Ocean Park in Manila Bay [Archive] - Page 3

[dx]

October 18th, 2007, 03:55 AM

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/3693/pic10180624300993lv0.jpg

Finally, world-class marine park in Manila (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view_article.php?article_id=95168)
Margaux Ortiz, PDI

MANILA, Philippines -- Imagine going to Manila Bay and coming face-to-face with a shark or even a school of fierce barracudas. Come December, this awesome scene would be experienced by Filipinos -- adults and children alike -- with the completion of the Manila Ocean Park just behind the Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park.

The ocean park, a P1-billion project of Singaporean and Malaysian investors, is the first world-class marine park to adopt a “fusion concept,” according to Manila Ocean Park president Lim Chee Yong. Lim said the concept entailed bringing together an oceanarium, a mall, a boutique hotel, a restaurant row and open marine habitats -- where marine enthusiasts could learn to swim and dive with the fishes.

“The park will house the first and largest aquarium facility in the Philippines,” Lim announced during a walking tour with the media Wednesday at the site. He said that both the oceanarium and the open marine habitats would contain 12,000 cubic meters of seawater featuring 300 marine species indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

Larger than Sentosa’s

Lim proudly said that the Manila Ocean Park would be among the most advanced ocean parks in Asia -- with an area larger than the famous Sentosa oceanarium in Singapore. “Sentosa is 6,000 square meters while this one is 8,000 sqm,” Lim said. He also compared Manila’s upcoming marine park with Hong Kong’s Ocean Park, “which has lots of fun rides but showcases a smaller oceanarium.”[/B]

Species from Philippine waters

Robert Dean Barbers, Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) general manager, said that unlike other oceanariums in Asia, the Manila Ocean Park would be getting marine species from Philippine waters. “All over the world, people have been saying that our country is the center of marine biodiversity,” Barbers said. “This is the time to be proud and show the world what we have,” the PTA head said.

Lim said the project would be composed of three phases, with the oceanarium as the first phase. It would be completed and opened to the public this December. “The second phase, which includes the marine-themed mall and the hotel, and the third phase, the open marine habitats, would be completed next year,” Lim said.

Entrance fee

He said the Manila Ocean Park would be affordable to all -- P250 for students, and P350 to P400 for regular patrons. Aside from providing jobs to 2,000 Filipinos, the project would enable the government to earn P20 million annually in rental fees. “After 5 years, there would be an incremental increase of 5 or 10 percent per year. We would also get a share from the income,” Barbers said. During the walking tour conducted as a “sneak peek” for the media, officials and personnel of the Manila Ocean Park showed the different parts of the oceanarium, now 80 percent complete.

The “oceanarium journey” is divided into six sections, each one carrying a Filipino name to exhibit national pride, according to the park’s vice president Cristina Romualdez. The first section, called Agos (Flow), features a rainforest-theme with eight tanks containing freshwater species.

“This part of the oceanarium -- the only open area in the facility -- shows the interconnectedness between the water and land,” Romualdez said. Agos would also feature an artificial waterfall and a touch pool, where children could interact with creatures such as starfish and shrimps. The next section, called Bahura or the Reef, would exhibit artificial corals in 48 tanks, complete with their scientific and common names, and their roles in the ecosystem. Laot (Fishing Ground), on the other hand, would feature big fish and Eagle-spotted rays in a long tank.

Main attraction

The main attraction of the oceanarium is a 25-meter long walkway tunnel with 220-degree curved acrylic walls. “Other oceanarium tunnels only have 180-degree curved walls. The Manila Ocean Park tunnel in effect, would give patrons a better viewing experience,” Romualdez said.

She said one wall of the tunnel would feature corals and small fishes, while the other wall would exhibit big fishes like sharks and rays. A school of barracudas would be seen swimming in a large tank at the Kalaliman (The Deep) section of the oceanarium. There would also be a shark tank and an overhead aquarium featuring the breathtaking beauty of rays, Romualdez said.

Educational facility

“We are largely an educational facility. As much as possible, we want to promote the conservation and preservation of marine species,” Romualdez said, pointing out that the park has been working very closely with government agencies such as the Department of Education and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. She said the Manila Ocean Park would not include protected and endangered species such as whale sharks and other sea mammals.

A team of marine biologists and scientists has been working to ensure that the types of fish put together could live well with each other in the tanks, Romualdez said. “We are very careful about the fish display. We are aware that we have a responsibility also -- both to the public and the environment,” she said. Manila Ocean Park is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of China Oceanis Inc., a Singaporean-registered firm that has operated four oceanariums in China.

***

COOL!!!

kunoL8

October 18th, 2007, 03:57 AM

exciting indeed! and that's only phase one of the project, right?

Maxxclip

October 18th, 2007, 04:03 AM

^^^^ WOW!!! Can't wait to see this:)

[dx]

October 18th, 2007, 04:14 AM

Repost of the pictures featured in the Official Site (http://www.manilaoceanpark.com/)

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/720/oceanpark7ia0.jpg

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/2824/oceanparkdb7.jpg

BYAHILO

October 18th, 2007, 04:21 AM

omg! excited na ako mag bukas ito!

tough

October 18th, 2007, 09:30 AM

I hope next year makapunta ako dito!

:banana::banana::banana:

Maxxclip

October 18th, 2007, 09:41 AM

:carrot::pepper::carrot:

--------------------In Other News--------------------------------------------

MANILA, Philippines - Scientists exploring a deep ocean basin in search of species isolated for millions of years found marine life believed to be previously undiscovered, including a tentacled orange worm and an unusual black jellyfish.

Project leader Dr. Larry Madin said Tuesday that U.S. and Philippine scientists collected about 100 different specimens in a search in the Celebes Sea south of the Philippines.

Madin, of the Massachusetts-based Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, said the sea is at the heart of the "coral triangle" bordered by the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia — a region recognized by scientists as having a high degree of biological diversity.

The deepest part of the Celebes Sea is 16,500 feet. The team was able to explore to a depth of about 9,100 feet using a remotely operated camera.

"This is probably the center where many of the species evolved and spread to other parts of the ocean, so it's going back to the source in many ways," Madin told a group of journalists, government officials, students and U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney and her staff.

The project involved the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and National Geographic Magazine in cooperation with the Philippine government, which also provided the exploration ship.

The expedition was made up of more than two dozen scientists and a group from National Geographic, including Emory Kristof, the underwater photographer who was part of the team that found the wreckage of the Titanic in 1985.

The group returned to Manila on Tuesday after spending about two weeks in the Celebes Sea off Tawi-Tawi, the Philippines southernmost provincial archipelago nearly 700 miles south of Manila.

Madin said the specimens they collected included several possibly newly discovered species. One was a sea cucumber that is nearly transparent which could swim by bending its elongated body. Another was a black jellyfish found near the sea floor.

The most striking creature found was a spiny orange-colored worm that had 10 tentacles like a squid, Madin said. "We don't know what it is ... it might be something new," he said.

He said it would take "a few more weeks" of research to determine whether the species are newly discovered. He expects to release a report by early next month.

Madin said the Celebes Sea, being surrounded by islands and shallow reefs, is partially isolated now and may have been more isolated millions of years ago, leading scientists to believe that "there may be groups of organisms that have been contained and kept within" the basin since then.

"That makes it an interesting place to go and look to see what we might find," he said.

tj_brewed

October 18th, 2007, 09:44 AM

^^ weeeeeeeeeeee...cant wait for Manila's Ocean Park opening date...

kalbongdad

October 18th, 2007, 12:13 PM

^ Pinakita rin sa ANC nightly news. Mas complete yung report nila. Pinakita parang zigzag yung tunnel, most likely walang walkalator. Showcase raw nila Philippine Marine Biodiversity. Entrance fee: P350 for kids, P400 adults. :)

meron walkalator...it says so in their flyers....

bustero

October 18th, 2007, 03:50 PM

This place will be so cool, great news for Manila.

Wait for the Night Oceanarium, first of it's kind!

Rence

October 18th, 2007, 03:57 PM

http://news.mongabay.com/2006/0130-uw.html

World's smallest fish title in dispute, new marine species is 20% smaller
Rhett A. Butler, mongabay.com
REVIEW: Researchers dispute last week's claim of world's smallest fish in Sumatra. Evidence of an even smaller fish—a species of marine anglerfish 20 percent smaller than the carp found in southeast Asia—is presented by a University of Washington professor of aquatic and fisheries sciences. In a release from the University of Washington, professor Pietsch describes the tiny, monster-like anglerfish, Photocorynus spiniceps, found in the Philippines.

Flap over fishes: Who's the smallest of them all?
University of Washington release

http://www.mongabay.com/images/external/2006/0130anglerfish.jpg

This 46 mm (1.8 inches) female Photocorynus spiniceps has what looks like a small nub in the middle of her back. Actually, that's a 6.2 mm (less than a quarter of an inch) long male, the world's smallest known, sexually mature vertebrate. Image courtesy of Ted Pietsch at the University of Washington.

The authors of a paper in last week's Proceedings of the Royal Society of London Section B, who say their 7.9 mm-long fish from a peat swamp in Southeast Asia is the smallest fish and vertebrate known, have failed to make note of work published last fall that describes sexually mature, male anglerfishes measuring 6.2 mm to 7.4 mm in length.

