EDUCATION CULTURE AND HERITAGE
Mindoro Ocean Heart
A new typology of tourism experience
Located in Puerto Galera, Philippines, the Mindoro Ocean Heart is a bold reimagining of what a visitor attraction can be — merging environmental education, community engagement, and immersive entertainment into a compelling new experience. Developed in partnership with Blue Finance, this experience master plan introduces a typology where purpose and play coexist seamlessly.
At the heart of the experience lies a deeply emotional and interactive journey into the underwater world of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Through a series of multisensory, photogenic spaces — such as the glowing Coral Reef Caves, the oversized Clam House, and the ethereal Jellyfish Bloom — visitors are immersed in the beauty and fragility of Mindoro’s marine ecosystems. A highlight is the Magic Bangka Ride, a dynamic AV show that simulates an underwater journey aboard a traditional Filipino boat, telling the story of MPAs through animation, sound, and storytelling.
The site-wide design strategy ensures that every visitor, from local families to international tourists, can engage on their own terms — whether through interactive Ocean Heart Points that deliver layered educational content, or via family-friendly activities like the Marine Challenge MiniGolf, where each hole symbolically represents an ocean threat such as coral bleaching or plastic pollution.
Crucially, the experience doesn’t stop at awareness — it culminates in action. Visitors are invited to make personal pledges at designated Ocean Heart Points, committing to concrete behaviors such as choosing sustainable seafood. These pledges are digitally recorded, allowing for long-term engagement beyond the visit.
The architecture itself acts as a frame for the ocean — including a heart-shaped photo frame at the edge of the jetty — reinforcing the theme of love for the sea. Every element, from the locally sourced retail offering to the café overlooking the water, contributes to a model where tourism supports both environmental protection and community livelihoods.
Mindoro Ocean Heart sets a benchmark for regenerative tourism. It exemplifies how spatial storytelling, emotional design, and behavioral science can combine to transform leisure into legacy — inviting visitors not just to observe, but to identify, care, and act.
