Roxas City Trip 2018
Before anything else, this is a late, late post. The event happened last December 2018 and was only able to post it now. Some facts and informations in here are from other blogs which I also credited below. Thank you to full time, travel bloggers like them who takes time to know and research places they've been to.
I was in my fourth year of high school when I last took a vacation in Roxas with my family. Friendster was still in that time and all my vacation photos were in there. Huhu. That was 2009, we went home to visit my lola for a couple of days before school starts. That was also the last time I saw her, because she passed away days after we had gone back in Manila, and my mom didn’t take us back to Roxas since school had officially started.
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| Taken at Baybay Beach after playing in the sand. It was super humid. |
I was in my fourth year of high school when I last took a vacation in Roxas with my family. Friendster was still in that time and all my vacation photos were in there. Huhu. That was 2009, we went home to visit my lola for a couple of days before school starts. That was also the last time I saw her, because she passed away days after we had gone back in Manila, and my mom didn’t take us back to Roxas since school had officially started.
Fast forward to 2018, almost 10 years since I last visited, me and my sister got invited to attend our cousin’s wedding (my sister was one of the bridesmaid) and of course, we just had to say I DO! – I mean, YES! We just have to say yes. And we did, we booked our flight and off we go to Roxas last December 18, 2018.
Going home to Roxas is always exciting because it feels like the first time all over again and the interval from my last vacation to now is just long and as much as I would want to memorialize everything every time I come back, I just can’t because going there is overwhelming –in a good way, of course.
In my 25 years of existence, we have only gone to Roxas 3 times and all of it included my parents and my siblings so my experience this time would be a bit different since:
- My mom is not with us for the first time. She died 2016.
- My younger siblings and my dad will stay here in Manila.
- We planned to explore the city and the place on our own.
Every time we go to Roxas, we would just stay in my mom’s ancestral house and spend the whole time there, since we don’t have a car, the family is BIG, and the tourist spots are a good 2-3 hours away from the house so we’re kinda used to just staying at home and bonding with our cousins since mobile reception is also weak in the area. Oh, and I haven't mentioned that in order to reach the highway, you'd have to trek for at least 20-30 mins since the house is located in a very remote area.
But it’s different now, we’re old and we’re capable of exploring on our own that’s why upon booking the ticket, me and my sister planned our itinerary and booked accommodation in the city. We wanted to explore and get to know the locals before we dive in.
But it’s different now, we’re old and we’re capable of exploring on our own that’s why upon booking the ticket, me and my sister planned our itinerary and booked accommodation in the city. We wanted to explore and get to know the locals before we dive in.
For reference, here's a copy of our itinerary to be a guide:
05:30 – 06:30 | flight to Roxas
06:30 – 07:30 | airport shenanigans
07:30 – 08:00 | going to Mercedes Hotel
08:00 – 08:30 | exploring the city proper:
· Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral
· Roxas City Bridge
· Roxas City Bandstand
08:30 – 09:00 | tricycle going to Panay Church
09:00 – 10:00 | explore Sta. Monica Church
10:00 – 10:30 | go back to city proper
10:30 – 11:00 | hail a tricycle going to Sacred Heart of Jesus Shrine in Pueblo de Panay, Roxas City
11:00 – 11:30 | explore Sacred Heart of Jesus Shrine
11:30 – 12:00 | go back to city proper
12:00 – 12:15 | go to Baybay beach for lunch
12:15 – 01:30 | explore Baybay beach and eat lunch
01:30 – onwards | go back to city proper and check in hotel
*-- END --*
Before anything else, Roxas City is the capital of Capiz, a small province located in Western Visayas. Capiz is famous in the Philippines because according to folklore, there is a lot of "aswang" in the area. It is so famous that most of the people who finds out that I'm from Capiz tend to ask me only two things: "Totoo ba na may aswang doon?"or "Edi aswang ka?" To which I always answer, "Yes to both" to scare them.
But that was then, gone are the days that Capiznon are bound by the taglines of being an "aswang". As society evolved, Capiz is now more known as the "Seafood Capital of the Philippines" because of the abundance of marine life in the area. Oysters are priced as low as Php 150.00/kilo and big shrimps at Php 250.00/kilo.
Our flight bound for Roxas left at around 05:30 in the morning here in Manila and arrived around 06:30 in the morning at Roxas City. We were happy to find that there is taxi in the city. However, they are just starting and they only have around 2-3 units so far. We had gone to the hotel next, and left our bags there since we're not allowed to check in yet.
But that was then, gone are the days that Capiznon are bound by the taglines of being an "aswang". As society evolved, Capiz is now more known as the "Seafood Capital of the Philippines" because of the abundance of marine life in the area. Oysters are priced as low as Php 150.00/kilo and big shrimps at Php 250.00/kilo.
Our flight bound for Roxas left at around 05:30 in the morning here in Manila and arrived around 06:30 in the morning at Roxas City. We were happy to find that there is taxi in the city. However, they are just starting and they only have around 2-3 units so far. We had gone to the hotel next, and left our bags there since we're not allowed to check in yet.
