During the weekend our team was invited by the City of Dreams Manila to test their newest VR experience in the Garage VR Zone. Here we played their newest virtual reality shooting experience "VR Swarm Shooting Galaga Fever" and the “Winged Bicycle VR Game” which was produced by the Bandai Namco Amusement. We also get to test existing VR titles like Mario Kart Arcade GP VR, Ski Rodeo and the horror experience Hospital Escape Terror. So in this article will discuss and share our experience on what to expect on the City of Dreams Garage VR Zone.
First off the City of Dreams Manila is located in Paranaque, so inside the venue is an allocated 2,714-square meter space for their “Garage VR Zone” as well as the food park. The food park includes variety of options like coffee shops, and even bars. Also the VR Zone boasts the new generation of entertainment which is operated by the Bandai Namco Amusement. The experience is a combination of the HTC Vive’s VR System and other proprietary technology for immersion. Speaking of immersion the rides even have wind elements making things more realistic once you put the VR headsets on.
Now let's talk about each rides
One of the new attractions is the VR Swarm Shooting Galaga Fever, although it shares name and title with the retro Galaga game the gameplay is vastly different as the experience for this VR games is now an FPS. And since its an FPS you are now equipped with guns which randomly changes per stage. The game requires teamwork to fend of invading aliens and defend the bridge. Although there is no character HP, players can still die from enemy lasers, falling of from ridges or failing to defend the bridge
The second new game is the Winged Bicycle, a thrilling yet exhausting VR experience as the game has litteral bike for you to pedal through. So in order to gain altitude you will need to pedal away. But the game itself is simple though as you just have to traverse on your winged bicycle. You can go down by pulling down the bike handle or push forward to move. Also., Its recommended to glide to avoid exhaustion. And something to note this VR game is not meant for people who are scared of heights or some kind of vertigo
The Garage Zone also has a Nintendo game specifically the Mario Kart Arcade GP VR. If you played mario kart this will be very familiar however you will now be inside the driving seat, actually there is a literal kart for you to seat which adds to the immersion. Oh did we mention this karts also vibrate and as you gain speed you will literally feel a breeze. Like the nintendo Mario Kart games you can pickup power ups and throw to your enemy VR players.
So it can be very competitive at times
Now if you like game Steep there is the Ski Rode, the game has specialized sensory machine that creates a shockingly real experience with the response of the skis and intense vibration. Game mechanic is simple you have to Ski down the sharp slopes of the vast snowy mountain with sheer drops at tremendous speed! There are several different routes that will take you to the goal.
So you have to aim to reach it as fast as you can, however you have to be weary of the surroundings or its game over
Last but not the least is the Hospital Escape Terror, In our opinion this is the best cooperative game with friends. The players will be seated on a wheelchair in this haunted hospital in which you have to escape with your friends. You will be randomly attacked by the inhabitants so be sure to coordinate with your teammates to fend them off using the flash light. Two to four people can take part at the same time, The game style is similar to Silent Hill so please be warned that there are violent scenes and grotesque expressions included in the experience.
So those are the VR games in the City of Dreams Garage Zone, from our experience the staff is very accommodating giving players a welcoming atmosphere. They also provide masks to avoid unnecessary contact so wearing the VR headsets hygienic.
However in order to enjoy this VR experience it comes with a price as its a tad bit expensive for the Philippine market. There is also currently only 5 vr games however according the management there are more to come, In Fact there is a construction on going as they will add more VR titles to experience. So this is our take, what do you think, Let us know in the comments!
Bring the whole barkada and experience in VR the iconic games of your childhood like Galaga and Mario Kart, along with other Bandai Namco exclusive games at The Garage City of Dreams!
Present my code #5VRFREEFCPC and get a FREE Family Computer for a single receipt minimum 5 VR ticket purchase!
Promo runs starting May 15, 2019 and valid for the first 100 Family Computer redemptions only.
