When in UP Diliman: Rodic's and The Chocolate Kiss Cafe

19 October 2016

Patrick and I rarely go out on our own.  We usually bring the kids with us because it's really nice going out as a family.  Also, we don't have a babysitter so we just bring them with us :)  But today, we thought it best that they stayed where they were since we were attending a cremation for Patrick's uncle on his mother's side.  At the back of my mind, I was already thinking about where we'll head to for lunch and naturally, when we're in the UP area, my first thought was Rodic's Diner.

Attended the Unmei Expo 2016: Career and Study Fair for Japanese Language Enthusiasts

16  October 2016

For someone who's interested in learning the Japanese language attending the Unmei Expo 2016 at the SMX in SM Mall of Asia is a must. It is the venue where Japanese schools and potential Japanese employers converge to give students and interested parties a chance to find out what's in store for the future for someone who's well-versed in the Japanese language.  It was held today, October 16, and Dana and I checked it out :)

Manila Ocean Park 2016: Symphony Evening Show

13 October 2016

We are nearing the end of these posts about Manila Ocean Park.  Our last attraction for the day was the Symphony Evening Show.  It is a musical show featuring huge water fountains that shoot water straight up in the air, light displays on water and fire and fireworks.

The last show started at 7:15PM, although there was one before that at 630PM.  It lasts around 30 minutes.

Manila Ocean Park 2016: The World of Creepy Crawlies

13 October 2016

We now arrived at the World of Creepy Crawlies from the Jellies Exhibit.  So, from the 2nd Floor, we just took the escalator to go down, past the stores and another Food Court.  At first, I didn't want to go to this attraction because I just had the fright of my life at the All-Star Bird Show and I was still reeling from it.  I didn't want to subject myself to seeing more reptiles up close.  Dana, also didn't want to go in if I didn't want to.

But, this was part of the package we paid for and I felt that it would be a waste if we didn't go.  So, mustering my strength and courage, we all trooped in :)

Funny enough, we took around 30 minutes to go through all the creatures in this exhibit, despite our fear of some of the animals.

The World of Creepy Crawlies opens at 10AM (M-F) or 9AM (Sat, Sun and Holidays) and last entry is at 6:15PM.

Manila Ocean Park 2016: The Jellies Exhibit

13 October 2016

This is one of the most relaxing attractions in the park, the Jellies "Dancing Sea Fairies" Exhibit.  Again, we were the only ones in the exhibit and it was great! :)  This attraction contains several species of Jellyfish in large tanks viewed through changing lights and accompanied by soft classical music.

This attraction opens at 10AM (M-F) and 9AM (Sat, Sun and Holidays) and closes at 7PM. Last entry is at 6:15PM.

We spent around 15 minutes touring the place.  On hindsight, this is perfect for your last attraction because it kind of calms you down and lets you slow down from the other exhilarating and exciting attractions.  It's the perfect thing to wind down your day.

Manila Ocean Park 2016 : The Birds of Prey Kingdom

13 October 2016

By the time we arrived at the Birds of Prey Kingdom, it was already 5:00PM and most of the students on their field trip have gone home.  That meant there were no more long lines at the entrance :)  This attraction was actually the first thing you'll come across when you enter Manila Ocean Park so it's inevitable that people will start with this attraction.

Coming from the All-Bird Show, I didn't really know what to expect (again!) so I was nervous about entering.  But, wow! You'll be surprised when you get inside :)

The Birds of Prey Kingdom features Brahminy Kites or Lawin in Tagalog.  They are perched on a hanging bridge over the Manila Bay and they are free to fly around the area.  You'll see them in action and can even be up close and personal with them :)  We took 10 minutes here.

The Birds of Prey Kingdom opens at 1030AM and last entry is at 5:30PM.

Manila Ocean Park 2016: The All-Star Bird Show

13 October 2016

After 2 hours and a half of walking around and visiting 5 different attractions at the Manila Ocean Park, and after a 30 minute break, we headed to the All-Star Bird Show around 4:00
PM and was surprised that not many people were watching.  I suppose birds aren't as interesting as the Sea Lions :)  But, we did enjoy it and had an extra surprise at the end too :)

Catch The All-Star Bird Show: 1:15PM and 4:15PM.  It lasts about 20 minutes.

Manila Ocean Park 2016: Amazing Stories of Yexel's Museum

13 October 2016

We only found out that we'd be going to the "Amazing Stories of Yexel's Museum" when we bought our tickets.  Apparently, the Sharks and Rays Dry Encounter was not available and this was the replacement attraction.  We weren't told why the Sharks and Rays Dry Encounter was not available and for how long.  I haven't heard of this exhibit before so it was a pleasant experience when we got to see everything it had to offer.  This exhibit showcases the toy collection of Yexel Sebastian, including his own life-sized reproductions of popular TV and Movie characters.

The Amazing Stories of Yexel's Museum opens at 10AM and last entry is at 6:15PM.

We took around 30 minutes to finish the attraction.  But you can definitely stay longer if you have the time.

Manila Ocean Park 2016: Trails to Antarctica

13 October 2016

Our next stop happened to be the Trails to Antarctica, but technically, it wasn't on our list.  However, we needed to pass through this hallway to get to the other side (took us 5 minutes).  This hallway showcases the Penguin Exhibit and leads to the Snow Village.  You'll actually see the hallway being divided into two lanes as you walk further.

The 'Trails to Antarctica" is open 10AM to 8PM (M-F) and 9AM to 8PM (Sat, Sun and Holidays).  Last entry is at 7:15PM

Manila Ocean Park 2016: The Back of the House

13 October 2016

The Back of the House is a "behind-the-scenes" look at how Manila Ocean Park operates.  This is where you'll learn how animals are taken care of, how the water from the Manila Bay is filtered to make it suitable for marine operations.

It may not seem interesting at first because you don't really know what's going on, so a walk-through may take you only around 5 minutes.  But this attraction is actually very educational.  I just wish that someone was there to explain things to us as we went around.

It opens at 11AM and last entry is at 5:30PM.