Ocean Park, the Venue for Bayani Fernando's Birthday Celebration

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It was the first time I had been to Manila Ocean Park, and I never thought it would be for such an event. What first came to mind when I heard that we would be attending Mr. Bayani Fernando’s birthday celebration at Manila Ocean Park was that it didn’t seem like it was the best place to hold an event of this type.

Arriving at the venue, the sun was just setting over the horizon of manila bay, giving its last beam of light as if it was sinking into the bay. For those who have been to Manila Ocean Park, the entrance actually felt grand. The large fountain before the long and wide staircase, leads into an illustrious courtyard that directs you to the entrance is the reason for this effect. It really was not what I was expecting from this venue because from visiting the Ocean Park in Hong Kong, I pretty much expected the same from the one here. Upon entering the doors to the park, there was a tedious security inspection for the protection of the MMDA Chairman. When I finally got through the metal detector and security guards that feel for any concealed weapons, there were many tables for the guests to register their attendance. I was surprised at how many people were present at the celebration, as I was not expecting that many people to be attending the event. After registering my name, we were given name tags to identify if you are really a guest and it was also used later on in the buffet dinner. Following this, we had the chance to have picture taken with Mr. Bayani Fernando. It had been my first time to meet him in person, but not for my Mom because they were classmates during her college days. After the picture taking, we now went on to have a tour of the park.

The park was not the way I had imagined it to be. It was a lot bigger and actually very comfortable to be in. There was a large amphitheater where 3 bands would later play in the evening. The theatre was bigger than I thought the park could contain. An airplane probably would easily be able to go in, turn around and come back out without any problem. The tour was interesting because they made the setting as if you were in a rainforest. The vines hanging from the ceiling, the live plants and climate really supported this effect. As soon as I entered the first room, I could recognize that pungent smell of fish. It reminded me of the days when I was young and would smell fish being cooked in the kitchen and being forced to eat it. That is why I have never been fond of fish, I did not think of them being such special creatures. In my opinion, they should be left undisturbed in the ocean instead of on a plate. I personally did not think I would enjoy seeing different types of fish up close because of this, but I ended up being mesmerized with what I saw. I was amazed with the magnitude of some of these sea creatures, and all the shapes and colors they come in. There were some that were as small as your little toe’s nail, and there were some that are as long as I am tall. I have never seen such creatures up close and all these amazing features of the fishes kept me interested all throughout the tour. Which started out with fresh water fish and eventually progressed into salt water. What was interesting about the tour was that they put types of fish that are not really common. From giant crabs, to tiny flashlight fish that would give off a tiny light in the dark; this kept the tour very interesting.

After the tour, we were all lead into the restaurant of the park. The restaurant reminded me very much of the types of restaurants in hotels, such as Circles and Spirals. Although not as high end, its buffet had just as much choices. The main difference was that it was all Asian inspired foods. The smell of food reminded me of the time I walked down a food market in Hong Kong. I could easily recognize the type of food they were serving. It ranged from Singaporean Chicken, to Thai and to Chinese. The choices were too many to be able to remember.
During the meal, people slowly kept pouring in through the doors and eventually the place was packed. The sounds of murmurs started to get stronger, just like the sound of a car accelerating. Later, I could see famous people join the dinner as well. Vice-President Noli de Castro arrived later and also Mrs. Imelda Marcos. I have never seen them in person, and it was a delight to me.

At end of the whole evening, I realized that my initial reaction about the venue was wrong and that it was actually a very interesting place to hold an event like this. Mr. Bayani Fernando really thought of a new way to celebrate a birthday. This venue for his birthday truly made the experience of the guests an experience they would never forget.