Reflection of the Sea inside Manila Ocean Park

Apology for the long hiatus in this blog. There had been some brilliant and awful moments happened these past few months. People changed, some come and go, but mostly stick at all and some just get in. Although I think it’s not yet too late to start it again.

Last week I felt so constrained that I need to see people and go to places I wanted to see. Being virtual is not healthy at all. So I have to live my life and treat myself up. I ask one of my friends to join me in my visit to Manila Ocean Park, which I missed when the whole family went there. I have no idea what’s in store in that huge construction goings-on behind the Quirino Grandstand. All I wanted is to go there and see what other saw. I notice that it is not yet through. There are countless plans in that vicinity which I can’t figure out what’s really for. We arrived there very early which we have to wait for 2 hours before getting inside the building. I thought it is open in the morning as what the Cab driver said (putik nadugasan ako ni manong driver). So I have to decide where we can spare those 2 hours. In short our feet brought us in Starbucks UN Ave corner Roxas Blvd and obtain more caffeine and nicotine. I felt really bored that time. All I yearn for is something to inspire me, not somewhat to make me killed easily (LOL).
Finally we got inside the building. While I’m in the line to buy our tickets, I notice that people who come to that place are mostly elementary school students and families. There was plenty of kids hanging around, yelling and running. Which made me think that I should have joined my family (KJ kase ako.. hehehe). Anyway, I got our ticket already.. (wooo.. ang hirap ng taya.. LOL) as we entered, I sense some excitements. Wow giant Arjuana in the aquarium.. hmm I thought this is oceanarium why the ambiance is like a rainforest with all the millionaires vines, running waters and slippery wet brick-like flooring?.. hmmm. oh I see the point, there’s a crocs under the bridge.. Wait, am I really in the Manila Ocean Park? Now I’m bored. Whoever did the plan for this amusement park might have forgotten to open his “Time Saver” Book.. heheheh. oops now i see the point you started to be in a fresh water ambiance before leading to the Saltwater creatures proper.  By the way that slippery wet wood stairs is quite unsafe especially for the kids and beside I don’t like the idea of going up just to see some mind-numbing crocs (napagod ako dun ha!). Now to descend, oops! starfish that you can actually touch. And again aquarium with some familiar fish. As we pass through the door leading to the dark room surrounded with aquariums with “floating hands”? hahaha I don’t know what’s happening to this place but they clean the aquarium during the viewing hours they should have done that before the park opens. I see some dead fish inside the aquariums. Wow.. dead fish.. This might not be an oceanarium or maybe this is a dead fish Columbarium .. hehehe!..

I become aware of my attitude towards to what I see. It almost ruined the trip so I have to change it and appreciate it instead. I take camera off the bag and started capturing some of my favorite fishes. Fishes that reminds me of the people that surrounds me.

Spotted Pajama Cardinal Fish is the Peaceful but groupie type of fish; these pajama cardinal fish not bother most tank mates or each other. Though they maintain a social hierarchy, they are not aggressive towards each others. They don’t actually move when I saw them. They just “GO WITH THE FLOW” where ever the flow will bring them. But all I know they are the easiest prey of the predators. They’re so defendant on their group so when the predator comes everyone is equally became a prey.

Puffer fish have noticeably beak-like teeth. Regardless of what you see when you look at pufferfish, you can’t help but become aware of their expressive faces that sometimes even appear to be smiling or frowning. I heard that this fish used to have Dental Treatment to retain the normal size of its teeth that could actually harmed them when the teeth go bigger (I wish fish veterinarian could come up with Fish BRACES and TMJ appliance for the puffer fish so it would prevent the teeth from moving and might cause the face of the fish to dislocate. LOL!) .

Nazo Tang Fish is the most playful of all. I can relate this kind of fish to those people that keeps on moving from place to place just to get gossip and spread it over the neighbors. Nazo tang fish is adorable they have good colors, shape and lips that looks like with cosmetic lipstick. Just like people they tend to groom their self just to conceal what is unpleasant in able to do what they loved to do.. GOSSIPING!

My trip inside the MOP is not bad. Although most people (mainly adults) find that the Oceanarium is bitin (a bit lacking) for their tastes, you can actually enjoy it not just by educating yourself about the sea creatures or taking pictures of yourself inside the big aquarium but on how you perceive and appreciate the creatures inside. Maybe your experience inside the Manila Ocean Park will be might different from what I had.

If you’re planning to see the Manila Ocean Park, some things to expect when you visit the MOP, the park is located behind the Quirino Grandstand, near the Luneta area, in Manila. It opens at 10am on weekdays and 9am on weekends, and closes at 9pm. The entrance fee as of present: P400 for adults, P350 for children admission of children below 2 feet are free. If you looking forward to visit during weekends, expect a heavier crowd than on weekdays. Regarding photography (of course, you want to take pictures – who wouldn’t?), you may want to consider bringing a high-resolution or high-megapixel camera, the kind that can produce good pictures with minimal or no flash at all. Flash photography is generally not allowed because some of the species in the MOP are used to living in the deep where light does not really reach them. Abrupt and sudden light could prove dangerous to these types of fish.

Share me your story inside the Manila Ocean Park. Tell me how you see and reflects on those God created creatures. I hope your visit worth it.