OCEAN PARK MANILA BAY
By Junhel Dalanon. Monday, 17. March 2008, 23:27:16
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim and Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) general manager Robert Dean Barbers will lead today’s inauguration of the Manila Ocean Park (MOP), which will showcase tropical fish and various forms of entertainment for children and adults. MOP vice-president for corporate affairs Tina Romualdez, vice-president for sales and marketing Armi Ruby Marie Cortes and marketing manager Tina Santos, said they have lined up activities for the day and even formed a committee that will welcome special guests, mostly ranking government officials. There will also be a concert featuring top local artists.
Among the salient features of the park is a glass tunnel where visitors may get to see the some 200 species of marine life.
Santos said the tunnel is a 25-meter walk that would provide visitors the chance to better appreciate the marine species.
Romualdez said the biggest aquarium houses a row of restaurants, a hotel with 100 bedrooms, two open water marine habitats and multi-purpose function facilities.
The MOP is the latest addition to the historical sites which serve as tourist attractions in Manila , since it is strategically located at the back of the Quirino Grandstand and a few meters away from the Rizal Park, added Romualdez.
Cortes said the project is a joint undertaking of Singaporean and Malaysian investors and aims to showcase as well as educate the public on the country’s flora and marine fauna.
Lim, who earlier toured the place, assured that aside from the security which will be provided by the MOP, Manila policemen will also be fielded in the vicinity to ensure the safety of the visitors who are expected to flock there.
The mayor expressed confidence that the MOP will boost the city government’s economy as its operations will generate much-needed revenues, jobs and entice more tourists to visit Manila , given the uniqueness of the world-class marine-themed park.
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