Manila Ocean Park – An Introduction

Manila Ocean Park is a marine theme park which has become a favorite fun family vacations and kid friendly vacations destination ideal for a thrill seeker, island vacations aficionado or other persons  either on a sightseeing expedition or on a study tour to observe the marine world from the seaside up to the deepest part of the ocean. It is located near Roxas Boulevard (behind the historic Quirino Grandstand on the western end of Rizal Park) in Ermita, Manila City, Luzon Island, Philippines.

The Manila Ocean Park Location Map courtesy of www.manilaoceanpark.com

The Manila Ocean Park Design courtesy of www.wikipedia.org

Manila Ocean Park – Why I Visited The Marine World Theme Park

Being born and raised in an island, I cannot imagine dissociating myself with the sea. The sight of glamorous beaches and various forms of marine life really stimulates my senses while the sound of waves pounding at the shorelines rejuvenates my soul. In fact, having the chance to visit the Sentosa Underwater World Oceanarium in Singapore in 2007 was one of the happiest moments of my life. Candidly, my heart really jumped with joy upon hearing the news that the Manila Ocean Park was opened last March 1, 2008. Since then, I dreamed of visiting the place and see it for myself . But my hectic schedules during my occasional visits to Manila had relegated my intention to the background.

Thanks to the clarion call of Angel Juarez, this month’s Pinoy Travel Bloggers Blog Carnival host, for bloggers to write something about Manila that will keep you and me on coming back to the capital city of the Philippines which convinced me to squeeze my travel itinerary so I can visit the Manila Ocean Park.  Amidst intermittent rains, I managed to reach the place and the message on this tarpaulin hung at the entrance of the building had caught my attention . . .

The Manila Ocean Park Promotion Packages . . .

I was attracted with the Oceanarium-Jellies-Fish Spa-Sea Lion Show package, hence, I bought the Sun Up Saver ticket for PhP 600.00. As I passed through the entrance, a rain forest motif  had greeted my eyes. Moments later, I heard a sweet female voice over welcoming me and the other guests to the  Manila Ocean Park, announcing that we are standing right in the Agos (Flow) Section of the Oceanarium and explaining in detail about the freshwater fishes stored in 8 tanks.

A further walk and I heard the sound of waves splashing through the sea shore as I passed through an entry point labeled as Bahura (The Reef), wherein, I saw an exhibit of artificial corals stored in 48 tanks. I slogged further and reached the Laot (Fishing Ground) Section where I saw various species of fish including giant Manta Rays (Pagi)  stored in long tanks. A few more steps led me to this fascinating sight . . .

Ang Kalaliman ( The Deep) Section of the Oceanarium showcasing the marine animals found in the deepest parts of the Philippine's waters like the schools of Bluefin Trevally, named scientifically as Caranx melampygus and known locally especially in Surigao as Langog shown here.

A few steps further and I reached this area. . .

The entry point to the Buhay na Karagatan (Living Ocean) Section of the Oceanarium . . .

The Living Ocean turned out to be the main attraction of the oceanarium which boasted of  a 25-meter long walkway tunnel with 220-degree curved acrylic walls.

A pose for posterity at the acrylic underwater tunnel . . .

I spent for quite sometime watching all forms of marine life while walking through the tunnel. On my way to the exit, I passed by the sharks (Pating) in spacious tanks.

After exiting the Oceanarium, I was told by a staff to climb upstairs for the Fish Spa. As I reached this place, I spotted upon this group of guests . . .

The Manila Ocean Park guests enjoying the Fish Spa . . .

I had sensed that all the guests were wearing a smile as their feet were being submerged on a man-made pool with schools of fish nibbling on their feet and soles. Hence, I also rolled my pants and submerged my bare feet to the waters . . .

Truly, I  felt rejuvenated after schools of Nibble Fish, otherwise known as Doctor Fish, feasted on the dead skin cells off my feet and soles as the nibbling massage of the doctor fish carried a pleasant tingling sensation on my feet. In fact, if I had my way, I would prefer to be nibbled the whole day had it not been for the notice of the staff that my 10-minute allocated fish spa session had already expired.

