We decided to try and Ilo Ilo for a change from our usual beach holidays. And since we did not know anyone in the place, we booked a tour with Melanie. From landing till we left Ilo-Ilo, it was a whole lot of fun. Our guide, Mel, was extremely knowledgeable and has a wealth of experience in being a guide as well as teaching others to be a guide. Not only did she know of the history of the places, she also knew of where to find great food and great craft. We enjoyed our trip to the Women's community who sold us nicely knitted shawls and materials. We definitely ate too much and enjoyed the food. I never really thought I would have this much fun in going to a place like Ilo Ilo.  She was stellar. Conversations were great and fruitful. She also knew everyone in town. She also knew when to pause and give us a rest at the right time. She looked after us completely. Our driver was awesome too and Mel's able guide Kemmy was also super efficient.

We probably should have given Guimaras a miss, not much to see there specially because it was Mango season. The guide in Guimaras was also great and she was awesome because she really looked after us specially one of us who got sick. Minor tip for the Guimaras guide: Some quiet in the van once in a while is welcome :) No need to fill all the gaps.

Overall, we had a great time. I am so looking forward to doing this again, hopefully with Mel in another region.

Thank you again for all the help.

Cheers!

Long

My family really enjoyed this private tour of Iloilo City, and Melanie did a great job creating a personalized experience for us.   My college age children were first time visitors to the Phillipines, and  this tour was just what I was looking for because it  provided an opportunity for them to learn about the history, culture and rich heritage of their ancestors.  My eldery father lives in Iloilo City and has some difficulty walking.  I spoke to  Melanie about this ahead of time and she had a  wheelchair ready and accomodated us by making changes to the tour schedule so that my father did not have to walk very far.  For me this was the biggest help  because we were able to enjoy the tour together as a family.  The lunch buffet at the ancestral house was also a real treat.  Thank you Melanie...we will always remember your positive energy and thoughfulness.

Melanie guided us during our trip to Iloilo city and province in December 2013. The tour itinerary she designed was quite interesting and comprehensive, covering the most important heritage churches and structures, but also leisurely enough for us to really enjoy the tour at a relaxing pace. She has excellent communications skills and an impressive grasp of the geography, history and culture of the places we visited. Overall, an outstanding job by one of the best guides in Iloilo. We highly recommend her to anyone visiting the province.