DiscoverDao
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Dao.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Dao
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Dao
- Holidays to Dao, Capiz will come as an eye opener to a serene municipality where the fields play as gently as green ripples under the blue sky.
- The environment of the town is full of quiet murmurs of the country life rhythm, which calls the guests to stop the time and savor all the fragrances of the fresh soil.
- The heritage church of Dao is a grandiose edifice of the Spanish colonial architecture that is located in the center of the community and has its walls covered with stones that tell tales of devotion and resilience.
- A famous dao tree, around which the town derives its name, borders a small street in the fringe of a barangay, providing a shade and a connection to history in centuries.
- Terraced rice paddies and meandering farm roads create a patchwork of green giving picturesque vistas that shift with the light of each sunrise.
- Be it a photographer who wants to capture the golden hour or just wants to experience the serene locations, the friendly people in Dao and their peaceful environment promise the best stay.
- Capital (of the province): Roxas City
- International airport: No international airport in Dao
- Nearest commonly used airports:
- Roxas Airport (RXS) — domestic flights
- Kalibo International Airport or Iloilo International Airport — for international flights
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)
- Driving side: Right-hand side
- Main electricity: 220 volts, 60 Hz
- Official / local languages: Capiznon, Hiligaynon, Filipino, English
- Major religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Reason 02
Highlights
- The old St. Thomas of Villanova Parish Church features lavish Baroque arches which open on a sanctuary of silent worship.
- The Eco-Park of Lolet in Barangay Duyoc is a large playground with picnic tables, trees with shade, and mini forest trails that are ideal as family outing spots.
- The indigenous dao trees of the town, which are scattered in rice terraces, are the living monuments of the origin and the strength of Dao.
- There is also the rolling countryside with small villages that give unlimited possibilities of hiking and bird-watching tours.
- In Dao, cultural identity flourishes and this is due to community meetings, folk dances and traditional music that help one feel part of something.
- The festivals in the town mark the time of year and are used to honor both religion and crops, inviting foreigners to share ancient traditions.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- Dao, Capiz has the most pleasant weather conditions in November to May which is during the dry season, and afternoons are warm and pleasant, but mornings are crisp.
- These are the months that the country is fertile yet not under water so that there is safety when exploring rice paddies and forested trails.
- The climate is tropical and moderately temperate, and the temperatures do not go too high, most often not more than 31°C, which makes outdoor activities comfortable.
- It should be avoided during the rainy season, June to September that is when downpours can reduce the road into a muddy path halting impulsive exploration.
- The high tourist season coincides with the major festivals like the September fiesta, and as such the tourists can enjoy lively feasts and markets.
- The still beauty of Dao landscapes is also a sure environment of contemplation and immersion into nature even in the off-peak period.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
St. Thomas of Villanova Parish Church
- The exterior of the church is covered with delicate stone carvings as evidence of the Spanish influence mixed with the local influence.
- There is a vaulted ceiling in the inside elevated to a height that brings a feeling of awe, with stained-glass windows diffusing soft light over the altar.
- The choir loft is small but has seating, which enables the locals and visitors to sit and watch Sunday mass or community recitals.
- The old wooden pulpit is the witness of the spiritual life of this town and generations of priests.
- The church consists of processions and novenas conducted throughout the year which bring the faithful together into one rhythm of praying and togetherness.
- There is a small museum in the church complex which exhibits relics, photos and other artifacts that document the religious journey of Dao.
Eco-Park of Lolet (Barangay Duyoc)
- The picnic area at the center of the park will include hardy tables and benches where families can have a dinner based on the locally produced food.
- The winding paths take visitors through the avocado and mango groves that are shaded to provide rest against the sun.
- A small playspace is constructed using reclaimed wood and serves the playful nature of children without harming them.
- There is a small pond bordered with lotus and reeds that offer a good place of watching birds to the bird watchers.
- The park also hosts seasonal festivals within the park where they engage in dancing in the streets and folk music that demonstrate the rich cultural tapestry of Dao.
- With the trailheads fully maintained, the park leads to the surrounding rice fields easily giving the hikers the opportunity to have close intimate experience of the rural life.
