CEBU. Once finished, the Cebu Ocean Park will house a 4,000 cubic-meter oceanarium, an amphitheater and a jungle trek. (Sun.Star Foto/Allan Defensor)

CONSTRUCTION of the Cebu Ocean Park has started on the vacant lot beside the San Pedro Calungsod Chapel near the SM Seaside City Cebu at the South Road Properties.
 
Operators of the theme park has leased the one-hectare property from SM.
 
SRP manager Roberto Varquez said the theme park will have a 4,000 cubic-meter oceanarium, or an underwater acrylic tunnel where people can see live marine animals like sharks and other fishes.
 
First of its kind
It will also have an amphitheater, where dolphin and sea lion shows will be held.
 
The facility will also showcase a jungle trek, where visitors can see different sea and land creatures.
 
Varquez said the Cebu Ocean Park will be the first of its kind in Visayas and in Mindanao.
“It’s really something new for Cebu. It will add up to Cebu’s destination and additional things to be done in Cebu. Hopefully, this can generate more tourist for us because we need to adapt things to see in Cebu,” Varquez said.
 
He said a Singapore-based firm, which runs the Manila Ocean Park that opened in 2008, is behind the project.
 
Another attraction
Aside from the theme park, SM is also interested in putting up a giant Ferris Wheel in its SRP property just like in its other big malls, such as the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City and Sky Ranch in Tagaytay City.
 
Varquez said developers did not disclose how much they’re spending for the theme park, but the structure and equipment alone is estimated to cost around P400 million.
 
The contractor has already started the pile driving for the buildings’ foundations.
 
Construction is expected to finish after 20 months, or before 2017 ends.
 
“Just before Christmas of next year, they will already open the Ocean Park, as targeted,” Varquez said.