By JOEL E. CAPUNDAN

ROXAS CITY — The provincial and city governments here will celebrate CAPIZtahan on April 15 to 17 at Araneta Center, Cubao, Manila.

In preparation for the celebration, there will be a launching activity on March 4 to 5 dubbed as Dali sa Capiz or Come to Capiz.

Rep. Antonio del Rosario told The News Today  the  launching activity aims to promote Roxas City and Capiz as tourist destination.

Arnz Caberte, executive secretary of Sapian, said the activity will feature local talents from Roxas City, Sigma and Sapian as well as promote marine products to highlight Capiz as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines.

The event will also feature the Talahong Festival with dancers from St. Francis of Assisi school owned by Sapian Mayor Arturo Orosco Sr and wife Evangeline.

Particular activities lined up for the launching are on March 4, Opening Ceremony at Ali Mall Activity Center which will feature photo exhibit and distribution of videos and brochures about Capiz; Opening of the Seafood Fair at Dampa with “iba” or kamias wine toasting and lunch for the guests; and on March 5, “Pang-angda” (invitation) where drummers will go around Araneta Center to invite shoppers watch the street dance; “Sad-sad” or street dancing where some 200 dancers and drummers will perform; and finally in the evening , a musical performance  (Dali sa Capiz) featuring Capizeno talents performing cultural songs and dances.

Del Rosario said the launching activity is spearheaded by Judy Araneta Roxas, mother of former Sen. Mar Roxas, and several successful Capizenos in Manila like Dr. Vicky Belo, Edgar Sia, owner of Mang Inasal, and several others. It will be attended by elected public officials and several personalities from Capiz.

CAPIZtahan is an annual joint celebration of the City of Roxas and Capiz Province, with the city commemorating the death anniversary of Pres. Manuel Roxas  and the province celebrating its founding anniversary.