The Garage FAQ
Location Upper Ground Floor
Size 2,714 SQM
Description
A VR Zone and food park set in a modern industrial-inspired and air-conditioned space. The VR Zone features a new generation entertainment facility produced by a leading Japanese video game development company, Bandai Namco Amusement. This VR Zone is complemented by a set of carefully curated food and beverage trucks and trailers.
Operating Hours
Design
Modern industrial interiors by Malherbe Design in collaboration with Westar Architectural Interior Design; and graffiti artworks by Kookoo Ramos and Deejae Paeste
Entrance Free
VR activities
Ticket Prices at the VR Zone
The Garage is open for all ages; however, guests under the age of 7 years old must have parental consent to experience certain VR activities. Moreover, some activities may not be experienced by children below 13 years old regardless of parental consent.
Menu
El Chupacabra, Farmacy, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, Katsu Sora, Little Flour, Pink’s Hotdog, and Pizza Grigliata
The Chip Shoppe, Chocol8, Juiced, and The Roaster by City of Dreams Manila
Service Casual
Here are some press release notes
CITY OF DREAMS MANILA OPENS A VR ZONE AND FOOD PARK The Garage: A First of its kind in the Philippines
October 9, 2018 – City of Dreams Manila is changing the landscape of entertainment and dining as it unveils The Garage at 5 PM on October 14.The new attraction is a VR Zone and food park that enables guests to delve into the immersive experience of virtual reality entertainment and delight in a wide range of casual dining choices from the carefully curated selection of food and beverage trucks and trailers set in a comfortable, air-conditioned space.
Bandai Namco Amusement from Japan, one of the world’s leading video digital entertainment development companies, provides the virtual reality experience at the VR Zone.
“The Garage is City of Dreams Manila’s latest attraction featuring unique entertainment activities in partnership with Bandai Namco Amusement. With their creativity and cutting-edge technology, we are honored and delighted to partner with them, and together blaze a trail in delivering extraordinary entertainment experiences that go beyond gaming and recreation in the Philippines,” Kevin Benning, City of Dreams Manila’s Chief Operating Officer said.
The virtual reality experience provided by a leader in video digital entertainment development is complemented by quality food and drink choices offered by 10 of the hippest and contemporary food and beverage partners including the resort’s own talented staff. This concept, curated all in one place, makes The Garage a first of its kind in the country -- “setting us apart from the rest,” adds Benning.
“Bandai Namco Amusement is honored to partner with luxury integrated resort City of Dreams Manila and bring to this exciting destination our first VR Zone entertainment facility in Southeast Asia. We hope to bring outside of Japan an immersive, multi-sensory and fun activities to Filipinos and foreign guests with our unique VR activities at The Garage,” Kunihisa Yagisita, Bandai Namco’s General Manager stated.
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.
Game of a lifetime
The Garage’s VR Zone features a new generation entertainment facility that offers an exhilarating and startling experience with top-of-class VR technology.
One of the exciting activities at the VR Zone is the famed Mario Kart Arcade GP VR, which was developed by Bandai Namco Amusement under license from Nintendo. The three-minute Mario Kart Arcade GP VR enables one to choose to play as one of the characters: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, or Yoshi; step right into the action-packed world of Mario Kart universe; and race until the finish line through a course filled with traps such as giant Piranha Plants and Thwomps or large stone creatures that attempt to crush the players. This highly sought-after game can be played by up to four persons and is open to enthusiasts 13 years old and above.
For those seeking a different kind of thrill, the Hospital Escape Terror, which can be played by up to four participants, is described as a ‘horrifying experience unlike ever before’. This immersive horror room game is open to thrill-seekers ages 13 years old and above. Hospital Escape Terror’s players have the goal to escape and survive altogether the dark, cursed, and abandoned hospital within nine minutes while being restrained on a wheel chair.