Afterward, I proceeded to the next Manila Ocean Park destination covered by the promotional package and this sight had captured my attention . . .

The comely signage enticing guests to witness the jellies dubbed dancing sea fairies.

The sights of various species of jellyfish I had savored inside seemed a nourishment to my eyes. But it was the Spotted Jellyfish (Mastigias papua), having a brownish umbrella with white spots whose thick tentacles resemble the arms of an octopus, had really caught my attention as they are the non-stingy ones  abundantly present in Sohoton Cove at Bucas Grande Island, Philippines.

I was craving for some more sights until I reached this place which really captured my romantic imagination . . .

Candidly, the sight of the jellyfish seemed dancing at the tune of sweet music made me decide to stay for long in the place. However, my watch kept telling me that the Sea Lion Show, the last leg of my Manila Ocean Park stroll, will commence at exactly 4:30 p.m, hence, I exited the room with much hesitance.

As there were only a few minutes left before the appointed time, I rushed to the Sea Lion Show venue and this sight greeted my eyes . . .

The Manila Ocean Park guests awaiting for the finale show of the day, the Sea Lion Show.

I positioned myself in one of the front-row seats to have a vantage point of the most awaited show. Candidly,  I was awe-inspired with this spectacular show unfolding in front of me . . .

Not content with just watching the show, I preferred to have a photo session with the sea lion . . .

A warm hand shake . . .	A belated birthday kiss . . .
A pat on the back . . .	A snappy salute . . .
A breast-out . . .	... And Finally, the tongue out wacky shoot!

Manila Ocean Park – Final Thoughts

The Manila Ocean Park might not be as large and well-equipped as some of the more famous marine theme parks in Asia, but it is still a popular attraction among the Filipinos and foreign visitors.  The fact that the first volunteer on the photo session with the sea lions in the midst of the Sea Lion Show was a female Indonesian national was proof that the Manila Ocean Park had already gained popularity among our Asian neighbors. The existence of the Manila Ocean Park has become a national pride among the Filipinos and visiting the spot by marine world lovers like you is a step in the right direction if only to prove that the Philippine capital city of Manila has attractions worthy of a visit by local and foreign tourists alike.

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This Manila Ocean Park blog post is my 3rd entry to the  Blog Carnival of the Pinoy Travel Bloggers with the theme Manila in Focus hosted by Angel Juarez  of Lakwatsero.

Fantasyland – An Introduction

Glorias Fantasyland is one of the emerging best family vacation destinations outside of Manila, Philippines offering theme park rides suited not only for a thrill seeker but among island vacations, sightseeing and unique vacations enthusiasts looking for ideal spots for fun family vacations with kids playground suitable for kid friendly vacations. It is located in the City of Dapitan, Province of Zamboanga del Norte, nortwestern part of Mindanao Island, Philippines.

Fantasyland – Why I visited The Place

The fantasyland in Dapitan was actually not in my vacation checklist in going to the place as my original intention was only to visit the Rizal Shrine. Nevertheless, my good friend Ben Canama of Lorenzo Tan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LTMPC) had persuaded me to take my time while in Dapitan and visit Glorias Fantasyland by night. Hence, I together with my wife as well as the driver decided to spend our leisure time in the theme park.

As we approached the area, I was attracted with the street light effects leading to the fantasyland entrance . . .

The spectacular light effects lining the street enroute to the Gloria Fantasyland entrance

A few steps from the gate and I was amazed with the spectacular fountain. A comely welcome signage also awaits the visitors . . .

The dazzling fountain just outside the fantasyland walls .

The comely Glorias Fantasyland welcome signage enticing visitors to go inside.

We choose to forego the PhP 500.00 ride-all-you can and opted for the PhP 200.00 sightseeing as we only intend to see the various theme park rides and pay individually whatever rides we wanted to take.

It was timely that the fireworks for the Hudyaka ZaNorte in the adjacent ground had just started as I looked at the fantasyland vicinity map . . .