The 6.2 mm specimen is by far the smallest of any vertebrate, beating the recent claim by a full 1.7 mm, according to Ted Pietsch, a University of Washington professor of aquatic and fisheries sciences, who has described the specimen.

Pietsch includes information about the tiny specimen, collected in the Philippines, in a review of what's known about reproduction in anglerfishes, so called because they have bioluminescent lures growing from their heads that they wave or cause to blink in order to attract prey to their mouths. The work appeared in the September issue of Ichthyological Research, published by the Ichthyological Society of Japan.

In the "Summary and Conclusions" section of that paper, Pietsch wrote of specimens of Photocorynus spiniceps, the smallest of which was 6.2 mm. Pietsch has the histological evidence that it is a mature male.

http://www.mongabay.com/images/external/2006/0130anglerfish2.jpg
Closeup of the 6.2 mm (less than a quarter of an inch) long male Photocorynus spiniceps anglerfish, the world's smallest known, sexually mature vertebrate. Image courtesy of Ted Pietsch at the University of Washington.
The male is attached to the middle of the back of a 46 mm long female Photocorynus spiniceps because that is how they mate.

It's called sexual parasitism and in five of the 11 families of anglerfishes, the males are tiny compared to the females and fuse for life to their mates by biting onto the sides, backs or bellies of a female. An attached male – even two, three or up to eight, depending on the family – essentially turns the female into a hermaphrodite, providing her body with everything she needs to reproduce. For the task, the 6.2 mm male, for instance, has testes so huge they nearly fill his entire body cavity, crowding his other internal organs.

The female takes care of swimming, eating – everything.

Anglerfishes live in deep water off both U.S. coasts and across the world's oceans. Home includes some of the most desolate stretches of the seafloor on Earth. Scientists estimate that 80 percent of the females, many of which live 25 or 30 years, never encounter a male. So it makes sense that anglerfish have evolved this strategy for reproducing, Pietsch says.

The sexually parasitic males don't have the lures typical of males of non-parasitic anglerfishes, instead their tiny bodies are dominated by nostrils – to detect females – and large eyes to scrutinize the female's lure. The male makes certain the female is of his family before biting onto her.

The specimen Pietsch describes is borrowed from the vertebrate collection of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Along with including information in his published work, Pietsch's findings about the specimen were presented and illustrated at the Seventh Indo-Pacific Fish Conference in Taiwan last May.

"There are always difficulties in talking about the smallest – would that be length, volume or weight – the debate goes round and round," Pietsch says. The co-authors of the paper in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of London Section B, two of whom Pietsch knows, call the fish they found "the world's smallest vertebrate" and compare lengths.

They also compare numbers of vertebrae. On that count, Pietsch's Photocorynus spiniceps scores an 18 and Paedocypris progenetica, the subject of this week's paper, scores 33 to 35.

nayki

October 18th, 2007, 05:43 PM

Rence

October 18th, 2007, 05:46 PM

Napanood ko NBN 4 kagabi iyong tungkol sa Manila Ocean Park, sa Dec na nga daw siya magbubukas sabi ni DOT under.sec at nung chinese manager. Pinakita din mismo iyong construction, mukhang makakahabol nga sila sa dec for the opening.

Actually , They had already invited a few writers before the opening of the Oceanarium ! according to the Marketing manager they will invite some of us 1 week before the opening ! Hehehe

nayki

October 18th, 2007, 06:03 PM

^^Punta ka ba? kuha ka naman ng pic please.

nayki

October 18th, 2007, 06:07 PM

Here is a link for a Flash version of the pic of new species found in Celebes sea. Just click the picture inside the link for the flash player.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21322859/

Rence

October 18th, 2007, 06:13 PM

^^Punta ka ba? kuha ka naman ng pic please.

Hihingi kasi ako ng pass kung may interested , Pero kailangan pupunta ! Baka mapahiya lang ako sa marketing head ! Pero limited time at people lang yung iba kasi miron lang!

Kasi - I have posted here several times before during the past Orchid show that I have free tickets to spare wala naman pumunta at nag-PM sa akin ! Mas gusto ninyo kasi may-bayad !

I know there are several high profile walking tour which charges anywhere between PHP 250 to several thousand of pesos ! pero in our club we do not charge !

tigidig14

October 18th, 2007, 06:19 PM

mukhang mapopostpone opening nyan, u know our system, not that im pessimistic. its just logic

nayki

October 18th, 2007, 06:21 PM

Sana naman hindi...

Rence

October 18th, 2007, 06:22 PM

mukhang mapopostpone opening nyan, u know our system, not that im pessimistic. its just logic

December 15 daw ang opening sabi ng PR head nila, I have talk with her kanina , kasi may standing invitation ang group namin to view the Oceanarium siguro makakasama ko si ericd001 pero i still have to submit th names and the contact numbers of the persons who are interested in the pre-operating tour!

-TC-

October 18th, 2007, 07:29 PM

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/metro/view_article.php?article_id=95168

Finally, world-class marine park in Manila
By Margaux Ortiz
Inquirer
10/18/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- Imagine going to Manila Bay and coming face-to-face with a shark or even a school of fierce barracudas.

Come December, this awesome scene would be experienced by Filipinos -- adults and children alike -- with the completion of the Manila Ocean Park just behind the Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park.

The ocean park, a P1-billion project of Singaporean and Malaysian investors, is the first world-class marine park to adopt a “fusion concept,” according to Manila Ocean Park president Lim Chee Yong.

Lim said the concept entailed bringing together an oceanarium, a mall, a boutique hotel, a restaurant row and open marine habitats -- where marine enthusiasts could learn to swim and dive with the fishes.

“The park will house the first and largest aquarium facility in the Philippines,” Lim announced during a walking tour with the media Wednesday at the site.

He said that both the oceanarium and the open marine habitats would contain 12,000 cubic meters of seawater featuring 300 marine species indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

Larger than Sentosa’s

Lim proudly said that the Manila Ocean Park would be among the most advanced ocean parks in Asia -- with an area larger than the famous Sentosa oceanarium in Singapore.

“Sentosa is 6,000 square meters while this one is 8,000 sqm,” Lim said. He also compared Manila’s upcoming marine park with Hong Kong’s Ocean Park, “which has lots of fun rides but showcases a smaller oceanarium.”

Species from Philippine waters

Robert Dean Barbers, Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) general manager, said that unlike other oceanariums in Asia, the Manila Ocean Park would be getting marine species from Philippine waters.

“All over the world, people have been saying that our country is the center of marine biodiversity,” Barbers said.

“This is the time to be proud and show the world what we have,” the PTA head said.

Lim said the project would be composed of three phases, with the oceanarium as the first phase. It would be completed and opened to the public this December.

“The second phase, which includes the marine-themed mall and the hotel, and the third phase, the open marine habitats, would be completed next year,” Lim said.

Entrance fee

He said the Manila Ocean Park would be affordable to all -- P250 for students, and P350 to P400 for regular patrons.

Aside from providing jobs to 2,000 Filipinos, the project would enable the government to earn P20 million annually in rental fees.

“After 5 years, there would be an incremental increase of 5 or 10 percent per year. We would also get a share from the income,” Barbers said.

During the walking tour conducted as a “sneak peek” for the media, officials and personnel of the Manila Ocean Park showed the different parts of the oceanarium, now 80 percent complete.

The “oceanarium journey” is divided into six sections, each one carrying a Filipino name to exhibit national pride, according to the park’s vice president Cristina Romualdez.

The first section, called Agos (Flow), features a rainforest-theme with eight tanks containing freshwater species.

“This part of the oceanarium -- the only open area in the facility -- shows the interconnectedness between the water and land,” Romualdez said.

Agos would also feature an artificial waterfall and a touch pool, where children could interact with creatures such as starfish and shrimps.

The next section, called Bahura or the Reef, would exhibit artificial corals in 48 tanks, complete with their scientific and common names, and their roles in the ecosystem. Laot (Fishing Ground), on the other hand, would feature big fish and Eagle-spotted rays in a long tank.

Main attraction

The main attraction of the oceanarium is a 25-meter long walkway tunnel with 220-degree curved acrylic walls.

“Other oceanarium tunnels only have 180-degree curved walls. The Manila Ocean Park tunnel in effect, would give patrons a better viewing experience,” Romualdez said.

She said one wall of the tunnel would feature corals and small fishes, while the other wall would exhibit big fishes like sharks and rays.

A school of barracudas would be seen swimming in a large tank at the Kalaliman (The Deep) section of the oceanarium. There would also be a shark tank and an overhead aquarium featuring the breathtaking beauty of rays, Romualdez said.

Educational facility

“We are largely an educational facility. As much as possible, we want to promote the conservation and preservation of marine species,” Romualdez said, pointing out that the park has been working very closely with government agencies such as the Department of Education and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

She said the Manila Ocean Park would not include protected and endangered species such as whale sharks and other sea mammals.

A team of marine biologists and scientists has been working to ensure that the types of fish put together could live well with each other in the tanks, Romualdez said.

“We are very careful about the fish display. We are aware that we have a responsibility also -- both to the public and the environment,” she said.
Manila Ocean Park is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of China Oceanis Inc., a Singaporean-registered firm that has operated four oceanariums in China.

