Las Farolas for tourists, foreign guests

MANILA, Philippines - Tourists and foreign guests after visiting the country’s world-class resorts and beaches, centuries-old churches, historical and cultural landmarks, and feast their eyes on beautiful sceneries and natural attractions, can shop in Metro Manila and visit some other attractions.

Las Farolas fish world complex on Frontera Verde beside Tiendesitas in Ortigas Ave. in Pasig City has been capturing every tourist’s fancy by offering a one-of-a-kind experience.

Bernie Repalbor, Las Farolas COO, says Las Farolas is a totally different adventure. It showcases rare and monstrous species from the freshwater habitat. “Although the ‘river monsters’ are not entirely endemic, as most of them have been acquired from breeding farms overseas, Las Farolas is a testament to what is 100 percent Filipino because the concept and design reflect much of the Philippines in terms of history, culture and heritage.”

Tourists who are fish hobbyists can get the best value for their money for fish items and aquarium accessories from the stores within the sprawling Las Farolas.

Repalbor says storeowners can advice to ornamental freshwater fish hobbyists on the proper care and handling of these fishes such as feeding, health and water parameters. At the same time, founding members of the Ornamental Freshwater Fish Breeders and Exporters Association of the Philippine (OFBEAP) can encourage hobbyists to support OFBEAP’s advocacy towards preservation of endemic freshwater species before they get extinct. Henry Babiera, OFBEAP president and president/CEO of Moment Philippines which operates Las Farolas, said OFBEAP which was founded last year, is working closely with the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources towards the preservation and conservation of endemic freshwater species through research, breeding and growing out facility and the prevention of their extinction.

“OFBEAP will also vigorously exert its efforts to help the local freshwater fish breeders and exporters industry raise their products in commercial quantity that would be available to some parts of the world where there is a large market. It’s about time that the Philippines should get a slice of this multimillion-dollar industry which thrives in neighboring countries like China, Thailand and Indonesia,” Babiera said.