Firewoks display for Hudyaka Zanorte viewed from the fantasyland.

Glorias Fantasyland Vicinity Map situated near the entry point.

I and Vanjie decided to have a photo in front of the spectacular Tea Ride . . .

A picture for posterity in front of the Tea/Choco Cups Ride.The ride is composed of six giant tea/cups rotating simulateously with its huge circular 9-meter metal base

I then took photos of important views inside the fantasyland . . .

The imposing walls fronting the Glorias Fantasyland

The comely stage where fantasy characters display their talents

And the various fantasyland  spectacular thrill seeker theme park rides  . . .

The Apollo Ride which gives a thrill seeker wearing 3D glasses an illusion of being in the spaceship. . .	The Pirate Ship, a 32- seater exciting ride with an imposing 30 meter high A-frame
The Old Western Train- an I8-seater mini train powered by a two-seater diesel locomotive prime mover that pulls the train in an existing mini forest area of the Fantasyland.	The Giant Roller Coaster- a huge 20 meters x 47 meters based ride with a maximum speed of 40 miles per hour. This ride can accommodate 26 passengers at a time.
The Wonder Flight - made up of 8 fiberglass gondolas designed like the air balloon ride which has a circular base of 8 meters.	The Mini Coaster - A fast, fun roller coaster that even younger kids can enjoy. It is located in the vicinity of the Mini-Flume Ride.

Other fantastic rides include the MINI FLUME RIDE, a wild water ride located inside the mini forest of the park. The mini flume was placed under old tress of the park so as to create a river wild/forest ride atmosphere. Further, the FLYING BALLS WHEEL RIDE is a kiddie ride that functions like a Ferris wheel. It has six attractive ball-designed gondolas. Furthermore, the TELECOMBAT RIDE is a  24seater / 12-gondola ride, a modem version of the famous octopus ride. It has a circular base of 12 meters. On the other hand, the BUMPER CAR RIDE is composed of ten (10) exciting electric bumper cars, housed inside a 12 meter x 18 meter covered area with turbo lightings. Moreover, the SWINGER RIDE is a 32-seater circular ride with exciting light decoration. This ride has a 14 meter rotating base area covered by a fiberglass canopy. The HAPPY JOURNEY RIDE is an interactive ride which is the first of its kind in the Philippines. The six electric powered cars are equipped with 2 laser guns for each car. There are 8 fiberglass animal figures made for targets. The FIGHT SHARK RIDE, also a first in the country, is an interactive ride with 12 boats equipped with 2 water guns per boat. This ride can accommodate 24 shooters at a time. The GO KART RACE CIRCUIT is composed of 10 Go Kart racing units in an exciting and challenging course. Finally, the HORROR HOUSE is a place for suspense and thrill seekers. This house is designed by the group of Tony Tuviera of TAPE and APT Productions which is the producer of URDUJA,  the successful first Filipino animated movie.

Fantasyland – Most Unforgettable Moments

Nothing beats my 5D cinema experience in Glorias Fantasyland. A pretty lady manning what seemed a booth baited me into watching a 5D cinema which, according to her, is the only one of its kind in the Philippines nowadays and 2^nd only to Hongkong in Asia. That sounded like a worthwhile experience, so I bit the bullet, convinced my wife Vanjie and driver Ronel, paid the PhP 50.00 per head admission fee  for a 5-minute interactive show and finally got to sit down in the cinema chair. . .

A pose taken before the start of the 5 Dimension interactive film show.

We were told by the lady assistant to fasten our seatbelts and wear the provided 3D glasses. It turned out that we were watching an horror tunnel film. It seemed that I was riding a train speeding up to 150-200 kilometers per hour. Seemed enjoyable at the start , just waiving my head when I passed over stalactites and at times when I was threading on giant crab’s feet.

I enjoyed the moving seats and a combination of scents, wind, and water vapor sprayed into my face. The scents were definitely interesting and the  wind and water vapor were nice additions.