TheRick

October 18th, 2007, 07:30 PM

Wow

le Reine

October 18th, 2007, 08:36 PM

Hihingi kasi ako ng pass kung may interested , Pero kailangan pupunta ! Baka mapahiya lang ako sa marketing head ! Pero limited time at people lang yung iba kasi miron lang!

Kasi - I have posted here several times before during the past Orchid show that I have free tickets to spare wala naman pumunta at nag-PM sa akin ! Mas gusto ninyo kasi may-bayad !

I know there are several high profile walking tour which charges anywhere between PHP 250 to several thousand of pesos ! pero in our club we do not charge !
Sorry, hindi ko nakita yung sa orchid show. If I had seen it earlier, I would have been there. Kailan ba yang sa oceanarium. I'll go there if you'll give me tickets. :):D

mukhang mapopostpone opening nyan, u know our system, not that im pessimistic. its just logic
Sana naman hindi. Oh please. Chinese naman ang gagawa eh, so baka hindi ma-delay.

December 15 daw ang opening sabi ng PR head nila, I have talk with her kanina , kasi may standing invitation ang group namin to view the Oceanarium siguro makakasama ko si ericd001 pero i still have to submit th names and the contact numbers of the persons who are interested in the pre-operating tour!
My number is 09287437540. Please send an SMS. Thanks. :)

hiiamdib

October 18th, 2007, 09:56 PM

do you think tourist will flock our oceanarium? well we showcase Philippine biodiversity right? for sure they don't have that hehehe. This is bigger than Sentosa right? than hong kong?

pau_p1

October 19th, 2007, 05:17 AM

well.. of course tourists will flock the place.. I'm sure that the local travel agencies will include the Ocean Park in their travel itineraries for their clients... plus this would be an added attraction of the city... so this will be added in info sheets and sites for tourist spots in the country.... also, they'd probably woo schools to add the park in their field trips also...

this is great... and it is 80% complete now.. wow... I'll try to visit this in January when I come back from holiday vacation....

I checked Underwater World of Sentosa site.. and they're travellator tunnel is 83 meters long...

kalbongdad

October 19th, 2007, 08:08 AM

December 15 daw ang opening sabi ng PR head nila, I have talk with her kanina , kasi may standing invitation ang group namin to view the Oceanarium siguro makakasama ko si ericd001 pero i still have to submit th names and the contact numbers of the persons who are interested in the pre-operating tour!

i'd love to go.....although....nde b dyahe.....nde naman tau kilala.....but if the offer stays....it would sure be nice to go for a look and see bago ....

Rence

October 19th, 2007, 06:27 PM

i'd love to go.....although....nde b dyahe.....nde naman tau kilala.....but if the offer stays....it would sure be nice to go for a look and see bago ....

I will see mahirap kasi , I have no control over these PR companies , but i will try to get more than 2 tickets ! But there is another project that i am handling the 62nd Annual Philippine Orchid Society show on February so i have tickets to spare at 32nd Philippine Horticulture Society show in January pero I needed to know the real name , contact information and e-mail address ng gustong pumunta ! Both show will be held in Quezon City 10-12 days

tigidig14

October 20th, 2007, 07:45 AM

la lang pinost koto sa wala lang, nakita ko, hanapin nyo na lang sa msnbc

See the celebrities
of the Celebes Sea
See the strange creatures found during a scientific expedition to the Celebes Sea in the southern Philippines. See the multimedia
Str / Reuters
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss_071016_seacreatures/ss_071016_seacreatures_tease.ss_h.jpg
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b84/tigidig14/weird.jpg

pi_malejana

October 20th, 2007, 10:58 PM

^^ baka descendants yan ng mga underwater aliens dati.. :lol:

mwg12a

October 20th, 2007, 11:01 PM

Bosnyboy

October 21st, 2007, 01:54 PM

A fire occured at the construction site of the Manila Ocean Park this afternoon. According to news reports a worker was injured when his foot caught fire. The fire started allegedly from workers doin welding works. Firemen had to raise the fire to 2nd alarm.

TheRick

October 21st, 2007, 05:01 PM

Finally, our very own oceanarium
Manila Ocean Park opens in December
by Jaser A. Marasigan
Manila Bulletin 10/21/2007

http://www.mb.com.ph/TOUR20071021106247.html
http://www.oceanparkmanilabay.com

The Philippines may be the center of marine diversity in the world, but ironically, the country doesn’t have an oceanarium to boast of, like the ones in Hong Kong, Singapore or Japan.

"Better late than never," remarked Robert Dean Barbers, Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) general manager, as the country is set to open its first world-class marine park in December.

The Php1.2 -billion Manila Ocean Park, located behind the Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park in Manila, is the world’s first marine theme park to adopt a "fusion concept", housing an oceanarium, a mall, a boutique hotel and open marine habitats.

"All over the world, people have been saying that our country is the center of marine biodiversity. This is the time to be proud and show the world what we have," Barbers said.

The Biggest in Asia

Manila Ocean Park president Lim Chee Yong proudly said that the marine park would be among the most advanced ocean parks in Asia. It could also well be one of the biggest in Asia with an area larger than the famous Sentosa oceanarium in Singapore.

"Sentosa is 6,000 square meters while this one is 8,000 square meters," Lim said. He also compared the Manila Ocean Park with Hong Kong Ocean Park adding that although it has lots of fun rides, "the Hong Kong Ocean Park showcases a smaller oceanarium."

The Oceanarium will feature more than 20,000 marine inhabitants of approximately 300 species. And unlike other oceanariums in Asia, the Manila Ocean Park will be getting marine species from our own waters.

"The park aims to combine education with entertainment," said Barbers. "One of the main thrusts of Manila Ocean Park is to promote awareness about marine conservation and preservation."

A memorandum of agreement was signed recently by the Manila Ocean Park and the Department of Education (DepEd) to develop a comprehensive school program and an advocacy campaign dubbed "Love for Marine Life" to be included in the curriculum of students in Grade 3 and 4.

"We expect some 1.5 million visitors to Manila Ocean Park in 2008," said Tina Santos, Manila Ocean Park marketing manager.

A team of marine biologists and scientists has been working together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in putting together the various aquariums. She added that the park would not include protected and endangered species.

On a daily basis, an appoximately 10,000 guests can be accommodated in the park. Aside from providing jobs to 2,000 Filipinos, the project would earn the government Php 20 million annually in rental fees.

A Deeper Experience

The Manila Ocean Park’s Oceanarium promises a "deeper experience" as it features an assortment of colorful fishes and invertebrates indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia contained in 12,000 cubic meters of seawater.

The Oceanarium journey is divided into six sections and each section will carry a Filipino name: "Agos"; "Bahura"; "Buhay na Karagatan"; "Pating"; "Ang Kailaliman"; and "Laot".

It replicates the water flow from a fresh water source that eventually leads to the open ocean, creating a model of interconnectedness between land and sea.

It then takes one through the different depths of the sea showcasing each area’s beautiful and natural inhabitants.

Its main attraction is a 25-meter long, 220 degree curved acrylic walkway tunnel. Visitors will be exploring the secrets of the ocean and surrounded by such underwater wonders without actually getting wet.

The Oceanarium also has a multi-purpose hall which will house interactive multi-media educational exhibits and capable of hosting various functions.

After the journey, one can enjoy a sumptuous meal at "Tagpuan", an al fresco dining facility. Entrance fees will range between Php 200 (for students) to Php 400.

More Attractions

Aside from the Oceanarium, Manila Ocean Park will have a marine–themed mall and a boutique hotel, which are scheduled to open late next year. The mall will feature new and unique shops that are not commonly found in other malls and a unique restaurant row located at the rear of the facility, alongside a promenade that offers an unobstructed view of the Manila Bay. This part of the park is free and accessible to the public.

The 120-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.

The Concourse Plaza, located at the main entrance of the park is the central activity area for the facility. This is where various big events will take place throughout the year.

For those who would like to snorkel or even dive without having to go to far-flung places, the two Open Water Marine Habitats will give you that exact experience. This facility is scheduled to open in April 2008.

Manila Ocean Park is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of China Oceanis Inc., a Singaporean-registered firm that has operated four oceanariums in China.

mwg12a

October 21st, 2007, 11:19 PM

Where exactly is the location of this ocenarium? Is it a walking distance only to MOAsia?

normandb

October 21st, 2007, 11:29 PM

Where exactly is the location of this ocenarium? Is it a walking distance only to MOAsia?

Luneta Boardwalk at the Back of Quirino Grandstand about 3-4 KM away from SM MOA

mwg12a

October 21st, 2007, 11:45 PM

Thanks!

last cavalier

October 22nd, 2007, 01:53 AM

Just got to knew of this project recently and surely I don't need anymore to passby HK to see their ocean park. I am very excited to visit our very own ocean park when I'm home next year.

ofw_cebu

October 22nd, 2007, 09:32 PM

update from Businessworld online

Vol. XXI, No. 63
Tuesday, October 23, 2007 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

Today’s Headlines
Manila Ocean Park nears completion, targets July ’08 opening

TOURISTS AND KIDS AT HEART who want an underwater experience — without literally having to get wet — can flock to the country’s first marine-themed complex by July next year.

