This is part 2 of my Roxas trip... A continuation
We started our day early again to venture out to the neighboring towns of Roxas city. We checked out of our accommodation, ate a bountiful breakfast at our host's house, and rode for about an hour to the town of Panay. We stopped by the "I <3 Capiz" sign at the Circulo Convention Center. It has a scenic view of the town. It's right beside Cafe de Terrazas so you will not miss it.
After a quick stop at the local market to buy various dried fish, we went to Sta. Monica Church. I love going to Baroque-style churches to bask in its grandeur, and it's even more special because it houses the Panay bell.
The Panay bell is the biggest Catholic Church bell in Asia. It was made during the Spanish era from the silver coins donated by the churchgoers. It was dubbed a National Treasure, and the great thing about it is that it's still functional! A replica of the bell is located at the church grounds for those who cannot go up the bell tower. But if you are able, tour guides are available to take you up the bell tower to see and hear about the original Panay Bell and its history.
The replica of the Panay Bell located at the church grounds
Sta. Monica Church
The tour guide takes you inside the bell tower and closes the door. Once inside, you will be greeted by an old baptismal basin and a scary flight of stairs. I was happy to see that the stairs were made of metal and cement, with no gaps in between (the stairs were still made of wood, with gaps in between, a few years ago). The flight up the bell tower is pretty narrow and steep, so this is not for the faint-hearted (proof of my cowardice). There were also bats inside. I really worked up the courage to go up. Good thing I made it up! You will immediately be welcomed by cool wind and a nice view of the Town of Panay. The Panay Bell isn't the only bell there. 8 smaller bells circle around the grand bell. It was a trip I was glad to not miss. You not only hear about the history. You will also be given a chance to hear the bell ring! The guide said that they ring the bell ever year to mark its anniversary. On December 21, the bell will be rung. It so happens to be my birthday! I hope to go back sometime to hear it ring.
View from the bell tower
The guide told us to go inside the bell for a picture
The original Panay Bell
The old baptismal basin located at the bottom of the bell tower
The guide also took a picture of us through a hole in a church door
After buying souvenirs at a nearby souvenir store, we went to have lunch at Jardin del Sur. Duck, fish, and seafood galore! There's no end to good food!
Before we go to other places, we checked in to our new accommodation at Baybay beach. Grand Gazebo was such a nice and affordable place! We were a big group so we had 2 rooms. The room for 4 people, which was very spacious already, was for P1,800 only! I never stayed at such a place for that cheap. Definitely worth the money! The other room, which is loft-style, was P3,500. The resort offers free wi-fi and complimentary breakfast. The only downside was that the water pressure from the shower was weak. We also had difficulties with the water heater, but the resort staff was very accommodating to our needs.
A spacious room for 4 people
Loft-style room good for 8 people
Baybay beach
We freshened up for a bit and headed out. We toured the Roxas City plaza, had merienda at our host's house, bought pasalubong (more food!) at the market, then headed to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Shrine.
Statue of former President Manuel Roxas
Roxas City grandstand
Roxas City Hall
Various vegetables planted on large plastic containers
The Sacred Heart of Jesus Shrine is on top of a mountain, so we had to take cars suitable for the terrain. It was quite a bumpy ride but it was definitely worth it. If you commuted, you will have to walk up. We also saw bikers going up. Initially, we were supposed to catch the sunset at Baybay beach. But since we were running late, we caught the sunset there. It was beautiful. You can really see the beauty of the province here. They say that the statue is as big as the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. Not sure about that, though, but it was indeed big.
Panoramic view at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Shrine
We had dinner at one of the restaurants lining Baybay beach. More delicious food was had. Kare-kare, barbecue, pancit, and so much more! We had oysters, but I'm still not brave enough to try it. It was also the first time I had catfish. I immediately fell in love that when we got back to Manila, I told my mom that we should buy one. And that we did! We didn't get to see the beach up close but we didn't want to miss out on swimming in it. There were no lights so we made sure to be careful and not go too deep into the water. The water was nice and warm. It was low tide so even after walking a few meters, the water was still very shallow. The sea was pretty wavy so we had fun (while still being careful!). I was glad that I didn't opt out.
Baybay beach at night
We slept quite well in our comfy beds. We woke up really early again for our flight home. Another early flight! This time, I got to see the sunrise, which I rarely get to do, while waiting for the plane to lift off.
I really enjoyed our trip. It was such a quick vacation. We didn't get to really explore since the weather was bad our 1st day there, but that only makes me want to go back. I already miss the good food and the friendly people. And no, we didn't see any scary creatures there!
What are other places that you should visit when in Capiz? What food should you not miss? Comment below!
Bye Roxas City!
Hello Manila!
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