Las Farolas: Conserving freshwater biodiversity

MANILA, Philippines - Completing the four-part theme park at the heart of Frontera Verde in Pasig City, Las Farolas opened its doors to the public on April 25 following a grand celebration the day before. The quartet, composed of Ark Avilon, Fun Ranch, Tiendesitas and now Las Farolas, is the new must-go tourist destination in the metropolis.

Las Farolas, an oceanarium cum museum, was welcomed warmly by Moment Philippines Inc. president Henry Babiera’s associates, Ortigas family, animal fanciers, tour operators, friends and the media. 

Vice President Jejomar Binay, sent his greetings through Elenita Binay. Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez’s message was read by Cyntia Lazo,  director for Domestic Tourism Promotion of the Department of Tourism. Drusila Esther Bayate, OCI director for BFAR technical services, represented  Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and Reynaldo Dionisco, city administrator of Pasig represented Mayor Bobby Eusebio.

Lazo said that coinciding with Las Farolas’ opening is the recent reconstitution of the Marketing Development Group of the Department of Tourism which would further strengthen the message of the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” national brand.

“Las Farolas is one of those that could be in the niche product and service that could raise the number of arrivals as well as increase the awareness of our young generation about our national assets such as the freshwater fish and aquatic resources,” she said.

All speakers shared the same sentiments in congratulating its proponents, Henry Babiera and the late Don Rafael Ortigas, for their success in bringing together a first-of-its-kind ornamental freshwater fish museum. Las Farolas is the proponents’ expression of their dedication to save the environment. Coupled with exhibition, Las Farolas embarks on preservation, conservation and education.

Las Farolas only exhibits ornamental freshwater fish species that Babiera has collected over 12 years. “All species have been sourced from fish farms all over the world. All of them have been bred in captivity and not one was taken from the wild,” he said.

Las Farolas showcases both exotic and endemic freshwater species.

As part of the celebration, guests were treated to a tour of the facility.

Members and officers of Ornamental Freshwater Fish Breeders and Exporters Association of the Philippines Inc. were inducted by Elenita Binay.

During the first three hours of operations, Las Farolas offered free admission. Close to two thousand visitors flocked the facility to experience close encounters with the river monsters.

Families, student groups and visitors continue to gather at Las Farolas to quench their curiosity, see for themselves the monster-looking, bizarre, scary creatures from the freshwater habitat.

According to Bernie Repalbor, COO, “We break our record day-after-day (referring to the number of visitors).”

Las Farolas is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.