PARADISE PHILIPPINES - Ethnohistory of Sapian, Capiz Philippine from SAPIA-AN ONLINE
Sapian started as a settlement in the 17th Century called Katadman. It was located in the site where the cemetery is now located.
In one of the folktales, Spanish colonizers from Iloilo, where Miguel Lopez de Legaspi established a supply base for Cebu, stopped by one day. When they met children playing with coins, they asked what is the name of the place. The confused children, thinking that the Spaniards were asking what are they holding, said that it is Salapi. They Spaniards thought the name of the place was Salapi, but later records and map have been inadvertently corrupted to refer to the area as “Sapian”.
In another folktale, it is said that the people of Sapian are very well-off, or “pingkasan”. Probably, because of the of their access to the bountiful Sapian Bay and the fertile plains and lush mountains in the area, that enabled them to fish and farm productively. “Sapi” means money in Cebuano and Cebu City was the center of the trade during the early part of Spanish colonialization. Cebuano traders were said to frequently bring their trade in Kapid (now Capiz; denoted as Kapid because of the large twin rivers in that region). When they traded with people from Katadman they noticed that they have more money. So, the traders referred to those people Sapianon, or those who have more money.
Another popular legend is about the ten Bornean datus.1 It was said that Panay Island, where Sapian is located, was populated by dark skinned and curly haired aetas, known as atis. During the height of Sri Vijayan Empire in Borneo in the 12th and 13th centuries, a tyrant Sultan Makatunaw wanted to kill 10 of his datus who were campaigning for reforms. Makatunaw considered them as threats to his throne, so he ordered them killed. The ten datus discovered the plot to kill them and planned their escape. Led by Datu Puti, they hastily brought along their families, servants and whatever personal belongings that they can carry along. They loaded them into several balangays2 and sailed northward for several days, to as far away from Makatunaw's sphere of power as possible. They finally decided that they are far enough and landed in Antique. They were met by the atis led by their king, Marikudo and his wife, Maniwangtiwang. Datu Puti intimated to them their desire to settle in the island and offered to buy it with a golden salakot and a necklace. Marikudo accepted and took the salakot for himself and gave the necklace for his wife. The atis thenceforth retreated to the hinterlands. The ten datus initially organized a settlement in the mountains of Madyaas as a precaution against possible retribution by Makatunaw. When they decided that it is safe for them to go down from the mountains four of the datus decided to stay behind while Datu Puti and the other datus sailed on towards Manila. The remaining datus organized the Confederation of Madyaas, and divided the islands into four districts, Datu Paiburong will be in Irong-Irong (because of the nose-shaped of a mountain in that direction), Bangkaya will have Kapid, Datu Sumakwel will have Aklan, and soon. They meet regularly in Madyaas to set wide policies for the island. Another phase in that folktale is about Datu Kalantiaw, son of Datu Bangkaya, who was ruled Aklan. His seat of power is in Batan, Aklan which could have easily radiated to Sapian. He is said to have issued the first code of law in the paradise Philippines, called the Code of Kalantiaw.
Source: http://www.sapianonline.com/ , Sapian Online is an online community that provides news & information regarding Sapian, Capiz. Visit the site for more information.
If you wish to visit Capiz, paradise Philippines and want to stay to a place with your family to enjoy nature and swimming after the Sinadya sa Halaran 
, I'll recommend you this place that is outside Roxas City. The place is found at Pontevedra, Capiz, paradise Philippines. This is Villa Consortia. You can reach it via jeepney or L300 30 minutes from Roxas City. If Sinadya sa Halaran is every December, in Pontevedra they are celebrating the Balintawakan Festival every 15th of May).
I'll quote an information regarding this festival from http://corporate.mozcom.com/dot/r6/capfests.html:
Balintawakan Festival (every 15th day of May), Pontevedra, Capiz. Balintawakan is a simple gathering, mostly of senior citizens of pontevedra, Capiz, Paradise Philippines who are sentimentally bound together to an unwritten commitment to preserve a simple tradition which began long ago and was only interrupted by World War II. People hold a Binayle (disco) at the town's public market. Its highlight is the search for Miss Balintawakan as the Festival Queen. The event is capped by a Rigodon de Honor. The Filipino costume called Balintaw is the official attire of the womenfolk participating in the affair.
There's a place in Dumalag, Capiz, paradise Philippines that is popular for it ice-cold water found at the arched cave's entrance. The place is called the Suhot Cave. It is only 300 meters away from the provincial road. The hill's facade is honeycombed with caverns of different sizes. At the cave's arched entrance is a swimming hole. The water here is ice-cold because its source is an underground stream gushing through the cave. Inside the mountain are chambers of varying sizes wearing curtains of stalagmites and stalactites.
