Dao

Welcome to Dao, Capiz a peaceful yet culturally rich municipality in Western Visayas that will steal your heart with its rural charm, local flavors, and colorful traditions! Nestled in the heart of Capiz province, Dao is not just a stopover town it’s a hidden destination waiting to be explored.

Dao lies inland and is known for its laidback lifestyle, close-knit communities, and scenic surroundings. It’s about 25 kilometers from Roxas City, making it accessible yet off the beaten path perfect for nature lovers and cultural wanderers.

The Dao Parish Church (St. Thomas of Villanova Parish Church) is a centerpiece of faith and heritage simple, charming, and historically resonant. The town plaza and municipal hall reflect classic Filipino civic architecture, and a walk through the poblacion offers glimpses of vintage homes and roadside eateries.

While Dao isn’t packed with commercial resorts, it charms with rustic beauty: rice paddies stretch into the horizon, bamboo houses dot the countryside, and Barangay Quinayuya Spring offers a cool escape for locals. For nature trippers, nearby hills and streams are ideal for quiet retreats or countryside picnics.

Life in Dao moves at a slower, more meaningful pace. The locals, mostly Capiznons, speak Capiznon and Hiligaynon, though Filipino and English are also widely understood. The town’s culture is rooted in Catholic values, strong family ties, and a passion for local folklore and music.

Craving authenticity? Dao delivers! Try local delicacies like linabog nga native chicken, suman, and tinolang isda caught from nearby rivers. And since you’re in Capiz dubbed the “Seafood Capital of the Philippines” fresh fish, prawns, and mussels are always on the menu!

Every May, the town explodes with color during the Pasalamat Festival, a thanksgiving celebration with street dances, parades, and religious processions. It’s a vibrant mix of faith and festivity that showcases Dao’s deep gratitude for nature’s bounty and community blessings.

Traditional Visayan folk songs and acoustic music dominate local gatherings. Karaoke is a town favorite, and you’re likely to hear heartfelt ballads echoing through the neighborhoods, especially during fiestas or casual get-togethers.

Dao is best known for its peaceful countryside vibe, heartfelt hospitality, and deeply rooted traditions. It may be quiet, but it proudly keeps the spirit of Capiznon culture alive making it a soulful escape for travelers looking to slow down and reconnect.