It was really early morning so we took a bit of a walk from the hotel going to the heart of the city where the bandstand, cathedral, and the bridge is located.
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| Immaculate Conception Metropolitan Cathedral and City Fountain |
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| Grotto located the back of cathedral |
There was an ongoing mass when we walked inside the church so we weren't able to take a picture of the inside part of the place but we were able to explore the back of the church where a grotto was located and I was surprised to find that there's a small cemetery in the church vicinity, also near where the grotto was located.
We then decided to go to Panay Church or mostly called, the Sta. Monica Church. The church is one of the oldest in the Philippines and also houses the ASIA'S BIGGEST BELL. Tours are guided so it's best to go first to the admin office of the church before going inside. Tours are free but it is advisable to tip the guide and ask him to take pictures of you because he definitely knows how to capture a good one.
The church is famous cause it is made up of coral stone and its facade is adorned with sculpted saint statues and intricate flowers. It was declared a National Historical Landmark on 1997. The church is closed for mass on the day we came (Tuesday) and church maintenance were busy waxing the whole place. It was amazing to witness that they still do it manually until now. To reach the bells, you'd have to climb the steep stairs since they're located at the fourth floor of the church tower. For those who cannot climb up, there's a replica of the bell outside the church. You may opt to check that out instead.
The bell known as "Dako nga Lingganay" (Big Bell) is said to be made from 70 sacks of coins donated by the people of Panay through a quota system, meaning barangay officials and well-off families are required to donate one to one half sack of coins. When it rings, the sound can be heard some kilometers away.
Explore the church and vicinity and you'll find Museo de Santa Monica. Unfortunately, we weren't able to go in because it is closed but here's a picture of the place and the Old Spanish Well (which is still working, however, got covered because kids tend to throw garbage)
After Santa Monica church, we decided to go to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Shrine in Pueblo de Panay. This 132 ft. Sacred Heart of Jesus image is said to be the tallest of its kind here in the Philippines. It actually reminds me a lot of the famous Jesus the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.
Built in 2015, the place had become a pilgrimage site over the years. There is a small church at the foot of the church where pilgrims and visitors could say a prayer, light a candle or attend mass. The place is totally relaxing because it is on top of a hill and has a breathtaking view of the city.
Unfortunately, the place is out of the way that's why it is advisable to bring a car or bigger vehicles as the road is a little rough and steep. You have the option to hike and walk the way up but it is a good 30-45 minutes hike up. In our case, we rode a tricycle from the city proper and paid a good Php 200.00/person fare to take us to Sacred Heart. The way up is a lot to take for a tricycle motor so we had to go down several times and hike up. It was hard, humid and hot but the view was definitely worth it. Don't worry as there is ample parking spaces up for cars and it's really, really peaceful.
We had then gone back to the city proper to eat lunch at Baybay beach and enjoy some grilled meat and seafood. Dig in!!! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take any picture of the food we ordered because we were soooooo hungry that we literally just dug in once the food arrived. However, here's a picture of the beach for you to enjoy.
After lunch, we headed back to the hotel to check in and spent the afternoon catching zzzz's.
Main transportation in the area is tricycle. Guys, there is no Grab so don't bother looking for one. There is however an on-call taxi but I suggest to just take the tricycle to feel like a local. Submerge yourself in the culture and bask in the experience. Besides, it is also cheaper than calling a taxi. Be wary though of abusive drivers who would ask you to pay so much. Most of the drivers that we encountered were very accomodating and honest but we were able to encounter one driver that told us to pay him Php 100.00 since he took us to the airport. Here's the catch: the ride only took 3 minutes. It should've only been Php 20.00 - 40.00 at the most.
The next day, we met our family in Roxas and enjoyed our much-needed vacation. Posting pictures here for safekeeping and sharing a little bit of our life in the province. The ancestral house is located in Sigma, Capiz. A 1 1/2 hour bus ride away from Roxas City. Upon going down the bus, you have to trek for a good 30-45 minutes in a very muddy road. The soil is clay-like and is almost red which is why it is not advisable to wear white when going there. It was raining the day we came at the house and the road is very slippery. Armed with our wedding paraphernalias and luggages, we hiked up to the house and was surprised to find out that electricity is out. Good thing was it was raining also so it's a little cold however, it is hard to navigate in the house without electricity. Cellphone signal is also weak in the area since we are a little far or "liblib" from the main road. My grandparent's house was also the last and farthest house in the area with the neighbor a 5 minute walk away. CR is separated from the house so we make sure that we have done our deeds before it gets dark. Haha.
All in all, it was a fun experience, not your usual vacation but a hella memorable one.
This has been Lhex and thank you for reading.
