My First Fish Spa Experience

Fish Spa

On November 29, 2009, Mhe-Anne invited me to meet Ha Ngo, a Vietnamese friend of our mission mate Darin. As Ha was set to fly back home to Ho Chi Minh City on November 30 after a 3-year stint in a non-governmental organization in Las Pinas City, Mhe-anne thought of inviting her out for fun. She asked me to join her as it has also been awhile since we hang out together. Mhe-anne fetched me along Buendia Avenue and we headed to the Ocean Park.

We met Ha at the park. We first ate lunch at Inasal Resto and then we proceeded to the Ocean Park. The Fish Spa is located at the topmost floor of the Ocean Park. We have visited the Oceanarium before so we went straight to the spa. 

We took pictures while finding our way to the fish spa.

Upon reaching the place, we paid the P120 entrance and we were each given a small blue towel to wipe our feet with after. There are two pools - one with smaller fish and one with bigger fish. We chose the latter. Mhe-ann and Ha immediately took of their footwear and dipped their feet in the pool. I also took off my slippers and sat on the poolside. Mhe-Anne and Ha started laughing.  Infected by their gaiety, I too began laughing at the thought of how ticklish it would be.

I could not plunge my feet in the water because I could feel the tingling feeling. It was a quite awhile before I finally decided to try. I did squeal embarrassingly loudly when I first dipped my feet in. The fishes began to swarm around my feet. As they began to nibble, I burst into laughter while shifting and lifting my feet around and out the water. We were continuously laughing and giggling for about ten minutes because it was so ticklish! 

After a while, the tingling sensation subsided and we enjoyed the fish nibbling.  The nibbling does not hurt at all. It is just a bit of "pins and needles" feeling. When our 20-minute time was up, we felt a clean, smooth and light-feeling soles and feet. 

According to the posters at the Fish Spa, this fish species are found in the river basins of China, Turkey, and the Middle East. Back in 1917, an unknown shepherd soaked his wounded leg into the river. These little fishes measuring a little less than four inches nibbled off the dead skin. The wound quickly healed and the story of the healing waters spread. 

Visit Doctor fish and be treated to a unique and truly fun experience. Relaxing and addictive, the Fish Spa is really something you should experience at least once. 

Fish Spa Admission: 

P120.00 per head
2 feet and below free of charge

Monday and Tuesday

10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Last selling of tickets at 6:30 PM

Wednesday to Friday

10:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Last selling of tickets at 8:00 PM

Saturday, Sunday and Holidays

9:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Last selling of tickets at 8:00 PM

Location:

Manila Ocean Park
Behind the Quirino Grandstand
Luneta, Manila, Philippines

Reservations and Bookings

Tel. No. 567-7777 local 118 and 119
reservations@manilaoceanpark.com

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Remembering Heroes at the Manila American Cemetery

Since we have no dead relatives to visit on All Saints Day (November 1, 2008) in Metro Manila, Ruby, Jennifer, Rose and I decided to go to Manila American Cemetery. On board a taxi, we tracked the way to Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila and traveled back to history.

The Manila American Cemetery is the largest of the 24 cemeteries built and administered by the American Battle Monuments Commission. It spans 152 acres and contains 17,206 graves of military men (16,636 Americans and 570 Filipinos) who died in operation in New Guinea and Philippines during the World War II. The marble headstones (quarried from Lasa or Carrara, Italy and Roblon, Philippines) are aligned in 11 plots forming a circular pattern. A bronze Rosette marks the names of those subsequently found. 3,660 headstones mark the graves of 3,774 "unknowns".

A tall memorial chapel with sculpture in front and religious mosaic inside stands near the center of the cemetery. 

Fronting the chapel are two large hemicycles which contain the "Walls of the Missing". On the Walls of the Missing are inscribed the names of 32,520 Americans and 3762 Filipinos whose remains were never recovered or not identified.

Carved in the floors are the seals of the American states and its territories. 

At the end of the hemicycle are map rooms which contain 25 mosaic maps depicting the achievements of the American armed forces in the Pacific, China, India and Burma.

Just inside the main gate is the Visitor's Building which contain the Superintendent's office, toilet facilities and a furnished room where visitors may obtain information, sign the register and relax.

Some fun memories:

Visiting the Manila American Cemetery is a sobering experience. I am glad for the chance to see the resting place of those persons who died in protecting the freedom I am now enjoying. Just as the inscription in the memorial states:

LET US HERE RESOLVE THAT

THE CAUSE FOR WHICH THEY DIED SHALL LIVE

Visiting Hours:

9 am to 5 pm daily except December 25 and January 1

How to Get There

Manila American Cemetery is located in Fort Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila. You can reach the place by taxi via EDSA to McKinley Road then to McKinley Parkway inside the Global City. (GPS Coordinates: N14 32.483 E121 03.008)

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Ice Skating Adventure

I have always wanted to try ice skating. So when Mhe-anne gave me 20 free tickets to the SM Mall of Asia Ice Skating Rink, I excitedly told my friends about it. Everyone reserved one ticket but only Ruby, Ann and I confirmed at the last minute. Determined to skate, the three of us met at the Mall of Asia on December 2007. We found out, however, that tickets were only good for an hour. As surely we would not fully enjoy it, we bought unlimited tickets for P380.00 each. We got our skates and deposited our things. We then proceeded to the rink and started our ice skating adventure.

Ruby has tried ice skating before so she never had a hard time finding her way to the ice floor. Ann is good at roller blading. She too easily learned to adjust on the floor. 

I have tried roller blading during my college days but ice skating is different. The floor is very slippery and the skates are very heavy. The thought that I will get hurt of it added to my trepidation. I almost slipped on my third step on the floor. Thanks to Ann who immediately hold me. Not long, I learned the way to do it. I was able to glide a short distance away. But only at the side where I can easily grab a hold. Before lunch, I fairly skated on my own.

