ROXAS CITY, Capiz -- Hundreds of visitors, including several foreign dignitaries, joined the unlimited fun of seafood dining experience for the “Capiztahan 2018” in Roxas City, Capiz province which kicked off Friday.
Capiz Governor Antonio del Rosario, in his speech, said April 13 has been declared a special non-working holiday in the whole province as the festival also marked the 117th foundation anniversary of Capiz.
The festival officially opened with the hoisting of the Philippine flag, provincial banner and the banners of the 16 municipalities and one component city of the province in the Provincial Park that has recently underwent major improvements.
Del Rosario said their best-tasting seafood always attract visitors and this festival gave them the opportunity to celebrate the bountiful seafood that they have in their province.
Capizeños served their steamed, baked and buttered seafood from their coastal towns during the "Foodtrip sa Capiz" at the Capiz stadium during lunchtime.
Known to be the “seafood capital of the Philippines”, mountains of steamed crabs, shrimps and oysters have been prepared in a long buffet table through the contribution of the different coastal towns of the province.
Other exotic dishes of various seafood were also prepared.
Nowadays, the seafood in Capiz province is not only in demand in local and national markets but in the foreign markets as well, said the Del Rosario.
He said Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong as among those which sourced their seafood supplies from the province.
Among the dignitaries who enjoyed the seafood overload are Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of Russian Federation to the Republic of the Philippines Igor Anatolyevich Khovaey, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Adekunbi Abibat Sonaike-Ayodeji, Ambassador of Bangladesh Asas Alam Siam, Charge d' Affaires,A.I., of the Republic of Indonesia Budi Dhewajani, and Nawi Bokuik, Charge D' Affaires, A.L., Papua New Guinea.
Meanwhile, enterprises from all over Capiz sold their local products like crafts and dried fish even fresh seafoods at Agro-Indusgtrial Trade fair which was also opened here.
Other highlights of the event will be the 2nd Capiz International Triathlon dubbed as "TriAksyon," slated April 14-15.
The Triaksyon started last year as the province aims to become the sports-tourism capital of the country.
The triathlon will pass through several areas in Capiz such as Baybay Beach, historical Panay church that houses the largest Catholic Church in Asia, Villareal stadium which contains the largest olympics swimming pool in the region and the Pueblo de Panay, a rising 500-hectare multi-zoned township development in this city.
Hundreds of triathletes from the different parts of the country and the world are expected to join the event.
Also, the "Sadsad sa Capiz" street dancing competition will highlight the festival event by entertaining the locals and tourists as performers will be dancing in the streets dressed in colorful and vibrant seafood and mythical creatures.
Other activities for the festivity include the fireworks display, “Parada sang mga Higante”, Siningsaysay: Philippine History in Art Travelling Exhibit at Ang Panublion Museum, among others.
On April 15, a wreath-laying for the 70th Death Anniversary of President Manuel A. Roxas will be held at his monument in this city.
Del Rosario expressed hope that more visitors will come to their province and become part of its meaningful festival. (PNA)
Photo by Cindy Ferrer
