The Philippines may be the center of marine diversity in the world, but ironically, the country doesn’t have an oceanarium to boast of, like the ones in Hong Kong, Singapore or Japan."Better late than never," remarked Robert Dean Barbers, Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) general manager, as the country is set to open its first world-class marine park in December.The Php1.2 -billion Manila Ocean Park, located behind the Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park in Manila, is the world’s first marine theme park to adopt a "fusion concept", housing an oceanarium, a mall, a boutique hotel and open marine habitats. "All over the world, people have been saying that our country is the center of marine biodiversity. This is the time to be proud and show the world what we have," Barbers said.The Biggest in AsiaManila Ocean Park president Lim Chee Yong proudly said that the marine park would be among the most advanced ocean parks in Asia. It could also well be one of the biggest in Asia with an area larger than the famous Sentosa oceanarium in Singapore."Sentosa is 6,000 square meters while this one is 8,000 square meters," Lim said. He also compared the Manila Ocean Park with Hong Kong Ocean Park adding that although it has lots of fun rides, "the Hong Kong Ocean Park showcases a smaller oceanarium." The Oceanarium will feature more than 20,000 marine inhabitants of approximately 300 species. And unlike other oceanariums in Asia, the Manila Ocean Park will be getting marine species from our own waters. "The park aims to combine education with entertainment," said Barbers. "One of the main thrusts of Manila Ocean Park is to promote awareness about marine conservation and preservation." A memorandum of agreement was signed recently by the Manila Ocean Park and the Department of Education (DepEd) to develop a comprehensive school program and an advocacy campaign dubbed "Love for Marine Life" to be included in the curriculum of students in Grade 3 and 4. "We expect some 1.5 million visitors to Manila Ocean Park in 2008," said Tina Santos, Manila Ocean Park marketing manager. A team of marine biologists and scientists has been working together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in putting together the various aquariums. She added that the park would not include protected and endangered species. On a daily basis, an appoximately 10,000 guests can be accommodated in the park. Aside from providing jobs to 2,000 Filipinos, the project would earn the government Php 20 million annually in rental fees. A Deeper ExperienceThe Manila Ocean Park’s Oceanarium promises a "deeper experience" as it features an assortment of colorful fishes and invertebrates indigenous to the Philippines and Southeast Asia contained in 12,000 cubic meters of seawater.The Oceanarium journey is divided into six sections and each section will carry a Filipino name: "Agos"; "Bahura"; "Buhay na Karagatan"; "Pating"; "Ang Kailaliman"; and "Laot". replicates the water flow from a fresh water source that eventually leads to the open ocean, creating a model of interconnectedness between land and sea. It then takes one through the different depths of the sea showcasing each area’s beautiful and natural inhabitants.Its main attraction is a 25-meter long, 220 degree curved acrylic walkway tunnel. Visitors will be exploring the secrets of the ocean and surrounded by such underwater wonders without actually getting wet.The Oceanarium also has a multi-purpose hall which will house interactive multi-media educational exhibits and capable of hosting various functions.After the journey, one can enjoy a sumptuous meal at "Tagpuan", an al fresco dining facility. Entrance fees will range between Php 200 (for students) to Php 400. Source:OceanParkmanilabay.com

On July 25, 1959, the Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden opened its doors to the public. It serves as one of the educational centers in the country where the viewing public can observe, discover and learn interesting facts about the beauty of Philippine fauna and flora.Manila Zoo has a land area of 5.5 hectares and has a current population of about 500 animals. There are 106 species, among which are 30 different kinds of mammals, 63 reptile species and 13 types of birds. In addition to popular zoo occupants such as elephant, tigers lions and the hippos, Manila Zoo also houses several endemic and indigenous species of animals like the bearcat, long-talied macaques and crocodiles.Located along Adriatico St., Manila, the Zoo also has canteens, souvenir shops, boating rentals at the lagoon and several playgrounds that cater to children and tourists.With a good mix of education and entertainment purposes, the Manila Zoo does its best to appeal to everyone.

Manipis Cave is located at Brgy Pandanan, Caramoan, Camarines Sur.  The cave got rich guano reserve. It is also rumored that General Yamashita hide his treasure inside the cave. No need to look any further - the cave is treasure in itself! Source:Lakbaypilipinas.comCaramoan-paradise.blogspot.com

It is an island towards the North Bais Bay in the Tañon Strait that emerges only during low tides. On the island you can find native wooden houses built on stilts – and which, during high tide, appears to be floating on the water. These cottages could be rented for overnight stays and can be booked at the Bais City Tourism Office. It is also a major stopover during dolphin and whale watching group tours organized by the Bais City Tourism Council. The boat is temporarily anchored so guests can picnic, swim, sunbathe, and laze around, snorkel or scuba dive in the waters surrounding the sand bar. This pristine 7-kilometer stretch of premium white sand can be accessed by a 15-minute boat ride from Capiñahan Wharf in the South Bais Bay, Bais City Negros Oriental.  Know more about Manjuyod White Sand Bar.

Manlalayes Lake & Guano Lake is locatedin Dolores, Quezon, Philippines.  These lakes are the main sources of fresh fish like tilapia, hito and dalag. Visitors can buy fresh fish at reasonable prices. Source:Tourism.qzn.ph

Manleluag Spring National Park is located Malabobo, Pangasinan, Philippines. Located about 7 kilometers uphill climb along the highway in Malabobo, Mangatarem, the forest park declared as a National Park in 1940 is suitable for special interest activities. Mangatarem is 178.47 kilometers away from Manila. With cottages and swimming pools. Source:Wowphilippines.com.ph

Mansion House is located in Baguio City, Philippines.  The imposing and majestic Baguio Mansion House has housed a long list of Filipino presidents and American governor-generals. It has an elegantly structured building and guesthouse. Its gate is patterned after that of London's Buckingham Palace. Source:Baguio.gov.ph

The Mantayupan Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls found in Cebu Province. With 5 pesos, one can see the majestic falls and even bathe in its waters. Recently, a cemented pathway has been added to the site to make walking easier. Source:My Cebu Photo Blog 

Three kilometers off the shore from Barangay San Roque, Mahinog is an island four hectares of evergreen forest fringed with sandy beach. The boat ride to Mantigue is quite exciting, as one has to contend with strong diverging currents due to the open sea. One side of the island is ideal for swimming as it is shallow and has few corals. The opposite side is a deep drop off ideal for snorkeling and diving. Source:Camiguin Island, Philippines -- Come as you are.

Mantunao Cave is a remote destination ideal for spelunking. How to get to Mantunao Cave Mantinao Cave is located in Cateel, Davao Oriental. Source:DENR Region XI