The two-minute Ski Rodeo on the other hand, is a steep downhill ski simulator that lets a player ski a vast snowy mountain course with sharp slopes and steep drops at an immense speed with the goal to finish at the fastest time possible or within the allotted time. This heart-dropping game, which can be played in pairs, is open to individuals with a height of 140 cm and up.
Gastronomic Galore
Going hand in hand with the one-of-a-kind entertainment experience, The Garage’s VR Zone is offering a selection of 10 food and beverage trucks and trailers: 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.
Hailing from Japan, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka’s well-loved ramen is characterized by its 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.
Another food truck specializing in Japanese cuisine is Katsu Sora. A household name in the metro for good tonkatsu or Japanese deep-fried pork cutlet, Katsu Sora’s secret to their naturally tender, marbled, and flavorful tonkatsu is the use of only 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. Their Iberico and Kurobuta Tonkatsu sets are served with their famed Juugokokumai rice, a premium rice blend that includes white rice, corn, barley, millet, sesame seeds, and black beans.
Los Angeles’ most popular hot dog stand, Pink’s Hot Dogs has been hailed by multiple publications as the number one hot dog in America. A staple in Hollywood since 1939, their lip-smacking hot dogs especially the 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. This legend continues in Manila since opening their first store in 2016, and is offered together with other American favorites such as burgers, fries, nachos, and more.
Little Flour Café by the highly successful Wildflour Café + Bakery, is known for its well-loved and locally-inspired Filipino rice bowls, delicacies and grilled items.
El Chupacabra is 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.
Pizza Grigliata serves nothing but hot, freshly-made artisanal pizza to deliver a different kind of pizza experience that stands out from the rest. 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 takes us back to the time of 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.
Alongside the well-curated food and beverage outlets at The Garage are City of Dreams Manila’s own exceptional outlets: Chocol8, Juiced and The Roaster.
Chocol8 features handcrafted chocolates in a number of shapes and forms, and are enhanced with special ingredients such as fruits, nuts, and spices.
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.
The Garage is open daily from 10 AM to 2 AM.
VIRTUAL REALITY GALAGA FEVER DEBUTS AT THE GARAGE IN CITY OF DREAMS MANILA
March 28, 2019 – City of Dreams Manila launches “VR Swarm Shooting Galaga Fever,” a virtual reality shooting experience as its latest VR Zone activity produced by Japan’s Bandai Namco Amusement Inc., one of the world’s leading video digital entertainment development companies. The newest activity at The Garage VR Zone, which is situated at the walkway of The Shops at the Boulevard at the upper ground, leading to The Garage VR Zone and food park is now available.
Celebrating its 38th anniversary, “Galaga” is considered a classic video game masterpiece and one of the most popular arcade video games since it was first released in the 1980s. Taking on a new and exhilarating format as “VR Swarm Shooting Galaga Fever,” the game is set to deliver an action-packed, multi-sensory, and startling hyper-realistic experience through the top-of-class VR technology of Bandai Namco group.
“We are committed to provide compelling attractions for families and friends of different generations, so that they can all come together to The Garage and share a fun, memorable, and elevated virtual reality experience with the introduction of “VR Swarm Shooting Galaga Fever” and other VR activities. It’s an honor for City of Dreams Manila to strengthen its partnership with Bandai Namco Amusement Inc. to continue to raise the standard of innovative and state of the art entertainment,” COD Manila Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President Kevin Benning stated.
Up to two participants can play the latest VR attraction. Players will be provided with VR goggles and a VR gun, as they play atop an elevator that will take them 150 meters into the atmosphere, where they have to shoot down as many swarming alien attackers from Galaga as they can. The battle ends if the elevator crashes down or if the players fail to evade and be hit even once by the Giant Galaga’s beam.
The Garage also features another new thrilling VR experience, the Winged Bicycle. The two VR experiences by Bandai Namco group are the latest addition to The Garage’s popular VR activities: Mario Kart Arcade GP VR, Ski Rodeo and Hospital Escape Terror.