Located behind Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Park, Manila Ocean Park will house an oceanarium, a mall, a boutique hotel, a restaurant strip and open marine habitats all rolled into one, designed to give everyone a "deeper experience."

The P1-billion project of China Oceanis Philippines, Inc. — a joint undertaking of Singaporean and Malaysian investors — is currently 80% complete, with the Oceanarium set to open in time for this year’s Christmas holiday.

The Park will include a mall, restaurants, a hotel and multifunction facilities. — BW File Photo
Oceanarium, the first phase of the park, will be the first and largest aquarium facility in the country wherein over 20,000 exotic and colorful fishes would come from the waters off Cavite and Palawan.

Tina Mistica-Santos, marketing manager of Manila Ocean Park, said the oceanarium is way bigger than the famous Sentosa Underwater world in Singapore. "Manila Ocean Park is about 8,000 square meters wide, while Sentosa is 6,000," she told reporters, adding that the main attraction of the Oceanarium is a 25-meter long, 220-degree curved acrylic walkway tunnel, compared to the standard oceanarium with a 180-degree view.

"It replicates the water flow from a fresh water source that eventually leads to the open ocean, creating a model of the interconnectedness between land and sea. It then takes one through the different depths of the sea-showing each area’s beautiful and natural inhabitants," she said.

One side of the tunnel’s wall, Ms. Santos said, will feature corals and small fish, while the other wall will have sharks and rays.

She added that Oceanarium is divided into sections that carry Filipino terms. Some of them are Agos, a rainforest-themed part with freshwater species in eight tanks; Bahura (Reef), a section composed of 48 tanks showcasing artificial corals; Laot, a long tank featuring big fishes and Eagle-spotted rays; and Kalaliman, wherein barracudas would swim around in one large tank.

"The Oceanarium also has a multipurpose hall that could be used for educational exhibits and various functions all year long," Ms. Santos said.

Both the Oceanarium and the Open Water Marine Habitat — where visitors can swim and scuba-dive with sharks and other fishes — will contain 12,000 cubic meters of seawater coming from Manila Bay.

Scheduled to open April next year, a boutique mall and a 100-room high-end hotel will form part the second phase of the project. "It will feature new and unique shops that are not commonly found in other malls. It will likewise showcase a unique restaurant row located at the rear of the facility, alongside a promenade that offers an obstructed view of the Manila Bay," Ms. Santos said.

Ms. Santos said the Oceanarium is expected to accommodate 1.5 million visitors, while the boutique mall will have a foot traffic of 28,000 individuals per day. — L. N. P. Lee

[dx]

October 23rd, 2007, 02:16 AM

Manila Ocean Park seen attracting P1B in investments (http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=96147)
Daxim Lucas, PDInquirer

A massive aquarium and adjoining commercial establishments being built on the edge of Manila Bay are expected to draw in P1 billion in investments, the operator of the facility said Monday. In a news briefing, officials of China Oceanis Philippines Inc. said the amount would be infused into the infrastructure of the so-called “oceanarium,” plus the shopping mall and hotel that would rise in the area.

The Manila Ocean Park’s oceanarium -- a 12,000-cubic-meter aquarium -- would cost P600 million, company officials said. The facility is being built by a consortium of Chinese, Singaporean and Malaysian investors, led by Singapore-based China Oceanis Pte. Ltd.. which in turn is owned by the China Oceanis group of companies.

Touted as one of the largest tourism investments of the year, the oceanarium is being built on an abandoned 8,000-square meter platform jutting out into Manila Bay, just behind the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. The platform was originally intended for a casino facility but was abandoned after the investor lost interest in the project.

The company said the project would be “at par” with the world-famous Singaporean Sentosa underwater world, although the Manila Ocean Park would feature a “fusion concept” that would be the first in the Asia-Pacific region. “The sprawling three-acre development boasts of an oceanarium, a mall and a high-class hotel in one compound,” the company said in a separate statement.

The first phase of the park, its aquarium facilities, is set to open on Dec. 15, 2007. The mall would be launched in April 2008, while the 150-room hotel would begin operations by July 2008. Company officials expect up to 1.5 million visitors to the oceanarium yearly once it is fully operational, while the boutique mall -- with a maximum of 30 stores -- is expected to have as many as 28,000 shoppers a day. China Oceanis leased the platform from the Philippine government for 25 years.

Company officials expressed hopes that the facility would revive the tourism industry in the area which has been on the decline in recent years as local and foreign tourists shifted preferences to out-of-town locations. “A good attraction would always draw people,” China Oceanis president Lim Chee Yong said in a statement. “The Philippines is a good place to visit, but we believe that there aren’t enough tourist attractions in Metro Manila.”

GearX

October 23rd, 2007, 04:45 AM

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/GearX_2007/oceanpark.gif

Maxxclip

October 23rd, 2007, 06:14 AM

^^I feel so blessed after reading this:)

Sinjin P.

October 23rd, 2007, 08:02 AM

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/GearX_2007/oceanpark.gif

Biglang luminis ang tubig ah. :okay: Ibang-iba sa photo that I posted before

kalbongdad

October 23rd, 2007, 08:10 AM

kaya......visit na kayo lahat dito.....to see the progress that we have had these past few years......bring with you all the dollars you could bring and spend it here....nakatulong ka pa sa pinas...hehehe

icarusrising

October 23rd, 2007, 08:15 AM

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/GearX_2007/oceanpark.gif

:applause:

Ang husay mo, Gear X!

@ Sinjin: May tama ka!

I know it's been on the posts for a while, but it just dawned on me... It's the first of its kind being a fusion concept and in the Philippines the fusion concept has to incorporate a mall. :lol: What's with us and malls, anyway?

pau_p1

October 23rd, 2007, 08:17 AM

oo nga.. sobrang nag-green sya compared din dun sa huli kong shot sa place... wow....

GearX

October 23rd, 2007, 09:19 AM

I initially thought of Nuclear Fusion so the dome at the center would have been the reactor...:lol: :lol: :lol:

flymordecai

October 23rd, 2007, 10:33 AM

oo nga.. sobrang nag-green sya compared din dun sa huli kong shot sa place... wow....

We're mallrats. :D As for that picture, the water looks clean indeed but they probably picked the best and cleanest spot to take a picture.

waketrex

October 23rd, 2007, 10:35 AM

Since we're talking about marine life...

Philippine Marine Species in HD Video

http://waketrex.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/pinksquid.jpg

Video:
Atlantis Dive Resort (http://waketrex.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/atlantisresortdive.avi)
Coco Beach (http://waketrex.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/cocobeachdive.avi)

Complete post
http://waketrex.com/blog/2007/10/23/philippine-marine-species-in-hd/

bitoy

October 23rd, 2007, 10:41 AM

^^ Poto-chop ata yung tubig na yan sa Manila bay ah! :lol:

Kung ganyan siguro ang tubig all over the bay, naka lusong na lahat dahil sa init.

GearX

October 23rd, 2007, 11:00 AM

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/GearX_2007/20070816-buhaynakaragatan2.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/GearX_2007/20071017-rem_8366.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/GearX_2007/oceanpark02.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/GearX_2007/b0746d453b77837ba1347b198f03c7d5.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/GearX_2007/eee829ee3c01dcc6177db8dd3bd87bbe.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x287/GearX_2007/d0d088c754bb11280ad4e7be1886800b.jpg

pau_p1

October 23rd, 2007, 01:06 PM

hmmm...ano yan.. yung travellator hindi pa naka-install?

kiretoce

October 23rd, 2007, 03:29 PM

Looks like things are progressing nicely. I'll reserve my critiques for a later date. :colgate:

RonnieR

October 23rd, 2007, 03:58 PM

Excited to see this place. This will be a great time in the Philippines come Dec.

Jarenz

October 23rd, 2007, 04:09 PM

Philippines is really following the track of other country...

dos compadres

October 23rd, 2007, 08:32 PM

Yeah. we're following the track. I really hope someday we will finally take the lead. Then I would be complete, hehe.:cheers:

hiiamdib

October 23rd, 2007, 09:16 PM

I don't think it is necessary to take the lead, I will be contented being on track with our counter parts. As long as we are in the league hehehe.

normandb

October 23rd, 2007, 11:05 PM

Biglang luminis ang tubig ah. :okay: Ibang-iba sa photo that I posted before

Pwede nga lagyan ng whitesand kung ganyan kalinaw. Tapos yong mga tubig na galing sa oceanarium magspawn ng corals sa Manila Bay para masmaganda.

stephencua

October 24th, 2007, 03:41 AM

i think il be visiting this next year.. i dont want to be a part of the crowd during its december opening..

death327

October 24th, 2007, 04:18 AM

Are they going to have butanding in the park? as well as dugong?

bustero

October 24th, 2007, 06:13 AM

i think they want a butanding but i don't know if they can get one there, maybe a dugong ok that would be real cool as that's so endagered.

wynngd

October 24th, 2007, 07:15 AM

^^I think they will put both butanding and dugong in their aquarium. That will help showcase the sea creatures that we have here in the Philippines.

pau_p1

October 24th, 2007, 08:45 AM

hmmm.. isn't it hard to maintain a giant sea creature in a limited space?.... I think a butanding or whale shark is not going to stay alive in captivity... since it mainly feeds on planktons and unlike the pilot whales or killer whales or dolphins that feed on fish....

flymordecai

October 24th, 2007, 09:10 AM

^^ I really doubt they will allow a huge animal like the butanding in there. Unlike killer whales or dolphins, they have much more specialized diet and will probably not survive the conditions in the park.

amras

October 24th, 2007, 02:18 PM

ayon sa previous articles, di raw sila maglalagay ng endangered species... so most probably we wont be seeing whale sharks...

allan_dude

October 24th, 2007, 02:22 PM

^They can display juvenile butandings as long as they can maintain them well, like in Atlanta or Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.

allan_dude

October 24th, 2007, 02:29 PM

ayon sa previous articles, di raw sila maglalagay ng endangered species... so most probably we wont be seeing whale sharks...

