Cultural Center of the Philippines: A Hub of Filipino Arts and Culture
The Cultural Center of the Philippines or CCP was founded in 1966 under the directive of former President Ferdinand Marcos, in order to reinforce and
The Manila Ocean Park, located in Manila, is a premier oceanarium situated behind the Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park. Construction commenced in April 2007, starting with the establishment of structural pillars along the beachfront. The initial base structure served as a promenade walkway before the full development of the park began.
The facility officially opened on March 1, 2008, after a planned opening date of February 24, 2008. This marked the culmination of extensive planning and construction, resulting in a state-of-the-art marine park that attracts visitors from around the world.
The centerpiece of Manila Ocean Park is its impressive Oceanarium, which houses approximately 14,000 sea creatures representing 277 species native to Southeast Asia. The Oceanarium is divided into seven distinct sections, featuring 3,000 cubic meters (110,000 cu ft) of seawater. One of its standout features is a 25-meter (82 ft) 220° curved tunnel, which provides a unique underwater viewing experience following a 55-meter (180 ft) walkthrough.
The water used in the Oceanarium is sourced from Manila Bay and meticulously filtered to maintain a suitable environment for marine life. Visitors can explore educational areas, event function rooms, and dedicated viewing zones for sharks and stingrays across two levels.
ABOVE: At Manila Ocean Park, tourists can experience a stunning underwater adventure through the Oceanarium’s 25-meter curved tunnel, offering an up-close view of marine life.
ABOVE: At Manila Ocean Park, tourists can experience a stunning underwater adventure through the Oceanarium’s 25-meter curved tunnel, offering an up-close view of marine life.
The Jellies Exhibit is a distinct section within Manila Ocean Park dedicated to the mesmerizing world of jellyfish. This attraction showcases a diverse array of jellyfish species, providing visitors with an up-close view of these graceful and enigmatic creatures. The exhibit is designed to highlight the unique characteristics and beauty of jellyfish, offering educational insights into their biology and ecological importance.
The Jellies Exhibit stands out for its visually captivating displays, featuring illuminated tanks that create a stunning ambiance. The exhibit aims to enhance visitors’ understanding and appreciation of jellyfish, making it a popular and intriguing part of the overall park experience.
Manila Ocean Park features the Trails to Antarctica, the country’s first penguin park, home to Humboldt penguins. The park’s breeding program has been notably successful, with 13 baby penguins hatched as of May 2017. Visitors can also explore the Birds of Prey Kingdom, which houses Brahminy kites, and the World of Creepy Crawlies, showcasing a variety of frogs, insects, spiders, and worms.
The park offers unique interactive experiences such as the Mermaid Swim Experience, where guests swim in costume mermaid tails, as well as underwater diving, fish spa treatments, and glass-bottom boat rides. The Symphony, featuring high fountains and multimedia effects, is another highlight of the park’s attractions.
The Sea Lion Show and All Star Bird Show are standout features at Manila Ocean Park, offering dynamic and educational performances that highlight the talents of marine and avian species. The Sea Lion Show captivates audiences with its demonstrations of the sea lions’ agility and intelligence, showcasing a variety of tricks and routines while promoting marine conservation. Each show can accommodate up to 1,900 spectators and aims to entertain and educate visitors about these fascinating creatures.
The All Star Bird Show features a diverse range of bird species, showcasing their remarkable flight skills and interactions with their trainers. This performance also accommodates up to 1,900 guests and is designed to engage the audience while providing valuable insights into the lives of these avian stars. Both shows play a crucial role in the park’s educational mission, blending entertainment with environmental awareness.
Manila Ocean Park is also home to Hotel H2O, a modern hotel offering a range of amenities including a fitness center, spa, and meeting rooms. The hotel features event spaces that cover 3,500 square meters (38,000 sq ft) and can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. Guests can enjoy a range of dining options at the Makansutra Asian Food Village, which offers various culinary delights.
ABOVE: The Oceanarium at Manila Ocean Park showcases 14,000 sea creatures from 277 Southeast Asian species and includes a 25-meter curved tunnel for an immersive underwater experience.
ABOVE: The Oceanarium at Manila Ocean Park showcases 14,000 sea creatures from 277 Southeast Asian species and includes a 25-meter curved tunnel for an immersive underwater experience.
The addition of Hotel H2O enhances the overall experience at Manila Ocean Park, providing comfortable accommodations and versatile event spaces for visitors. This integration of hospitality with marine attractions further establishes Manila Ocean Park as a premier destination for both leisure and business travelers.
ABOVE: This immersive attraction allows visitors to stroll through a tunnel surrounded by vibrant aquatic creatures, making it a memorable adventure for both children and adults.
ABOVE: This immersive attraction allows visitors to stroll through a tunnel surrounded by vibrant aquatic creatures, making it a memorable adventure for both children and adults.
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