Winged Bicycle, which can be played by up to four individuals, enables players to experience the thrill of flight through riding the pedal-powered Winged Bicycle. Players have to pedal with their legs, and fly over soaring mountain surfaces, plunge through waterfalls, and dodge rocky cliffs along the way in order to reach the floating castle within a certain time limit to win.
VR enthusiasts and their families and friends also get to enjoy The Garage’s gastronomic offerings at its food park, comprised of carefully curated food trucks and trailers: Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, Katsu Sora, Pink’s Hotdog, Little Flour, El Chupacabra, Pizza Grigliata, Farmacy, Chocol8, The Roaster, and Juiced.
The Garage VR Zone and food park is set in a 2,714-square meter cool and comfortable space located at the integrated resort’s upper ground floor. It puts into spotlight a new generation entertainment using top of class VR technology operated by Bandai Namco Amusement, and stands out with its modern industrial interiors catering to a 563-seating capacity.
On Sundays to Thursdays, the VR Zone is open from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., food outlets at 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and The Roaster at 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and on Fridays to Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., the food outlets at 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., and The Roaster at 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Single VR activity ticket is at Php 380; while packages are available for those playing in pairs or groups: Php 700 for two persons playing Ski Rodeo or Galaga Fever; and Php 1, 300 for a group of four playing Mario Kart Arcade GP VR, Hospital Escape Terror or Winged Bicycle. For those who want to avail of three or five activities, the ticket prices are Php 1, 300 and Php 1, 650 respectively.
About City of Dreams Manila
The luxury integrated casino resort City of Dreams Manila marks the formal entry of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited into the fast-growing and dynamic tourism industry in the Philippines. Officially opened in February 2015, City of Dreams Manila is operated by Melco Resorts Leisure (PHP) Corporation, a subsidiary of Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corporation.
The dynamic and innovative resort complex, located on an approximately 6.2-hectare site at the gateway to Entertainment City in Parañaque, includes the ultimate in entertainment, hotel, retail and dining and lifestyle experiences with aggregated gaming space, including VIP and mass-market gaming facilities with 299 gaming tables, 1,680 slot machines and 207 electronic table games.
The integrated resort features three luxury hotel brands: Nüwa Manila, ranked Five-Star by Forbes Travel Guide in 2018 and 2019 which also named it one of the World’s Most Luxurious Hotels in 2018, and Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star awardees Nobu and Hyatt Regency, more than 20 impressive restaurants and bars, and distinctive entertainment venues, including: the family entertainment center DreamPlay, the world’s first DreamWorks-themed interactive play space and The Garage, a VR Zone and food park.
City of Dreams Manila delivers an unparalleled entertainment and hospitality experience to the Philippines and is playing a key role in strengthening the depth and diversity of Manila’s leisure, business and tourism offering, enhancing its growing position as one of Asia’s premier leisure destinations.
Mr. Kevin Benning joined the company in March 2016 as Vice President of Gaming Operations, overseeing all casino, marketing, and advertising for the property, until he was named Chief Operating Officer in April 2018.
Prior to joining City of Dreams Manila, Mr. Benning was the Vice President of Casino Marketing for Resorts World Sentosa from April 2015 until March 2016. He worked with Sands China Limited from June 2011 as Regional Slot Director, and in 2012 until April 2015, he assumed the post of Executive Director of Marketing Operations, overseeing loyalty marketing operations, telemarketing, and shuttle services.
Mr. Benning began his career in gaming with Harrah’s in July 2004 as a marketing host eventually holding a variety of roles within the company in marketing, planning, and continuous improvement in the ensuing seven years until April 2011.
He graduated from Arizona State University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Business from the W.P. Carey School of Business.
Bandai Namco Amusement Profile and Executives
Ryuichi Osada
Osada is the construction manager of various urban type theme parks and is in charge of space design and construction of all VR Zones, including the VR Zone at The Garage of City of Dreams Manila as Project Manager.
