ROXAS CITY

Sunday 23 February 2014

INTERESTING PLACES IN ROXAS CITY

CAPIZ PROVINCIAL CAPITOL

The newly renovated 3-storey Capiz provincial Capitol building reflects the aspirations of the Capiceños in various endeavors. The kapis shell windows is a manifestation of a product it has been known for its majestic location and height is an added feature that invites visitors to come in and take a look at its interiors. The Hall of Governors at the 3rd floor is a welcome sight for sight seers as it overlooks the major streets of the city.

TOURISM INFORMATION CENTER/POLICE OUTPOST

This edifice is the product of the cooperation between the Roxas City government and the Capiz Circle U.S.A., a group of Capizeños staying in the United States. This project was conceived when our chief executive, Mayor Tony Del Rosario visited them and talked to them about the developments in their hometown, the city of Roxas.

This was motivated them to set aside some of their funds in the amount of Eight thousand dollars to start the construction of an edifice that will house a tourist assistance center and a police outpost at the city plaza. Construction started sometime in August of this year. Work on the project was supervised by Mr. Don borro, an officer of the Capiz Circle U.S.A. until October 2005 when he had to go back to the states.

The City Government continued the project and it was finished December 1, 2005 in time for the Sinadya sa Halaran celebrations. The City Government allocated P220,000.00 as it’s counterpart in order that this noble project of the Capiz Circle U.S.A. and the city government would become a reality.

This edifice will be opened by no less than Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on December 7 where she will officially open the Sinadya sa Halaran 2005 festivities.

ROXAS CITY BANDSTAND

Built in the early 20’s by Jose S. Roldan, first Filipino principal of the Capiz Trade School. The Roxas city Bandstand overlooking the serene Panay River, is the venue for many political rallies, presentation and launching of programs that benefited the City and the Province. The bandstand is an earthquake proof structure than can be moved from one place to another as its original base is rounded or arched allowing flexibility when moved. However, recent renovations have permanently fixed the structure in its present site.

CAPIZ NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Tne of the pioneering educational institutions in the province, Capiz National High School (formerly Capiz High School) was established and completely organized in 1914. Its imposing structure and location (on top of a hill) is always a welcome sight. Its 48-step stairway is a popular spot for picture taking.

LAPU-LAPU GROWING FARM

Along Palina River in Brgy. Cagay, Roxas City can be found thousands of fish cages raising Green groupers of the species Epinaphalus Tauvina, Epinaphalus Malabaricus,Tauvina and Cocoedis or what is locally known as “Lapu-lapu”. The seed stocks comes from as far as Mindoro, Leyte, Aklan and from neighboring town of Sapian. 420 pieces of Lapu-lapu seed stocks are placed in each 3x3 m fish cage. The fish thrive mussel, tilapia, and some small fish. From seed stocks of 2-3 inches the fish grown to harvestable size weighing from 450-500 gms. After 6 months. The average harvest per day of 1 fish grower I 350 or 4,500 kls per month. The bulk of this harvest is send to Metro Manila. The Fish Farm is one of the largest with 1,500 fish cages in an area of 28,000 sq. m.

MORO TOWERS

Built in 1814 in order to repel the invading Moors and Portuguese colonizers. These half-torn structures, 7 feet squares, 10 feet high, are vivid souls of the past. Before they were destroyed, they were twice their present height. These towers are made of black pebbles, and are gradually eroding. One tower is on top of the hill at Sitio Nipa, Culasi and the other one is at Brgy. Dumolog.

GERRY ROXAS FOUNDATION

This two-store main building of the GRF Resource Center houses the Institute of Local Governance, Center of Policy Research and Advocacy, Information Center for Development, and the Administration Office. For training purposes it has 4 air-conditioned function rooms. The convention halls offers world class facilities which cater to the needs of government, NGO’s and business corporations for the conduct of conferences, seminars, dialogues and learning in Panay Island and the Visayas. The convention hall can accommodate a maximum of 500 persons. It can also be sectioned off to for smaller groups.

THE ROXAS CITY DISPLAY CENTER

One can find in this facility the different products of Capiz like handicrafts, food and ornamental plants. It is maintained by the Capiz Multi-Purpose Cooperative. It is strategically located near the Provincial Capitol and the Roxas City Bridge.

TEODORO ARCENAS TRADE CENTER

Sunday has always been a Market Day in Roxas City. As early as Saturday, people from nearby town’s and as far as the island provinces of Masbate, Sibuyan and Romblon come to the city with their products to be sold on the next da and at the same time to buy things that could the sell when the return to their respective places.

