Food, culture, faith await on summer trip to seafood capital Roxas, Capiz

Those thinking of travelling to Roxas City in Capiz Province will be spoiled for choice, as far as food, culture, and faith are concerned.

Kim Salinas of GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas toured viewers around the seafood capital of the Philippines on "24 Oras," Wednesday, to show why Roxas City is a must-visit.

Seafood takes center stage in Roxas City, as seen in the restaurants that dot People's Park. Beach lovers will also enjoy Baybay Beach, known for thrilling water sports activities aside from the freshest seafood.

The cast of "Widow's War," led by Bea Alonzo and Jean Garcia, sampled the fresh seafood the city had to offer, including shrimps, prawns, bangus, squid, and crabs.

"Actually masarap (delicious), parang buttery, very meaty and matamis (sweet)," described Bea of the shrimp.

Jean echoed Bea's sentiments, saying "Masarap, parang hipon pa lang panalo na, eh ang dami nito. May crabs and pusit."

[Delicious, the shrimp alone is a winner and there's so much. There are also crabs and squid]

Foodies may want to book their trip to Roxas City around April during the Capiztahan Festival. The fest's Surambaw Seafood Feast features unlimited fresh seafood, so foodies can eat to their heart's content.

Meanwhile, those looking for a reflective respite during their trip should head to the Shrine of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Built on top of Tumandok Hill in Barangay Dinginan, the church is famous for its 132-foot statue of Jesus Christ.

The inspiration behind the statue's construction was kindled through a vision of Dande Ong in 1995, according to Rev. Fr. Dale Orda, a team member of the church.

"In 1990, namilagrohan ang kanilang pamilya. The younger sister niya na si Haya has a rare kidney disease that is why sa huli, ang kanilang pamilya ay nagpatayo ng isang malaking image ng Mahal na Birheng Maria sa Agtalin," he said.

[In 1990, their family experienced a miracle. His younger sister Haya has a rare kidney disease, which led their family to construct a huge image of the Virgin Mary on Agtalin [Hill]]

— CDC, GMA Integrated News