Halos lahat naman ng marine spicies (pati mga endemic) natin sa Pinas endangered na. tulad ng mga sea horses and giant clams. Ano naman kaya ilalagay nila? Bangus, telapia, hito-hito, bisugo? :lol:

Bosnyboy

October 24th, 2007, 03:39 PM

Err jsut a side comment. The oceanarium in japan, im not sure if its in osaka, has several whale sharks in their tanks. I think its more than 2. And i saw from this video, the workers there feed them tons of planton by dropping them in an area on top of the tank. The whale sharks seemed to know where the particular area is where they can feed. That makes them smart species of sharks.

nayki

October 24th, 2007, 03:54 PM

Halos lahat naman ng marine spicies (pati mga endemic) natin sa Pinas endangered na. tulad ng mga sea horses and giant clams. Ano naman kaya ilalagay nila? Bangus, telapia, hito-hito, bisugo? :lol:

Iyong mga giant clams ng Alaminos city sana kumuha sila at ilagay sa oceanarium.

pau_p1

October 24th, 2007, 08:30 PM

pi_malejana

October 24th, 2007, 09:44 PM

^^ labas nila sa manila bay.. gawing rides ng mga batang naliligo doon.. 30php every hr..:lol:

allan_dude

October 24th, 2007, 11:07 PM

Iyong mga giant clams ng Alaminos city sana kumuha sila at ilagay sa oceanarium.

Bawal nga raw endangered species eh. :ohno:

normandb

October 24th, 2007, 11:09 PM

Bawal nga raw endangered species eh. :ohno:

sana maglagay rin sila ng Buteteng Laot

allan_dude

October 24th, 2007, 11:14 PM

^Puffer Fish ba yun?

kalbongdad

October 25th, 2007, 07:20 AM

Rence

October 25th, 2007, 06:31 PM

^Puffer Fish ba yun?

Yes! That is the common name or local name !

Butanding and Dugong may not be accomodated , One is the fish is too big and second Dugong is an endangered species!

Blackraven

October 27th, 2007, 05:09 AM

I hail this development for our tourism needs this.

I can't wait for our own oceanarium. :)

GelloX

October 27th, 2007, 11:03 AM

its in....okinawa....actually.....correction...its planktons.....

Uhhmm... Well, there's also an oceanarium in Osaka Tempozan in the Bay Area known as Osaka Aquarium or Kaiyukan as they call it.

I was there last Summer and it has this huge tank filled with manta rays, large fishes and a 15-16 ft whale shark.

I believe that Kaiyukan is much larger than the planned Manila Ocean Park with the facility occupying the whole 6-7 storey building. However, I must say that witnessing our own marine biodiversity is a superb thing per se and a prime feature of our new cradle of learning and fun. :)

Rence

October 27th, 2007, 04:50 PM

Uhhmm... Well, there's also an oceanarium in Osaka Tempozan in the Bay Area known as Osaka Aquarium or Kaiyukan as they call it.

I was there last Summer and it has this huge tank filled with manta rays, large fishes and a 15-16 ft whale shark.

I believe that Kaiyukan is much larger than the planned Manila Ocean Park with the facility occupying the whole 6-7 storey building. However, I must say that witnessing our own marine biodiversity is a superb thing per se and a prime feature of our new cradle of learning and fun. :)

Welcome to this forum!

dancethingy

October 27th, 2007, 10:02 PM

^^ gellox has been here for a couple of months now i think rence, just not posting much

normandb

October 27th, 2007, 10:53 PM

akala ko may I.A.

kiretoce

October 28th, 2007, 12:14 AM

^^ :rofl: You trying to "out scoop" the competition Normand? :colgate:

GelloX

October 28th, 2007, 02:22 PM

^^ gellox has been here for a couple of months now i think rence, just not posting much

haha. Good thing you noticed me eh? haha! Been visitin this site almost everyday though I only reserve my comments mostly on contentious issues.

Anyways, I just wish that this facility goes on with its opening on the 12th month.

Chill!

Rence

October 28th, 2007, 06:07 PM

^^ gellox has been here for a couple of months now i think rence, just not posting much

:nuts: Thanks for the information! I have a lot of Gawad Kalinga and Environmental crusades to speak off hehehe...

The PR head of the Oceanarium said that there might be some delay in the Oceanarium opening !

dancethingy

October 28th, 2007, 06:55 PM

^^ Delays are normal, im expecting it. I hope it turns out to be decent. Im not expecting anything spectacular.

aholta

October 28th, 2007, 07:33 PM

Delay? For how long?
Man, I was hoping this would be open when I go on vacation in 2 months time. Ugh.

mwg12a

October 28th, 2007, 10:36 PM

Yes! That is the common name or local name !

Butanding and Dugong may not be accomodated , One is the fish is too big and second Dugong is an endangered species!

Maybe if they capture some of those, there are those professionals there who would really take care of it and help them multiply so it wouldn't totally get extinct.

Jarvijarv

October 30th, 2007, 09:55 AM

Any update on the cause of the possible delay. I'm vacationing in RP this January, hope the Oceanarium is open by then!

mambo

October 30th, 2007, 10:36 AM

I don't think the Manila Ocean Park is not as big to accommodate them..

perhaps they can catch those "big fishes" in the government:lol:

Rence

October 30th, 2007, 04:07 PM

Any update on the cause of the possible delay. I'm vacationing in RP this January, hope the Oceanarium is open by then!

I think it is just a matter of weeks ! I will keep you guys updated! Anyway there are several museums thatyou can visit for free without leaving the Metro Manila area ! Postal Museum and Library , Mabini shrine, Meralco Museum , Bantayog ng mga Bayani !

GelloX

October 30th, 2007, 06:42 PM

I think it is just a matter of weeks ! I will keep you guys updated! Anyway there are several museums thatyou can visit for free without leaving the Metro Manila area ! Postal Museum and Library , Mabini shrine, Meralco Museum , Bantayog ng mga Bayani !

In addition to those, we Filipinos can also visit Museo ng Bangko Sentral, the National Museum's Museum of the Filipino People (former Finance building) and the National Art Gallery (former Legislative building). The latter two offer free admission every Sunday. :cheers:

Anyways, I proudly say that these three museums are at par and can be laid vis-a-vis with other world renowned museums such as that of Paris' Musee du Louvre, London's Natural History Museum and New York's American Natural History Museum. This I can declare, disregarding any conceit or arrogance and without any further ado, since I myself was fortunate enough to be there and witness these berths of learning.

Above all, seeing Spolarium and the discontinued plans of Manila and the Philppine Capitol City aka Quezon City in their grandeur is a totally rewarding and unexplainable experience per se. :cheers:

It is quite disappointing though that many Filipinos don't know or even bother to go and appreciate our museums. These hidden gems are otherwise being enjoyed more by Foreigners themselves... I hope that the Manila Ocean Park can be enjoyed and supported by Filipinos as it commences on December.

Thanks for giving us more updates in the future Rence!

kalbongdad

October 31st, 2007, 06:40 AM

In addition to those, we Filipinos can also visit Museo ng Bangko Sentral, the National Museum's Museum of the Filipino People (former Finance building) and the National Art Gallery (former Legislative building). The latter two offer free admission every Sunday. :cheers:

Anyways, I proudly say that these three museums are at par and can be laid vis-a-vis with other world renowned museums such as that of Paris' Musee du Louvre, London's Natural History Museum and New York's American Natural History Museum. This I can declare, disregarding any conceit or arrogance and without any further ado, since I myself was fortunate enough to be there and witness these berths of learning.

Above all, seeing Spolarium and the discontinued plans of Manila and the Philppine Capitol City aka Quezon City in their grandeur is a totally rewarding and unexplainable experience per se. :cheers:

It is quite disappointing though that many Filipinos don't know or even bother to go and appreciate our museums. These hidden gems are otherwise being enjoyed more by Foreigners themselves... I hope that the Manila Ocean Park can be enjoyed and supported by Filipinos as it commences on December.

Thanks for giving us more updates in the future Rence!

i agree with you @gellox....that these are world class museums...except the national art gallery....medyo nde na maintain masyado...at ang collections ay limited...but the rest....we can be proud of them...in addition....visit the museo pambata even if you do not have kids...the kid in you will be amused...its definitely better than the one that i saw in sydney....try also visiting...the metropolitan museum...the bahay tsinoy...the casa manila...the san agustin collection....the..ccp museum...the gsis museum....pag natuhog mo ito sa isang araw....you will wonder how blessed we are...with all these treasures....