Then there were the moving chairs: when my train slid through a narrow tunnel, I had assumed the chair I was sitting to sway around; instead, it bounced back and forth and shook me hard every time I reached the opposite direction. It was as if the movie makers wanted to ensure that I don’t even think about getting comfortable.

Nevertheless,  the next scene was a tragedy for my wife who has a heart problem. It came with a scene on a Jurassic Park wherein, a Syntarsus, a fast-moving, meat-eating dinosaur from the Jurassic period had chanced upon me. And,  the animal’s neck sprang quickly as a flash and I watched helplessly  at the wide mouth with the horrendous teeth coming over  to devour my head. Candidly, I felt the impact of the scene on my wife as he held my hand firmly, occasionally pinching my skin as if telling me why on the hell that I brought her over there. It was then that I calmed her down with an advise  to just close her eyes and wait for the film’s end.

A pose in front of the 5 D Cinema Screen after the interactive show.

We then posed for a picture after the 5-minute film, with a vow that never  shall I have to go experience that crap brutal film in Glorias Fantasyland or any other venue again.

Mountain View Natures Park – Where Is It?

Mountain View Nature’s Park is a unique island vacations destination located on the mountain top in Sitio Garahe, Busay, Cebu City in Cebu Island, Philippines which is ideal for sightseeing and kid friendly vacations and fun family vacations with such amenities as campsite,  kids playground and twilight zone among others. It is accessible via a taxi ride from the city proper or you may opt to hire a passenger motorcycle called “habal-habal” in the Philippines with pick-up and drop-off points at the foot of Nivel Hills in Barangay Lahug.

Mountain View Natures Park – Why I visited The Place?

As a gift for my only daughter Aliyah Eimereen, who graduated in high school with flying colors as well as for my youngest son Edrian Nathaniel who finished on top of his Grade One Class, we decided to spend our family bonding and summer vacation in Cebu Island, Philippines. We were then discussing at the house of my brother Ben in Looc, Mandaue City on what specific tourist spot in the island province to visit and Mountain View Natures Park came out to be the best choice. Hence, the ten of us- my wife Vanjie, sons Vladimir Ilich, Edel Jovann, Edrian Nathaniel and daughter Aliyah Eimereen, nieces Hazel with kid Achilles and Liji with daughter Nijel and me hopped on my brother’s pajero and headed to the place. The family could have been complete had it not been for the summer class examination of my other son Ranjick. We climbed through the winding trans-central highways in Barangay Busay keeping a watchful eye on each and every signboard that came our way until we stopped at the signage signalling our approach to the place. The driver then lowered the car’s gear in preparation for the 60-degree accent on our left but, scared by the thought of such a climb, suddenly decided to just drop us off in the highway. Faced with no other option, we hesitantly slogged our way up the 150-meter winding paved road until we reached the guard house where we paid the  Php 50.00 per head entrance fee. We walked a few meters more until we finally reached this place . . .

Vicinity Map showing the various destinations of Mountain View Nature's Park

While I was taking a rest to slow down my faster than normal breath brought about by the hike, my son Edrian and the other two kids were running towards my direction and grabbed my hand to follow them towards a place they really liked . . .

Entrance to the Mountain View Water Park and Children's Playground

I then proceeded to a vantage point and took shots of what’s inside . . .

Mountain View Swimming Pool

After paying a PhP 150.00 per head for adults and PhP 100.00 per head for children entrance fee, we enjoyed the cool dip and a languorous swim at the turquoise pool waters. Edrian, an expert swimmer himself, performed an acrobatic swim akin to a dance sport expert. . .

Eight-year old Edrian's best acrobatic swim performance at the Mountain View Swimming Pool

With the packed-lunch over, I went back to the vicinity map to check on the destination routes and decided to proceed to the top-most part of the park via the short cut route . . .

The 420-steps leading to the nature park's View Deck fronting the comely cottages ideal for honey moon spenders . . .

More and more steps upward and I was enthralled with this comely view at the mountain top . . .

