Daniele Helena B.

Bañas
Grade 7 Newton

ENGLISH 7
Travelogue

Last November 2019, I had the chance to visit my Papa’s ship in Manila. It was the third time their ship
visited the Philippines. The ship anchored in Manila for three days, and we got to get inside and enjoy the tour and
play inside the ship, meet my Papa’s co-workers and spend time with Papa while he was working. During those
three days, my Papa was allowed to get off from his work and spend his days off with us. Then, we got to visit few
of the nice places near the Manila Harbor. One of those places is the Manila Ocean Park. I have been in the park
when I was three years old and I got the chance of coming back last 2019, along with my little brother.

Directions on how to travel/commute to Manila Ocean Park:

Manila Ocean Park is accessible via Roxas Boulevard.  If you are coming from the north, turn right before
or after Luneta (this is Katigbak Drive or T.M. Kalaw, respectively). If you are coming from the south, then turn left
at T.M. Kalaw (you can see the US Embassy and Museong Pambata by your left side before you turn). You will be
guided by the signs leading to Manila Ocean Park.

Manila Ocean Park attractions:

1. Aquarium facilities: Agos (Flow), Bahura (Reef), Laot (Fishing Ground), Buhay na Karagatan (The Living Ocean),
Ang Kalaliman (The Deep), Pagi (Stingray), Pating (Shark). This attraction features freshwater fishes, corals, a 220-
degree walkway tunnel with big fishes and stingrays.
2. Activity Area: Shark Viewing Area, Fish Spa, Glass Bottom Boat Area, Aquanaut
3. Multimedia Facility for events such as weddings, birthday parties, etc.
4. Marine-Themed Mall and Sunset Quay Mall
5. Aquatica - a light and fountain show that focuses on the importance of taking care of marine life (see youtube
below).
6. H20 Hotel - a ocean-themed hotel maintained by Manila Ocean Park.
7. Makasuntra Asian Food Village - a feast of Asian food culture!
8. Open Water Swimming Pool
9. Ozeano Restaurant - offering buffet and ala carte menus and operated by Tamayo's.
10. White Moon Bar - a hip wine and dine bar lounge overlooking Manila Bay
The Tour:

The Manila Ocean Park is located at the reclaimed area behind the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta.
The structure from the outside was quite impressive actually. It was modern and huge. I was really amazed by the
design of the place. I noticed that they have ramp for wheelchair and according to the guard posted outside, they
have wheelchairs and stroller for rent inside. The interior/lobby area was nice and there were quite a number of
visitors that day, mostly family with children. The entrance fee was not very cheap. They range from P590, P785 to
P995 per person depending on which show and areas you wanted to see. But children below 2ft go in for free. But
then of course, it is necessary for its maintenance.

First you go into a small area of fresh water fishes, then you climb a steep wooden staircase to view the 3
baby crocs, then you climb down the stair and start the salt water fish display. Half the displays were fishes we saw
was cardinal, puffer, porcupine, lion fish, etc. There’s an interesting giant crab from Japan water that can live to a
100 years and can be found 400m below. I wonder how they got him.

The most impressive part of this whole setup is the tunnel oceanarium, or the larger than life aquarium
where it simulates the underwater world in a glass casing. It has a lot of cute manta rays, really big ones. It has a
separate one for the sharks, mostly black tip. So yeah, finally I saw live sharks, real sharks! Seeing real ones are
fascinating and at the same time scary.

The Tunnel Oceanarium

If I there’s something that I dislike, it will be that it has less species on display considering that Philippines
is in the center of world’s marine biodiversity. It has too much of the same kind. I wonder where they got the
mantas. I wanted to see giant jellyfish. They only have those small jellyfish in tanks with different light display. And
why do they use whale shark in their tarpaulin when they don’t have it in there? And why is it that the sea lion
show was scheduled late in the afternoon where children are tired from wandering all over the place? I would also
mention the Manila Ocean Park for giving us free raincoats; to help protect us during the Sea lion show in case of
accidental water splashes. But, overall it was a good experience and I recommend going and checking it out. The
children will definitely enjoy it!

The building also has rows of restaurant and shops. Venue wise, the place lacks restaurants that cater to
children. It’s kind of disappointing for children eating at Chinese restaurants and not like Jollibee or Mcdonalds.
After years of my first visit, they still have not improved or added new restaurants in the park. They also have an
area that can serve as function room for events. We finished our tour at 5pm and ate dinner at North park
restaurant. Not what I exactly like but hey, if there’s pansit and pot stickers, then I’m all good. We also took photos
to remember this tour. I really hope that this pandemic will end soon so that we can again go out, come back at
Manila Ocean Park, and also visit other places.