baratillo @ cubao : www.baratillo.net

I was finally able to visit the Manila Ocean Park (MOP). We (Jayvee and I) had a meeting there for some volunteer work for the MOP. And I am doing this because as an aquarist and aquarium hobbyist. I believe in the project. You probably read a lot about it from the other blogs. A mix of positive and negative feedback from bloggers. And this fits in well because the MOP’s opening is a soft opening -ie there are more things to come.

Why do I like the MOP?

One, It is the first world class oceanarium and public aquarium in the Philippines.

Two, It can be quite an effective educational tool if used properly. Aside from the aquariums. The MOP has several interactive educational tools available.

a) A set of Interactive screens that give interesting facts and trivia.

b) An interactive touch screen that simulates the effects of human activity in nature.

Three, It showcases the Philippines natural resources. See the different deep sea and coral reef fishes that inhabit our seas. And it is also a living repository of the different species of fish and other aquatic organism from around the world/

Four, It is one place that practices responsible aquarium keeping. You can see it by the health of their denizens … ie fishes. When I was there was no visible sign of diseases on the fish and no physical signs that they were stressed.

Five, You can stay inside the MOP display area for a minimum of thirty minutes to several hours. In other words you can take your time. I would suggest going there on a weekday or after office so that there would be less people but you can enjoy the fish.

Six, The MOP is a dynamic exhbit unlike any museum their displays move and they thrive. The people of the MOP said it was a soft opening and it is but more importantly it is a dynamic exhibit. Something worth going back to from time to time.

Seven, And just imagine this is a place where you can see the denizens of the Sea, the Lake, the River and even the pond up close. There are several thousands species of fishes and more water invertebrates. The MOP is probably one of the places in the Philippines where you can see them without the aid of diving gear.

Eight, Watching a balanced and well-kept aquarium is therapeutic. It relieves stress. And in certain cases actually heal. Take for example the Fish Spa at the MOP. They fishes that nible on dead skin. Literally cleaning your feet. I am not sure the species they have but it is the Cyprinion macrostomus or the Garra rufa both are known as Dr. Fish, nibble fish, and kangal fish.

Same post at OneFishTank.com but with video at the end.