(SPOT.ph) When news broke that Nickelodeon—the network that airs Spongebob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer—and Coral World Park Undersea Resorts are planning to develop a new attraction in Coron, Palawan, the Internet did not take it sitting down. Environmental groups protested the “400-hectare undersea-themed resort” slated to open in 2020.
#CoronIsNotBikiniBottom pic.twitter.com/77jCJXnwKw
— ? (@xuanyiwus) January 11, 2017
Pati mga isda sa Bikini Bottom pinoprotesta ang relocation! #CoronIsNotBikiniBottom pic.twitter.com/i0FI4mTVLx
— MgaSirauLOLs (@MgaSirauLOLs) January 11, 2017
Viacom International Media Networks, Nickelodeon's parent company, explained that it “will also feature one-of-its-kind resort dining experience with Coral World Park’s (CWP) trademark underwater restaurants and lounges, which will be located about 20 feet below sea level with vivid views of the world beneath the ocean” in their press release. Expressing concern over the preservation of Coron’s ecosystem, local groups assert that Palawan is definitely not the place for Spongebob Squarepants’s pineapple home, or any part of Bikini Bottom, for that matter.
Pineapples are only for pizzas not under the sea. #CoronIsNotBikiniBottom
— Keesha (@JustKeesha_) January 11, 2017
Magagalit yung sea bear Bes. #CoronIsNotBikiniBottom
— Dr. Cheese @Broke af (@cheesecanimal) January 11, 2017
Others say this is all part of Mr. Krabs’s grand (and greedy) plan to expand Krusty Krabs.
Labas na mga Mr. Krabs na mukhang pera na gustong ipatayo ang theme park sa Palawan. #CoronIsNotBikiniBottom
— Prince Macaroon (@icesohandsome) January 12, 2017
In their defense, CWP released a second statement on January 11, saying that “there will be no theme park development in Palawan." They also claim that they “advocate ocean protection” and are keen on creating a “large scale reef conservation program.” Well, if you put it that way…
why not make coral reefs thrive in Pasig River?(I challenge coral world if you really want to raise awareness)Haha! #CoronIsNotBikiniBottom
— Sam Garcia (@ArcaneSiddharta) January 11, 2017
SA BERMUDA TRIANGLE NALANG KAYO MAGTAYO.#CoronIsNotBikiniBottom
— ETHAN (@xtianerlano) January 11, 2017
The Coral World Park website has artist renderings of the supposed resort's masterplan. The undersea-themed attraction has a restaurant “which can seat 100 guests comfortably, 20 feet below sea level” and can be converted into a function room or bedroom.
CWP also emphasizes that they are all “about identifying the right projects that will create the right impact, so as to ensure a long-term conservation of a place like Palawan.” A few believe this, probably workers at Krusty Krab, the Internet says.
May mga nagdefend pala sa underwater theme park sa Coron.
— ?tin (@joshuadunkirk) January 12, 2017
Plot twist: "works at Krusty Krab" nakalagay sa fb nila #CoronIsNotBikiniBottom
Fan daw siya ni Spongebob pero wagas makasupport sa Bikini Bottom in Coron. Bes mahiya ka kay Spongebob pinaglaban nya ang mga jellyfish :-(
— OTW To Mananghood (@claritaaah_) January 11, 2017
Other can’t help but say, enough is enough!
okay na po kami sa tagalog translation ng spongebob sa tv. tama na po ???? #CoronIsNotBikiniBottom
— Princes (@noelleces) January 11, 2017
To join the campaign, visit "No to Nickelodeon's Underwater Theme Park in Palawan."