Suhot is believed to have a connecting tunnel to the Badiang Cave, Dumarao, paradise Philippines since both caves are found in the same mountain only 6 kilometers apart from each other. Badiang's elevation is higher than that of Suhot.
My friend take several pictures last week on the said place and here it is. This was taken using his N73 Cellphone, next time I'll try to take more pictures from this place (I'll try if I can go inside the cave ).
There are places in the Paradise Philippines that I wishes to visit (outside Capiz). These places are known as the finest places of the paradise Philippines. These are some of the places:
1. Boracay is a beautiful small island surrounded by coral reefs and located one km north-west of Panay island in Visayas of the Paradise Philippines. It is the most popular beach in the country as the most visited tourist spot in the Philippines. Before the middle of 1980s, it was a famous hidden resort but known to limited numbers of sea lovers. Now many tourists visit there from all over the world, America, Europe, Korea, Taiwan and so on. The climate from March to June are the summer months in Boracay, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 38 degrees Celsius. November to February bring enjoyable winds, cooler temperatures, and occasional rain showers. July to October are the rainy months.
Pictures taken from http://www.boracaytouristsinn.com
2. Bantayan island, the shining tropical paradise in Asia is commonly known as an island paradise in Philippines. Tourists as far as Europe fall in love with its fine white sand and crystal clear blue waters. Many of these foreigners even settled down on the island to spend the rest of their lives. They build single-cottage beach houses along the shore but as time went by, construct a couple of new cottages instead to accommodate the growing number of tourists who seeks safe haven on the splendid island paradise. Two of the main attraction of the island is its crystal-clear waters and it's long stretch of powdery white sand. The stunning sunset will really spice those romantic walks on the beach. One of the reasons the island is famous is its peacefulness, the way a resort should be. Unsaturated beauty and a combination of sweet smiling natives made the island as it is now. (excerpt from www.philippinecountry.com)
(from nomad4ever.com)
3. Puerto Galera. The foremost asset of Oriental Mindoro, Puerto Galera is blessed with one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbors. Known as the Pearl of Mindoro, it is world-famous for splendid beaches, coral reefs, and exquisite dive sites for new and experienced divers alike. There are shallow coral gardens, interesting rock formations, and colorful species to watch, like crabs, shrimps, sea anemones, moray, and trumpet fishes. 
(from www.pcsd.ph)
4. Puerto Princesa City is the capital of the island province of Palawan. The city has been acclaimed several times as the cleanest and greenest city in the paradise Philippines. With a wide range of attractions ranging from beaches to wildlife reserves, Puerto Princesa is a nature lover's paradise.
To be continued…
I received this email from Alvic, hope every Capiznon all over the Philippines and the world can read her story and be inspired and help our province to become more better place for every one, to become a Paradise!
I was born one warm sunny day of Nov.1983,in a place God abundantly blessed with good people and rich natural resources.Our ancestors kept it as a safe place for the next generation to enjoy.They taught us with values that last for a lifetime.Obedience has been one of the core values that Capiznon elders emphasized. Obedience to parents,siblings,relatives,teachers, community leaders,government officials and most of all to God. Being a family-oriented (close family ties) was also common all over the place. Hospitality and being generous makes every Capiz visitors feel at home .Being compassionate and faithful that makes every Capiznon a stand-out, wherever he/she may be.Nature friendly, fun loving,persevering, patient and understanding those are the characteristics that make us think positive and be optimistic in every difficulties we encountered. Young as I was,I did enjoy the life of a problem-free child. Our ancestors really did their part well,with that we should be grateful.
Capiz citizen did develop my mind and heart to become a responsible citizen. They gave me an opportunity to show my talent and acknowledge God the source of every thing we have.I am proud to tell the whole world that I am a true Capiznon, blessed with a wonderful people around me and nourished in an environment that continues to keep me safe, comfortable and contented. Life is simple in Capiz. Simple yet worth living.
Never did I realize all these until I left Capiz 4 years ago to work in another province. A province which I cannot call my second home. Unlike Capiz the province where I work 4 years ago seem to be unruly. Even their government leaders were murdered. Concern for the nature was also not obvious, immorality is also rampant so broken family is common yet they call it a progressive place.Funny yet that was the darker face of that province. As a Capiznon and a Filipino as well I did not only stand and look at what is happening around me, I took the initiative in forming the young minds and trained them to be sensitive and be responsible citizen not only for the future but even in the present situation.
I don't want that to happen in Capiz. As long as I live I am determined to act and take initiative in keeping Capiz a place be to enjoyed by the next generation. In my own little way I will make a difference in this world's corner.I am writing these to encourage every Capiznon to appreciate everything that we have and take care of it. I admit it…. I'm in love with Capiz and I believe there are many of us still do.
Are you one of us?
It's me,
Alvic
