The Manila Ocean Park Experience

Ah, what a lovely Thursday morning it was! The sun rose up and the whole world seemed to be celebrating my birthday. I had no plans, but I badly needed a break from work. Out of nowhere, Arcy, my most favorite guy, popped up with an exciting proposal. He wouldn't spill the beans yet but insisted that I bring my trusty camera. I was curious and stoked to find out where our adventure would take us.

Behold! The map of the Oceanarium!

One of my favorite photos we took from the Oceanarium

Arcy finally revealed the grand plan - we were going to the wondrous Oceanarium! I was beyond thrilled and grateful for this unexpected gift. So, we set off on our journey, ready for anything.

But, our ride was a bit bumpy as we had to deal with a shady cab driver. He tried to pull a fast one on us, but we didn't fall for his trickery. We made it to the Oceanarium in one piece and joined the short line to get in.

The entrance part. Showcasing freshwater fishes

Stepping into the colossal dome, we were blown away by the magnificent Oceanarium, even though it was still under construction. This two-story ocean-themed park was divided into seven sections.


1. Agos (Flow) - Our first stop was Agos (Flow), where we saw the natural flow of water from land to sea. It was totally dope, man! We were blown away by the creatures that you wouldn't typically find in saltwater. And, oh boy, we had a blast touching some of them in the "Touch Pool." It was like being in a dream, a magical moment that we'll cherish forever.

 

Hands-on with the blue starfish

2. Bahura (Reef) - As we made our way to Bahura (Reef), our anticipation grew, eager to witness the vibrant inhabitants of the coral reefs of the Philippines. As we stepped into the division, we were immediately enchanted by the colorful and diverse sea creatures that surrounded us. It was as if we had entered a hidden world of incredible beauty and grace. The stunning corals danced in the current, their neon colors shining brightly under the gentle light of the aquarium. Schools of fish swam gracefully around us, their scales shimmering in the light. We were entranced by the majesty of the underwater world and could have spent hours watching the sea creatures in their natural habitat. It was a moment of pure wonder, one that we would never forget.

3. Laot (Fishing Ground) - As we entered Laot (Fishing Grounds), we were greeted by an array of fish that seemed to shimmer like diamonds under the dazzling aquarium lights. We marveled at the impressive creatures that call the deep sea their home, their scales reflecting a myriad of colors that seemed to dance in the light. It was as if we were transported to another world, where beauty and wonder were the norms. The serene ambiance of the exhibit was only interrupted by the occasional gasp of amazement as we saw a new species of fish that we had never seen before. It was truly a mesmerizing experience, and we couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for being able to witness the magnificence of these creatures up close.

4. Buhay na Karagatan (The Living Ocean) - Was a true marvel, a magnificent showcase of the vast diversity of life that inhabits the ocean. From the tiniest plankton to the biggest grouper fish, we were awestruck by the sheer number of sea creatures on display. It was like stepping into an underwater world, with schools of fish darting this way and that, and majestic sea turtles gliding gracefully through the water. We marveled at the rainbow of colors and intricate patterns adorning each creature, from the shimmering scales of the fish to the delicate fronds of the jellyfish. The Living Ocean truly brought to life the wonders of the deep sea, and we were left in awe of the beauty and complexity of this incredible ecosystem.


5. Ang Kailaliman (The Deep) - As we ventured into the depths of Ang Kailaliman (The Deep), we were immediately struck by the eerily enchanting atmosphere. The dim lighting and mysterious ambiance were the perfect backdrop for the curious and bizarre creatures that called this place home. We saw strange and captivating denizens of the deep sea, some of which were bioluminescent, casting an otherworldly glow around them. As we gazed in awe, we couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence and respect for the unfathomable depths of the ocean and its fascinating inhabitants.

6. Pagi (Stingray) - At Pagi (Stingray), we were enchanted by the elegant and graceful movements of these remarkable creatures. With their sleek bodies gliding effortlessly through the water, it was easy to be mesmerized by their poise and beauty. We were captivated by their broad, flat bodies, their fluttering wings, and their long, whip-like tails. It was a true delight to watch them gracefully glide through the water, leaving a trail of ripples in their wake. It was as if they were performing a water ballet, moving in perfect harmony with one another.

7. Pating (Shark) - As we made our way to the final exhibit, Pating (Shark), we were filled with anticipation and a touch of trepidation. We knew we were about to witness one of the most magnificent predators of the sea, and we were not disappointed. The sharks moved with grace and power that left us in awe. Their sleek bodies glided effortlessly through the water, and their sharp teeth glistened under the light. We watched as they circled the tanks, commanding the space around them with an air of regal authority. It was a truly breathtaking sight, and we couldn't help but feel a deep respect for these creatures that have ruled the ocean for millions of years.

A diver cleaning one of the filters from inside the giant aquarium

We wandered through each section, and our minds were blown by the wonders of the sea. We gained a lot of knowledge and felt wonder and amazement in our hearts.

Even though the Oceanarium was not yet finished, it was still an enchanting and magical experience. Our day ended with a movie at the Mall of Asia, watching The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. It was a day filled with joy, wonder, discovery, and unforgettable memories.

And so, as the day came to an end, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the gift of life and the wonder of the world around us. The Oceanarium opened my eyes to the beauty and diversity of life in the sea and reminded me of the preciousness of our planet and the need to protect it.

As I looked back on this delightful Thursday, I knew that it was a day that would stay with me for a long time. A day filled with laughter, adventure, and discovery. A day that reminded me of the importance of taking a break from the routine of daily life and seeking out new experiences.

And as the sun set on this memorable day, I felt a sense of anticipation for all the adventures that lay ahead and a renewed appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the world around us.

You can find all the amazing pictures from our tour at the Oceanarium on my online hub at http://kirktonic.multiply.com. But that's not all, I also put together a fun video clip of our adventure, set to the upbeat tune of "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz. So come and check it out, and let's relive our wonderful experience together!

*Update 01-07-2010: YouTube muted the video herein due to copyright restrictions. Will re-upload it soon.