Captivating Capiz: A ‘Biyahe ni Drew’ itinerary

Aside from the delicious food, Capiz is also home to historical sites and nature’s wonders. Here’s a list to help you plan and make the most out of your trip:

 

Where to stay:

 

San Antonio Resort

Baybay beach, Roxas City, Capiz

 

On a budget? Worry not! The San Antonio Resort in Roxas City offers affordable rates perfect for those traveling alone or with a large group. It also gives guests a hassle-free experience going to the resort as they offer free shuttle rides from the airport. 

 

Check their official website for the complete list of rates and other information about the resort.

 

Suhot Cave and Natural Spring Resort

Brgy. Dolores, Dumalag, Capiz

 

Selfie with crystal clear waters and magnificent rock formations as your background? Why not?

 

Suhot Cave and Natural Spring Resort may be far from the metropolis but it can keep you and your friends entertained with their fair share of natural wonders. Take a dip in the natural spring or go exploring in the nearby cave!

 

If you just want to relax, you can also spend hours of kuwentuhan with your friends in the cabanas around the resort. 

 

Rates:

Room for 2 — P750 per night

Family rooms — P800+ per night

Pavillion — P1000+ per night

 

Where to eat:

 

San Antonio Restaurant

Baybay beach, Roxas City, Capiz

 

Expect your cravings to be satisfied, Biyaheros! 

 

The San Antonio Resort has four food places for your hearty appetite. The Port Lago Restaurant for Italian and all-time Filipino favorites, The Wok restaurant for Thai food, The Pool Bar for snacks and refreshing drinks, and the Kainan Village for some seafood-tripping. 

Craving for prawns, aligue (crab fat), oysters, crabs, squids, and scallops? San Antonio Restaurant has it! Now, while everything may be available the whole year, you can book your flight during April and May as these are the peak months where prices are cheaper. 

 

Spanggo Cafe and Pasalubong Center

Rizal Street, Roxas City, Capiz

 

Just based on the restaurant’s name---“Spanggo,” which is a combination of the words “Spanish” and “Ilonggo”---it is no wonder that one of their best-sellers is the classic Spanish dish, Paella. One order even serves 8 to 10 people. 

 

Spanggo Cafe is also a pasalubong center that offers barquillos, churros,  homemade salad dressings, and more!

Love pies? 

 

Spanggo also boasts that their buko pie can beat that of Laguna’s. The difference between the two is in the crust, as this Capiz favorite packs an added crunch!

 

Rates:

Paella — P1,500

Pies — P400

 

People’s Park

Arnaldo Blvd., Roxas City, Capiz

 

People’s Park is Roxas City’s version of the dampa. As Drew said, “when you turo, they will luto!” Nothing beats eating fresh seafoods!  

 

For a budget of P150-450, your seafood cravings will already be fully satisfied.  

 

Coco Veranda

Baybay, Roxas City, Capiz

 

If you want great food with great view, Coco Veranda is the place to be. The open-air restaurant’s location allows guests to witness the colorful sunset by the ocean, everyday! 

Be sure to order their “kagaycay” soup or clam soup. In supermarkets, kagaycay would cost you P60 per kilo.  But since Capiz is the seafood capital, kagaycay can be found in public markets all over the province for a cheaper price.

 

Rates:

Dishes  — P200 - P499

 

What to do:

 

Fall in love with the Hinulugan Falls

Barangay Tabun-acan Pilar, Capiz.

If you plan to go here, make sure you have ample time for travel. The Hinulugan Falls is far from the city but it surely would not disappoint when you get there.

 

Doing activities is more fun if you share it with friends, so it is a good thing that tours are offered for groups of 8 to 10 people! After an hour and a half of land travel, a 30-minute bumpy 4x4 ride, and a 15-minute trail walk, the beauty of the falls will finally be revealed before your eyes. 

 

Here is Drew and our cameraman, Rey, having some fun!

Rates:

Tour — P1,000 for a group of 8-10 (includes a round-trip van ride, snacks & lunch)

 

Visit the Sta. Monica Church

Roxas City, Panay Road, Panay, Capiz

 

Here in the Sta. Monica Church, you will find the biggest bell in the Philippines which also serves as the landmark of Capiz. 

Sta. Monica Church is a famous destination for devotees of the Virgin Mary. It is also a popular stop because of its iconic bell tower, where one can witness a 360-degree breathtaking view of Capiz!

 

Search for “Taklongs” in the Suhot Cave

Brgy. Dolores, Dumalag, Capiz

 

Staying in this resort sure has its perks if you are the adventurous type. Visit the Suhot cave and get ready to be amazed by nature’s wonders!

When going inside the cave, always wear protective gear and bring a flashlight regardless if it is day or night. Make sure that your shoes are fit for spelunking and trekking to avoid accidents. 

Most importantly, remember to follow the instructions of your guides before and during caving.

 

Going into the Suhot cave would also allow you to look for “taklongs” or snails, which can be cooked and eaten after. 

 

Check out Drew’s photo with the taklong! 

Rates:

Entrance fee — P10

 

Buy pasalubong for loved ones

All around Capiz

 

You might not be able to bring fresh Capiz seafood back to the metro but you can always buy other pasalubong like the famous Capiz shells. Products made from capiz shells range from parols, handicraft decors, accessories, and chandeliers.

Hungry now for fresh seafood dishes or itching to go on an adventure with Mother Nature? Make sure to use this itinerary when you go to the country’s Seafood Capital. 

 

Capiz be with you, Biyaheros!

 

"Biyahe ni Drew" airs every Friday, 8:00 PM on GMA News TV. For more information, follow the show on Facebook and Twitter. —  Elise Maog/BMS/ARP