By Mae Lorraine S. Rafols
(Photo by Pol Briana)
Nemo must live in the Manila Ocean Park!
With gigantic aquariums teeming with thousands of species coming from the Deep Blue, Nemo will surely feel at home.
The water park is a chance to see another world children probably only encounter in textbooks or movies. Marine life, no matter the size, conjures great fascination – enough even to leave a mark on any kid who has watched Finding Nemo.
The Oceanarium is composed of seven areas: Agos, Bahura, Laot, Buhay na Karagatan, Ang Kalaliman, Pagi and Pating. It is truly an unforgettable experience to safely walk underneath the glass tunnel of Buhay na Karagatan which showcases underwater creatures of different shapes, colors and sizes. Passing by the Ang Kalaliman and Pating area is also a thrill as guests go face to face with a real live shark or barracuda – without worrying of being eaten alive.
Operating for only over a year, the Manila Ocean Park was established to educate and spread awareness on the conservation of Philippine marine life. It also serves as a research facility committed to conducting studies to help develop technologies necessary to sustain or possibly enhance the current state of marine biodiversity in the country. Currently, the Manila Ocean Park is conducting tests on new ways to promote coral propagation for reef rehabilitation along with Prof. Benjamin Vallejo of the University of the Philippines.
