While phones and social media platforms are continuously giving us more reasons to explore augmented reality, games are constantly inviting us to experience different worlds with virtual reality (VR). You might have seen the movie Ready Player One and it’s no doubt that we’re rushing towards that type of future with VR sets on a whole new level, bringing users a one-of-a-kind experience. As early as now, you can try VR games while munching on your favorite food at The Garage -a newly opened VR Zone + Food Park at City of Dreams Manila!
Manila Millennial checked out the place for you during its opening last Sunday (October 14, 2018) and here are 5 notable things you can expect from The Garage:
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Immersive VR games you won’t usually find in the PH
Bandai Namco Amusement from Japan, one of the world’s leading video digital entertainment development companies, provided the virtual reality experience at the VR Zone. As of now, they have Mario Kart Arcade GP VR – a three-minute full visual experience of the Mario Kart universe race track while competing against other players in the venue, Ski Rodeo – a two-minute ski trip via a simulator that can give you a peek at what it’s like to slide down snowy slopes, and Hospital Escape Terror – a nine-minute immersive horror room game for thrill-seekers. More will be added soon, so keep visiting the zone for more updates.
Mario Kart Arcade GP VR
Hospital Escape Terror
Inside the Hospital Escape Terror pod
Ski Rodeo
Tickets are available on site. Single player ticket price is available at P450 nett; while packages are available for those playing in groups or pairs: P800 nett for two persons playing Ski Rodeo; P1, 200 per person for three activities; and P1, 600 nett for a group of four persons playing Hospital Escape Terror or Mario Kart GP VR.
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Total gastronomic galore
There are currently 10 food and beverage trucks and trailers in the area: Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, Katsu Sora, Pink’s Hotdog, Little Flour, El Chupacabra, Pizza Grigliata, Farmacy, Chocol8, The Roaster and Juiced. The casual dining experience is also enhanced with the sustainability drive of City of Dreams Manila: only eco-friendly, biodegradable and compostable plates, utensils and take-out bags are used at The Garage.
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka: A well-loved ramen place known for their mild, pearl-colored Tonkotsu soup which is carefully prepared by taking the time to simmer the pork bones before adding vegetables, dried fish, kelp and other special ingredients. This exceptional soup with thin-noodle ramen, and perfectly topped with mouthwatering slices of Char-siu pork and pickled plums is meant to be savored to the last spoonful.
El Chupacabra: A casual street taco bar serving a delectable array of Mexican-influenced dishes for lunch and dinner, as well as uniquely tweaked versions of popular local plates. Apart from Mexican-style street tacos, El Chupacabra is also known for burritos, enchiladas, and grilled chicken sticks.
Katsu Sora: For those who are into Japanese cuisine, this is the place to go for deep-fried pork cutlet from premium pork meat. The restaurant is known for serving dishes that use four kinds of world-class pork that are of the highest quality: Iberico, Kurobuta, Shimofuri, and Sakura.
Little Flour Café: Under the Wildflour Café + Bakery, Little Flour is known for its well-loved and locally-inspired Filipino rice bowls, delicacies and grilled items. Just like this Sisig Rice Bowl!
Pink’s Hot Dogs: Los Angeles’ most popular hot dog stand hailed as “the number one hot dog in America”. A staple in Hollywood since 1939, they’re known for their iconic “The Hollywood Legend,” which is a medley of Pink’s eponymous hotdogs with chili, cheddar cheese, mustard, and chopped onions, are sought after by everyone.
Pizza Grigliata: Your go-to place for hot, freshly-made artisanal pizza. Uniquely prepared, Pizza Grigliata’s pizzas are handmade from scratch everyday using thin crust dough topped with the freshest ingredients which are torched and grilled.
Farmacy Ice Cream: A trip back to the classic turn-of-the-century ice cream parlors. Satisfying the sweet tooth of guests, Farmacy is known for serving fresh homemade ice cream “the right way,” and for serving an extensive array of comforting treats such as milkshakes, sodas, coffee, and pastries. Head over to their ice cream truck.
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A mini collection + shop of all things chocolate!
Right across the VR Zone by the entrance is Chocol8 – a shop which features handcrafted chocolates in a number of shapes and forms, and are enhanced with special ingredients such as fruits, nuts, and spices.
They have giant versions of chocolates that are molded into different things – an ant, a chocolate miner, and more! We were able to try some of their treats and all we can say is that the price is definitely worth it!
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Picture-perfect spots and futuristic design
Cozy seats if you’re tired of the usual setup.
Picnic tables for those who come in groups.
Set in a 2,714-square meter cool and comfortable space located at the upper ground floor, The Garage stands out with its modern industrial interiors catering to a 563-seating capacity. Designed by award-winning Paris-based creative design agency, Malherbe Design in collaboration with Westar Architectural Interior Design, a group known for its strong sensitivity to contemporary design aesthetics, The Garage is further given life and vibrancy with graffiti works of two prominent names in the street art scene: Kookoo Ramos and DeeJae Paeste.
Ready Player One realness!
Don’t miss the graffiti and Tron-like atmosphere at the VR Zone and entrance. We had a great time taking photos while waiting for our turn to play.
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More reasons to drink to your heart’s desire
Other than soda and water, visitors can also grab a glass (or more) of juice, beer, cocktails, or even cups of coffee in the area.
For those into healthy concoctions, Juiced offers a variety of freshly squeezed smoothies, slushies, and juices daily; while The Roaster is the go-to outlet for an array of gourmet coffee creations made from freshly roasted Philippine beans. In keeping with the resort’s sustainability campaign, the beans are sourced from coffee growers and farmers in various communities supported by the Philippine Coffee Board, Inc. The bar at The Garage offers a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for guests to pair their choice of food from the trucks and trailers.
Juiced
The Roaster
The bar at The Garage
Visit The Garage at the Retail Strip, 2nd Floor of City of Dreams Manila (right across Dreamplay). It’s open daily from 10 AM to 2 AM. For more information, call (+63 2) 800-8080 or email guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.
Ready to go!
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