I have been contemplating about Capiz for the longest time. Often, it will be bookmarked at the back of my head, only to be triggered by mention of words like aswang, cheap oyster, or the decorative items used in windows or lampshades. It is only during my recent trip to the place that made me look at it in a different light.
Capiz is a beautiful place. It’s like Manila, but set in the province. Banks, schools, sports stadium, business establishments are everywhere. Even Jollibee (and Enchong Dee, at the time of my visit!) is there. But there is more to civilization or aswang tales in the seafood capital of the Philippines.
I arrived with the expectation of spending most of my time eating the province’s pride: seafood, and keeping tabs on possible sightings of aswangs but I tiptoed on the countryside of the province to discover something I wouldn’t have other means of seeing if not for my Couchsurfing host.
My favorite part was the ephemeral moments we got to spend touring around the streets while riding a motorcycle. Through the simple town beside Binantuan river, a short stopover to the biggest bell in Asia, strolling through the path surrounded by nipa trees, the rough road that made the bumpy rides a little rough, and the frenzy ride on a boat without outrigger –everywhere, people would smile, albeit timidly, and wave at us.
I’ve also met some people along the road who have helped me mold my idea of the province –like how they hate a politician who is expected to be so loved in his own town, or how a local delicacy called Diwal almost became extinct, or how come their cultured crabs afford to carry overflowing aligue inside their shells. It’s an interesting place, one that kills any expectation and changes it to something more concrete, more defined.
Indeed we have arrived.
‘Welcome to Capiz!’
Have you been to Capiz? What’s your fondest memory about the place?
What a beautiful place! The rustic town reminds me of my childhood years. Oh, the nostalgia!
Yes, it’s a beautiful place indeed. Where did you grow up, if I may ask? 🙂
Hi Shayne,
We’re from Lapu Lapu City, Cebu actually. During the 80s, our city looks like this.
Oh wow, I just visited Cebu a few days ago and I really enjoyed the historical tour and even the current look of the city, there are so many trees and the public transportation is very organized. It’s come so far, based on the imagery you are describing.
Beautiful photos!
Thank you, dear! 🙂
The photos are brilliant, especially the people shots. Best food there to try?
Hi, Stefan! I recommend you to try the seafood of Capiz! Diwal, in particular, is a local cuisine. 😉
This is gorgeous! SO happy I stumbled on your post on the Drifters Unite page, I’ve been thinking about visiting the Philippines recently 🙂
Hello, Ellie! Yes, please come visit us here in the Philippines as we have lots to offer. 🙂
Looks amazing there, would love to tour there by motorcycle one day.
It’s a butt numbing experience but the views are worth it! LOL 😀
Great pictures! It looks so quiet and slow to me! Maybe these people are not rich but they definitely have much more time than we have.
Good observation! And yes, it’s true. They have less but they also have more.
Cheers, Julius! Thanks for visiting my site 🙂
I love this place already! It looks like the perfect place to escape to.
It is! Come, visit 🙂
anung gamit mong camera Shayneer—–Dianini 🙂
Hi, Dianini! Hindi ko alam, nakalimutan ko na, hiniram ko lang sa officemate ko yun e. water proof. haha 🙂
One day, one day! 🙂
looks fun. I was born in roxas i think its near in capiz
http://carissainez.com
Hi Carissa! It was! And, Roxas is located in Capiz 🙂