Bosnyboy

November 1st, 2007, 01:17 PM

Dont forget ayala museum for their dioramas medyo expensive but worth it.

drayq2002

November 2nd, 2007, 11:59 AM

a fire hit the manila ocean park construction site...
try searching manila ocean park at youtube and you'll find the vid...
does anybody have the details about this?

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/kH00IH9Gq-c&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/kH00IH9Gq-c&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

Ex!lE

November 2nd, 2007, 12:21 PM

^^this one?

kH00IH9Gq-c

le Reine

November 2nd, 2007, 12:28 PM

^^why should we salute the manila firefighters? it took them 15 minutes to respond. Isn't that too long a response?! no, actually, the fire was gone even before they could get there. hehehe...

pi_malejana

November 2nd, 2007, 10:02 PM

^^ why wonder?:lol:

nonetheless, at least we saw the progress of the construction.. ;)
the building looks huge btw..

le Reine

November 2nd, 2007, 10:26 PM

^^I was bothered by the fire though. I hope it will not affect the pace of construction.

normandb

November 2nd, 2007, 10:44 PM

just a burning gas ang rubber

drayq2002

November 3rd, 2007, 04:59 AM

yeah, i hope i won't delay the construction considerably....a lot of people are actually excited about its opening this december...

hiiamdib

November 4th, 2007, 05:08 AM

I really do hope the fire doesn't affect the pace of construction and the structure itself.

le Reine

November 4th, 2007, 05:33 AM

In addition to those, we Filipinos can also visit Museo ng Bangko Sentral, the National Museum's Museum of the Filipino People (former Finance building) and the National Art Gallery (former Legislative building). The latter two offer free admission every Sunday. :cheers:

Anyways, I proudly say that these three museums are at par and can be laid vis-a-vis with other world renowned museums such as that of Paris' Musee du Louvre, London's Natural History Museum and New York's American Natural History Museum. This I can declare, disregarding any conceit or arrogance and without any further ado, since I myself was fortunate enough to be there and witness these berths of learning.

Above all, seeing Spolarium and the discontinued plans of Manila and the Philppine Capitol City aka Quezon City in their grandeur is a totally rewarding and unexplainable experience per se. :cheers:

It is quite disappointing though that many Filipinos don't know or even bother to go and appreciate our museums. These hidden gems are otherwise being enjoyed more by Foreigners themselves... I hope that the Manila Ocean Park can be enjoyed and supported by Filipinos as it commences on December.

Thanks for giving us more updates in the future Rence!

Where did you find the discontinued plans of Manila and QC? Was is just a temporary exhibit or a permanent one. I am really interested to see it. Thanks.

GelloX

November 4th, 2007, 07:16 PM

^^ you can find those discontinued plans of Manila by Daniel Burnham and the Philippine Capitol City by Juan Arellano at the National Art Gallery, National Museum Manila. That's the former Legislative building btw.

I believe that those are permanent exhibits as a tribute to Architect Arellano and Burnham.

Good luck! :)

le Reine

November 5th, 2007, 12:06 AM

^^that's great then! I really hope I could take a picture.

PositiveThinker

November 5th, 2007, 01:09 AM

Manila Ocena park is more grandeur than SIngapore UnderwaterWorld:banana:

kalbongdad

November 5th, 2007, 06:32 AM

Manila Ocena park is more grandeur than SIngapore UnderwaterWorld:banana:

hopefully so.....

amigo32

November 5th, 2007, 08:23 AM

perhaps they can catch those "big fishes" in the government:lol:

talakitok kasama ba doon? hindi papayag si mirriam santiago jan:lol:

GearX

November 5th, 2007, 11:35 AM

Manila Ocena park is more grandeur than SIngapore UnderwaterWorld:banana:

that's positive thinking... ^^

icarusrising

November 5th, 2007, 12:39 PM

Espma

November 5th, 2007, 12:54 PM

^^hahaha omg gotta love the typical Filipino "grammar nazi" :lol:

icarusrising

November 5th, 2007, 01:03 PM

^^ Di naman... Been here for sometime now. Ngayun ko lang ginawa yan... Asiwa kasi... :)

PositiveThinker

November 5th, 2007, 02:19 PM

Thanks Icarus-Rising for your well-researched comments:
Just compare Singapore Underwaterworld and Manila Ocean
Park when finished.

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc249/positivethinker_2007/IMG_0137.jpg

kiretoce

November 5th, 2007, 02:24 PM

^^hahaha omg gotta love the typical Filipino "grammar nazi" :lol:

Being a grammar Nazi ain't that bad :colgate: , better than living all your life speaking grammatically incorrect sentences. :okay:

Woohoo! I got post 666! Mwahahahaha! :devil:

kalbongdad

November 6th, 2007, 11:00 AM

^^

Puwedeng constructive criticism? I hope you take this positively...:)

Manila Ocean park is more grandeur than SIngapore UnderwaterWorld.

Pwede:

A. Manila Ocean park is more grand than Singapore Underwater World.

B. Manila Ocean park is grander than Singapore UnderwaterWorld.

C. Manila Ocean park has greater grandeur than Singapore Underwater World.

D. Manila Ocean park is more grandiose than Singapore Underwater World.

^^hahaha omg gotta love the typical Filipino "grammar nazi" :lol:

Thanks Icarus-Rising for your well-researched comments:
Just compare Singapore Underwaterworld and Manila Ocean
Park when finished.

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc249/positivethinker_2007/IMG_0137.jpg

Being a grammar Nazi ain't that bad :colgate: , better than living all your life speaking grammatically incorrect sentences. :okay:

Woohoo! I got post 666! Mwahahahaha! :devil:

upay gyud...bisay on....ko na lang dyud...

wynngd

November 6th, 2007, 11:16 AM

talakitok kasama ba doon? hindi papayag si mirriam santiago jan:lol:

^^:lol: Kung isasama nila ang mga "big fishes" sa government baka buong manila bay ang Manila Ocenarium. Breaking all records!!! :lol:

thomasian

November 6th, 2007, 11:33 AM

I guess he was just trying to be Singaporean lah. :D

^^

Puwedeng constructive criticism? I hope you take this positively...:)

Manila Ocean park is more grandeur than SIngapore UnderwaterWorld.

Pwede:

A. Manila Ocean park is more grand than Singapore Underwater World.

B. Manila Ocean park is grander than Singapore UnderwaterWorld.

C. Manila Ocean park has greater grandeur than Singapore Underwater World.

D. Manila Ocean park is more grandiose than Singapore Underwater World.

icarusrising

November 6th, 2007, 11:38 AM

I guess he was just trying to be Singaporean lah. :D

:lol:Ganun, Aaron?

Well, I've read in a certain thread somewhere here that they're better at grammar than we are in general. Mas mahusay naman daw ang pagbigkas natin ng Inggles.

PositiveThinker

November 6th, 2007, 01:03 PM

Watch for the next photo I will post here Icarus-Rising, the Title is "Smiling Shark" inside the same Singapore Underwaterworld. This is not a trick shot
it is unbelievable. I hope when Manila's Ocean world is finished we had lots
of Crying Sharks...hehehe:banana::bash:

thomasian

November 6th, 2007, 01:13 PM

Ganun, Aaron?

Well, I've read in a certain thread somewhere here that they're better at grammar than we are in general. Mas mahusay naman daw ang pagbigkas natin ng Inggles.

I'd have to disagree. Because my school is Singapore-based, we import a lot of Singaporean reading materials, from our books (called study guides), to our exams, coursework assignments, and other educational stuff. And I can say that I've had a lot of headaches just trying to analyze some of the questions which can be confusing at times because of grammatical errors. Minsan pati tuloy ako parang nabobobo na rin sa english. hahaha

But to be fair... I believe we've all had our share of grammatical mistakes, no one is perfect, world peace, I thank you! :D

icarusrising

November 6th, 2007, 01:55 PM

Enough of grammar, English, Singapore, world peace and let's go back to the Miss Universe Pageant ... Err... to the topic which is Ocean Park... Right? :cheers:

Lim inspects Ocean Park work

Natalie Jane M. Malayo
November 6, 2007
Manila Bulletin

Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim conducted yesterday an inspection tour of the site of the Manila Ocean Park (MOP) which is slated for soft opening next month.

Although the park will be operated by a private entity, China Oceanis Group, MOP vice president for corporate affairs Tina Romualdez said Lim has already made arrangements with its president, Lim Chee Yong, so that the city’s underprivileged youngsters, such as those from the public schools and orphanages, will also be able to get a chance to enjoy the park free of charge.

At the same time, Lim Chee Yong assured Lim that a special discount will be given to visitors who are Manila residents.

Lim was accompanied in the tour inspection by Lim Chee Yong, Romualdez, vice president for sales and marketing Armi Ruby Marie Cortes, marketing manager Tina Santos, Steve Tamayo of the Ozeano restaurant chain, City Hall Police Office Chief Senior Inspector Alex Gutierrez, and Manila Police District Station 5 commander Supt. Jojo Rosales.

The group made the rounds of the whole site, including the partially constructed glass tunnel where the visitors will get to see the some 200 species of marine life up close.

The tunnel, as explained by Santos, will be a 25-meter walk. It will be curved 220 degrees tunnel instead of the usual 180-degree tunnels built in other countries, so that the visitors can better appreciate the marine species.

