Ocean Adventure (MYM#18, Mommy & Me Monday #17, Blue Monday #5, Watery Wednesday #5)

It has always been our plan to bring the kids to Ocean Adventure in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olangapo City, Zambales. The plan wasn't immediate though because we wanted the kids to be big enough to enjoy and understand the facility. Maybe a good time for Leon, who's already 4 years old but too soon for Maia who just turned 1 this April.

@ the entrance of Ocean Adventure

As much as the idea of educating the children in trips such as visiting theme parks, we really can't turn down an offer of a good friend, one of Leon's godmother, Mithi. Leo, her boyfriend, who's turned out to be a friend, too, is working at Ocean Adventure as one of the veterinarian of Southeast Asia's only open-water marine park.

with Ninang Mithi at the entrance of Ocean Adventure Marine Park

Leo's invite through conversations with M (in one of the most recent gathering of friends) and through the insistence of Mithi, we've instantly decided to go to Ocean Adventure to spend the weekend at the park.

We left Quezon City a few hours after lunchtime last Saturday, fetched Mithi along the way and headed to Subic, Zambales. We arrived Ocean Adventure a few minutes before 6 in the evening. Since Ocean Adventure was already about to close, Leo ushered us towards Camayan Bar and Restaurant for us to have an early dinner, courtesy of our friend Mithi. We enjoyed the dinner while listening to the music by the Tribal group and a few fire dances by the members of the same group.

It was Leon's (and Maia, too) first time to experience a beach setting. Initially he was having o.c. moments with the sand getting into his crocs footwear but I grabbed the opportunity to allow him to experience walking on the sand barefoot. Although hesitant at first, he eventually loved the feel of the sand on his foot. He kept on asking us to go back to the beach to walk and play with the sand. It was a kill-joy for him when called it a day and headed to our accommodation.

The next day, all of us were too excited for the day's activity. At 9 in the morning, we were met by Mithi at the parking area of Ocean Adventure while Leo was waiting for us at the entrance area. Entrance took a while because of the queue of people but we were just on time for the 1st show, the Walk on the Wild Side.Here, the kids were able to see up close an owl, a bat, a sea eagle, a civet cat and a snake (this I dread :(...). At some point of the show, Leon was telling me not to be afraid of snakes...

at the entrance, a height measuring board

@ Eco theater for the Walk on the Wild Side show

2nd show was the Sea Lion Marine Patrol Show. Mithi who did not join us on the first show was already waiting for us here and saved a seats for a clear view of the sea lions. Leon was amazed with the antics of the sea creatures and was more excited of the last show which was the Dolphin Friends Show. 3rd show was The Adventures of Olongapo Jones show which showcased the trampoline acrobats. Leon had too much fun watching the 2 performers jump up and down the trampoline, such that he was as if experiencing the jumps that at some point, he muttered, "tama na" (stop please) as if he was the one that's tired of jumping on the trampoline.

Sea Lion Marine Patrol Show

Olongapo Jone with his sidekicks

enjoying the acrobatics done in the trampoline

The last show, the Dolphin Friends Show was the most awaited by all, young and old alike. It showcased the dolphins (of course) and the intelligent tricks and antics they can make. As in any encounter with these sea mammals, watching their smiling faces and being able to touch them is such an extraordinary experience. From afar though, Leon was fascinated with them but when our opportunity to come close to these cute sea creatures, Leon became a bit petrified, maybe he realized that up close, the dolphins were a bit big for him. Afterward though, he defensively said, he won't be afraid next time when he's a bit bigger already.

The dolphins, showing off their talents

Leon and Maia with Tito Leo

Though these animals should be in the wild, visiting such a theme parks educate us to be more careful with our actions especially on waste disposal and of taking care of nature.

We definitely had a great weekend and a happy and enjoyable mother's day for me as well.

Thanks very much to Leo and Mithi for the great treat not just for the kids but to me and M as well. Our family is very much grateful to have experienced Ocean Adventure this soon.

late lunch at Wimpy's

Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?