Manila | Jellies Of Manila Ocean Park

MANILA | Photographing The Alien World Of Jellies

As Part of Manila Ocean Park Adventure

It was a nice conclusion to a month long summer vacation of my two younger siblings. They'll be back to school in a couple of weeks. Staying with me in my humble apartment is part of their itinerary, and since its their first time here in Manila, I am task to let them see and experience what this urban jungle is about.

I brought them to Manila Ocean Park on the last day, my treat of course. I would've wanted to bring them to Star City instead but one of them has fear of heights, and it won't help that he doesn't like amusement rides, I knew this when I brought them to Splash Island 3 weeks ago.

We took a cab to get through Manila Ocean Park to make it easier, but to those who are well verse in the highways of Metro Manila, this Manila Ocean Park is situated at the back of the Quirino Grandstand which is near Luneta Park. A short walk from the parks entrance is needed so to avoid this, you can hail a cab or bring a ride.

 

Taking a tour of the Jellies was more like an add on. The highlights I choose in the park is the Sea Lion Show and the Oceanarium which is probably the biggest Aquarium in the country. I didn't expect much of the Jellies as most people skip it being that its the last part of a tour. What can I say? good things come when you don't expect much. I was surprise to find myself in a hall, full of walled aquariums, with varying species of Jelly Fish all dancing in the changing colorful lights. Being an amateur photographer, imagine my delight on having the chance to photograph these most amazing creatures. I have a natural fear of jelly fishes, having experienced as a kid being expose to their attacks which even though its not deadly but can be real nasty to deal with. They are an alien creature, looking out of this world, with all their guile, and the mesmerizing beauty as they float and move through the tank in a slow dance.

I took a lot of macro shots, trying to focus on a single jelly out of the hundreds floating around. It was a challenge just to photograph that I probably shot more frames in one tank than necessary. I really didn't mind because as with photography, memory is cheap but an exceptional work is a priceless art.

The photos below are some of the best shots out of the many frames, of course I can't miss doing a photo op with my siblings but that's another story to tell.

Looking at the jellies, its amazing to realize how beautiful they are, given the fact that they are the simplest of life forms. Their Bioluminescense, the colorful lights that they absorb, and the eerie slow movement is a signature of their being buoyant and out of this world. Visitng the Jellies in Manila Ocean Park just before I cap this day had been a good decision, something I almost took for granted because I'm already tired and ready to call it a day. As is when one is possessed by an adventurous spirit, you don't expect much, you just find yourself stumbling into it.

More of Manila Ocean Park in my incoming post.

Francis Balgos is a Call Center Agent, Weekend Travel Warrior, Amateur Spelunker, Sometime Surfer, Newbie Mountain Climber, Photography Enthusiast, Certified Beach Bum, A first born son, Faithful lover, True Explorer...

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