The 1836 Heritage Bell
- This ancient bell, which was fixed onto the tower of the church, is a representation of the old time faithful of Dao and was created in the early 19th century.
- The outer wall of the tower is clad with weathered stone as a reminder of how the community has remained resolute to the climatic and historical problems.
- Tourists are allowed to hear the deep resonant sound of the bell every hour, a ceremony that brings the town together in one common beat.
- The brass frame of the bell is exquisite and contains motifs which are hand-engraved, praising the native flora and traditional patterns.
- The preservation of the bell by the local volunteers makes sure that the bell is in good condition so that the past and the present join the future generations.
- The bell is reverently rung on special occasions like the town fiesta and celebrations start.
Native Dao Tree Sites
- At least one mature dao tree is found in each barangay and their wide canopy protects both farmers and pedestrians.
- The thick trunks of the trees form common gathering areas and storytelling is done by elders and listened to by the young generations.
- The dao trees are also inscribed with carved characters which document the local legends and the bark becomes a living record.
- The roots are also wide and they hold the soil firm around rice paddies and they also prevent erosion during heavy rainfall.
- The lanterns that are put around the tree that surround the base of the tree provide a warm atmosphere in the evenings and makes one feel the warmer effect of communal coziness.
- School children are educated through conservation programs on the need to conserve these natural landmarks so that they will enjoy them in the future.
Reason 05
Discover More
Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes (in the Eco-Park of Lolet)
- The cave is a calm rocky cave which a statue of the Virgin Mary is found, which can be used in prayer.
- There is a small hole allowing light to stream in and form a natural spotlight which illuminates the statue itself and the mossy walls.
- Small votive offerings are a common phenomenon left by visitors and this is an indication that the grotto is a part of the spiritual life of Dao.
- The place is enclosed by flowering vines which add their sweet aroma to the cold park air to create a heavenly experience.
- There are cases where local guides conduct group meditations where participants are motivated to be intimate with nature and religious beliefs.
- The fact that the grotto is situated in the park enables the tourist to make a reflective point as a visit to a leisurely stroll along the forested walks.
The Landscapes of Malonoy and Manhoy Countryside
- These barangays have large and open terraces with mosaic landscape of emerald rice paddies and gold corn fields.
- The soft hills are in close proximity and form the most apt background particularly during the sunset and rise.
- The lands are lined with traditional irrigation canals that demonstrate some of the olden day farming methods that are being applied up to date.
- Local farmers are usually open to visitors, where they give them tours of the farm and how they do the crop-rotations.
- Small cottages are built on the rural streets which are painted in bright colors that show the eagerness of the society.
- Lanterns illuminate the streets at night and direct the visitors along the paths, which seem both ancient and modern.
Mini-Forests and Shaded Trail Paths
- These small forests spread all around the edges of Dao, and each of them provides a shady airing of the tropical heat.
- The paths are marked with cut bamboo signs and this takes one through thick greenery whereby the hiker is welcomed to enjoy the variety of plants in the park.
- One can hear native bird species, e.g. Philippine cockatoo, blue-backed kingfisher, fluttering through the air.
- The presence of seasonal flowers, such as yellow orchids and white jasmine, lays sweet scents on the forest canopy and its atmosphere of tranquility.
- There is occasional wildlife such as pangolins and squirrels that would provide some mystery to the ecosystem.
- Those mini-forests are carefully looked after by volunteers, who make sure that the walks are safe and obtainable.
Hills and Scenic Farm Roads, Mapulang Bato
- The hills of reddish-soil are very gentle in nature and the views they give are panoramic, extending all over the province passing through the rolling hills.
- The elevations are covered with farm roads which offer picturesque drives to the agricultural heart of the county.
- The drivers would stop at specific lookout points and take pictures of the horizon where the sea meets with the sky.
- The orchards of mango are scattered in between the hills, and their fruit is ripe and contributes to the pleasant odor of the mountain air.
- There are also roadside markets where sometimes local artisans sell handcrafted items and fresh foods to the travelers.
- In the evening the hills are turning a gentle amber color and the sunset is setting in a picture-perfect background.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- The historic name of Dao is Divingdin, which alludes to a history of a maritime persuasion, however, this town has become a strong agrarian society.
