionally lent his experience to numerous organizations just like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Basis, Save the Youngsters and World Imaginative and prescient, contributing high quality photos for his or her advertising supplies.