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.

Island Vacations – The Nomination

Island Vacations was nominated by Marcia of Inside Journeys to participate in the “My 7 Links Project” (Thanks Very Much, Marcia!)

Initiated by Tripbase, the My 7 Links Project aims “to unite bloggers (from all sectors) in a joint endeavor to share lessons learned and create a bank of long but not forgotten blog posts that deserve to see the light of day again.”

Island Vacations – My 7 Chosen Blog Posts

I’m very honored that Marcia has nominated my Island Vacations blog. It was difficult to select just seven of my blog posts but I hope you’ll like the ones I chose.

My Most Beautiful Post – Majestic Beach Resort- 3 Irresistible Motives To Visit Club Tara in Bucas Grande Island

There are lots of beautiful places that I visited but the Club Tara Resort stood out as the best. Its location inside a small sheltered bay on the idyllic southern coast of Bucas Grande Island, Philippines set in the backdrop of verdant islets and rolling karst hills carpeted with lush tropical vegetation is very enviable. The breath-taking sight of the sparkling light, purplish blue color of the waters fronting the resort resembling that of a clear and unclouded sky surely captivates your senses and rejuvenates your soul.

Club Tara Resort at dusk.

My Most Popular Post – Island Vacations- Why Sohoton Cove In Bucas Grande Island Is Dubbed As All-In-One Tourist Destination

Considered as the Philippines’ emerging all-in-one tourist destination, the Sohoton Cove in Bucas Grande Island, Philippines is accessible during low tide only through the 40-meter Sohoton Cave serving as the sole entry and exit point. Once you’re inside the cove, you’ll surely ask yourself if you’re still in this world. You would really enjoy your island vacations by sightseeing and birdwatching on its thickly vegetated identical islets and scenic rock formations, snorkel and dive on its sparkling turquise waters, experience fun and thrill on its magnifecent caverns and swim with the smack of non-stingy jellyfish.

Kayaking on foot the Dagongdong Rock Formation inside Sohoton Cove.

My Most Controversial Post – Saltwater Crocodile Wrestling – My Visit To A Thrill Seeker Destination in Bangkok, Thailand

It was during my travel to Thailand that I had witnessed the most controversial stunt in my whole life- that of a human wrestling with a saltwater crocodile. My heart was pounding heavily from start to end of the Crocodile Wrestling Show at the Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo located west of Bangkok.

My Most Helpful Post – Battlefield Tours – My Trip To Corregidor Island, Philippines (Part 4)

I had criticized the acts of the tour guides  during my Battlefield Tours in the historic Corregidor Island in the Philippines in cracking jokes branding the Philippine Senators and Congressmen, in general, as a bunch of “leeches.” I might forgive them for uttering those words if only we were all Filipinos in the group. What pissed me off was the fact that the foreigners beside me were laughing their hearts out with that crap joke. My post on my Island Vacations blog had helped in pushing the management to ban the offensive “green joke-cracking” among their pool of tour guides.

Welcome Shed at Corregidor Island

A Post Whose Success Surprised Me – Real Friends – My Key In Wining The Go Pro Hero Contest

Almost all of my blog posts were Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tight. I intentionally made this post as SEO light as possible at it was dedicated to my supporters during the Go-Pro Hero Camera Contest sponsored by Dave and Deb of The Planet D. It turned out to be one of my two highest ranked blog posts by Google.

SOEMCO lady-real friends in lighter moments.

A Post I Feel Didn’t Get The Attention It Deserved – Island Vacations – 3 Overwhelming Basis To Visit Kapihan View Park in Bucas Grande Island

Candidly, I consider the Kapihan View Park to be one of the best sightseeing destinantions in Bucas Grande Island, Philippines. Hence, I poured all my writing prowess into this Island Vacations blog post hopefully to catch the maximum attention as possible. Sadly, it seemed didn’t fit with my readers’ taste.

