Uni Writing Instruments opens The First Conservation Center at the Manila Ocean Park

Unbeknownst to many, the Philippines is one of the most gifted in terms of marine diversity with the number of species that one can see underwater. However, it is also very unfortunate to learn that the Philippines ranks as the third country with the most polluted oceans as we continue to contribute to the plastic dumped into the world’s oceans every year. All is not lost. There is still time to do something for the environment.  

Uni Ocean Conservation Center

Personally speaking, we are happy to note that companies and brands nowadays are becoming more and more aware of the environmental problem—and in their own little ways, they are doing something to help lessen or alleviate the problem. Leading coffee brands have started using reusable cups, metal sipping straws and bamboo made tumblers. Local government units have also made city ordinances that requires citizens to bring their own eco-friendly bags each time they shop. This initiative isn’t something new for Lupel Corporation, makers of renowned Uni Writing Instruments. “We’re proud to say that Uni ballpen and writing instruments is probably the first one that has come up with a product that’s made from 75% recycled materials,” said Lupel Corporation Vice President and General manager Mitch Pellicer.

Ms. Mich Pellicer, VP Lupel Corporation and General Manager

I have had the chance to attend the annual Ocean Cleanup Summit in Subic last year. From there, I was able to learn that even in our daily lives, if we truly have this concern and care for the environment, we'd be able to do our part in making sure that the future generations will still be able to marvel at the wonders that the ocean had to offer. This same mission enables both Lupel Corporation's Uni Writing Instruments and Manila Ocean Park to join hands and work together in doing their share to help preserve and protect the environment for the future generations. Thus, they have just launched the very first conservation center at the Manila ocean Park Super Toy Collection. The said project aims to teach young kids and those kids-at-heart the value of recycling and in how they can help Mother Earth.

Ms. Armi Cortes, VP Sales and Marketing Manila Ocean Park welcomes guests

Yes, there is still hope. Only if we all try to do something in our own little way about the global garbage cans now, perhaps we can still save some legacy for the future generations. Students learned that our way of living has a great impact on the global environmental issues such as global climate change, food and water sustainability, urban development and environmental conservation, importance  of the 4 R's "reduce, reuse, recycle and recover."

World-Class Uni Ballpens

Ocean trash is a serious pollution problem that affects the health of people, wildlife and local economies.  We've had personal experience in helping cleanup the ocean. In 2014, Purple Plum Fairy along with other bloggers also tried her hand in an environmental activity where we joined a coastal cleanup drive spearheaded by a brand of soda in Coastal Road. I remember we were literally exposed and baked under the debilitating heat of the sun morning. But everyone seemed to be in a high spirit as we shoved, picked, raked and gathered the mounds after mounds of trash from that coastal area. I've began to wonder what the place used to looked like some decades ago. 

Manila Ocean Park Turns High-Tech & Liquid Pool Lounge's Aqua Pool Party--Summer's Best Destination!

My blogger friend Lourdes Labii trying out Manila Ocean Park's RFID bracelet.

 Looking for a place to spend your nighttime rendezvous? Searching for the hippest happenings within the Metro? Fret not and look no more! Manila Ocean Park’s Liquid Pool Lounge and Marine Theme Park’s got you covered. Manila Ocean Park introduces the latest technology to become the leading tech-savvy theme park in the Philippines.

The Blogger pass and RFID bracelet I had during the party.

Here's the RFID bracelet that allows one to update his social media in real time.

 With the advancement of technology and social media, specifically Twitter and Facebook have been used the most by Filipinos and have gained a massive number of followers from both here and abroad as people post their status, share their photos and updates on each other—the virtual world has been more accessible and Manila Ocean Park understands this. Thus, they have recently acquired an innovative solution from Europe, which they had recently launched during the Aqua Pool Party last April 28, 2012, held at the Liquid Pool Lounge.

Club and party goers line up to activate the E-RFID tag bracelet.

 The technological breakthrough device will be seen in the different popular attractions of Manila Ocean park such as Oceanarium, Jellies Exhibit, Acquatica, Trails to Antartica, Marine Life Habitat and of course, at the Liquid Pool Lounge.

Blogger Lourdes Labii shows off her bracelet that allows her to post and update her social media status in real time.

 How does it work? Guests will be asked to log in using their Facebook or Twitter account. They will be provided with an e-wrist tag, which stores their social media information and lets them share their status updates and pictures online on real time. The said technology was first introduced for inventory control and timing sporting events.

Purple Plum Fairy was able to use the said device when we were invited to the said launch. The wrist tag had a microchip similar to those time chips used in marathons and running events. I’d say I was amazed that after tapping my e-wrist tag on the device, I instantly got status post on my Facebook account saying where I am at that particular time even without manually updating my own status. And the photos I’ve had during the event, upon tapping again the said e-wrist tag on Manila Ocean Park’s innovative device, my photos were posted again on both my Facebook and Twitter accounts since I had synced both accounts on the e-wrist tag. It was really convenient on my part. My online friends at that time immediately liked my posts and it was totally amazing.

The awesome Musical Fountain Show.

