By Jojie Gabot
Walking with colorful schools of tropical fishes in a 25-meter long tunnel ticks you to stay behind, touch and swim with them and be part of the underworld of the Asia’s richest marine fauna that is the Philippines.
I am speaking, of course, of the Manila Ocean Park, the country's biggest aquarium located behind the Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park, which showcases more than 200 species of marine life, including some of the yet unfamiliar fishes and the familiar ones like the Butanding, stingray, sharks and barracudas.
With the 25-meter long, 220 degree curved acrylic walkway tunnel, exploring the underworld is made possible. Even marine lives found in the deepest sea are showcased in the Manila Ocean Park for all, young and old, to appreciate, observe and educated on the ways.
When some scuba divers appeared inside the acrylic glass to feed the denizens of the aquarium, I was filled with wonder and delight, captivated with the question “what does it feel to be inside the collected biodiversity of the Philippines in one gigantic aquarium of the park?”
Then I wondered if Manila Ocean Park would add services like scuba diving lessons right there at the big aquarium. Wow! I admire those divers who keep the marine museum clean and take care of the underwater creatures.
Observing them closely made me miss of the ocean, the taste of the ocean and the sound of the waves and the feel of goggles around my eyes!
The Manila Ocean Park also showcases deepest sea creatures, fresh water fishes and interaction with the marine life is also possible.
The Oceanarium excursions will take you to seven different sections. First, the Agos or Flow section where you will witness water cascading from an artificial waterfall that flows into eight different water tanks displaying various flora and fauna. The water flow replicates the fresh water source that eventually leads to the open ocean, creating a model of the interconnectedness between land and sea. The rocky shoreline is showcased in a Touch Pool where one can physically encounter animals on display.
The Bahura or Reef section is a series of 46 tanks that feature the very colorful Philippine underwater rainforest. Be fascinated with the multiple hues and diverse life forms found in our Philippine coral reefs.
Laot or Fishing Ground section has four big distinct aquariums displaying assortment of fish in all sizes and colors. These impressively large exhibits will definitely be a sight to behold!
The most exciting and electrifying part of Manila Ocean Park is the Buhay na Karagatan or the Living Ocean where one can plume the slice of Philippine ocean life! A breathtaking adventure to a 25-meter acrylic glass underwater tunnel and experience how marine animals interact with each other in their natural habitat and witness the unmatched and truly awesome encounter with the rich underwater world.
The most feared inhabitants of the ocean are featured at the Ang Kalaliman or The Deep. It showcases barracuda which is known for its toothy grin as the “Tiger of the Sea”.
Lastly, the Pating or Shark, the predators of the sea section where we will get the chance to meet our famous Butanding and sharks species found in the Philippine waters.
After a nice long walk at Oceanarium, a visit to the Manila Ocean Park Fish Spa is a must. Here get an unforgettable and unique experience with the spectacular doctor fish - so called because they nibble with the affected and dead areas of the skin of your feet and cleanse or cure it.
Need to learn more? The mall section of Manila Ocean Park will showcase jellyfishes soon!
According to MOP marketing manager Tina Santos, the Hotel section will open by late this year or early next year. The 20-room hotel will also have a marine theme. Rooms facing the bay will have an uninterrupted view of the ocean and the renowned Manila Bay sunset, while others will have one wall of aquarium in the privacy of their own room, which will be a first-of-its-kind in the world.
Get enthralled and be captivated with the marine denizens’ world of the Philippine sea through Manila Ocean Park! (gagabytes@gmail.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment