Roxas City, Capiz: Of familiar edifices

I'm always the type of  traveller  who would rather be left alone when traveling.  That day when we went around Roxas City, I parted ways with my parents  so I can have "me time" to explore. I heard of the city and passed by it multiple times in the past but I was never given a chance to look and experience it closely.   

So I started with entering  the Panublion (the details about that is in my previous blog so you can probably read through it after this one). After my eyes were full of the city's history through that water tank museum, I started walking around and I observed how familiar the city's set up is. There are certain similarities and minor differences to that of other Spanish Colonized town or city.

One common sight is the Church.  At the heart of the city facing the Roxas City river is the church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. At the church entrance, an encryption says Reconstruida El Ano 1954 or reconstructed in the year 1954. There were, in total, three reconstructions that happened in the past. For a church this old, damages through time are inevitable. And since there are many devout locals, not a storm nor an earthquake can destroy the faith that they have for the arbitrary religion that was always there. It was once blue now it's yellow, almost gold which is illuminated vividly under the heat of the sun that day. 

 The color of the church not only mirrors that of the rays of the sun but also the Provincial Capitol which is where most of the local government officials are. What's fascinating about the Capitol are its windows. It's good to know that they were able to preserve even the structure of the main office of the province, making it so similar to that of the Spanish Municipios. Like those in the past, their windows are with carefully crafted Capiz shells that are abundant in the province. Thus, proving, like all other towns and provinces around the country, Capiznons are also resourceful and they too, value their own.

Facing the church, with its murky and calm waters is the Roxas City river previously known as the Panay river. This river is connected to the Iloilo river hence its previous name. Before you can go to any of the edifices around the city, you'll have to cross the Roxas City bridge or the Old Capiz bridge. This stood witness to the booming of the major economic developments and historical events of the city since 1910. 

 

The city also has a park with Gazebos that attract couples and students whiling away time. Or people  like me walking around finding picture-worthy spots. From afar you would also see a mini park that has a  statue of President Manuel Roxas. This was built in honor of his contributions to the city. Standing in his pedestal, hands on pockets, the president's likeness shows how he keenly observes the city as if he can see all the major changes around it.

And at the center of the town circle , saying "hello" to visitors or "goodbye" to those leaving, is a water fountain. Like the city, the water streaming in it always rises and flows continuously amidst the leafing of time and the changes with the people and the way they live.