We took lunch at the nearby food court. We rested for a while and then we headed back to the rink.

I managed to skate farther and faster through the coaching of Ann and Ruby. I still remember Ruby's cheer, "Kaya mo yan, Ate Arlene!" We glide individually and hand in hand around the rink. I like it best when Ann and I would skate together. At times when I would lost my balance, her grip would take me back into control. Did I fall? Sure I did, but it was part of the fun. 


Ruby left us at 3:00 in the afternoon as she had some appointment. Ann and I stayed through the rest of the afternoon. We went out of the rink at 6:00 in the evening tired and with heavy legs and feet. But the fun and enjoyment we had was all worthwhile. The glide, the feel of the air passing through you and the sight of the distance you have made to skate brings some kind of satisfaction and achievement. You will love it!

Surely you have watched ice skating on TV, movie or at the skating rink in the mall. Why just watch it? EXPERIENCE IT! Dare to skate and have fun with your family and friends. Skate at the olympic-size ice rink of the SM Mall of Asia.

Rates:

Unlimited Weekdays: P300.00

Unlimited Weekends/Holidays: P390.00

SM Advantage Card: P200.00/hour

Locker: P30.00

For more details, visit: http://www.smiceskating.com

Reminders:

1. Wear a long-sleeved shirt and layer it with a sweatshirt or jacket. You can bring shawl if you want. It's cold out there!

2. Combine your shirt with a comfortable pants or jeans

2. Bring a pair of socks and gloves

How to tie your ice skates:

by Writetown

You might be tempted to tie your ice skates as tightly as possible, all of the way from the bottom to the top of the skate. You shouldn't do this... because it will just make your feet hurt and make it much more difficult to skate. It is best to tie your skates fairly loosely at the bottom part. The laces should be snug but not too tight from the toe of the skate to the ankle. In the middle part of the skate, at the ankle, it's a good idea to pull the laces tight. This will give your ankles the support they need to hold you up while you are skating. Above the ankle, it is best to tie the laces loosely again. Actually, the very top part of the skate should be the loosest part. This way, it will be much easier for you to bend your knees... and that is very important in ice skating.

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Hundred Islands

Tired of the hustle and bustle of city life? Head up to The Hundred Islands!


Breathe in the fresh sea air as you roll your eyes
on one of the natural wonders of the world.

Bathe under the sun on the white sand beach and dip yourself into the blue-green water.

Snorkel or scuba dive to view
giant clamps and coral reefs.

                                                    Go on fun-fishing, kayaking, jet skiing,
                                                    para-sailing and banana boat riding.

Take a hop down the islands, climb hills, and explore natural caves.

Experience a different kind of adventure.....

The Hundred Islands National Park consists of 123 islands and islets (124 at low tide) stretching 18.44 square kilometers off the coast of Lucap, Alaminos City, Pangasinan. The islands are ancient corals in the seabead of an ancient sea. They are believed to be approximately 2 million years old.

How to get there

Access to the islands is very simple. Just take a public bus to Alaminos City. Public bus lines like Victory Liner, Five Star and Philippine Rabbit have scheduled rides from Manila (5-6 hours trip), Baguio, Dagupan, Subic, Tarlac, and Zambales bound to Alaminos City and vice-versa. In Alaminos terminal, hire a tricycle to take you to Lucap wharf (10-15 minutes ride). There you will find boats bound for the islands. But first, go to the Park Center to register and pay a fee of P50.00.

Must visit islands


1. Governor’s Island - The largest island in the park. Has a small cave that is home to the bats and swiftlets. Has a hill where you can take the best view of the islands. Has huts and a guesthouse (Pinoy Big Brother house) where you can stay overnight. The PBB house has 2 bedrooms, living room, dining room, comfort room/bath and kitchen. Ceiling fans, dining and cooking utensils and equipment are provided for.


2. Childrens' Island - So-called because the waters near the beach are shallow enough for little kids to swim. Ideal for family activities. Offers screened bedrooms for budget travelers to stay overnight. There is a common area for dining, cooking, toilet and bath. A drum of fresh water and linen is provided for. Kerosene lamp is used after midnight.


3. Quezon Island - there are two dining pavilions, grilling areas, cottages, nipa huts, and restrooms. Snorkel or dive in the island's water to see corals and giant clamps.

4. Marcos Island – named after Pres. Ferdinand Marcos. Has three mounds, a helipad and sculpted mermaid statues. Has a shaft of rock where you can dive into the water. Has a cave named after Marcos' wife, Imelda.


5. Devil's Island – beautiful island with a nice white sand beach. Here you can own a little piece of paradise.


6. Martha Island – consists of two tiny islets connected by a thin strip of bright white sand that almost disappears during high tide


7. Century Island – has a huge domed cave which is a haven of rock formation


8. Milagrosa Island – located at the southernmost part of the park. Has a cave which is accessible only during lowtide. See formation of stalagmites and stalactites.


9. Scout Island – has a diving spot and a fine-sand beach


10. Monkey Island – so named because of the monkeys that can be sighted


11. Shell Island - waves crash gently at the middle of this broken island.


12. Cuenco Island - has a cave which passes through the other side of the island


13. Quirino, Romulo, Sison, Lopez, Old Scout Islands

Caves to explore:

Simmimbahan, Alama, Nalsoc, Quirino, Century, Imelda, Cathedral, Virgin, Cuenco

Fun activities

Island Hopping, Swimming, Snorkeling, Spelunking, Fun-fishing, Parasailing, Sun Bathing, Jet Skiing, Kayaking, Diving, Banana boat riding, Birdwatching, Camping

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