After a road trip looking for
affordable Christmas parol in Gerona, Tarlac, you can actually consider dropping
by the Isdaan floating restaurant for
dinner although the place looks livelier during daytime. But since we chanced
upon it during the night, let me write a review based on what I was able to see
that time. Good thing we weren’t that hungry yet so the first thing we did is
to roam around the place, take pictures, and try various features or amenities.
What You Shouldn’t Miss
One of the features offered which
you shouldn’t miss include Taksyapo!
It’s a local word among Kapampangans (local tongue spoken in a majority of the
areas in Tarlac and Pampanga) which is synonymous with the expression “bwisit!”
in Tagalog. This area (found on the left side from the entrance) is then
designated for everyone who wants to vent out their anger. You can do so by
purchasing plates, glasses, saucers, cups, and even television sets (which are
the most expensive) and throwing them at marked areas of the wall. The aim is
to target marks where you are specifically angry at. Some of which include
in-laws, significant others like boyfriend/girlfriend or husband/wife cheating
etc., employers, fellow employees, gossipers, enemies, and so much more. When
it was my turn, although I was actually angry at something, I didn’t even vent
out. I was actually ecstatic and excited hitting the wall with cups and
saucers.
Aside from the Taksyapo wall, you
can also get wet at the monkey fountain. You’d be running after the waters or
it can be vice-versa. I missed the chance to try this though because I had no
extra change of clothes. Near the entrance, you can also be up close and personal
with a school of fishes from the koi variety. I had the liberty to take photos
of them biting my fingers dipped in the water as if they were hungry for food.
Also, if you’re not tired or
hungry, you should walk around from the entrance till the end of the floating
restaurant premises from all ends. We did and we discovered that the place just
keeps on being extended. In fact, a pool is currently under construction at the
southern end close to the giant Buddha statue. Well anyway, there are all too
many giant Buddha statues everywhere you look. But the most elevated one close
to the south and mid area can be reached through a set of stairs. Beside this
specific Buddha statue is a bell which you must ring after touching the palm of
the statue and making a wish. By doing these, your wish will be granted
supposedly.
If you’re into photography or
simply want to take pictures, don’t miss everything else aside from all the gigantic
Buddha statues. Some of which include life sized statues of Disney characters,
super heroes, and more. There is also a manmade lake by the south end. Of
course, check out all restaurants all over the area. I thought the entire
Isdaan is just one restaurant but it’s not. It’s comprised of numerous
restaurants found in one place. You’ll even find popular names in the food
business including Barrio Fiesta among the restaurants inside Isdaan. All of
them of course are floating amidst waters. If you’re worried about your safety,
you can rest assured that the entire area is relatively safe and is not
completely floating. There are concrete parts.
Food and Ambiance
We chose one of the restaurants
close to the entrance. They serve guests through private sheds which can accommodate
as many as 10 people. I wasn’t feeling well and had a heavy stomach at that
time so I didn’t really get to enjoy the food. But based on what is offered in
the menu, it’s nothing different from other seafood restaurants I’ve tried such
as Matutina in Urdaneta City. Even the prices are quite similar although I can
only speak for the actual restaurant we’ve tried yet there are several other
restos within Isdaan.
As for the ambiance, it is to die
for. Aside from enjoying the fact that you’re seated atop a floating shed or
so, you will enjoy the overall festive mood. At that time we visited the place,
they were celebrating their own Maskara festival. Dancers were all over the
area dancing and frolicking everywhere they go. Don’t miss the circus people
and their acrobatic stunts too. You’ll find some walking through elongated
bamboo legs, juggling, and clowning around. We also got the chance to be serenaded
by an acoustic trio.
Rating
Overall, I’d give a rating of 10 for the Isdaan floating restaurant of
Gerona, Tarlac.
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