The Mountain View Millennium Cross

Candidly, the cold breeze smothering my body while standing on the view deck  enjoying the splendid overlooking view of Cebu City was really a relaxing feeling. The rest of the group opted to climb upstairs also and we regrouped at the mountain top and posed for a shot . . .

Family pose at the mountain top minus this writer-photographer of course

Luck was really on our side as fogs hovered over us as we relaxed to savor nature taking its course . . .

Fogs hovering over the View Deck of Mountain View Nature's Park

We then started to descend on a paved road and my eyes were glued on this sight on my left . . .

Mountain View Nature's Park version of "The Way of The Cross"

After saying silent prayers, we proceeded to the mini-zoo and took time to pose with miniature wild animals . . .

Edrian and Eimereen enjoying the zebra ride . . .

Me and Vanjie enjoying a hug on the giraffe's neck. . .

A few meters of walk further down and we reached the Mountain View  Christmas Park . . .

The Mountain View Twilight Zone within the Christmas Park

The path leading to the enthralling Twilight Zone View Deck . . .

The Mountain View Statue of Nativity . . .

While on our way, I chanced upon this sight at the Barn which made me remember of my Corregidor Island trip . . .

A miniature of the American-type Tranvia which used to ply major Philippine city streets during the American occupation of the country in the early 1900's. . .

After exchanging some more pleasantries, taking more pictures of nature and watching the 3 children enjoying the kids playground, we called it time to go home.

Mountain View Natures Park – Final Thoughts

Nature tripping and trekking within the city was such a very exhilarating experience. Despite a bad start caused by the hot-headed driver, the moments that I spent with my family together on such a spectacular setting was really life-fulfilling. Taking time to enjoy, chill out and walk on mountain top and get the chance to savor the city view is one of the unique vacations options that urbanites and island vacations aficionados should not miss experiencing themselves. Hence, visiting the Mountain View Nature’s Park in the booming city of Cebu is the best option for nature lovers like you.

Lakeside Resort And Hotel – An Introduction

A Lakeside Resort and Hotel, aptly named “Kasili” after a popular freshwater eel, is an emerging favorite among island vacations enthusiasts considered as one of the best family vacation destinations in Caraga Region and among the best family resorts in this part of the country capable of hosting kid-friendly vacations and fun family vacations situated in the scenic lakeside town of Mainit, Surigao del Norte, in the northeastern part of the island of Mindanao, Philippines.

Lakeside Resort And Hotel – Why Visit The Place

Through the invitation of my good friend Virgintina Garrido, the town’s Municipal Agriculturist, and in my desire to prove the veracity of the words being spread on the increasing influx of tourists and visitors to the town I considered my second home while I was studying in an agricultural college situated in one of its progressive barangays, I visited the place last January 18, 2011. Truly, I saw for myself the reasons why the Kasili Lakeside Resort and Hotel has steadily become favorite  island vacations destination for 4 concrete reasons:

