As previously mentioned, we are on a mission to show the kids how wonderful our country is. Next on our list is Iloilo (with a side trip to Guimaras!) Here are some fun things you can do with your kids there.
Iloilo
The truth is, we picked Iloilo because of a promo fare! đ We really wanted to bring the kids somewhere different and Iloilo fits the bill for our definition of âsomething different!â
Where We Stayed
Where to stay in Iloilo? We booked a room at Citadines Amigo Iloilo and absolutely loved the experience. Spoke with their manager beforehand and asked if they had a family room. He was very accommodating and told us he will âmake a way.â Haha.
And would you look at that surprise! He really made a way! 2 huge king beds! đź And look at the photo below: we had our own dining area, sofa and washing machine (we used it too!) Can you guess how much?
It was also such a bargain at 3500 per night. HUHU I love Iloilo so much. But this was in October 2023 so please check current rates at their website.
Camina Balay na Bato
After checking in, it was already late afternoon. I really wanted to visit this beautiful ancestral home, formerly known as the Avanceña house. This home was built in 1860 and we had a great time exploring.
The kids are usually game for these things (homeschooled kids yay hehe,) but most especially when I tell them thereâs yummy stuff waiting for them in the end. Haha.
And Camina Balay ng Bato didnât disappoint! After a tour of the house, the kids enjoyed traditional tsokolate-e. So rich and gooey!
Dinner at Breakthrough Restaurant
When I asked for recos on my IG on Iloilo restaurants, I think 50% of the recommendations said we should try Breakthrough Restaurant. And so we did! We arrived during sunset and the kids had fun climbing the nipa huts. But when it got dark, it was time to devour our feast! đ
Really good, I highly recommend it especially if youâre looking for a more traditional Filipino-Ilonggo style meal!
Guimaras Day Trip
Turned this short trip into a 2-in-1 trip by booking a day tour to Guimaras on our second (and only full) day. I think a solo Guimaras blog entry is required so Iâll just give you a sneak peek for now!
During our Guimaras day trip, we saw windmills, visited a lighthouse (and ruins that looked like Cair Paravel!), learned about grafting at the plant research center, ate yummy mango pizza, swam at a beach and as always, devoured lots of good food!!
Sorry for the short description but Iâll try to work on my Guimaras entry soon! đ
Tatoyâs Restaurant
Last day at Iloilo and we only had enough time to have one more meal. We decided to drop by Tatoyâs, the second most recommended to us, after Breakthrough Restaurant!
Also traditional Filipino-Ilonggo fare and we loved it. The food in Iloilo is really good.
Obviously, our trip was too short! We missed a lot of things and spots for sure but it was a good previous of this city. We hope to come back again!
Read more about the different places weâve visited Philippines here!