Manila Ocean Park

I had a little down time with my brother during Lent. It was Black Saturday and many years ago during my younger years there was nowhere to go if you were stuck in the city. Nowadays, the only day that commerce stops is on Good Friday.



I had recently recieved two complementary tickets to Manila Ocean Park and what better time to make use of them than on a hot humid Black Saturday with my dear brother. We arrived at the park a little past nine in the morning. A few measly joggers were left doing their laps in Rizal Park but it was surprising to see that there were a few busses that had already pulling up at the parking area.

The Manila Ocean Park is a marine facility that's owned by a Malaysian group. Thankfully, they did not feature any of the endangered species in the collection of live animals. The entire park is divided into four major areas:
Bahura - features marine animals that can be found near the shoreline; fish that live amongst the coral reefs. These are usually colorful, vibrant fish that are territorial and flit in and out of the living corals
Ang Kalaliman- these are the type that live in deeper parts of the ocean. They usually are the type of fish that have either protective appendages or are colorfully camouflaged to fit their environment.
Laot- Fish that are found in open seas. These fish usually swim in schools. What's interesting about this area is that it features a collection of fish that live together in one environment much like the wide open seas. The tunnel is a watertight acrylic tube with a view of 180 degrees. You can see manta rays seemingly flying over your head.
Buhay na Karagatan- features huge predatory aquatic animals like white tipped and black tipped reef shark. It makes a statement that the ocean is one huge breathing, living organism that supports a teeming variety of life with the rule that is: EAT OR BE EATEN!



You could actually walk around the Ocean Park and while away your time without even being aware of it. By the time my brother and I got out of the park it was way past lunchtime. It can be such an learning and enriching experience. and being the camera bugs that we were we never stopped taking photos of the animals in the tanks.

We had a blast taking photos of each other while walking through the tube. you can actually find a comfortable niche along the ledge of the tunnel and be hypnotized by the movement of the fish. We were lucky to have been there during feeding time for the animals. There' something so fascinating about the feeding frenzy... and when they've had their fill they swim lacadaisilly away...



We both found it obnoxious though, that Filipinos still use flash photography despite of the warnings given by the staff and the numerous signs that prevent the practice of doing so. When will we ever learn?

Added attractions are the Aquatica...a fantasy production...the fish foot spa and the jelly fish show...for a few more pesos you get access to these shows. The entrance fees do not include them. And when you get hungry from watching all the fish you could ever lay your eyes on, there are a great number of restaurants that you can try...there's even a souvenir shop where you can buy any number of small trinkets and t shirts to mark your visit to the place.

Coming soon is another marine park facility that will be erected in Palawan...

Abangan...