Lim said that aside from the security which will be provided by the MOP, Manila policemen will also be fielded in the vicinity to ensure the safety of the visitors who are expected to flock there once the park is fully operational.

The mayor expressed confidence that the ocean park will boost the city government’s economy as its operations will generate much-needed revenues, jobs and entice more tourists to visit Manila, given the uniqueness of the world-class marine-themed park.

Romualdez also revealed that a row of restaurants led by Tamayo, a hotel with 100 bedrooms, two open water marine habitats and multi-purpose function facilities will also be found in the park which will house the biggest aquarium facility in the Philippines.

The ocean park, she said, comes as an addition to the historical sites which serve as tourist attractions in Manila, since it is strategically located at the back of the Quirino Grandstand and a few meters away from the Rizal Park .

Cortes said the project is a joint undertaking of Singaporean and Malaysian investors and is aimed at showcasing the flora and marine fauna species found in the Philippines and educating the public on them.

http://www.mb.com.ph/MTNN20071106107838.html

PositiveThinker

November 6th, 2007, 02:27 PM

See below photos from Singapore UnderseaWorld-Sentosa. I hope Manila Ocean Park can surpass this great views. Anyway, they are the same investors here. Huh...enjoy....

SMILING SHARK
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc249/positivethinker_2007/IMG_0144.jpg

DUGONG
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc249/positivethinker_2007/IMG_0148.jpg

SHARKS
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc249/positivethinker_2007/IMG_0146.jpg

KiBeN

November 6th, 2007, 04:45 PM

Maganda rin yung sa Ocean Park HK, kaso medyo malansa, but it's worth it naman :D

PositiveThinker

November 6th, 2007, 06:40 PM

Nakita ko na pareho ang HK Ocean Park at Singapore at sa
Tingin ko, mas maganda ang Manila Ocean Park kapag natapos
na ito...Sure that's my prediction...

See more photos later...from Singapore Underwater World.:banana:

PositiveThinker

November 7th, 2007, 06:23 AM

Please see the Future Manila Ocean Park when finished :banana:

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc249/positivethinker_2007/ManilaOceanPark.jpg

normandb

November 7th, 2007, 11:48 PM

^^Akala ko ba 220 degrees

Rence

November 10th, 2007, 04:49 AM

Nice comparison

leechtat

November 10th, 2007, 09:40 AM

death327

November 10th, 2007, 09:49 AM

^^

Puwedeng constructive criticism? I hope you take this positively...:)

Manila Ocean park is more grandeur than SIngapore UnderwaterWorld.

Pwede:

A. Manila Ocean park is more grand than Singapore Underwater World.

B. Manila Ocean park is grander than Singapore UnderwaterWorld.

C. Manila Ocean park has greater grandeur than Singapore Underwater World.

D. Manila Ocean park is more grandiose than Singapore Underwater World.

Icarus hindi talaga pinalagpas. Tsek tsek... "grammar police" He he he he he.

@ Ocean park - are we going to see exotic species in this place? Like octopus? sea cow? etc...? Are they going to incorporate any conservation unit in the park?

PositiveThinker

November 10th, 2007, 05:33 PM

wow, i am so uneducated about this development. thanks for enlightening me regarding the matter. i do hope to visit this oceanarium as soon as it opens.

btw, will they place it in manila bay? will it not contaminated?

Mr. Leechtat, Manila Ocean Park location is at the back of Quirino Grandstand
the end portion of Luneta. If you want to see its construction, all you have
to do is stop at Roxas blvd. seawall near the U.S. embassy, look at south
harbor portion and you will see the dome now with its steel beams at erection
stage. It will have a big tank and a clean salt water for all marine species
common to our philippine seas and it will not mix of course to the waters of
the polluted manila bay. :banana:

PositiveThinker

November 10th, 2007, 05:35 PM

Mr. Leechtat, Manila Ocean Park location is at the back of Quirino Grandstand
the end portion of Luneta. If you want to see its construction, all you have
to do is stop at Roxas blvd. seawall near the U.S. embassy, look at south
harbor portion and you will see the dome now with its steel beams at erection
stage. It will have a big tank and a clean salt water for all marine species
common to our philippine seas and it will not mix of course to the waters of
the polluted manila bay. :banana:

Sana wag na mainggit yung wala pang nararating na ang alam lang ay
mang-insulto....:banana:

normandb

November 10th, 2007, 07:59 PM

^^ ayyyy negative vibes :D

Did I missed something?

Jarvijarv

November 12th, 2007, 09:47 AM

...any new photo updates? December is just around the corner now, so i hope everything is still on schedule for opening. :soon:

ofw_cebu

November 19th, 2007, 06:43 PM

any updates on this? few weeks more and opening na.......

kalbongdad

November 20th, 2007, 06:45 AM

opening na nga....december 2008

kiretoce

November 20th, 2007, 06:47 AM

^^ :lol: A year from now! :rofl:

lightsaber46

November 20th, 2007, 08:01 AM

i thought Decenber 2007 ang opening nito, what with that 2008??

FrancisXavier

November 20th, 2007, 08:30 AM

December15,2007 : Soft opening. For madia only
January2008: Grand Launch

-ANC

brownman

November 20th, 2007, 11:28 AM

so it means that the opening this december is exclusively for the media only? sosyal naman ng media. :pepper:

amigo32

November 20th, 2007, 11:30 AM

magkano kaya entrance fee?

brownman

November 20th, 2007, 03:00 PM

^^ fees were posted before. for what i could remember it's something between Php 300 - 450 something.

tj_brewed

November 20th, 2007, 03:13 PM

magkano kaya entrance fee?

^^ fees were posted before. for what i could remember it's something between Php 300 - 450 something.

When would this be open to the public? Would it be a hundred percent operational on its opening?

flesh_is_weak

November 20th, 2007, 03:17 PM

:lol:Ganun, Aaron?

Well, I've read in a certain thread somewhere here that they're better at grammar than we are in general. Mas mahusay naman daw ang pagbigkas natin ng Inggles.

to hell with grammar...native speakers nga mali-mali ang pagsalita ng English, eh tayo pa kaya na nakikigamit lang ng wika nila?

brownman

November 20th, 2007, 03:24 PM

When would this be open to the public? Would it be a hundred percent operational on its opening?

as francisxavier said, next month will be its soft opening for the MEDIA. and then the next month - grand opening to the public.:)

tj_brewed

November 20th, 2007, 03:26 PM

^^ oh...so sa January pa pala :( huhuhuhu so it wont be open this Christmas...oh well, atleast i ll have another reason to go back this January.

swahi

November 21st, 2007, 01:09 AM

tinatamad na ako to read 35 pages or so. anyone know if our ocean park size compared to the one in hongkong, singapore, and even those in san diego sea world? I mean the ocean park itself, excluding the hotels, and other non-ocean park activities.

kiretoce

November 21st, 2007, 01:50 AM

^^ Larger than Hong Kong's or Singapore's.

FrancisXavier

November 21st, 2007, 03:53 AM

magkano kaya entrance fee?

^^ fees were posted before. for what i could remember it's something between Php 300 - 450 something.

Php: 350 for kids/students
Php: 400 for adults

*special rates are available for group visit or educational tour.

-ANC

animasola

November 21st, 2007, 05:01 AM

Does anyone have a rendering of Ocean Park? or some pictures of its construction?

amigo32

November 21st, 2007, 05:28 AM

Php: 350 for kids/students
Php: 400 for adults

*special rates are available for group visit or educational tour.

-ANC

kinda expensive, parang imax, pero kung sulit naman walang problema.

Sinjin P.

November 21st, 2007, 06:03 AM

Does anyone have a rendering of Ocean Park? or some pictures of its construction?

Try to scan the previous pages of the thread :)

pi_malejana

November 21st, 2007, 06:12 AM

kinda expensive, parang imax, pero kung sulit naman walang problema.

baka mahal ang mga pagkain ng isda jan--steak...:lol:

amigo32

November 21st, 2007, 06:25 AM

baka mahal ang mga pagkain ng isda jan--steak...:lol:

akala ko don't feed the animals?
hayop ka, kakainin mo yung mga isda doon!:lol::lol::lol:

pi_malejana

November 21st, 2007, 06:29 AM

no.. lolz.. i mean ung pinapakain nila sa isda, ala-steak ang fish food..;) masama atang dumukot nalang ng isda mula sa tank no.. :nuts:

amigo32

November 21st, 2007, 06:31 AM

pero masarap kumain ng isda doon, ituro mo lang tapos, lulutuin para sa yo.

tigidig14

November 21st, 2007, 08:56 AM

malulugi yan kung ganun kamahal
isang beses lang pupuntahan yan ng pinoy sa tanang buhay kung ganyan kamahal, well mostly

richard24

November 21st, 2007, 11:16 AM

pero masarap kumain ng isda doon, ituro mo lang tapos, lulutuin para sa yo.

wow, parang dampa! :)

amigo32

November 21st, 2007, 11:44 AM

wow, parang dampa! :)

lol. ginawang seafood restaurant yung ocean park.:bash: paano kaya kung ganun nga ang gagawin 'no?

