Trip Ko Lang

This November 2011, Manila Ocean Park opened its latest attraction, Trails to Antarctica; our country’s first and only experience to see real Penguins…

Penguins at Manila Ocean Park

These Penguins are called the Humboldt Penguins that came from the west coast of South America. These Penguins were really fun to watch;  they swim so fast;  I think they love being photographed because there were posing for the cameras; eats a lot — you can avail of their feeding promo  (250php and up) which includes at least 2 fishes , some souvenir shots with the Penguins and have the best experience to get closer to the them.

Trail to Antarctica's Penguins

Here are some of my “best” Penguin shots… Hehehe! It was quite a challenge to take pictures because they were in a big aquarium, no flash photography and the glass was not that clear and clean…

Swimming Penguin

Penguins at Trails to Antarctica in Manila Ocean Park

Penguins at Trails to Antarctica in Manila Ocean Park

Another included attraction inside Trails to Antarctica is the Slide O’ Fun which is a big and long “Ice” slide…it was cool to go down this slide…you just have to be patient in lining up and waiting for your turn… and one ticket = one ride only.

Slide O' Fun

The Big Ice Slide

The 3^rd and last attraction is the Snow Village; we were advised that this should be the last stop to visit because this would also lead you to the exit of the whole Trails to Antarctica attraction. We entered by batches; were given jackets and warned not to use cameras and other electronic gadgets like cellphone, IPAD, etc. inside the Snow Village for it’s temperature was -15 degrees. They were not liable to any damage that can happen to your gadgets but you can take pictures at your OWN risk!

The Snow Village at Manila Ocean Park

But good thing, they have their own photographer which can take your souvenir shots inside the Snow Village and photo is priced at 100php per print. The Snow Village was just a very small area with benches, snow scenery/decors; super cold – it was like getting inside a freezer; can’t help but shiver! Ice floor was also a bit slippery so it’s good to wear appropriate shoes for it.

Here’s one of our souvenir shots, still we were able to SMILE and pose for the camera despite the super, super cold temperature…  :)

Snow Village Souvenir Shot @100php per print

Trails to Antarctica is a cool, fun, interesting and worth it attraction here in Manila Ocean Park. For only 300php you get to experience these 3 different attractions inside and Manila Ocean Park offers good packaged promos of this Penguin Exhibit with other different attractions. Cool, right? So, head now to Manila Ocean Park and don’t miss this one time opportunity to see real Penguins for this exhibit is only until January 2012.

Manila Ocean Park started operations since March 2008 but it was just recently that I went to visit this place. Before I thought, Manila Ocean Park was just for kids, but after my visit, I guess I was wrong because I really enjoyed my trip.

The Oceanarium at Manila Ocean Park

This summer 2010, visiting Manila Ocean Park is more favorable because they have their latest attraction which is the Acquatica Show. We availed their newest promo package – Moonlight Adventure at 500php per head. Ticket includes the Oceanarium (originally priced @ 400php) and Acquatica Show (I think priced @ 300php).

Manila Ocean Park's Acquatica Show

The Oceanarium is a showcase of different sea creatures; you can find the usual fishes like clown fish, sting ray, sharks as well as the extraordinary ones like garden eel, stone fish, lipstick fish, bloated fish and many more. Main attraction in Oceanarium is the open aquarium wherein you can see  the fishes swim above you or on your sides. This creates a feeling of being underwater and swimming with the fishes without you being wet and killed by sharks. Haha.

Maiden of the Sea

But what amazed and entertained me most is the Acquatica Show entitled Maiden of the Sea. This is a show of lights, sounds, and fireworks coordination with added live performers on stage. The first time I saw this kind of show was in Singapore and it was entitled Songs of the Sea. Good thing we have this now here in Manila Ocean Park, there’s no need to go to Singapore to get this kind of entertainment.

Maiden of the Sea 2

Here are few shots of some highlights of the show. I really loved it! For first timers, you will really be awed and just say WOW! This Acquatica show has a story, which I must admit not able to fully understand it because I was so mesmerized and focused on the effects of the water, lights, and sound.  Hehehe.

