Just like under the sea

Just like under the sea
(March 14, 2008)

For the longest time, Filipinos can only enjoy a close encounter with the many interesting creatures of the sea when we go abroad. The nearest oceanariums are found in Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore. Times have changed and for the first time in the Philippines, we have our very own Manila Ocean Park.

Located at the heart of Manila, the Manila Ocean Park is set to be the city’s newest tourist attraction. It boasts of 20,000 exotic and colorful fishes, mostly native to the Philippines. “It will definitely add to the charm of the Philippines, and this modern-day mega structure will surely draw the crowds in,” says Philippine Tourism Authority Chairman Robert Dean Barbers, adding, “The oceanarium will show how much the Philippines have to offer when it comes to our underwater attractions.”

We were lucky to be one of the very first visitors to tour the oceanarium. The first part of the tour is called the “Agos” wherein, one gets to see assorted freshwater varieties set in a rainforest environment. The area has a very outdoorsy effect and will truly jumpstart one’s anticipation of the entire visual adventure. Before going to the second part, there is a small pond wherein one can touch the varieties of starfish and other species. Kids of all ages would definitely enjoy this attraction.

But the best and most anticipated part of the tour is the Buhay na Karagatan. It is a 20-feet acrylic underwater walk-in tunnel-aquarium and activity center wherein one will be surrounded by an array of different species. There are also interactive devices that give information about the oceans surrounding the Philippines and the different sea creatures. On the second floor, visitors can experience a 15-minute fish spa courtesy of the doctor fish.

Besides being a tourist destination, Manila Ocean Park also thinks of its social responsibility by giving back to the community where it was established. It has very strong environmental advocacies and seeks to awaken public awareness with regards to the environment.

The park is only on its first phase as there would be other developments in the coming months. The whole concept, when completed, will bring together the oceanarium with a shopping mall and a boutique hotel—all in one compound. This would be another breakthrough in the Philippines and in Asia Pacific as this would be the first of its kind in the region.

As Senator Richard Gordon puts it, “This is the name-changer of tourism in Manila.” I guess one should experience it, to believe.
- Katrina Guevarra, Contributor

http://globalpinoy.com/news/news_inside.php?newsnum=12367
Originally published in The Manila Times