MANILA, Philippines - News of an Australian billionaire unveiling plans of a new cruise ship that faithfully follows the design of the legendary RMS Titanic sent Filipino netizens abuzz early Thursday.
Along with curious inquiries of the rest of the online community, Twitter posts from local users expressed some fear to see a resurrection of the "ship of dreams" which sank in the Atlantic Ocean in 1912.
"I wouldn't ride Titanic II's maiden voyage even if they pay me," blogger Tessa Llido posted on Twitter. Others had similar opinions.
Parang katakot naman sumakay dun sa Titanic II. Feeling mo di ka na makakababa ng buhay dun. Lol.
— karmic rich (@KarmicRich) February 27, 2013
OMG, THEY'RE BUILDING A TITANIC II !!! It'll be set to sail in 2016. Best news I've heard all year! But what if it sinks too?
— AilaMarie (@AilaMarie_20) February 27, 2013
Mining tycoon Clive Palmer, the main investor for the construction of the ship, said he is confident that the Titanic II will be a "real financial bonanza" with heavy demand that might even cause the building of a Titanic III. (Read related story: Builder says plan for new Titanic draws interest)
Many also reacted amusingly to news of the upcoming luxury liner, expected to set sail in 2016 and will bank on the box office success of the 1997 film starring American actor Leonardo di Caprio as shipwreck victim Jack.
Regarding Titanic II, yes, please make doors twice as big as from the first one for Jack Dawson :)
— Arden Cannes (@ardenkhan) February 27, 2013
Titanic II ? Hmm no thanks. #creeepy I would only go if I was promised to fall in love with Leonardo Dicaprio. AND he lived & never let go.
— kaycee (@imkrislynsy) February 27, 2013
To those who are wondering whether there will be wireless Internet connection aboard, Palmer said passengers will not even find a television set there just like in the original vessel which ended the lives of 1,500 people due to a collision.
Titanic II will be built by Chinese company CSC Jinling Shipyard for an undisclosed amount.