Quipot Cave

QUIPOT CAVE

The Quipot Cave is found in Bo, Burias, Mambusao. It is about 3 kms. from the Mambusao Agricultural and Technical College, or 8 kms. from the town proper or a 30-minute ride over rough roads. It is accessible by jeepneys, cars and tricycles. Wild birds, deer and wild duck abound in the place. Near the cave is a stream. The cave consists of many chambers each at a level of different from those of other chambers. In certain sections one has to crawl because the space between the roof and the floor is just two to three feet. There are also sections looking like dead-ends, except for small holes through which only one person can crawl. These holes lead to a chamber as big as a ballroom of a hotel which is why some tourists call it the Quipot Hilton. There are plenty of stalactites and stalagmites. The Quipot Cave is cool inside.

30 minute ride over rough roads, it is about 3 km. from the Mambusao Agricultural and Technical College or around 9 km. from the town proper. Wild birds, deer, and wild ducks abound in the place. Near the cave is a stream. The cave consists of many chambers, each at a level different from other chambers. In certain sections, one has to crawl because the space between the roof and cave floor is just two or three feet. There are also sections that seem like a dead end, except for small openings through which only one person can crawl. These holes lead to a chamber as big as a hotel ballroom, which is why it is dubbed as the “Quipot Hilton”. There are plenty of stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is cool inside.

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The Roxas City Museum

THE ROXAS CITY MUSEUM

The Museum Features the memorabilia of illustrious sons and daughters of Roxas City; collections of religious icons, artifacts and artwork.

As the steadfast keeper of local history, the Panublion or the Roxas City Museum tirelessly collects and displays the wealth of lore and memories of its citizens.  Located just across the City Hall, this impressive circular piece of architecture offers every visitor a comprehensive view of what Roxas City was then, what it is now and its vision for the future – a complete record of those who have given their share in making Roxas City what it is today. Constructed in 1910, the museum used to be a water tank that served the local residents for more than three decades.

From Manila, the Super Ferry or ships from Negros Navigation can take you to Roxas City in around eighteen hours. There is also a Roll on-Roll off (RORO) that passes by Roxas City straight from Cubao in Manila. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have flights to Roxas daily every morning, taking about 40-45 minutes.  Jeepneys and tricycles are available for touring around the city. Jeepneys and tricycles are available for touring the city or the province.

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Guimbal Moro Watchtower

GUIMBAL MORO WATCHTOWER

The watchtowers are locally known as “bantayan.” The term is rooted to the word bantay, which means “to guard”. One of these bantayans is conveniently situated beside a beach resort thus its name, “Bantayan Beach Resort”.

Bantayan Beach Resort can be accessed by road via Southern Iloilo Jeepney Routes (Guimbal, Miagao, San Joaquin). It is located right in front of RACSOS Woodland Resort and is just a few kilometers from the town proper of Guimbal.

To date, only three of these bantayans survived and were restored through a funding coming from First District Congressman Oscar Garin, Sr with the help of the Department of Tourism.

The watchmen posted at the bantayans used drums then to alarm the people of the coming Moro vintas. The watchtowers stand as a symbol of the bravery and heroism of the people of Guimbal.

Constant attacks from Moro pirates in the southern coast of Iloilo persisted even during the pre-hispanic era. In response, the people of Guimbal built 5 watchtowers located in different sites along the shoreline area in the poblacion in the 17th century.

The Moro Towers have witnessed several upheavals in the history and politics of Roxas City. It withstood the Philippine Revolution and the Fil-Am War that ensued afterwards. However, the towers nearly met their fate during the World War II. Today, these towers stand half-torn, almost obscure from the eyes of the public. They are constantly eroding, thus, calling the attention of the local government to salvage one of Roxas City's oldest existing historical structures. I hope that decades from now, the Moro Towers are still standing so that the next generation can relish the rich history and culture of Roxas City.

The Moro Towers continue to be a living landmark of the rich and awesome history of Capiz. They are here to remind us that despite the change of time, the richness and glory of the past are still here to remain, ready to stay with us no matter how hard we partake from them.

The Moro Towers are here. And they are here to stay. They are here to provide us the glimpse of the awe and wonder of our history, culture, and locale. Let us not forget to preserve them for they are treasured gems to no material wealth of today could ever surpass.

With its array of natural and man-made wealth, Roxas City is indeed a piece of heaven here on Earth that's worth cherishing, protecting, loving, and keeping in our heart.

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