A Day in the Seafood Capital
- Apr 15, 2017
- 2 min read
When one utters the word Roxas, one thing surely comes to mind, great seafood. Dubbed as the seafood capital of the Philippines and home to one of the freshest catch of the day, there is more to Roxas, Capiz than meets the eye. Lining the Baybay (seashore) of Roxas, you will be welcomed by a cavalcade of restos serving the best of what the city has to offer. From oysters to squids to different varieties of fish, either served over the grill or sigang (Filipino soup branded by its sour taste). The cool breeze coming from the sea that blankets the humid temperature is just perfect when you’re unwinding from a long week’s work, a lunch date with family or a bucket of beer shared with good old friends.
Another go to spot in Roxas is Banica. The center of seafood processing takes place in this barangay lodging a display of dried seafood ranging from P100-P150. The place offers an array of choices from "uga" (dried fish), fish tocino, anchovies, dried pusit (squid) and many more. If you’re just visiting and miss the smell of uga partnered with a hot bowl of noodles and tomatoes on the side on a cold rainy morning, this is where you will find the answer to your palate’s craving.
Roxas is not only home to a diverse marine life, it is also a sanctuary where the past meets the present. The famous Sta. Monica Church hailed as the fortress of the biggest church bell not only in the Philippines but in all of Asia will take you back to the colourful history of the terrain.
Tourists visit to see the “Dako nga Lingganay” (Big Bell) made in 1878 from 70 sacks of gold and silver coins donated by the people the community. It is said that when it is rang, the sound will resonate over the entire Roxas land.
This coral stone- made infrastructure was established originaly in Bamban and later changed by the Spaniards to Pan-ay (mouth of the water). It also houses two of the most amazing artifacts, a pure gold and silver altar displayed inside the Museo de Sta. Monica.
Inside, the main altar and two others on the side with intricately carved wood by Sarhento Itak the town’s most famous sculptor during the era will greet you and take you to a history of great artistry and religious zeal.
Leaving Roxas also leaves you with the realization that it surely is a place where the treasures of the sea meets the soil’s history.
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