ituturo ng bata, pag nakita nya shark, papa gusto ko kumain nyan. hehehe

le Reine

November 21st, 2007, 01:20 PM

mahal na ba yung 350? hindi naman sigruo.

brownman

November 21st, 2007, 04:23 PM

^^ yea i think the fee is quite reasonable. i mean w/ the pay, maybe you might have the experience of a lifetime.

lol. ginawang seafood restaurant yung ocean park.:bash: paano kaya kung ganun nga ang gagawin 'no?

ituturo ng bata, pag nakita nya shark, papa gusto ko kumain nyan. hehehe

haha, ginawang turo-turo ang ocean park. point & grill.:lol:

kiretoce

November 21st, 2007, 04:31 PM

haha, ginawang turo-turo ang ocean park. point & grill.:lol:

But when you think about it, that's a novel idea for a seafood restaurant. Large pools/tanks of various fish that you can choose from for your lunch/dinner. Diners can also try their hand at fishing for their meal, it'll bring the dinning experience to a whole new level. :okay:

brownman

November 21st, 2007, 05:16 PM

^^ true, maybe they can try to incorporate the idea and put up an area like this resto w/ big pond where u can just point a fish and then grill it afterwards.hahaha

bustero

November 22nd, 2007, 09:44 AM

spoke with them, Jan 26 na nga. di umabot sa finishing , punchlisting na lang but dami little things, not so easy kasi first of it's kind na project. sayang iyung isda daw readyng ready na magperform haha nabitin

brownman

November 22nd, 2007, 04:33 PM

so is the date a 100% sure? baka mamaya postponed ulit. hayayay. hopefull nga matuloy na sya by that time.

Rence

November 24th, 2007, 05:30 AM

Yup, late January pa daw ang tapos !

adverg

November 24th, 2007, 07:22 AM

I like the few last conversation here in this thread, I almost throw my jaw of so much laugh, heheheee hope for the best of this project...

Rence

November 24th, 2007, 08:29 AM

Nakakatawa kasi ilang beses na ang postponement ng opening of the oceanarium

xxxriainxxx

November 26th, 2007, 05:11 PM

15 Dec 2007 will be the Opening. Other parts of the complex will open in January.

TheRick

November 26th, 2007, 06:01 PM

Some websites about Ocean Park, Manila

www.ManilaOceanPark.com (http://www.manilaoceanpark.com)

www.OceanParkManilaBay.com (http://www.oceanparkmanilabay.com)

oboi

November 27th, 2007, 04:40 PM

www.OceanParkManilaBay.com used one of my pictures without my permission. They even have the audacity to remove my watermark and place their own watermark over it. The picture they stole was posted in this thread. :bash: :bleep:

diz

November 28th, 2007, 02:15 AM

OMG That's pretty messed up.. tell them to remove it!

pau_p1

November 28th, 2007, 05:31 AM

well they also put the panorama that I took without notifying me...

kalbongdad

November 28th, 2007, 06:04 AM

15 Dec 2007 will be the Opening. Other parts of the complex will open in January.

ah...ganun naman pala.....ok....see u there sa opening....pila ako....:lol:

tigidig14

November 29th, 2007, 09:26 AM

d daw muna bubuksan kasi yung mga ibang isda nalunod

leechtat

November 29th, 2007, 07:11 PM

hahaha.. baka nalunod sa pollution... hehe.. punta rin ako dyan pag-nagopen.. but hate to stand in line..

TheRick

November 30th, 2007, 08:40 AM

Video finds on Manila Ocean Park

kH00IH9Gq-c

Another video - Click on link below
http://www.mukamo.com/manila-ocean-park/
.
.
.

Rence

December 3rd, 2007, 04:53 PM

I will try to notify them!

ericlucky290

December 6th, 2007, 04:59 AM

Hey guys,

Any news if tuloy ang soft opening sa Dec. 15?

drayq2002

December 6th, 2007, 05:38 AM

Hey guys,

Any news if tuloy ang soft opening sa Dec. 15?

mukhang malabo. saw their AVP for marketing being interviewed on ANC about 2 weeks ago and she said that the soft opening might be moved to last week of December, the earliest.

Bosnyboy

December 6th, 2007, 02:05 PM

Visited the site last saturday afternoon, saw only a handful working. Exterior is hardly finished. Interior wala pa talga. It will probably take a few more months before the soft opening

_zner_

December 6th, 2007, 04:22 PM

^^ nothing's new.. 2 yrs ba naman ako sa ssc.. :lol: lahat talaga ng magagandang projects nadedelay.

AH-7Raja

December 6th, 2007, 04:27 PM

The whole complex that stands along the sea banks looks very much a safety concern.

rustyboi

December 6th, 2007, 05:37 PM

Visited the site last saturday afternoon, saw only a handful working. Exterior is hardly finished. Interior wala pa talga. It will probably take a few more months before the soft opening

i agree, from the looks of it... bka sa Feb pa to magbubukas. anyway meron namang dolphin and sealion show sa metrowalk na pwdeng pgtiyagaan for the time being :lol: malapit ng matapos yung aquarium nila.

Chessbuff

December 7th, 2007, 05:19 PM

[ Dolphin Show, Metrowalk ]There is trouble in paradise. These performing dolphins are starved so they can be trained to do undolphin-like acts. Their natural habitat is the open ocean and not a chlorinated pool. Chlorine will cause them to go blind within a few years. Many dolphins suffer and die during transport between venues. The entrepreneur earns the bucks while the dolphins are captive and work with no prospect of being liberated. All this pain just for your entertainment. Sorry, but animal shows have horror stories behind the performances. Please think twice before patronizing such shows. You must have something better to do than watch animals perform for life-sustaining food. Thanks for listening, and cheers.

normandb

December 8th, 2007, 02:25 AM

thomasian

December 8th, 2007, 07:33 AM

How about the ocean adventure dolphins? They do use the sea, Subic Bay's water to be exact; I think that's fine?

^^ nothing's new.. 2 yrs ba naman ako sa ssc.. :lol: lahat talaga ng magagandang projects nadedelay.

At yung sobra-sobrang magagandang projects, naka-cancel. :D

Rence

December 9th, 2007, 03:19 PM

Mukhang kinapos sa budget!

kiretoce

December 9th, 2007, 03:42 PM

^^ That wouldn't surprise me. :ohno:

leechtat

December 10th, 2007, 06:07 AM

^^ be positive... law of attraction.. lets visualize that the project will meet our standards..

xoelts

December 11th, 2007, 04:06 AM

di nila lagyan sa taas ng design tulad ng "sydney opera" para attractive..akalain mo kung sa aussie opera, NY statue of liberty,france eiffel tower tayo ocean park..yah boy

Chessbuff

December 11th, 2007, 06:51 PM

Ikaw siguro yong napabalitang magwewelga don sa tapat ng Dolphin show. Narinig ko sa Umagang kay Ganda.

Hi ncbmandy! Actually, I wasn't there for reasons I can't help. I've
seen the press coverage of the event on the web though. I thought
it was quite creative of PAWS, EII-Philippines, Agham and Kalikasan
to perform a mock dolphin show and also a death-in. Please open your
hearts and minds to issues concerning animal welfare. They are part
of God's creation too.

Jarvijarv

December 15th, 2007, 04:22 AM

...it was bound to happen. the opening is now delayed to the first week of February. Apparently they want to have most of the attractions open, including a 'glass bottom boat' which will go over the aquarium....i'll be in Manila till the first week of Feb, so i'll keep my fingers crossed:ohno:
source: Manila Bulletin Online

rustyboi

December 15th, 2007, 06:35 AM

Manila Oceanarium opening moved to February
By Margaux Ortiz
Inquirer
Last updated 06:28am (Mla time) 12/15/2007

MANILA, Philippines – The country’s first oceanarium has delayed its opening to the first week of February to finish the construction of additional attractions like a glass-bottom boat ride.

“We want to finish all our new attractions before opening the ocean park to the public,” said park marketing manager Tina Santos.

Among the new activities, according to Santos, would be the glass-bottom boat ride on top of the Buhay na Karagatan section, which has a 25-meter walkway with curved acrylic walls to show corals, small fishes, sharks and rays.

“With the glass-bottom boat, visitors could observe the interactions among marine species from a different point of view,” Santos said.

The boat that could accommodate 10 people would be manually pulled from one end of the aquarium to the other so as not to disturb the fishes.

“Patrons could interact with resident biologists and ask questions about the ecosystem during the boat ride,” Santos said.

As to accusations by animal rights groups such as the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals that the ocean park “only keeps animals in captivity and away from their homes,” Santos said they were serving as custodians of the Philippines’ vast marine resource.

“It is a largely unknown fact that the Philippines forms 70 percent of the global epicenter of marine biodiversity, known as the Coral Triangle,” she said.

“Apart from giving Filipinos the opportunity to learn more about its own riches, the Manila Ocean Park also sends a strong message to the public to help protect and conserve this heritage that the country has been blessed with, ” she added.

The park will integrate sustainability factors in its initiatives, such as information, education and communications campaign; science research programs, resource management programs, and day-to-day operations.

Manila Ocean Park also embarked on a science research program on the development of a technology for coral propagation and reef rehabilitation in cooperation with Professor Benjamin Vallejo of the University of the Philippines.