One-day Escapade

This one is for all the people out there who only has a day to allot for FUN and RELAXATION. No, this is not about going to Star City or Enchanted Kingdom. This place is something for the whole family. No distractions from work, city, or whatever, yet offers a lot of enjoyable activities. Don't worry about extreme physical pain, activities there are merely for fun, and not crushing anyone's skull or anything.

Isdaan (fishery), and yes that's the name of the place, is in Gerona, Tarlac. It's around 4 to 6-hour drive from Manila, really depending on traffic and stops. It's a floating restaurant. Well, not just a restaurant, it's more of a fun park now, still there is no entrance fee. I have been here twice, and I really like the ambiance of the place.

There are huts ( kubo), which are surrounded by water (6-9 feet deep). This serves as a group's table, and where customers eat and stay. I estimate 10 people max can occupy one hut. The water is a home to several kinds of fishes, but mostly koi. They also hand out (just ask a waiter) free fish food, so that visitors can feed the fishes.

There are so many statues there of monkey, fishes, dinosaurs, Buddhas, and a lot more. Since there are a lot of Buddhas around, it reminds me of Thailand.

There is an area of the park, which is devoted to kids. It's called Bata-batuta Park. There are statues of different super heroes, such as Iron Man, Hulk, and more. People will also see Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, and more Disney characters. It's like a replica of Disneyland (no rides of course). There are so many characters for children to enjoy. This area also has a playground.

The also have this Tacsiyapo corner, where you can let out that anger or wildness inside of you! It's basically a wall where you throw/break stuff at. Just point it toward the evil source of your distress, and throw that object while screaming 'Tacsiyapo' (It expresses a lot of meanings, but in this case is equivalent to 'Son of a bitch' or 'Putang ina').

Don't think that activities there are all mild and easy. They have this challenge for visitors to cross a very narrow bridge. It is too narrow that I couldn't stand with both feet on it. I had to go sideways. Yup! I took that challenge when we went there for the first time. Fortunately, I did not go over and fell in the water. I reached the other side, only with a small scratch on my knee. The deal here is not simply to balance, but also to avoid water pumps hitting you (for it may knock you over) and giant shells  blocking your way. It's kinda hard, but really fun. Quite embarrassing for people will really watch as you go across. It's worth it though. I won, and we got a kilo of freshly-cooked fish.

Food there is amazing! Definitely! Everything is so Filipino and freshly-cooked. Different kinds of fishes (lapu-lapu, tilapia, hito, etc.), inihaw na baboy at manok, buro, and more scrumptious food are served in Isdaan. I didn't get a chance to take any pictures of the food, because I was so busy eating. Hahaha! As for the price, it's totally reasonable. The food is worth every peso we paid.

This is definitely something that I would suggest for a day out. The place and food are both incredible. It is something that I think a family will enjoy, because my family loves this place. :)

Note: All the pictures featured in this post are mine.