 Students who go to Manila Ocean Park on field trips can also benefit from the QR (Quick Response) Code, which the theme park also provides to their guests. The tool can be very helpful for students and more convenient since information seen on labels of the attractions such as various types of fishes can be scanned using the QR code and stored on their mobile gadgets.  If you guys aren’t familiar with the QR code, these consist of square dots arranged on a white scanned background. The said code can also be accessed using Manila Ocean Park’s official website and browse through promos and check out the latest happenings in the theme park. Just like this Musical Fountain show photo, they could easily share it with their friends via the QR code.

Manila Ocean Park's Musical Fountain Show.

A delight to all audiences--the Fountain show was great!

 What’s more? Guests can now conveniently go online via free high speed Internet access in the entire park with its Wi-Fi zones. They can check their emails, share photos and send updates in real time. With this awesome technology, Manila Ocean Park is indeed the best place to go this summer. Imagine having your R and R while still connected to your online world/community—it’s like having the best of both worlds, OMG! I swear I’ve never seen a theme park this fun!

The light, sounds and story captivates the Audience.

For inquiries, visit www.manilaoceanpark.com or call 567-7777 loc. 151 and 155. Check out Liquid Pool Lounge on Facebook at www.facebook.com/liquidpoolandlounge J

Manila Ocean Park's Musical Fountain Show: A Perfect Family Treat!

I was recently invited to see the spectacular Musical Fountain Show at the Manila Ocean Park. Although I must have heard about it before, I never had the chance to actually watch the said show. The weather that day was a bit gloomy and I was actually having second thoughts if I’d still go to the said event. I’m glad I did because upon reaching Manila Ocean park, the weather had cooperated with me. It has stopped raining.

“Once Upon an Ocean” is a 30-minute spectacle of fountain, laser lights, special effects, animation fused in one grand musicale. It is the country’s first & largest musical fountain show, at par with the world’s best. It reaches up to about 120 feet in height and over 1,600 water nozzles are used to achieve stunning visual display. And I am just talking about the physical details of the show. If you probe a little deeper, you’ll find out that the show is directed by one of the best theater & concert director, Mr. Freddie Santos. The other people behind the show were also powerhouse names in their respective fields: John Batalla (Fountain & Lights Programming), Tim Bennett (Laser Effects), Mio Infante & Twinkle Zamora (Mascots), Torch Productions (Animation) & Alfred Lauzon (Choreography).

Kids and adults will be delighted to meet fascinating underwater characters such as Octavio the giant octopus musical conductor, the funny Lobsterrific, Seahorse, Clownfish, the cool Starfish Trio and Stingray. The show features entertaining live performances, funny antics and lessons on marine conservation.

Here's an amateur video I had taken while watching the said show. Forgive my mom for being a bit talkative (you can hear her voice on the video), it's just that she was so excited watching the show. But anyway, I hope this short video will somehow give you a glimpse of what you can expect from the said show. It's still best for you to watch the show live as my mobile video camera's a bit blurred & dark. 

Upon entering the Acquatica Center, a modern stage venue (with 1,900 seating capacity where the show is being held), an MOP staff hands you a disposable raincoat for free. I didn’t know what that’s for at first. I later realized one needs to prepare to get wet during the show & that’s what the raincoat is for. Audiences were encouraged to participate in this interactive show. Show starts at 7PM from Wednesday to Sunday.

The disposable plastic raincoat they are handing out guests & audiences of the show.

Mommies, don’t forget to avail of the Mountain Fountain Show Madness promo for the entire family. From August 20 to November 20,2011, you can choose from 6 Musical Fountain Show Madness promo packages starting at P399. Another treat worth considering is availing of the freebie—Buy 5 Oceanarium tickets and get 4 Musical Fountain Show tickets FREE! You can also choose to avail of the discounted price offer—for every purchase of a Mid-year savers promo bundle, you can purchase 1 Musical Fountain Ticket for only P150. That’s 50% off of its original ticket price!

A value for your money promotional price to fit every family's budget.

Spectacular & amazing, that's what the show's all about.

Here is my Mom, she had totally shown me she's a kid-at-heart.

The author with one of the mascots that performed that night.

Manila Ocean Park's Musical Fountain Show was a real treat for every family. It's a once in a lifetime chance to see spectacular fountain and beaming lights show. Seeing this show reminds me of the more popular Bellagio Fountains of Las Vegas. It is really expensive to bring the entire family to Las Vegas. But who says you can't enjoy the same sights in Manila? Manila Ocean Park's Musical Fountain show does more than entertain the audience with ooohs & aaahhs...It treats the whole family by bringing in a world-class entertaining show with moral values where your kids will surely learn while having fun at the show. Plus you could take photos with the characters after the show just like me & my mom did. Think about it: one amazing night spent with the family+ one great show+ awesome story that kids & kids-at-heart will love = wonderful memories to remember.

For more details: call 567-7777 loc. 151 or visit their website at www.manilaoceanpark.com

Purple Plum Fairy thanks Manila Ocean Park, Ms. Armi Cortes, Ms. Antonette Gonzales, Mr. Evirson Broquillo, and Ms. Ia Adam Lim for the invite.

xoxo,