Place: Manila Ocean Park (Luneta Park, Manila)
Date: 15 June 2008

We hosted a party for Uncle Pete’s homecoming last June 14 and while having our afternoon snacks, Uncle Pete asked us if we wanted to go out and roam the next day. I saw an ad for Manila Ocean Park, so I whispered to mom about it and she voiced it out. Uncle Pete liked the idea, so before they left, we reached a decision that all of us will be seeing each other the next day.

They fetched us here around 7:30AM so all of us could get going as early as we could. There were having problems with the navigation, and it was a bit late when we reached the place. Still, we were all happy getting in the place and finally seeing the place. We parked at a nice spot and we got a very nice view of the Manila Hotel and that Floating Restaurant so we posed for pictures first.

The only camera we (my own family) have was my cell phone. Sister lent the digital camera to a friend so some of the pictures we had were taken using their digital camera. I was a bit sad about it because my picture taking would be limited. My cell phone didn’t have extended memory and my batteries weren’t full as well. But, of course, I would have to make use with what I have.

Mom and I have wanted to check out the place the minute it was opened, but the entrance fee of 400 pesos kind of back us off. Aside from that would be transportation problems. We were very lucky and blessed that Uncle Pete liked the idea of checking the place. Well, I guess anyone who were offered free something would be happy about it. =)

Some picture by the entrance:

The entrance lobby is big, perfect to lounge on while waiting for your tickets. There’s a deck near the lobby that people can stay at while they wait, and I just love that the Super Ferry boat was just within eye reach — another opportunity for pictures. =)

The Ocean Park has five main sections - Agos (Flow), Bahura (Reef), Laot (Fishing Ground), Buhay na Karagatan (The Living Ocean), and Ang Kalaliman (The Deep). Here are some pictures I took from the different sections:

Flash is strictly prohibited in the area, but of course lots of people were so good breaking the rules and taking pictures with flash on. The Buhay na Karagatan is certainly very small, but I still liked it. I have heard people compare it to this and that… and tell negative things about it, but the thing is, this place is still a baby. Of course comparing this one to the other Ocean Parks all over the world would be weird because the other Ocean Parks have been operational for years! Comparing this one to the others would be like comparing a baby’s thinking to that of a college graduate. The entrance fee is quite expensive, I agree, but then, I guess the place was still needed some funding so it can carry on with the things still needed to make the park more beautiful.

Somewhere upstairs were two added attractions. We opted to check out the fish spa, because we liked the idea of small fish nibbling on our feet. It cost 120 pesos more for 20 minutes, but it was well worth the try. Very ticklish!

From what I read, these fish love to eat the dead skin cells, and we were teasing that since sister had much more fish in her feet compared to us, she might had more dead skin cells that we do. =) We also did some souvenir shopping, and of course, I bought a key chain for 80 pesos. Sister bought a cute top.

The park still had so many things to do in order to “compete” with the other water parks, but mom had seen the one in Sentosa, Singapore, and she said that although the one in Sentosa was bigger and it had bigger species of fish, the Manila Ocean Park was certainly had a greater view and had a lot of species of fish.

But I am very proud of this park. Imagine, they use the dirty waters of Manila Bay and filter it? Isn’t it good? And some of the corals in the aquariums are actually man made. Some people had negative comments about it — calling it a fake, but in my own point of view, it’s nice that they made their own corals instead of pulling it out in the real ocean and putting it in the aquarium for people to see. They said that the marine animals in this park can be found in the Philippines, and with so many species I have seen, I am happy to know that this country have so much marine life.

I enjoyed my trip to the Ocean Park, but I am hoping to see it again because as far as taking pictures are concerned, I am not satisfied. The colors from my cell phone are really bland, and I seriously hoped I had used a much nicer digital camera. Oh well, there will always be next time.

If you’re considering going to this park, here are my few suggestions: first up, be ready with your money. The main entrance ticket costs 400 pesos (approx. 8 USD) and upstairs, there are two attractions and ticket for each cost 120 pesos (approx. 2.75 USD). Should you want to eat there, you will pass by Oceano restaurant, but you don’t have to eat there if you don’t want to, of course. There is a much cheaper food place if you prefer, there’s Chowking along the hall. Or, just go to the ocean park early so by lunch time, you can go to an open park (Luneta is just a few steps away) and do a picnic. Also, if you want to check out the fish spa, it’s much better you wear shorts or a pair of loose pants so you can pull it up easily. Set aside some money for souvenirs, too! Before I am not into souvenirs, but then I realized the next visit here is still uncertain, so I bought a key chain to remind me of the trip. Last suggestion would be - enjoy the trip! There are five major sections in the park, and no one is allowed to get back, so never rush yourself! Take all the time you want, take all the pictures you want to take before you proceed. Remember, you paid 400 freaking pesos for the ticket, so stay there for as long you can! It’s easy to get excited with what to see in the next section, but just have fun!

*** Jenn ***