Maiden of the Sea 3

By the way, show starts at 6.30pm and upon entrance disposable raincoats are distributed for water protection. But you won’t really get totally wet while watching the show. Visit now Manila Ocean Park and get entertained in spectacular water, lights, and sound Acquatica Show. See You!

Maiden of the Sea 4

I’m a food adventurer, I love to eat, I’m not afraid to try something different; I love to discover new food, wanting to be a food critic… hehe. But I don’t know how to cook and sometimes I’m on a diet! Anyway, my stay in Singapore opened me to diverse cultures which includes the variety in their dishes. Visiting Singapore would not be complete if you didn’t get to try Singaporean, Chinese, Thai, Malaysian and Indian cuisine.

Now here in Manila, you can savour these authentic cuisines at reasonable prices, comfortable ambience and good taste.  They offer Dimsum, Porridge & Pao; Satay & Barbeque; Nasi Lemak & Roti Prata, Singapore chicken rice; Pad Thai & Bagoong rice; Singapore fried noodles; Char Kwey Teow; seafoods and a whole lot more. Beverages include Kopi, Kopi-O, Lemon Barley, Longan drink, Bandung,  fruit juices, etc. and Singapore’s Ice Kachang as one of their desserts.

Makansutra Menu

We ordered Nasi Lemak (soft coconut rice with fried chicken wing, seafood sambal, potato cutlet, egg & cucumbers) and Nasi Goreng (sambal fried rice with 2 sticks satay skewers, fried egg, and archar (sweet, spicy pickles) priced at 125php each. Singapore Chicken rice is also a must-eat as it is considered as Singapore’s national dish priced at 140php.

In my opinion, food tasted good but not to be rated as excellent. I think I’m saying this because I can’t help but compare with the ones I have eaten in Singapore which I can say are real authentic in taste and has generous food servings. But still I would recommend Makansutra if you want to get a feel of Singapore and try their different cuisines at reasonable prices.

Nasi Lemak and Nasi Goreng @ 125php each

Singapore Chicken Rice @ 140php

Lemon Barley @ 45php, Michael Jackson @ 60php and Green Apple Carrot juice @ 100php

As for our drinks, we had Lemon Barley, with “pinipig” (crispy rice puffs) bits; Michael Jackson, Malaysian drink which is soy milk with strips of dark jelly and a regular Green Apple Carrot juice. We didn’t really enjoy our drinks but they are worth trying. Ice Kachang for our main dessert, the famous red bean ice which is mainly made up of ice with sweet flavored syrup and jelly that comes in bright colors. This tasted good especially with the mango pudding in it.

Ice Kachang @ 85php

Makansutra Sign

I have been in Singapore late last year, now misses Singaporean/Hawker style foods and have decided to get a feel of Singapore again and have a taste of their authentic cuisines in Makansutra. Makansutra Asian Food Village is located in the 2nd floor of Manila Ocean Park in Luneta, Manila. It has been a long time since I last visited Luneta Park and it really looked different now that Manila Ocean Park has been built just behind the Quirino Grandstand. Last night, I was just like a tourist in my own place… hehe. Getting inside Makansutra gives you a feeling you are in a different environment/place but not Singapore because it doesn’t look like this. I think the look of Makansutra is more on the classic and elite style of hawker foods.

Overall, I love the place and its ambience. Interior design is very well thought of as well as all the facilities used. Here are some pictures of Makansutra, able to get these after being approached by the management several times (more than 4 times? ) and reminded that taking pictures is not allowed. It was a bit disappointing that they would not allow pictures and videos even taking pictures of our ordered food. I really don’t get the management’s view on this and I would not recommend anyone to celebrate their birthdays or any special event in Makansutra and surely you won’t have souvenirs of it.

Makansutra entrance

Makansutra walkway and stalls

Makansutra walkway, beverages section and stalls

Makansutra signage