COUNTING my many blessings, I would include the many years of traveling and bonding with my Dad and Mom when they were able. This spread over 20 years of annual journeys ending always in the West Coast where Daddy would have his yearly checkup and a force sabbatical we would impose on him being the consummate workaholic that he was.

I have been blest these immediate past years that I was able to do also likewise with my sons. We did some traveling to Disneyland and on some occasions to Hong Kong when they were in their pre-teens and teenage years. But now that they are full grown adults, traveling with them has found a whole new meaning from purely fun and leisure to a learning adventure -- but still coupled with the many ingredients of fun. Indeed, firsthand experience together is the best teacher and it is good to go and grow with our children whatever age.

View photos of anti-Charter change rally from around the country
For minute updates follow Sun.Star on Twitter

Hardworking Arcline Alcobilla did just that. Promising to bring his entire family on a trip, he did fulfill his dream and it was something that will be forever etched in the memory banks of his children.

Actually, the reason for my recent trip was really preparing Arcline’s trip however seeing that the rates have crushed because of the swine flu scare, I decided also to make the trip a family bonding!

Theme parks are always great for whatever age! Arcline and his brood (wife, Lilibeth, children Karen, Zelmarie, Arcline Joy) hit Disneyland on the first day while my kids and I went to Macau (as was written last Thursday.) But the next day Ocean Park! A destination for all ages and a great romance with nature especially with the treasures of the seas and the exciting rides!

At the Ocean Park, you can witness dolphins and sea lions at the Ocean Theatre. It is quite awesome to see these sea creatures respond to either English or Chinese. Such intelligent animals indeed. Or you can watch the sea lions as they play at Pacific Pier.

A trip to the Ocean Park is also learning about their natural behaviors and the importance of conserving the oceans, their natural habitats.

For me, the most awesome display is the massive variety at Sea Jelly Spectacular. We dread the brown-black ones we see at our sea shores but the jelly fishes we come into view at the Ocean Park are truly awesome.

There are so graceful as they dance through the waters of their aquarium. There is also the ancient aquatic wildlife at the Chinese Sturgeon Aquarium-Yangtze Exploration. They are believed to have lived even in the time of the dinosaurs. How truly educational and what a learning experience to share it with our children.

If its excitement you want, buckle up, because some of Ocean Park's fastest adrenaline-boosting rides await. Andre is a spoil sport when it comes to thrilling rides but since girlfriend Katy insisted, though white as sheet during the ride, he enjoyed hurtling down one slope at breakneck speed and to catch his breath just in time to be at the next edge. Arcline shared that ride with youngest daughter Arcline Joy-a cutie who always has a smile on her face!

This time around, they have introduced the very rare red pandas – they actually look like raccoons. As for my sons and me, the black and white at the Panda Adventure is still tops in Ocean Park. Always cheerful with nary a worry in the world, the day passes just eating eucalyptus leaves and sleeping. What a life! But that lazy preoccupation gives such joy to everyone looking at them!

Whether it is trying the amazing heart stopping rides, or marveling at the beauty if the different fishes or rays or dolphins, or learning about conservation of our seas and natural habitat of our brother creatures, Ocean Park affords so many joys and knowledge to every visitor. The only thing that is asked of us is to open our minds and our hearts and be like children again-innocent yet curious, cheerful, exploring, adventurous and being joyful of the beauty and love around us.

The trip which Arcline dreamed for his wife Lilibeth and their three daughters Karen, Zelmarie, Arcline Joy began to blossom into reality. It was not only to have a vacation together but also an opportunity to bond and enjoy and new things and adventures as a family. There is still more with Shanghai on the next stop!