1. Its Location. Built on the edge of the awesome Lake Mainit, this lakeside resort and hotel offers the guests and visitors the chance to view the beauty of the 4^th largest lake in the Philippines. Standing at the veranda of the presidential suite, you can have a total glimpse of the scenic view of the lake’s 17,340 hectares surface area and see for yourself the reasons why only Laguna de Bay, Lake Lanao and Taal Lake had surpassed this large body of fresh water surrounded by land in terms of area. If you happen to be there in the summer months of April to June, you can savor the purplish bloom of water hyacinths abounding its periphery. And, if you are one of the adventurous breed of nature lovers, you can take a ride on the resort’s M/B Mainit Kasili service boat and stroll on its 62.10 kilometers lakeshore, visit to the 31 lakeshore barangays in 4 towns, and cut across its  placid and azure waters classified as Class A by the Environmental Management Bureau and wonder what lies on the floor of the lake’s deepest part measured at 223 meters.
2. Its Facilities and Amenities. As you approach the site, you can view the concrete signage of the lakeside resort prominently installed on the roadside. As you enter the gate, you will definitely be struck by the resort’s sight and extra-ordinary ambiance. A walk further inside would bring you to the sprawling 200-capacity convention center. A few more steps and you would be welcomed by a comely fountain strategically located in front of the main building. Upon entering the reception center in the ground floor, you will be stunned by the sight of benches, tables and chairs made from centuries-old  molave tree stumps and trunks neatly arranged on the foot of a large painting of Lake Mainit prominently displayed in the wall. After exchanging pleasantries with the nice receptionist, you would be ushered upstairs and view the equally large portraits of the town’s ecotourism destinations- the Silop Lake, Mapaso Hot Spring and Dayano Cave- to name a few conspicuously hanged along the corridor walls. A quick tour of the building would led you to its 3 dormitory-type rooms; 30 single-bed; 8 double-bed and 5 suite rooms all fully air-conditioned. When you open the door suite room’s exit door leading to the veranda, your eyes will be greeted with a spectacular view of  3 romantic swimming pools of varying sizes with its turquoise waters enticing you to have a quick dip or a languorous swim. The presidential suite fronting the lake emits the aura of executive setting. For the music-loving guests, two videoke bars are available featuring a live band every weekend. A tennis court is on hand to cater to the sports-minded guests. Most importantly, a restaurant is at hand offering, aside from the favorite dishes made from fishes that abound in the lake like the “kasili” or giant mottle eel, but also oriental and European foods depending on your taste.
3. The Services. The lakeside resort is not only known for its scenic venue and comfortable facilities but also with its excellent and charming services. The staff running the place are very professional, polite and ever willing to meet all your requests from room service and any other guest-related concerns. On top of all, security service is provided 24/7.
4. Its ownership. A product of visionary leadership of the town officials headed by its mayor, the Honorable Ramon Beltran Mondano, this lakeside hotel and resort is fully-owned and operated by the municipal government. Knowing pretty well all the facets of local governance being an agriculturist myself and Municipal Administrator-designate of my town, it takes extra-ordinary guts for the local chief executive of a municipality which is dependent on the internal revenue allotment from the national government to build such an awesome resort. I was told that the Mayor was even ridiculed at the start for conceiving such ambitious project and vigorously pursuing its implementation despite limited funds. But,  I for one can attest that the decision and passion to build such a surefire income-generating tourist facility against all odds is worthy of emulation. Hence, for the professionals and the academe, your visit to this comely lakeside resort and hotel is a scholastic journey to observe local governance at its best.

Lakeside Resort And Hotel – Final Thoughts

Great sight, extra-ordinary facilities and amenities, heart-warming services and round-the-clock security are time-tested ingredients for perfect island vacations. The Kasili Lakeside Resort and Hotel is one place where you can come and actually forget your daily routine and busy urban life. Its ambiance, filled with serenity and beauty, is what mesmerizes its visitors. The resort stands out from the rest because of its unique architecture and the location simply proves to be icing on the cake. Any number of visits you do to this lakeside resort and hotel cannot take away the charm it offers to its guests and you will surely vow to have a return visit.

MAINIT KASILI LAKESIDE RESORT AND HOTEL VITAL INFORMATION PLEASE CLICK HERE. . .

The comely Mainit Kasili Lakeside Resort and Hotel Signage

The imposing street side concrete marker greets the lakeside guests and visitors

The lakeside resort entrance

The Convention Center

Inside view of the 200-capacity Convention Center

The sprawling restaurant and function building

The Lakeside Resort's Main Building

The Reception Center

A Lake Mainit painting on the wall fronting the reception desk

A painting on the 2nd floor corridor depicting Togonan Falls-another awesome natural attraction of the town.

Another painting... that of Dayano Cave.

Painting of another Mainit pride . . . the Mapaso Hot Spring.

The suite room

A spectacular sight of the resort's swimming pool viewed from the suite room's veranda.

The swimming pool viewed from the other end opposite the veranda.

The kids' swimming pool.

The resort's Presidential Suite.

The scenic Mainit Lake viewed from the Presidential Suite veranda of the Lakeside Resort and Hotel.