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Happy New year To All Capisnon!

Western Visayas Tourism Assembly in Capiz Captivates a Group of Bloggers

Enrico Dee, a full-time Manila-based travel blogger, visited Capiz during the Western Visayas 2009 Tourism Assembly together with Iloilo bloggers Junelle Caravana, Eddie Mendoza, Jr. and Marcos Caratao, Jr. The three-day event was full of excitement, randomized road trips and countless photoshoots. Upon arriving Roxas City, the bloggers faced the scorching heat of the sun during the Parade of Festivals until it arrived at the Villareal Stadium for the Opening Ceremony and Festival Showdown. The next two days were even more exciting as the bloggers travel around Capiz.

The bloggers went to the following places:

• Panubli-on Museum. Too bad it‘s not allowed to take photographs inside.
• Balay Kapisnon. The bloggers asked for directions going to Culajao.
• Culajao Mangrove Eco-Park
• Santa Monica Church in Panay
• Banica Dried Fish Market and Wharf. The bloggers were disappointed upon knowing from the coast guard detachment area that they cannot go to the Olotayan Island anymore.
• La Playa de Roxas (People’s Park in BayBay). The bloggers were amazed how clean and stink-free the park is.
• Fish Drying Area in Dumulog
• Ford’s Point in Culasi. The bloggers went here instead of Olotayan.
• Panulce
• Tracy’s Bakeshop
• Dante’s Café and Bar, along Marc’s Beach (Beng’s, Alma’s, Kansi Pat Pat’s Restaurant)

Enrico, Junelle, Eddie and Marc are full-time independent travel bloggers and photographers. As their tour guide, I have seen how proficient they are in capturing split-second moments and beautiful sceneries here in Capiz. It is a privilege for Capiz that these bloggers came to see the sights and sharing it in the blogosphere. Through them, Capiz will be captivating more tourists.

Brief Information of the Bloggers:

Enrico Dee of Byahilo.com . He is a twenty-something who just went for a Western Visayas escapade (link: http://www.byahilo.com/2009/12/08/byahilo-on-a-western-visayas-escapade/). He was born in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, and took up BS Computer Science at the University of St. La Salle.  Visit his blog to see some photos during the opening ceremonies at the Villareal Stadium (link: http://www.byahilo.com/2009/12/09/western-visayas-tourism-assembly-2009-photos/).

Junelle Caravana of Intiendes.com. She took up BS Computer Engineering at the University of San Agustin. She is the vice-president of the Iloilo Bloggers organization.

Eddie Mendoza, Jr. of GigsIlonggo.com . Junnjun took up BS Information Technology in Central Philippine University in Iloilo City. He is originally from Masbate but is now settling in Iloilo. He is a public relations officer for gigs of the Iloilo Bloggers organization.

Marcos Caratao, Jr. of ExploreIloilo.com. He is a 20 something year old travel blogger slash freelance photographer. He lives in Mandurriao, Iloilo City and maintains a couple of blogs to fuel his many passions. He is a public relations officer for travel of the Iloilo Bloggers organization.

Links:

Photo Gallery of Western Visayas Tourism Assembly 2009

Sinadya sa Halaran 2009 Photos

TWO FOLD CELEBRATION: “The Sinadya sa Halaran 2009 and Western Visayas 2009 Tourism Assembly Winded up Successfully”

Western Visayas Tourism Assembly 2009 Pictures by chymera00

Western Visayas Tourism Assembly 2009 by Babsy

A parade of 12 festivals, 6 provinces, and two cities – WVTA 2009 by chymera00

http://www.slideshare.net/pwengbee/western-visayas-tourism-assembly-in-capiz-captivates-a-2683328

Author: Sheilla May Baes

Capiz to host 2009 Regional Tourism Assembly

by A. Lumaque

Roxas City (3 November) – A three-day Western Visayas Tourism Assembly (WVTA) that will gather various tourism stakeholders from the government and private sectors in the region is set here from December 4 to 6 this year.

The assembly is in time with the city and province’s Sinadya sa Halaran (SSH) celebration from December 3 to 8.

Department of Tourism Regional Director and WVTA executive director Edwin G. Trompeta said during a press conference that the activities for the assembly include travel fair and mart, tourism conference, parade of festivals, cultural showcase, tourism awards, travel invitational, food festival and search for Miss Western Visayas Tourism.

The media interaction was also graced by Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Alfonso Bediones, Provincial and City Tourism Officers Alphonsus Tesoro and Rodolfo Maestro Jr., respectively, some DOT regional staff and mediamen, among others.

“Capiz is known for its fresh seafoods and the hospitality of its people,” noted Trompeta during the press conference when asked about the various tourism potentials in the region.

