Cabatuan town plaza is located just in front of the church and municipal building. It is about 2 hectares wide, which covers a quarter of town center. Around it are the nine massive brick posts which are said to be relics of Spanish regime. Facing the church, on the left side is where the most famous landmark of Cabatuan is found. It is the Banana Leaf Arch or commonly called as “Paklang” by the natives. It is associated to Tinuom, the delicacy of the town.
This place became a part not only of my high school but up until to this moment of my life. Since the day it was built, this had been our meeting place. We meet here for different purpose. School related, travelling or sometimes just simply to bond with friends. Long hours of waiting are worthwhile if you finally met the person your longing to see.
In the center of the plaza you can see the fountain. In normal days, this place was filled with people, usually of students from school who are having time away from stress. With the serene and cool breeze of wind and the sight of falling leaves and flying birds, it will definitely help you to calm down and appreciate the moment.
In front of the fountain, is where the Shrine of Andres Bonifacio: The Cry of Balintawak is standing.
While on the right, is the Statue of Dr. Jose Rizal. It was originally erected on the western side of the town plaza.
And on its left is the shrine of Thomas valenzuela Confesor. In that same place is where lies his remains and of his wife, Rosalina Grecia Confesor. Thomas Confesor is a wartime civil resistance leader of Panay and Romblon, a Stormy Petrel of Congress, and the Father of Philippine Boyscouting Movement. As a way to remember him, Cabatuananons tradionally observed March 2 of every year to commemorate his birth date and it was declared as a special non-working holiday in the Municipality of Cabatuan.
I’ve been here countless of times already, and it always feel like the first time every time I come to this place. I am reminded by the long history of these shrines that I have seen how much value it hold for the town and I am proud to be a part of it.
Hold on... before visiting these places, why not grab some foods beside the plaza? To fully enjoy your stroll around, get some food first in many food stalls around it. Make sure to try the street foods like fishballs and fried "isaw". You will like it. But if you want cozy restaurants, I suggest that you should go to “1974”. Just a small walk from the plaza and you will get to try various pasta dishes. It has a unique taste to it which made it one of the most famous restaurants in Cabatuan and it is definitely worth it.
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