Manila Ocean Park's Four "Es" Experienced by Our Family

One of the best days for Dads are when they go out together with the family. It's tiring but it pays off with great memory to cherish. Our family have always been going out and experiencing different bonding moments and every moment is different.

It is always enjoyable, fun, and exciting, most especially when kids shows that genuine smile of amazement and their little gesture of saying thanks Dad.

Our Manila Ocean Park experience is different. They say that love is sweeter the second time around but for us the third is memorable. Yup it is indeed memorable because this time we're bigger and merrier. The more the merrier.

Also we did find Manila Ocean Park's four E's - Encounter, Explore, Experience, and Educate - very much fulfilling. We may not be able to attend all the activities and destinations inside the park but we did experience few of its major activities.

Maybe one of the main reasons why kids and parents, like me, are encouraged to visit theme parks, like Manila Ocean Park, is because we want to explore. We want to see things, we want to know things and we want to have first hand experience of things we want to know. And I think the first part of the park that have been known were their Oceanarium and Trails to Antartica which perhaps falls into the Explore category.

EXPLORE CATEGORY

The Oceanarium

The first time that we visit this part of the park, there were fewer people and you can really explore very well and know what kind of a fish is on that aquarium. Perhaps this part was the highlight that time, most especially the tunnel. Yes on that part, we were able to have more moment this time. We were able to have our video and photos together with the fish. What's more interesting is that it's the big fish, it is still there and the moment is priceless.

So to capture that moment we did a selfie/groupie with the fish and of course a video with it. As if the fish were really joining inside the frame. We were so happy.

Trails To Antartica with the Penguin Exhibit, Penguin Lairs and the Christmas Village

Well, this part of the park is a tricky one because we weren't able to locate the way on how to get there but good thing that there were signs and guards who directed us to the place. It is indeed like a trail to Antartica because of the penguin exhibits and the icy designs plus the feel of it. As if you're really in Antartica.

This is their first time to see penguins up close and their reactions are incomparable. Too bad we don't have much of the budget because we would for sure let them experience feeding those little cute penguins. Maybe next time.

The trail to Antartica not only let visitors enjoy the scene but also let them understand and know information about the penguins. Good thing because we don't have that kind of bird in our region.

Also inside the Trails to Antartica is the Christmas Village where every child knows that Santa Claus live on that place together with Mrs. Santa. It was October but you can really tell that Christmas is just around the corner. Aside from the houses and Snow Man, the kids also enjoyed the man-made snow. Though it was man-made kids love the cold and the ice. One place that they really hold their time out, the fireplace (replica only). Not sure why they stayed there.

EXPERIENCE CATEGORY

Birds Of Prey Kingdom

When we say kingdom it is a territorial thing and I'm not sure about the prey thing but when we got inside this portion of the theme park, well it's more of a predator rather than prey. Perhaps this is one of the most exciting experience of the kids.

At first we thought it was just a simple area where birds are freely flying around but when we got to the edge of the dock area, well, that's where the highlight happens. Without any hesitation and without us knowing that our youngest, Bebe Gelo, talked to the personnel in charge of the area. His brave indeed and willing to try and experience anything.

So when his turn, the personnel gave a gloves exclusively for holding birds on Gelo's arm and placed a piece of meat for the eagle. In one swoosh the eagle snatched the meat from Gelo's arm. Good thing the we assisted to capture the moment. After the swoosh Gelo was screaming both because of excitement and fear but then again it was one of his experience.

 

 

ENTERTAIN CATEGORY

All Star Bird Show

Who would not love to see different kinds of birds but this one is quite different because these birds are performing and giving entertainment plus education as well to their viewers. This is not the first time for our kids to see birds performing but seeing a lot of birds performed in one show and flies around made their awe a moment to capture.

Take note that the bird show is scheduled so if you wanted to catch the best seat, be sure to be there early. Unfortunately, we didn't get the best view but still it's worth the watch.

It is indeed entertaining and educating!

Sea Lion Show

Also of the must see show in Manila Ocean Park. Just like the All Star Birds Show this is also a scheduled show. To get the best seats better come early or you'll end up in the upper area and less exciting area.

This show also not just entertain but also gives education about the sea and how to protect it but the act of the sea lions together with their trainers. As one of the first, this is our first time to watch a sea lion show. The place is not our first time but the experience is.

The next time that we will visit Manila Ocean Park we will make sure to get the best seat for a clearer and up close view of the sea lions.

EDUCATE CATEGORY

Shark and Rays Encounter

Since we're almost running out of time to at least get half of what was supposed to be visited, we tried to get the closest activity and we believed we haven't tried - the Shark and Rays Encounter. It is rare that we go to the beach and even rarer that we touch creatures from the sea. Of course we didn't get our hands dipping in the water with the sharks but the Rays. We would love also to touch the sharks but I think its quite different. The kids, me and wifey had our truly first encounter with the rays and also educational that we get to feel their skins or rather scales or which ever it is.

Neon Rides

The Neon Rides, I'm not really sure which category it fells but one thing is for sure we were educated that it is really hard to pedal even though you are four doing it. It really needs coordination and cooperation in doing the task - which is making the ride runs.

The night has fallen already and we decided that we end our tour with this one and since it is better enjoyed during night time. It wouldn't be neon rides if it is run on day time.

The good about this is that we get to have a good picture together while posing before riding it. A good photo for our Facebook cover photo. Good thing that the only destination is just around Manila Ocean Park because if that goes more than that perhaps we will be in soaked wet with sweat.

Love this neon rides very much, it really give families, like us, few moments of bonding together. Plus a good exercise as well.

Out of the supposedly 14 activities listed to enjoy we only accomplished half of the it. Perhaps it is much better to be done earlier and perhaps to take your accommodation as well at the near hotel. This is to give your family a more ample time to experience the whole offering of Manila Ocean Park.

Of course an eventful day is better rewarded with a sumptuous meal and one of the best place in the area is Makanmakan. Near and accessible, a wide variety of dishes to choose from and of course accommodating crew. We did enjoy our dinner that time and thank you to Makanmakan for letting us experience the best of their selections.

So Dads and Moms, this holiday season one of the best gift that you can give to your love ones is to let them Encounter, Experience, Educate and be Entertained in the different attractions of Manila Ocean Park. And one way of getting an easy and hassle free tickets is by booking it via Travelbook.Ph.  One of the easiest and accommodating booking company when it comes to your getaways.

To know more about the schedules and fees in Manila Ocean Park kindly visit their website www.ManilaOcenPark.com, their facebook page www.facebook.com/manilaoceanparkofficial/.