Christmas Lights are Bright at the Capiz Provincial Park

The Capiz Provincial Capitol enjoyed a face lift with its transformation into an enticing outdoor attraction. It features lush flora and the man-made pond and waterfalls that provide the locals with an open-air respite to commune with nature, unwind, and temporarily set their worries aside. This Christmas season gives  the Capiznons another reason to visit this destination. The park has gone merrier and  brighter now that the lights are on and twinkling with the festive tune that enlivens everyone’s spirit.

A statement from the Capiz Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs says: "The lighting up of the festive lights at the Provincial Park is Capiz’ way of celebrating with the rest of the world the birth of Jesus Christ, the savior. And with this, we continue to live a Christ-led life and remain humbled by the sacrifices He made for us."

All is merry and bright at the Capiz Provincial Park! The holidays lights in blue, white and red usher in the  spirit this season. Larger-than-life Christmas balls and gifts and towering Christmas trees are scattered around the park, making it a perfect background for selfie and groufie shots. Take a while every now and then to pose and capture a snapshot. Your friends and followers would surely like and share 'em!

Take the illuminated lighted tunnel that follows the course of the concrete walk encircling the man-made pond offers a pleasurable walk for everyone.  And if you're tired of strolling around, don't you just want to simply admire the crisp, cool air and appreciate the surrounding? So bring a mat and spread it on the grass as you enjoy the sight of arboretum. The native trees in the arboretum weren’t spared from the Christmas gaiety. Their encasements make the arboretum a Christmas tree farm at night!

Just outside the park, the Roxas Food Bazaar offers a rich choice of affordable and scrumptious food to delight the palate after exploring the Christmas destination. Fill up your tummy and don’t forget to bring your loved ones to spread that cheerful feel! 

Where is the Capiz Provincial Park?

The Capiz Provincial Park is conveniently located at the intersection of Fuentes Drive and San Roque Extension. It stands right outside the Capiz Government and Business Center and Capiz National High School and beside Capiz State University. It is accessible through public transport. From Roxas City Integrated Transport Terminal, take the city-bound  jeepneys, which usually pass by the area. 

Alfredo V. Jacinto, the Cebuano Governor of Capiz

Alfredo V. Jacinto. Image credit: Flickr

On January 21, 1944, President Jose P. Laurel officially appointed Alfredo V. Jacinto as provincial governor of Capiz, reports Manila's The Tribune. The appointment came after the recommendation of former Speaker Manuel Roxas who was “interested in the restoration of peace and order” in the province. With his appointment, Governor Jacinto officially succeeded Gabriel K. Hernandez, who went into hiding from the Japanese forces after the occupation of Capiz. In July 1943, Santiago Arceño, the province’s senior inspector of the constabulary, was delegated as acting governor, a post he held until Jacinto’s appointment.

Jacinto reportedly had “a long and efficient record of service in the government.” He born on March 23, 1891, in Gapas, Nueva Ecija, to Gervasio Jacinto and Ramona Lim. After finishing secondary course at Liceo de Manila, he was hired to work in Nueva Ecija where he started out as property clerk, rising into the position of Civil Service Accountant. He married his town mate Venancia Yuson. He was later appointed as chief clerk of the Treasurer's Office of Malolos, Bulacan, his first assignment outside Nueva Ecija. He was also assigned to Leyte, Pangasinan and Cebu, before moving to Cebu in March 1930, where he took the post as provincial treasurer until December 31, 1936. 

Jacinto was Cebu's “favorite and beloved Provincial Treasurer,” who had “done much for the betterment and uplift of Cebu Province more particularly its sound working financial standing and stability, the acquisition of which, is wholly attributed to his efficient administration and good dealings with his working subordinates.” He was sworn as Cebu’s mayor on January 7, 1937. A month later, Cebu was chartered as a city. 

He called the Japanese occupation as a “reign of terror,” a phase in the Philippine history when “the law of the gun” reigned supreme. Nevertheless, he held positions in the Japanese-sponsored Second Philippines Republic, serving as Iloilo’s provincial treasurer from September 1942 until his appointment as governor of Capiz. Jacinto only held the post for barely one year. The local freedom fighters led by the province’s resistance governor, Cornelio T. Villareal, successfully liberated Capiz from the Japanese forces on December 20, 1944. After World War II, Jacinto was appointed Internal Revenue deputy collector and Customs commissioner during the Quirino administration.

Panay Christmas Village, Capiz's Colorful Christmas Attraction

The ber months invite everyone to the town of Panay in the province of Capiz not only to see its historic church bell, but also to experience its festive Christmas Village. For the locals, no Christmas is complete without taking the whole family to this festive, colorful and bright destination.

The town of Panay lies just 20-30 minutes away from the heart of Roxas City, the province's capital. It is accessible through a tricycle ride or by taking a public van bound to the town of Pontevedra (just tell the driver to drop you off at Panay town plaza). You may also charter your own tricycle for faster transport.

The town's main attractions include the 19th century, neoclassical Santa Monica Church and the famous bell made of 70 sacks of silver and copper coins. Not to be missed, especially during the Holiday season, is the town's Christmas Village, which has become an annual tradition that involves the installation of outdoor lights and decors to celebrate the coming of "the most wonderful time of the year," as what Matt Monroe sang.

Panay Christmas Village dates back in the 1980s with lights simply hung on the municipal building, the facade of Sta. Monica Church and the Parish convent. In 2008 play houses were added, which were later organized into a village, becoming grander and grander each year. This holiday showcase is now eagerly anticipated by locals and has become part of the Christmas tradition in the town of Panay.

When October comes, the town's plaza is decked with bright lights, interesting displays and the giant Christmas tree that glows at night. The crisp air and classic holiday songs played on the background add up to that wonderful feel you only experience when Christmas is fast approaching.

One of the highlights of the Christmas Village is the Giant Christmas tree that stands right in front of the town hall. As tall as the building itself, every year sees a new motif for the tree. They used to decorate it with parol (Christmas lantern), then, they decided it should be an artificial pine tree filled with balls and canes. It is enveloped with lights and topped with a huge star and you could wish Santa Claus sitting on its foot to ask you what do you want for Christmas.

The canopy of lights is Instagram-worthy! Actually the entire Christmas Village is! But the canopy of lights near the tree is a favorite spot for photo ops. Those who come here can't help but gaze at all the lights encircling them, amazed by the sparkle and glitter.

Explore the place the and feel the holiday vibes. The Panay Christmas Village is for free so it's a favorite local destination during the holidays. People from nearby towns come here, sometimes in truck loads, hoping to catch the spirit and return home with rekindled hope. After all, Christmas is about hope.

Come to the town of Panay and feel this unique Christmas experience. Lights are on from 6PM until 10PM.