The evolution of play and games is curious – there was once a time when kids would have to physically leave their homes and seek playmates to have fun.

Then came the family computer and later, the gaming consoles, and it suddenly became the in-thing to stay in front of a screen for hours on end. Those two worlds – which many presume to be in opposition of each other – come together with the newest (or at least more democratized) gaming craze: virtual reality.

While the tech has been slow to arrive on Philippine shores, a few establishments have committed to the revolution – Virtual PH is one of them.

It can be easy to miss Virtual PH, even if it’s been open for several months. First, it’s located at the Ayala Malls Feliz in Pasig City (closer to Marikina). The store facade doesn’t really clamor for your attention – which is a shame because really, the features inside should.

Virtual PH is the result of co-founder and president Vijay Aidasani’s careful curation of the best hardware and software from around the world. Talking to Rappler ahead of its grand launch, Vijay said gaming had always been an interest. Virtual gaming, in particular, “fascinated” him.

The space is pretty straight forward – Vijay likes to divide them into 3 “zones.”

Up front are the less intimidating rides – a motor racing (think racing), kart (think, a very popular Nintendo game), Eagle Flight (think Iron Man), and Star Twin simulators (think roller coaster and sometimes first-person shooter).

Tucked in a tiny corner to the right is a minimalist set-up for a VR version of your favorite dancing game – think Dance Dance Revolution on steroids.

Deeper inside Virtual PH, it get’s a little more interesting with the KAT WALK VR, an omni directional treadmill that allows players to walk, run and even crouch around virtually inside a game.

If you’re into shooting, zombie, or RPG games, this one’s for you.

To the right are 3 rooms that house the VR escape rooms. So far, there are 3 to choose from – Mind Horror if you’re into spooks, Cosmos to travel around the galaxy, and Crazy Clockwork: Alice in the Wonderland Stories if you’re into a more cartoon-y experience.

The whole experience, while not cheap, is definitely worth it – there’s something refreshing about breaking an actual sweat. It’s also very immersive. That said, if you’re especially prone to motion sickness, you might want to come prepared. – Rappler.com

Virtual PH is located at the 5th floor of Ayala Malls Felliz along Marcos Highway in Barangay Dela Paz, Pasig City