- The religious allegiance of the population to Catholicism manifests itself in everyday activities, morning novenas, communal feast days.
- The bi-annual party, held between September 21 and 22 is a colorful mix of religious adoration, folk dance, and communal meals.
- People come together in the main square to tell the tales of their ancestors and maintain oral tradition, which has existed since times immemorial.
- The craftspeople of the town create elaborate wood carvings and fabric designs, and reflect the influence of the cultural strength and artistic genius of Dao.
- Harvest times and seasonal festivals frequently have a symbiotic connection to faith, work, and thanksgiving.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- The holidays to Dao cuisine, Capizeño, is very basic but nutritious as it uses fresh produce grown in the local farms.
- The staple, rice, is steamed to tender and is served with steaming hot vegetables such as green beans and squash.
- The cuisine of the area consists of such local delicacies as kalamay, a sweet glutinous rice cake, and batchoy, a savory noodle preparation, which is fortified with pork, liver, and spices.
- The rich presence of coconut milk gives the stews a creamy feel and fresh fish found in the nearby lakes provides a salty contrast.
- Grilled fish and adobong bangus (tilapia) that is seasoned in garlic, soy sauce, and calamansi are commonly sold by street vendors.
- To finish off the meal, the guests are allowed to have a taste of intriguingly cooked ripe plantains (so-called saging na saba) that were cooked to a caramelized color, served with a scoop of homemade ice cream.
Fun
- When booking World Pinoy Flights the travelers are offered to have convenient and cheaper routes connecting Manila and the closest airport to holidays to Dao.
- Guided tours with Eco-Park run by Lolet will enable guests to explore the spots of the nature and learn about the local ecosystems.
- Farmers of the town embrace participatory interactive activities like rice harvesting or planting native dao seedlings where there would be a cultural exchange at the hand level.
- The landscape photography fans have an opportunity to take Dao pictures, particularly at the golden hour when the gentle light illuminates the rice paddies.
- Tourists can also participate in some of the local games, like tumbang preso (knock the bottle), which is played in the town square at the time of the festival seasons.
- Evenings are spent together in karaoke where people sing Tagalog classics and this brings about memorable moments togetherness.
Fashion
- The humid weather is best taken on with light breathable cotton shirts and loose trousers that would not ruin the comfort.
- Good walking shoes (sturdy sandals or closed-toe) are suggested in order to walk on farm roads and in shaded trails.
- One should wear modest clothes in churches and other places of worship; this means long sleeves and skirts.
- The hat is wide-brimmed to save the scorching tropical sun and the sunglasses are used to protect the eyes during sunny afternoons.
- A small backpack will include water, snacks, and a camera, which will guarantee the comfort of the traveler during day trips.
- On a regular night celebration, a plain dress or a custom-made shirt will bring a feeling of sophistication and at the same time not violate the culture of modesty.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- The mini-forests of the eco-park in holidays to Dao are a nice place to escape and enjoy a kind of cool breeze as the shade of the canopy keeps the temperatures moderate.
- A kind of bird watching is an amusing pursuit, and the species include the gaudy-feathered manggis, and the mysterious crimson-banded woodpecker.
- Soft mountains and rice paddies combine to produce a texture patchwork that is attractive to both photographers and nature enthusiasts.
- The native dao trees are of benefit both in terms of ecological stability and a living symbol of the heritage of the municipality.
- The monsoon rains make the landscape look like a glamorous tapestry and the leaves are reflective because of the dew.
- The general tranquility is conducive to self-examination, which enables visitors to re-unite with themselves, free of city life.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- The main event of the town is the September fiesta, which has religious processions which cut across the streets with colorful buntings.
- Cultural dances performed are cultural tinikling and pandanggo sa ilaw; these are a rich traditional dance heritage of holidays to Dao.
- The fiesta area is lined with food tents that serve local delicacies making the fiesta a food adventure of Capizeño.
- Festivities at the barangay level include fireworks, parades and friendly competitions through which community spirit is established.
- Environmental programs also coincide with the fiesta, like cleaning up the community and tree-planting campaigns.
- The most important event of the celebration is the fire of a huge lantern, a bright beacon of hope, faith and long-lasting unity of the people of Dao.