DUNGOG IP Festival 2009 Press Conference

by April Grace J. Garcia             

                The National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Sub-commission on Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Capiz, will be holding the celebration of the historic Dungog: Indigenous Peoples Festival 2009 here in Roxas City, Capiz on October 2-6, 2009.

                A big event of celebration and festivities bound for culture education and learning of the different cultural expressions of over 100 ethno-linguistic communities all gathered together to celebrate and showcase the profuse and diverse customs and traditions of different ethno-linguistic communities which are all undoubtedly worthy to be proud of.

                Indigenous peoples (IP’s) coming from distinct places in the Philippines mainly Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, of over 18 major communities will be featured, and expected 300 participants will witness the said event including 40 international visitors representing the ASEAN will arrive to participate in the forthcoming IPs Festival here in Roxas City, Capiz.

               

Al Tesoro - Dungog IP Festival Director

The Provincial Government of Capiz and all the governing/in-charge bodies in the celebration of Dungog: Indigenous Peoples Festival 2009, held its Press Conference at the Villareal Stadium, Swimming Pool last September 23, 2009. Organized by the Capiz Provincial Press Bureau headed by Mr. Edward Basilonia, the conference gathered the presence of all media people of the City and the Province to bring their query and as well as critic the results of the preparation of the festival. The media folks assured their utmost support on the event and will help boost up the promotion of the festival. The said Press Conference was duly attended by the people behind this affair. Leading among them was our beloved Governor of the Province of Capiz, Gov. Victor A. Tanco, who has truly been enthusiastic in promoting and uplifting the local tourism of the province. The presence of Mr. Alphonsus “Al” Tesoro, Capiz Provincial Tourism Officer, was highly recognized for his eagerness, being the Festival Director, in the pursuance of this event. Present also on the center stage were the Capiz Provincial Administrator Mr. Zoe Herrera Jr., Board Member Alfonso “Bo” Bediones, Col. Josephus Angan-Capiz Provincial Director (PNP) and Atty. Joe Villanueva-Provincial Legal Officer. The City Vice-Mayor Ronnie Dadivas was also appreciated and recognized for his full support during the press con.

DUNGOG: Indigenous Peoples Festival 2009

October 2-6, 2009 – Villareal Stadium, Roxas City

Roxas City, Philippines – Capiz Provincial Government through the leadership of Governor Victor A. Tanco, Sr., en masse with National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Subcommission on Cultural Communities and Traditional Arts will hold DUNGOG: Indigenous Peoples (IP) Festival 2009 at Villareal Stadium, Roxas City Philippines on October 2-6, 2009. 

“DUNGOG”, is a local Hiligaynon term means dignity and to the other communities as to listen, is the IP celebration that will brings together 110 ethno-linguistic groups nationwide in which the vividness of tradition, customs and cultural practices will be featured. 

Indigenous cultural communities that are expected to attend  are Gaddang, Kankana-ey, Ifugao, Kalinga, Jama Mapun, Palawani and Molbog, Pala’wan, mangyan, Agta/Ita, Lineyte/Samarnon, Panay Bukidnon, Ati, Akeanon/Hiligaynon/Kinaray-a, Bagobo, Subanen, Tausug and Sama. These IP’s are descendants of the original inhabitants of this archipelago who have somehow managed to resist centuries of colonization and in the process have retained their own customs, traditions and ways of life.

To aid this once in a life time event for Capiz,  the NCCA allocated budgets of 6 million pesos while the Province of Capiz came up with 2.1 million pesos as counterpart fund. 

Holy Week Celebration in Capiz, Philippines

The Holy Week Celebration in Capiz, Philippines is different charm for everyone that combines native traditions and modern day touches with numerous innovations. This has been considered as the holiest week. As Pan-ay town and Capiz became the center of Catholicism in the Panay Island during the Spanish colonization in 18^th century, Capiznon tradition in celebrating Holy Week was greatly influenced by Spanish conquistadores.

Holy Week Procession during Good Friday at Roxas City, Philippines

Lenten season has been solemnly observed by Capizeño through “Pagpamalandung” with a mixture of pagan rituals and “Panimad-on” or superstitions. Others where busy looking for “Pangalap” or amulet in the mountains and caves in Capiz specially during Good Friday where they believed could protect them from harm, physical or otherwise.  Some are fulfilling their vows or “pana-ad” through “penitensya” or penitence, sacrifices, myriad of flagellants, “puasa” or fasting; and church visits or “visita iglesia”. 

Holy Week Processions in Good Friday is one of the spectacular activity should’nt be missed.

Lenten season is also a chance for family members, batchmates, classmates, kababata and barkadas to be reunited in which majority of them where having their vacations.

Visita Iglesia in Capiz: Top 7 Churches to Visit

Holy Thursday also known as Maundy Thursday for Christian Churches is very significant in observing the Lenten Season or Semana Santa/Cuaresma specially in the Philippines.