References:
https://wanderwithmi.com/2017/10/04/7-things-that-you-should-do-when-visiting-roxas-city-capiz/
https://www.thepinaysolobackpacker.com/capiz-tourist-spot/
http://www.thehappytrip.com/2017/12/2018-roxas-city-capiz-travel-guide-itinerary-budget-cheap-hotels/
http://www.thehappytrip.com/2015/05/biggest-bell-in-southeast-asia-3rd-in-the-world/
The church is famous cause it is made up of coral stone and its facade is adorned with sculpted saint statues and intricate flowers. It was declared a National Historical Landmark on 1997. The church is closed for mass on the day we came (Tuesday) and church maintenance were busy waxing the whole place. It was amazing to witness that they still do it manually until now. To reach the bells, you'd have to climb the steep stairs since they're located at the fourth floor of the church tower. For those who cannot climb up, there's a replica of the bell outside the church. You may opt to check that out instead.
The bell known as "Dako nga Lingganay" (Big Bell) is said to be made from 70 sacks of coins donated by the people of Panay through a quota system, meaning barangay officials and well-off families are required to donate one to one half sack of coins. When it rings, the sound can be heard some kilometers away.
The tour guide said 10 people could fit inside the bell
Explore the church and vicinity and you'll find Museo de Santa Monica. Unfortunately, we weren't able to go in because it is closed but here's a picture of the place and the Old Spanish Well (which is still working, however, got covered because kids tend to throw garbage)
After Santa Monica church, we decided to go to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Shrine in Pueblo de Panay. This 132 ft. Sacred Heart of Jesus image is said to be the tallest of its kind here in the Philippines. It actually reminds me a lot of the famous Jesus the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.
Built in 2015, the place had become a pilgrimage site over the years. There is a small church at the foot of the church where pilgrims and visitors could say a prayer, light a candle or attend mass. The place is totally relaxing because it is on top of a hill and has a breathtaking view of the city.
Unfortunately, the place is out of the way that's why it is advisable to bring a car or bigger vehicles as the road is a little rough and steep. You have the option to hike and walk the way up but it is a good 30-45 minutes hike up. In our case, we rode a tricycle from the city proper and paid a good Php 200.00/person fare to take us to Sacred Heart. The way up is a lot to take for a tricycle motor so we had to go down several times and hike up. It was hard, humid and hot but the view was definitely worth it. Don't worry as there is ample parking spaces up for cars and it's really, really peaceful.
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| So big that you can see it miles away |
We had then gone back to the city proper to eat lunch at Baybay beach and enjoy some grilled meat and seafood. Dig in!!! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take any picture of the food we ordered because we were soooooo hungry that we literally just dug in once the food arrived. However, here's a picture of the beach for you to enjoy.
 |
| Baybay Beach. When I was a kid, it used to not be this way. There were cottages and visitors could swim freely in the beach. I guess the government stopped all operations on the beach due to pollution. |
After lunch, we headed back to the hotel to check in and spent the afternoon catching zzzz's.
Main transportation in the area is tricycle. Guys, there is no Grab so don't bother looking for one. There is however an on-call taxi but I suggest to just take the tricycle to feel like a local. Submerge yourself in the culture and bask in the experience. Besides, it is also cheaper than calling a taxi. Be wary though of abusive drivers who would ask you to pay so much. Most of the drivers that we encountered were very accomodating and honest but we were able to encounter one driver that told us to pay him Php 100.00 since he took us to the airport. Here's the catch: the ride only took 3 minutes. It should've only been Php 20.00 - 40.00 at the most.
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| Love this idea! Hope we can do it also here in Metro Manila. |
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| Going home to MNL! A trip to Roxas wouldn't be complete without dropping by BongBong's! |
The next day, we met our family in Roxas and enjoyed our much-needed vacation. Posting pictures here for safekeeping and sharing a little bit of our life in the province. The ancestral house is located in Sigma, Capiz. A 1 1/2 hour bus ride away from Roxas City. Upon going down the bus, you have to trek for a good 30-45 minutes in a very muddy road. The soil is clay-like and is almost red which is why it is not advisable to wear white when going there. It was raining the day we came at the house and the road is very slippery. Armed with our wedding paraphernalias and luggages, we hiked up to the house and was surprised to find out that electricity is out. Good thing was it was raining also so it's a little cold however, it is hard to navigate in the house without electricity. Cellphone signal is also weak in the area since we are a little far or "liblib" from the main road. My grandparent's house was also the last and farthest house in the area with the neighbor a 5 minute walk away. CR is separated from the house so we make sure that we have done our deeds before it gets dark. Haha.
All in all, it was a fun experience, not your usual vacation but a hella memorable one.
This has been Lhex and thank you for reading.
References:
https://wanderwithmi.com/2017/10/04/7-things-that-you-should-do-when-visiting-roxas-city-capiz/
https://www.thepinaysolobackpacker.com/capiz-tourist-spot/
http://www.thehappytrip.com/2017/12/2018-roxas-city-capiz-travel-guide-itinerary-budget-cheap-hotels/
http://www.thehappytrip.com/2015/05/biggest-bell-in-southeast-asia-3rd-in-the-world/
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