Manila Ocean Park

Exciting. Enticing. Enriching.

     We went on our own field trip! :p This is our second time at Manila Ocean Park (MOP). This time though, we got to try everything they had to offer! There have been a lot of additions since we went here like the Jellyfish Exhibit, as well as the Penguin Exhibit.

Attractions offered in MOP

     Did you know that the Oceanarium which is 8000 square meters is larger than the Sentosa Underwater World oceanarium in Singapore? The Manila Ocean Park had its soft opening last March 2008 and since then it has developed and expanded to what it is now. The park now has a marine-themed mall, hotel, restaurant and outdoor pools. 


     We explored five of the attractions that MOP has to offer: the Oceanarium, Sea Lion Show, Jellies Exhibit, Glass bottom boat ride and the Fish spa. 

SEA LION SHOW (150php)

     We first went to the attractions outside the Oceanarium. It was a good thing we were just in time for the 11am show. The next show is at 2pm - under the scorching heat of the sun!

On stage

     The show featured Icis and Ira, the adorable sea lions of Ocean Park. The show was both entertaining and educational. Not only did we see the cool stuff they could do but also learned about these smart animals! We saw them swim fast, jump, slide, clap, wave, even act sad! The lively trainers also made the show a hit especially for the kids and the kids-at-heart. :)

Balancing Act

Cha-cha-cha! ^_^

     Though we've seen a lot of sea lion shows already, we still had fun! These cute and smart animals never fail to put a smile on our faces. :) The crowd was active which also made for a good show.

Pipino: Vegetarian Food by Pino

Pipino: Vegetable Food by Pino

     The Lenten season is fast approaching. With regards to food, it's the time for fasting and abstaining from meat. Pipino is the perfect place since they serve vegetarian dishes and desserts, too! :)

Details

     Pipino is owned by  Ms. Alessandra Libongco and PJ Lanot and is located at Teacher's Village. They are open from Mondays to Saturdays from 11am-12mn, and on Sundays from 11am-10pm. On the floor below it is Pino Bar and Resto.

THE AMBIANCE

Mio Alphabet

     The small restaurant has a nice feel to it, thanks to the high ceiling and big windows that let natural light in. You won't feel claustrophobic even if the room is quite small. Dominating the brick wall on the left is a large cork board with photos, memorabilia and some posters.


     On the far corner of the room is a spot dedicated to The Mio Alphabet. The monogram greeting cards and vinyl stickers designed by Mio, a 7year old boy diagnosed with leukemia last 2009, are for sale and funds go to Mio's medical treatment as well as those with rare diseases. To learn more about this project, visit miofightscancer.com 

Take a seat! :)

     The tables and chairs are simple, in line with the theme of the restaurant. There are also long tables coupled with benches, good for groups of 4-6. It feels like you're in a school cafeteria, but much more peaceful. :p

Van Gogh is Bipolar

Van Gogh is Bipolar

     Our friends have been raving about and were urging us to try this place. We've read a lot about this restaurant and liked what we saw. We didn't pass up the chance to go to this place on our rest day. :)


     If we'd describe this place in a word, it would be HAPPINESS! Read on to find out why. :p

Entrance

Come in!

     Van Gogh is Bipolar, a quaint, oddly furnished place, is Jetro Rafael's home by day and restaurant by night. Mr. Rafael was diagnosed as bipolar three years ago. To cope with this, he cooked and created unique dishes that play with your mood. He uses ingredients that can either calm you down or lift your spirits up! His cooking is both beneficial to him and to those who savor his dishes. 


     We didn't have the chance to talk to Jetro because he was being interviewed by a group of college students but it's good that they asked what we wanted to know. By eavesdropping, we learned that, like anybody else, he had a hard time accepting his condition. This didn't hinder him though from living a productive life. PROST! :)

Footwear is not allowed

     We made reservations three days in advance via SMS as he only allows 12 diners a night. First things first, footwear is not allowed inside his home. :p 

VGIB's House Rules

     Once you enter the small but festive looking room, you'd have to follow the House Rules. We'd tell you all about our dining experience through these rules. :p