Manila Ocean Park

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The Manila Ocean Park is an oceanarium in Manila, Philippines. It is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of China Oceanis Inc., a Singaporean-registered firm that has operated four oceanariums in China. The Manila Ocean Park (MOP) is currently under construction behind the historical Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park. Still incomplete, the Manila Ocean Park nonetheless is now partly open, as of March 1, 2008.[1] The (8,000 square meters) oceanarium is said to be bigger than (6,000 square meters) Sentosa's Underwater World oceanarium in Singapore in terms of floor area but its 25-meters underwater acrylic tunnel is far shorter than Sentosa's 83-meters with moving travellator.

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[edit] Construction Phases

First Phase – Oceanarium had its soft opening date on March 1, 2008.

Second Phase – includes the marine-themed mall and the hotel, theme park, out door pools, restaurants which are soon to open in mid to late 2008.

Third Phase – the open marine habitats which are set to open in the second quarter of 2009.

[edit] General Sections of the Manila Ocean Park

Oceanarium:

Sections of MOP Oceanarium

1. Agos (Flow) – a rainforest motif complete with 8 tanks of freshwater fishes.

2. Bahura (The Reef) – exhibition of artificial corals in 48 tanks

3. Laot (Fishing Ground) – features big fish and Eagle-spotted rays in a long tank.

4. Kalaliman (The Deep) – showcases marine animals found in the deepest parts of Philippine waters.

5. Buhay na Karagatan (Living Ocean) – the main attraction of the oceanarium is a 25-meter long walkway tunnel with 220-degree curved acrylic walls similarly seen in Ocean Park Hong Kong, Underwater World in Singapore, Siam Ocean World in Bangkok, Thailand and Aquaria KLCC in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The difference between MOP's is a 220-degree curved tunnel as compared to the standard 180-degree curved tunnels seen in other Asian countries.

6. Pagi (Sting Ray)– variety of rays fly over while you're under this unique Overhang Tank.

7. Pating (Shark) – features several species of shark.

Concourse Plaza:

The Concourse Plaza houses big events like concerts, performances and product launches for the whole year.

Marine-Themed Mall:

The first marine-themed mall in the Philippines which houses 25 restaurants where customers can enjoy Manila's beautiful sunset, and even dine al fresco. The mall also features 30 unique stores.

Open Water Marine Habitat:

The Open Water Marine Habitat is an outdoor swimming pool with diving facilities where visitors go snorkeling or diving.

[edit] People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)

The animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), protested the opening of the Manila Ocean Park citing that marine parks present a distorted view of marine wildlife. [1]

[edit] Admission

Entrance Fee: P400 for adults, P350 for children; opens at 10 a.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. on weekends, and closes at 9 p.m.

[edit] History of the Manila Ocean Park

The MOP is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of China Oceanis Group Ltd (COG). It is a company that specializes in the investment, building, and operation of public aquarium/oceanarium attractions. The Group currently owns and operates two Underwater World facilities in China, specifically in the cities of Chongqing and Qinghuangdao, China. Through years of operating and design experience, the Group now possesses an experienced team of specialists capable of providing end-to-end services to the developer and operator of public aquarium/oceanarium facilities.

Past projects:

[edit] External links

[edit] References

  1. ^ Abs-Cbn Interactive, Manila Ocean Park: Drawing crowds, raising awareness, promising sustainability
  2. ^ newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines, All set for opening of Manila oceanarium
  3. ^ manilastandardtoday.com, Ocean Park to draw 1m visitors