As a homeschooling family based in Bacolod City, we value learning through travel experiences. But like everything else, that favorite activity of ours came to a halt during the pandemic. Thankfully, the worldwide vaccination campaign was successful so borders are opening now with the decreased threat of Covid-19 infection. Our youngest daughter Shane was able to join a Western Visayas school competition in Iloilo City, which is an hour-long ferry boat ride from Bacolod. While waiting for the awarding ceremonies, we scoured the Iloilo museums that (we learned) we can access for FREE. Sharing them here with you, as there is so much more to explore in Iloilo for the rest of the year than just the annual Dinagyang Festival held in January.
Homeschooling | Traveling as Part of Learning
With homeschooling, we customize our children’s learning experiences. Most of them are done when the opportunity arises. When we went to Hong Kong, we also hit the historical and science museums there, aside from the usual tourist attractions like Ocean Park and Hong Kong Disneyland. We also hit a historical walking trail to discover ancient Chinese practices and architecture.
By the way, as homeschoolers under the Philippine Christian School of Tomorrow – Home Education Program, we do not have advisors. We, the parents, are the supervisors. As such, it is also our responsibility to make museum trips like these interesting for our kids. You will see in the photos that they do look at the displays and read the inscriptions. Note: I do not have to let them pose for that.
Tip: I am not sure what will tick your child’s fancy, but the kids finished reading this 6-page report of Admiral George Dewey on the Battle of Manila Bay. Check out Siobe Shane’s account: It’s “getting juicy.” haha
Iloilo Museums with Free Admission
In Iloilo, we didn’t know much about the newest museums, so I asked an Ilonggo friend for referrals. And here are the top 3 Iloilo museums he mentioned.
National Museum Western Visayas
You will know that the National Museum Western Visayas is the former site of the Old Iloilo Provincial Jail because of the iconic facade and the building. However, going inside is a whole different dimension. Two stories with five galleries, an open area, an elevator, and a domed sunroof make this museum very modern and world-class. There are main exhibits as well as seasonal displays. Art events are held there, too.
- Location: Iloilo Capitol Complex, Bonifacio Drive, Brgy. Danao, Iloilo City
- Open Tuesday-Sunday; 9am to 5pm
NHCP Museum of Philippine Economic History
The old building with red brick walls and hardwood floors was originally owned by Ynchausti y Compania of the Ynchausti family. But by the late 1920s, the company came under the management of the Elizalde family. They eventually acquired it and renamed it Elizalde y Compania in 1936.
It was later acquired by the Commission on Audit (COA), which housed different government offices. The building was beautifully restored in 2015 and became the perfect site for the Museum of Philippine Economic History.
- Location: Edificio Ynchausti Y Compañia, Ortiz Street corner J.M.Basa Street, Iloilo City (walking distance to the Roberto’s Siopao store)
- Open Tuesday-Sunday; 9am to 4pm
NHCP Museum of Philippine Maritime History
Totally impressed with this museum because there is history, science, and some juicy tidbits of the past. The exhibits were also curated to lead to the modern-day seafarers who have helped shaped the economy of our country. Two hours were not enough for the kids, as they read most of the things written on the exhibits. For big groups, guided tours are available.
- Location: Ground Floor, Iloilo Customs House, Iloilo City
- Open Tuesday-Sunday; 9am to 4pm
Where to Stay in Iloilo
For this trip, our family stayed in the junior suite of Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo. It is located just behind the SM City Iloilo mall so it is very accessible and convenient. No problem waiting for taxis even at night. The hotel features a contemporary design and has all the amenities we need for a comfortable and pleasant family stay.
While we went out to check out the Iloilo museums as part of our educational trip, we were all just happy to stay in the hotel.
- Location: SM City Iloilo Complex, Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue 5000 Iloilo
Side Trip in Iloilo
Another FREE destination where you can take lots of pictures is the Iloilo City Garden of Love. The place is planted with rows of different local flowers. You can linger around late in the afternoon or just pass by for a photo opp, just like we did. We just asked the taxi driver to allow us a few minutes and he happily obliged.
Actually, the day before, the other taxi driver also offered to stop so that we can take pictures but we were in a hurry. So I believe that it is a common practice in Iloilo City–their taxi drivers are so accommodating! Don’t forget to tip them on top of the metered fare, because yes, even if you take the cab from the port, the taxis are all metered! How orderly, systematic, and fair! Kudos, Iloilo!
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Wow that’s so awesome and napaka perfect naman po ng place mi looks so really amazing naamn po🫶♥️
Thanks for sharing this amazing place to visit .very the best
Ang isa sa mga inaabangan na festival sa buong Pilipinas Ang Dinagyang Festival how exciting and beautiful place food and mga shows events Ang daming magaganda at matutunan na super mag enjoy talaga dito.
We love Visiting museums too Ma..In this way mas madaming matututunan ang mga kids and they can experience and enjoy.. Hopefully mas madami pa kaming museum na mavisit