Aqua Dining at Cebu Ocean Park: Eating with Stingrays?

Calling all Cebuanos 📢

This weekend, as in this Friday and Saturday (April 29 and 30, 2022), will be our last chance to experience this one-of-a-kind fine dining experience at 1,000 PhP (19.13 USD) per head! By next month, Cebu Ocean Park Aquadining will increase their price by 200 PhP (4 USD) because they will be changing their menu. This might be a minimal increase to some, but to the frugal me, it was enough reason to drive down south and book a table for two.

There is always a method to my madness, so before you judge me for this display of poor judgment, let me explain myself. I have been subjected to stress by my MBA academic requirements. It was @indayclara who made me realize my stressed-out aura and to address that, I called @brokemancode to say, "Let's go to Cebu Ocean Park!" So much for my methodic madness, right? 🤣

We went there last Sunday right after we attended mass at the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod at SRP, Cebu City. We inquired about their fine dining service to which they happily informed us that the aqua dining starts at 6 PM every weekend from Friday to Sunday. Seeing that we were too early for the night, @brokemancode and I went to do our weekend errands and booked a table for two to wait for the time to pass.

How to make a reservation?

We did an online reservation. We first headed to the Cebu Ocean Park FB Page and the chatbot directed us to their website. Just scroll down to the bottom of the site until you see the "Book Now" button.

_{screencap taken from copaquadining.com}

Just indicate your chosen date, number of courses and number of persons in your reservation. Payment can be done via the website too. The price per head will also vary with the number of courses. You can head on over to the website for more information.

Once the payment is confirmed, you will be getting an email with your confirmation number and receipt. That will be used to confirm your dinner reservation.

A Grand Entrance

It was my first time to visit the Ocean Park. The Park closes at 6 PM, by that time onwards, the Aquadining guests will have the place by themselves. Seeing the Park in the morning was quite a marvel in itself, with large water creatures coming up to greet you right before your very eyes. I would dare say that witnessing the park at night is quite another experience!

Right before we were greeted by sharks and fishes on the way to the dining area, the dramatic setup of lights on the tables and aquarium tanks made me want to kiss my stress "Goodbye!" 😘

During the day, this space is used to view the main tank of the park, hence, the seats for the audience. This space also serves as a dining area for the park goers come lunch time. At night, it turns into a perfect fine dining spot. Below was our front view. The fishes have not yet flocked to the tank since it was not yet their feeding time. That gave @brokemancode and I some time to take the whole experience in.

A Three-Course Meal

As I have eloquently explained 🤣, the main reason why we went here was because of the opportunity to experience this before they increased their prices. It was a major case of FOMO, I suppose 😁 But I'm glad that Fred had no objections, I think he enjoyed himself too.

_{COP Aqua Dining's Three Course Menu by Chef Paul}

As an unwritten rule, Fred had to order the dishes that I didn't so that we can taste all of what they had to offer. I had Cold Kombu Pasta for starter, Organic Chicken Confit for entree; Fred had the Tarte Fine and Pork Medaillions. For desert, we had their Caramelized White Chocolate Mousse.

_{A Toast to New Experiences}

While we were waiting to be served, the waiters kindly gave us a complimentary drink. Fred and I were debating whether it was alcoholic or not. He was for the former. Being the weakshit that I am, and because I haven't felt any buzz from the drink, I was for the latter. We didn't make a big deal out of it and just drank anyway 🤣 It was fruity and kinda sweet with notes of mango and citrus.

_{Tarte Fine}

_{Cold Kombu Pasta}

The waiters were really hospitable, the service was pleasant. When our appetizers arrived, I was kinda sad that the serving was small. Do not be deceived, however, these portions were filling! It was my first time to eat caviar in my life. I'm still unsure if I enjoyed it though 🤣

_{Pork Medaillions}

_{Organic Chicken Confit}

The Main Dishes also had a small serving, but similar to the appetizers, they were very filling as well! I almost didn't finish my chicken confit since Fred also made me try the pork medaillions. Our plan was effective! So, pro-tip: order different dishes so you can have a taste of most of their food!

_{Caramelized White Chocolate Mousse}

I was so full! Fred was able to finish the white chocolate mousse while I wasn't able to finish mine. See the white rolled long thing with a tinge of green at the end sitting slightly on top of the brown caramel? I don't know but it tasted like a flower. Have I exposed myself here? That I'm not really one to do fine dining? 🤣

_{Our Table Setting}

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I felt so lucky to have seen this up close

The chef also came by our table and asked if we enjoyed our meal. It was a gastronomic experience so I definitely did. I told Chef Paul that the serving deceived me. It appeared small, but I was so full! He then told us to enjoy the rest of our night. Of course, with this view, who wouldn't?

It was a lovely night. Fred and I enjoyed watching the fishes, the friendly stingrays, the gigantic groupers and the sharks so much. We were able to see them up close when it was feeding time. It was an experience that is one for the books for Fred and I.

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