Manila Ocean Park - Oceanarium

Me and Hunny have planned many times before to go and spend some time at the Manila Ocean Park (MOP), but we always find ourselves in a bind for one reason or another – though Hunny already went there once together with her counterparts. So when our niece and nephew, KC and Tantin, visited us yesterday, we decided to treat the kids to go and find Nemo.

Hunny with KC and Tantin

The Manila Ocean Park, which is located at the back of the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, opened for the public sometime in 2008.

Inside the Atrium of the Mall

While there are different attractions at the MOP, which by the way include a mall and a hotel, we decided to just limit our visit at the Oceanarium due to the limited time that we have and the large crowd brought by the Christmas Holidays.

Piranhas

I never knew that seahorses are green in color... :)

Kalaliman Section of the Oceanarium

The 220-degree Aquarium

The Oceanarium is divided into seven different sections: 1. Agos (Flow), 2. Bahura, 3. Laot, 4. Buhay na Karagatan, 5. Kalaliman, 6. Pagi (Sting Ray), and 7. Pating (Shark).

Arapaima

Where is Nemo? Is that you Marlin?

Shark Attack

Sting Ray

From among the remarkable collection of fish inside the Oceanarium, I was particularly impressed with the Arapaima, Piranha, Puffer Fish, Lion Fish, Stone Fish, Clown Fish, Jacks, Goupers, and Sharks. It really is an underwaterworld out there. Kids will surely be in awe of their main attraction, the curved tunnel featuring a wide array of sea creatures. It is truly amazing.

Lion Fish...I saw a fish like this in Coron, Palawan while snorkelling

Entrance to the Oceanarium is pegged at P400.00. However, promos and discounts are available especially when you purchase tickets featuring other attractions such as the Sea Lion Show, Fish Spa and the Musical Fountain Show. Like what I said earlier, it really is an underwaterworld out there.




For more info visit:
www.manilaoceanpark.com

Location Map

Grand Marian Procession

The keenly awaited Grand Marian Procession was held last December 4, 2011. The GMP is actually an annual event held in the walled-city of Intramuros every 1st Sunday of December.

Braving the unusual rains and summer-like humid weather, Marian devotees really turned it up a notch higher. Thousands lined-up the streets of Intramuros, some even coming from the provinces, to participate or even to merely catch a glimpse of the procession.

It was really like a fiesta-like atmosphere that may not be found anywhere else in the world. No wonder many foreign and local tourist flock to Intramuros to witness the event every year. There are people singing, some are even dancing, while most prefer to fervently pray the Holy Rosary during the procession.

Kuya Richard, my brother-in-law, has a devotion to participate each year in the GMP. As such, we see to it that we too participate in any way we can just to show our love and devotion to the Blessed Mother.

I badly missed my T1i and just settled with our old reliable Ixus camera in taking pictures for this event. Still, I had a wonderful time participating in the GMP.

Baguio Country Club

Established by American colonizers in 1905, through the initiative of then Governor General William Cameron Forbes, the Baguio Country Club remains as one of the prestigious membership clubs in the Philippines.

Initially, the BCC was available only to Americans. In World War II, it also served as a Japanese Officers Club during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. The cool climate in the Cordilleras may have been the reason why the place is favored by these foreigners for rest and recreation. However, membership to the club was made available to Filipinos only after World War II.

Today, it remains a paradise for those who wish to have a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. There is a golf course which I found to be inviting since the climate in Baguio is really refreshing. There is also a spa and a gym for those who want to revitalize their weary bodies or do some cardio workout. There are also bowling lanes, pool tables, dart boards and ping-pong tables.

While food served at the BCC are really delicious, nonetheless, I enjoyed most the food at the Hamada Restaurant. However the most famous specialty of the BCC is their Raisin Bread which is sold at their in-house bakeshop. The raisin bread is supposedly a recipe of Ms. Kate Reed, a former general manager of the BCC. The raisin bread is so famous that one usually needs to make a reservation in purchasing the same. However, the raisin bread is available only to members and guests. Hence, making it as one of the most sought after "pasalubong" in Baguio City.

The BCC is also a favorite venue for parties, seminars, and wedding receptions. Actually, my Aunt who got married a few years back had their reception at the BCC. The BCC is really a great place to visit.

For more info visit: www.bcc.com.ph