Video shooting at Kapihan View Park

The Post  That I Am Most Proud Of – Heritage Tours – My Travel To Rizal Shrine In Dapitan City, Mindanao Island, Philippines

Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine National Hero, in his dying scene of the novel “El Filibusterismo” had quipped: “I die without seeing the dawn shining in my native land. You who could see it, welcome it, and forget not those who had fallen during the night.” In honor of Rizal’s 150^th Birth Anniversary last June 19, 2011, I wrote this post as my own little way of responding to his clarion call and as my maiden entry to the Pinoy Travel Bloggers Blog Carnival. Fortunately, it gained wide acceptance from the members of the Filipino travel blogging community.

A comely spot in the Rizal Shrine Dapitan grounds featuring the immortal lines of Rizal's famous poem Canto Del Viajero (The Song of the Traveler) written on serpentine concrete slabs.

Island Vacations – My Nominated Blogs

And now, I’d like to nominate these very fabulous travel bloggers to participate in the My 7 Links Project.

Off Track Backpacking

Backpacking Worldwide

Philippine Travel Notes

Backpacking Philippines and Asia

Lakwatsera De Primera

Aside from being fabulous, the blogs I nominated are really suited to the taste of island vacations enthusiasts and travel junkies.

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.

Salt Water Crocodile Wrestling – An Introduction

Salt Water Crocodile Wrestling was one of the famous  showtime shows and favorite Thailand tourist attractions that this thrill seeker and  island vacations aficionado had visited while travelling to Thailand not only to experience on what to do in Thailand, observe Thailand culture and view Thailand attractions but as  a participant of a study tour to the various successful cooperatives in the country.

Salt Water Crocodile Wrestling – My Unforgettable Experience

My eyes twinkled with excitement when,  during the morning of  the third day of our September 22-25, 2010 Study Tour on Credit Cooperatives in Thailand, our expert tour guide Mr. Prakob “Tom Cruise” Srirai announced that we would be visiting the popular salt water crocodile wrestling show by the afternoon. Hence, after the usual visit to successful cooperatives included in the itinerary and as we were through taking our sumptuous lunch, our tour bus travelled west of Bangkok and entered a secluded place bearing a gate signage: Welcome To Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo. Our tour guide then ushered us to a crowded place resembling a cockpit arena in the Philippines. Just as I was about to climb on the bleacher, the loudspeaker had barked unfamiliar words which Mr. Prakob interpreted as an announcement for the start of the salt water crocodile wrestling show. Hurriedly, I looked for a vantage point to have a clear view of a concrete elevated platform with improvised crocodile creek enclosed with wire-mesh below. With my point and shoot camera at hand, my eyes kept watch on a spectacular show and one of Thailand tourist attractions about to unfold.

My heart started beating faster when, at the tune of a lively music with occasional announcer’s bark, the two care takers waded through the crocodile creek and wrestled with the crocodiles pulling in the process the wild animals on their tails towards the elevated platform. Afterwards, an animal keeper positioned himself at a distance and slid head on towards his  waiting partner salt water crocodile wearing a fully-opened mouth and kissed the nostrils of the beast.

Afterwards,  a caretaker  put his fully extended right arm  inside the widely-opened mouth of the salt water crocodile and, quick as flash, withdrew it in just a split second before the mouth of the wild animal  was shut down.

I almost dropped my camera to the ground in extreme fright as the salt water crocodile unleashed the power of its bite with immense force. As record holder of the strongest bite of any animal on earth with a pressure of more than 5,000 pounds per square inch, the bite of the salt water crocodile can easily cut the arm of the keeper at once.

Not contented with such frightening and crazy stunts, the animal keeper not only put his arm inside the mouth of the animal but extended it further, opening in the process the palatal valve covering the throat of the salt water crocodile, and slid his arm deeper into the throat of the beast. . .

Salt Water Crocodile Wrestling – Final Thoughts

Judging from the salt water crocodile wrestling show I had witnessed, and no offense meant for any single wildlife conservationist as I am a wildlife conservation advocate myself, it was my unequivocal opinion that the Thais are special people.  My conclusion was anchored on the fact that they are capable of transforming a ferocious salt water crocodile into its most docile state, not for animal exploitation purposes, but for the sake of meaningful thrill seeker entertainment thereby making it as one of Thailand attractions that really enticed tourists to decide on travelling to Thailand.