Manila Ocean Park is a tourism goldmine

The Manila Ocean Park (MOP), the Philippines’ first oceanarium which will rival popular oceanariums in Hong Kong, Singapore and the US, will open on Dec. 15, 2007.

Located behind the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park, the oceanarium will feature the largest marine aquatic display in the country which park visitors can view through a 25-meter underwater acrylic walkway.

It will showcase the rich biodiversity of Philippine marine life, mostly various species of multi-colored exotic fish and invertebrates that are indigenous to local seas.

Among its best attractions is the underwater tunnel that will allow visitors to walk 25 meters at the bottom of a 500,000 gallon tank, mimicking the wondrous experience of walking on the ocean floor surrounded by the creatures of the deep.

To complete the experience, the tank will be filled with about 10,000 fishes and invertebrates from over 200 species.

According to the China Oceanis Philippines Inc. (COPI), the park developer, MOP promises to be competitively priced so it will be accessible to everyone.

"We have to make it affordable because we want the park to be accessible to everybody," MOP marketing executive Ronnie Pangan said.

Accessibility to the park is important because MOP seeks to impart a strong environmental message along with entertainment. With a strong focus on conservation, it seeks to educate the general public about the plight of the local marine environments through the responsible public display of underwater treasures.

When completed, Manila Ocean Park will offer its visitors a complete fusion experience with its shopping mall, hotel and an oceanarium all located within one complex.