continued from Raviv Turns Two in Subic Part 2

If you’re planning to visit Ocean Adventure and get the most out of it, read this.  Fully.  I regret not researching before going.

Ocean Adventure

Where to go?

The lady who gave us tickets failed to give us the piece of paper containing the itinerary and schedules of the four main shows.  So when we entered, we didn’t know where to go.  We were told that there were two ongoing shows–Walk on the Wild Side and Sea Lion Marine Patrol–and were berated why we didn’t have the itinerary.  Since we were nearer the venue where the Walk on the Wild Side was being shown, we literally ran to the amphitheater.  The show was already ongoing, and an Aeta was on stage teaching jungle survival.  We figured the kids won’t like it, so we left the place and decided to watch the sea lion show.  Again, we ran like crazy because the two venues were far apart.

The secret of the Sea Lion Marine Patrol “volunteer”

When we got to the Sea Lion Theater where the Sea Lion Marine Patrol was being shown, it was super full.  We were seated at the topmost, back-most portion.  Kung sine ang pinapanood namin, we got the best seats.  Kaso hindi eh.  :(  These were the least coveted seats.

Sealion Show at Ocean Adventure

The show was entertaining.  They even asked a volunteer.  I was egging Randy to volunteer (I would have if not for the fact that I was wearing heels and a dress).  Then they chose one male from the audience.  Which we later found out was not really a guest but an employee of Ocean Adventure.  So don’t get your hopes up that you’ll be chosen.  Luto ang laban!

After the show you could have your photo taken with the sea lion for a fee (note; for a fee and  NOT for fRee).  We wanted to but we would have been 5th in line, eh we wanted to get good seats to the Dolphin Friends Show.  We said we’ll just return.  And so we ran again to the amphitheater where we could watch the Dolphin Friends Show.  Dad even put Raviv on his shoulders so we could hurry, and we sent Yaya Margie to go ahead to reserve us good seats.

I love dolphins!

Despite our maximum speed sprint to the amphitheater, we still ended up at the topmost portion–parang ‘yung sa Sealion Show seats din.  :(  Nevertheless, I had so much fun watching the ah-mah-zing marine mammals’ show!  Sobrang kakatuwa when these marine mammals do backflips, or when they suddenly shoot from out of the water!  I tell you, it’s a sight to see!

dolphin and whale show at ocean adventure

[Read more...]

I had another magical time at the Enchanted Kingdom one Sunday early this year.  Remember when I swore to return to EK with my man and my boy?  Well it has already happened!  Familia Ladaga was joined by some Brain Train teachers and staff.  Too bad the others had emergencies and were not able to come with us.

Team Brain Train at Enchanted Kingdom parking

Of course, group picture muna sa parking lot. J

Raviv’s entrance was no longer free.  On the positive side, it’s because he’s tall.

Raviv is a big boy now!

As soon as we entered the park we saw Eldar and Princess.  Of course, I joined the mob so Raviv would have a picture beside them.  Raviv was saying Eldar was Santa Claus, hehe.

with eldar and the EK princess

…and some characters

Cue in the queues!

On a sad and disappointing note, there were too many people in the park that day.  Super!  It took our companions (Raviv’s Nonong Irvin, Tito Pau and Tito Sargei) more or less an hour (I may exaggerate  things a bit sometimes but not this time) just to be able to ride the Space Shuttle!  After their ride they have already memorized the continuous chant spiel coming from the nearby Eldar’s Tent (again, no exag).

The same fate happened to my mag-ama in their quest to ride the Swan Lake.  So when, FINALLY!!! they were aboard, I took pictures like crazy.

swan lake

3D vs 4D:  And the winner is….

Afterward we went around looking for an attraction where there was no queue.  And then we saw the 4D Theater.  There was no line because an additional P50(?) had to be paid on top of the ticket one has to buy to gain admission (but our tickets were free so OK lang).

Showing on 4D was a Looney Tune cartoon featuring Wil E. Coyote and Roadrunner.  Raviv came with us and got scared or irritated with the air that was part of the 4D experience.  Haha.

inside the 4D theater

Next we went to Rialto.  We had to fall in line and wait for 20 minutes or so because entrance to Rialto was free.  Sadly, Raviv cannot come with us.  Since Yaya Isay has already experienced Rialto, she volunteered to take Raviv with her to go to the kiddie rides while we enjoyed Rialto.

Rialto (3D)

Rialto, although only 3D, was definitely better than the 4D.  Clips from The Polar Express were shown, and Randy and the other first-timers immensely enjoyed.  Nonong Irvin and I, however, were a tad disappointed because we saw clips from Journey to the Center of the Earth on our previous EK visit and it was waaaaay more exciting.  I really had to take off my glasses because I got scared like crazy and I wanted to remind myself I was just sitting on a moving chair.

Never to leave Raviv again [Read more...]

Advertorial

Just recently, Enchanted Kingdom unveiled its newest ride:  the Disk-O-Magic! According to the Enchanted Kingdom website, “It is a one-of-a-kind spinning and rocking new family fun ride, the Disk-O-Magic.  This major breathtaking world-class family fun ride features new seats never seen in the country before.  Enchanted Kingdom promises park guests an exciting ride they will never forget.”

DiskO-Magic in the works

Though we were invited to try this ride even before it was unveiled to the public and even to the press, our busy schedules just did not permit us.  According to Enchanted Kingdom personnel, it’s like Anchor’s Away with a twist–LITERAL twists, that is!  Here is a video of how it might feel like riding it:

Looks like loads of fun, right?  Can’t wait to try it! [Read more...]

To Paradise Island Park & Beach Resort on Samal Island, that is.

Welcome to Paradise Island Park & Beach Resort!

For a long time, the word “beach” immediately conjures up the image of Paradise Island Resort in my mind.  See, in my grade school days, this was the Sales clan beach-go-to.  We went there for family reunions, my Auntie Esther’s birthday celebration, and even wala-lang moments.  I even convinced our sixth grade class adviser to have our overnight field trip there.  So when we went to Davao City last September to attend Alexis’ dedication (daughter my kababata Bubbles), it was the beach resort I suggested to Randy we go to.  I regaled Randy with stories of picking up starfish and lots and lots of seashells along the its white-sand seashore.  I realized I was excited to return to Paradise after 14 years. [Read more...]