Manila Ocean Park

Ever since I've heard the news that a world class oceanarium will be opened in our country, my excitement to see it had soared so high. Finally, on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, the long wait was over as me and some of my officemates set foot at the Manila Ocean Park (MOP).

The Manila Ocean Park is strategically located just behind the Quirino Grand Stand at Rizal Park in the city of Manila. Though it is not yet complete, it's main attraction, the Oceanarium is already open to the public. The Oceanarium is divided into 7 sections:

1. Agos (Flow) - a rainforest motif complete with 8 tanks of freshwater fishes.
2. Bahura (The Reef) - exhibition of artificial corals in 48 tanks
3. Laot (Fishing Ground) - features big fish and Eagle-spotted rays in a long tank.
4. Kalaliman (The Deep) - showcases marine animals found in the deepest parts of Philippine waters.
5. Buhay na Karagatan (Living Ocean) - the main attraction of the oceanarium is a 25-meter long walkway tunnel with 220-degree curved acrylic walls similarly seen in Ocean Park Hong Kong, Underwater World in Singapore, Siam Ocean World in Bangkok, Thailand and Aquaria KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The difference between MOP's is a 220-degree curved tunnel as compared to the standard 180-degree curved tunnels seen in other Asian countries.
6. Overhang Tank - variety of rays fly over while you're under this unique Overhang Tank.
7. Pating (Shark) - features several species of shark.

The entrance fee for adults is P400 while for children is P350. The MOP is opened Mondays to Sundays from 10AM until 9:00PM.

The MOP contruction has 3 phases. The First Phase is the Oceanarium which is already open. The Second Phase which includes the marine-themed mall and hotel will open in mid-2008 and the Last Phase, the open marine habitats will open in the second quarter of 2008.

My experience at the MOP was a bit disappointing though. I expected the acryclic tunnel to be long. Unfortunately, the tunnel is only 25 meters long compared to the famous Sentosa Oceanarium in Singapore which is 83 meters. The sharks they have are really small. I wanted to see huge sharks big enough to devour an entire human being as what we've seen on films. The park's ambience failed to completely mimic the real seascape. Though the lighting effects are amazing, the flooring doesn't resemble the real sea floor as it is made of up typical tiles we see in malls. It is true that MOP is bigger compared to other oceanariums in Asia, however, much of the space are empty. I shouldn't have placed much expectations from our very own MOP as it is still in it's soft opening. I'll give it at least a year and once everything is complete, i'll see it again. I just hope that by that time, the park would be able to show its grandeur and beauty.

Nevertheless, this is the very first oceanarium in our country and this is something we must be pround of. The Manila Ocean Park is an addition to our tourist attractions and another source of job opportunities for Filipinos and income for the government.