 

Traditionally, on this day, Catholic faithful solemnize the importance of Holy Thursday through Visita Iglesia or Church Visits.

Four (4) activities where commemorated in observance of Maundy Thursday:

1. the washing of the Disciples’ Feet by Jesus Christ;
2. the institution of the Mystery of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper;
3. the agony of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane; and
4. the betrayal of Christ by Judas Iscariot.

The last supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles was also observed on this day.

 

 But what is more important in the custom/tradition of the Filipino Catholic faithful during Huebes Santo is to do the visita iglesia, literally, church visits.  This tradition was an ancient practice started in Rome, where early pilgrims visited seven (7) pilgrim churches in Rome as penance. 

 

 Here in the Philippines, faithful carry out this tradition of Visita Iglesia as their “Pana-ad” by visiting seven churches (others may extend it to 14) and say the Stations of the Cross or Via Crusis, with two stations in each churches.

They follow this sequence:

1. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane,
2. Jesus is betrayed by Judas and arrested,
3. Jesus is condemned by the Sanhedrin,
4. Jesus is denied by Peter,
5. Jesus is judged by Pilate,
6. Jesus is scourged and crowned with thorns,
7. Jesus takes up His cross,
8. Jesus is helped by Simon to carry His cross,
9. Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem,
10. Jesus is crucified,
11. Jesus promises His kingdom to the repentant thief,
12. Jesus entrusts Mary and John to each other,
13. Jesus dies on the cross,
14. Jesus is laid in the tomb.

Capiznon became truly faithful in observing this tradition, looking back to its history, Pan-ay town became the second Spanish settlement in the Philippines next to Cebu. Capiz then, became the center of Catholicism in the entire island.

Here are the possible route for visita iglesia in Capiz based on its proximity and accessibility (Roxas City->Pan-ay->Pontevedra -> Bailan -> Panit-an -> Loctugan -> Roxas City):

1. Immaculate Concepcion Metropolitan Cathedral – Roxas City

Immaculate Concepcion Metropolitan Cathedral Parish

 2. Sta. Monica Parish – Pan-ay, Capiz

Sta. Monica Church, Panay Capiz.. the church where the Biggest Bell in Asia hangs in its belfry

3. St. Isidore Parish  – Pontevedra, Capiz

Parish of St. Isidore, Pontevedra, Capiz

4. St. Vincent Ferrer Parish – Brgy. Bailan Pontevedra, Capiz

St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, Brgy. Bailan, Pontevedra, Capiz

5. St. Laurence Parish – Panitan, Capiz

St. Laurence Parish, Panitan, Capiz

6. St. Therese of Avila Parish – Brgy. Loctugan, Roxas City

St. Therese of Avila Parish, Brgy. Loctugan, Roxas City

7. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish – Roxas City

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Roxas

Are Filipinos nowadays truly faithful in observing this Holy Week? Do they solemnly and religiously observing the Visita Iglesia? or just doing the Visita Isla (Island Hopping)?  Try to ask the teenagers now, they can’t even understand the reasons of observing this religious tradition, or this is just a reason to get away from work  or school  and enjoy the entire week with friends for a vacation.   

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Capiznon Online talks about everything and anything you want to know about Capiz and Roxas City, its allure, its beauty, the latest issues being talked about, the happenings as well as the latest landmarks, recreational centers, watering holes and all the things that make Capiz truly captivating and bewitching. This is a place where Hectic Capiznon Bloggers of 2009 can be found.

Duag Capiznon – “Day 1:Sinadya sa Halaran 2008 Pictures”

Sinadya sa Halaran - Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral

Sen. Mar Roxas with Roxas City Mayor Vicente Bermejo and Capiz Governor Victor A. Tanco

The opening of the Sinadya sa Halaran 2008 last December 4, 2008 was grace by Senator Manuel “Mar” Roxas, with Roxas City Mayor Vicente  Bermejo and Capiz Governor Victor A. Tanco.  A Thanksgiving Mass was held at the Capiz Gym.  After the opening ceremony, Sen. Mar Roxas attended the forum for the Capiznon students at Capiz State University.

 

After the thanksgiving mass, the civic parade took off at 8:00 am at Villareal Stadium -> Makopa Street -> Fuentes Drive -> Roxas avenue -> Bridge -> Taft street -> Burgos Street -> Hughes Street -> and Public Plaza . This civic parade or “Duag Capiznon” with the Theme: “Bugay nga Naagum, Ikalipay kag Ipaambit nga Mapasinalamaton” was headed by the DepEd – Roxas City Division. This was participated by the different civic organizations, private companies & institutions, local government unit of each municipality of Capiz Province, City and Barangay officials of Roxas City.