The center for this activity is the newly renovated Teodoro Arcenas Trade Center. It is the center of trade and commerce for the Capiceños and has been adjudged by the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran as the Public Market with the cleanest restrooms in the whole country for the year 2001.

V/B ALBA FOUNDATION

Nesting a top of a hilly lot in Brgy. Dinginan is a grotto and a chapel devoted to Our Lady of Lourdes. It is situated on 6.5 ha. Lot and is more or less 7 kms from the city proper., It can be reached through a 150-stairway. The place is ideal for spiritual retreats and provides a great view of the city and its surrounding areas.

This shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes is a project of the V/B Alaba Foundation, Inc. and aims to instill in the community the family’s rich heritage devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

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BAYBAY BEACH

One of the sites to see in Roxas City is Baybay Beach. It is just three kilometers away from the city circle. The place is a favorite weekend spot for the local populace and those coming from nearby towns and provinces. Considered a “must not miss” spot in Roxas City, Baybay beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. It has a seven-kilometer stretch of sugar-fine, glittery, ebony sand. The water sometimes washes up to the shore a substance known as “margaha” to the locals, which is fine iron particles that an ordinary magnet can pick up and collect!

OLOTAYAN ISLAND

An hours’ travel from the city proper is this island baranggay of Olotayan. This island is blessed with a coarse white sand beach and serene shores that fits everyone’s desire for a private beach. A boat ride can be arranged at the Banica wharf for a certain fee.

MANTALINGA ISLAND

Nearby Mantalinga island which is a kilometer away from the shoreline of Baybay beach has been identified as an ideal diving 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 fisherfolk. They write the names of their fishing boats on the side of the island before they set out to sea for the first time.

ANG PANUBLI-ON, THE ROXAS CITY MUSEUM

Located just across the City Hall, this impressive circular piece of architecture offers every visitor a comprehensive view of what Roxas City was then, what it is now and its vision for the future – a complete record those who have given their share in making Roxas City what it is today. Constructed in 1910, the museum used to be a water tank that served the local residents for more than three decades.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL

One of the oldest in Panay Island, this church is a silent witness to events that have unfolded in the city over the past centuries. Its imposing view complements the city plaza fronting the Panay River and the Capiz bridge. Fiesta lights add glitter to the church.

ANCESTRAL HOUSE OF THE LATE PRES. MANUEL ROXAS

The birthplace of Pres. Manuel Roxas, First President of the Philippine Republic and Roxas City’s most illustrious son in whose honor the city got its name, still stands at its original site at Rizal St., (corner Zamora St.,), a few minutes walk from the city hall and the city plaza.

THE CITY BRIDGE

The old and imposing Spanish City Bridge has remained strong and firm since it was built in 1910. Connecting the commercial center of the city to the main thoroughfare, traversing the Panay River, the bridge is a silent witness to various changes that ushered in progress and development in the city. Like the old bridge, equally alluring is the huge stretch of the Panay River that traverses the very heart of the city. For this, Roxas City has been dubbed as the "Venice of the Visayas"

BAYBAY SEAFOOD GRILLS

Located at Baybay beach is a stretch of stalls serving the freshest seafood in town. These establishments offer a laid-back atmosphere where one can simply dine and relax to the refreshing sea breeze, sparkling fine gray sand, serene blue waters and pristine shoreline. It specializes in “talaba” steamed in hot boiling water or broiled over charcoal for P25-P35 pesos per basket. It also offers other mouth-watering dishes like chicken and pork barbecue, pantat, hito, squid, and other grilled delicacies at affordable prices. It is a perfect venue for an intimate dinner for 2 or lively family gatherings.

HORTUS BOTANICUS

Hortus Botanicus houses a collection of both introduced and endemic plants that are properly labeled and arranged according to families. The Hortus Botanicus or garden is set in Milibili, a barangay of Roxas City, which is around 3.12 kms. from the city proper and 950 meters away from the national road. The site is nestled along the gentle rolling hills of Milibili, a natural setting for the different plant collections. The existing body of water at the site can hold aquatic plant accessions and facilities for recreation. Its location is ideal for seminars, hands-on training programs, for retreats or simply a place to unwind. Plant hobbyists, on the other hand can learn more here and avail of planting materials for their collection.

The gardens are not only a living museum of plants or a sanctuary and conservation area for the city’s plant species but also a learning center where livelihood activities like the setting-up of backyard gardens, training for garden services and other allied activities can be conducted.

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