MANILA, Philippines – Love history? Love tech? You’ll love your next trip to the Ayala Museum then, where the country’s first-ever diorama-turned-VR 360º experience awaits the curious and eager learner.

Gone are the days where historical dioramas are only static; this year, the four major historical turning points that led to our nation’s independence – the Cry of Pugad Lawin, the Tejeros Convention, the Trial and Execution of Andres Bonifacio, and the Declaration of Philippine Independence – have now been merged and created into a live-action feature film featuring historical icons Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Aguinaldo themselves.

The fully-immersive 360º film runs for 10 minutes and is experienced through a pair of VR goggles provided by I AM Cardboard, one of the project’s partners.

The dramatization of history by experienced actors, viewed through a first-person perspective, will make anyone feel like they’ve actually time-traveled to the past.

The dialogue also comes in both English and Filipino, which you can decide on before you begin your VR journey.

Another cool part about the experience is its “Choose-Your-Own-Adventure” aspect.

At one point in the film, you can choose which diverging path to independence you wish to witness: Bonifacio’s or Aguinaldo’s, and the complex truth behind each one. 

“Like a fly on the wall, we are privy to the backstory of the complex road to independence where all is not what it seems. That’s what great about VR immersive technology. It heightens empathy,” said Mariles Gustilo, director of Ayala Museum.

The beauty of revolutionizing the traditional museum experience into an innovative, engaging digital adventure is that it’s able to cater better to the younger target market, which whom they wish to start better conversations with. As renowned historian Ambeth Ocampo mentioned, “History does not repeat itself. We do.”

“Through the virtual reality experience, we encourage people to journey back in time, revisit our roots as a country, and learn lessons from the past that are still relevant to the present,” Ayala Foundation president Rule T. Maranan said.

It’s a super cool way to delve deep into our rich past while amping up your typical museum tours and field trips.

“The Diorama Virtual Reality Experience: Emergence of the Filipino Nation” will be at the Ayala Museum starting Tuesday, September 25, 2018. – Rappler.com

Ayala Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9-6 PM, located at Avenue corner Dela Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati City. Admission rates apply. For more information, you may visit the Ayala Museum website.