Career highlights:
Yukiharu Tamiya
He has since been working as a planner and developer for a wide range of games: focusing on arcade games such as the “Dragon Chronicle” series, and the “Dragon Ball ZENKAI” series, but also taking part in consumer and mobile games. He is popularly known as “Manager Tamiya” for his hand in concept planning for new projects, and directing VR activities since 2015, including “Project i Can”, an undertaking that was aimed towards discovering and expanding unknown areas of entertainment using VR technology.
Kunihisa Yagishita
While heading the Planning and Development Department as
Director of Planning & Development, and overseeing a wide range of arcade machines aimed at both domestic and overseas, he launched a short term VR entertainment facility "VR ZONE Project i Can" in April, 2016.
Since October, 2016, he was heading the newly created “VR Department” as General Manager and was currently in charge of the VR facility business.
He started in October 4 2016 with the establishment of a new "VR Department" in the company. then was inaugurated general manager of the same department and supervise VR facility business in general.
In April 2018, he took office as general manager of "Produce 3 department", and in addition to the VR facility business, he oversees the marketing of real entertainment products in general, including arcade games and new-style attractions.
Ryuichi Osada
Osada is doing space design and construction manager of various urban type theme parks.
In charge of the direction of space design and construction of all VR ZONE He is in charge of project manager of "VR ZONE City of Dreams Manila".
As a major career
About Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corporation
Integrated casino developer Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corporation is a company listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange with trading symbol of “MRP”. It is a subsidiary of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (NASDAQ:”MLCO”), the developer, owner and operator of casino gaming and entertainment casino resort facilities in Asia. It developed City of Dreams Manila, which is managed and operated by Melco Resorts Leisure (PHP) Corporation.
First off the City of Dreams Manila is located in Paranaque, so inside the venue is an allocated 2,714-square meter space for their “Garage VR Zone” as well as the food park. The food park includes variety of options like coffee shops, and even bars. Also the VR Zone boasts the new generation of entertainment which is operated by the Bandai Namco Amusement. The experience is a combination of the HTC Vive’s VR System and other proprietary technology for immersion. Speaking of immersion the rides even have wind elements making things more realistic once you put the VR headsets on.
Now let's talk about each rides
One of the new attractions is the VR Swarm Shooting Galaga Fever, although it shares name and title with the retro Galaga game the gameplay is vastly different as the experience for this VR games is now an FPS. And since its an FPS you are now equipped with guns which randomly changes per stage. The game requires teamwork to fend of invading aliens and defend the bridge. Although there is no character HP, players can still die from enemy lasers, falling of from ridges or failing to defend the bridge
The second new game is the Winged Bicycle, a thrilling yet exhausting VR experience as the game has litteral bike for you to pedal through. So in order to gain altitude you will need to pedal away. But the game itself is simple though as you just have to traverse on your winged bicycle. You can go down by pulling down the bike handle or push forward to move. Also., Its recommended to glide to avoid exhaustion. And something to note this VR game is not meant for people who are scared of heights or some kind of vertigo
The Garage Zone also has a Nintendo game specifically the Mario Kart Arcade GP VR. If you played mario kart this will be very familiar however you will now be inside the driving seat, actually there is a literal kart for you to seat which adds to the immersion. Oh did we mention this karts also vibrate and as you gain speed you will literally feel a breeze. Like the nintendo Mario Kart games you can pickup power ups and throw to your enemy VR players.
So it can be very competitive at times
Now if you like game Steep there is the Ski Rode, the game has specialized sensory machine that creates a shockingly real experience with the response of the skis and intense vibration. Game mechanic is simple you have to Ski down the sharp slopes of the vast snowy mountain with sheer drops at tremendous speed! There are several different routes that will take you to the goal.
So you have to aim to reach it as fast as you can, however you have to be weary of the surroundings or its game over
Last but not the least is the Hospital Escape Terror, In our opinion this is the best cooperative game with friends. The players will be seated on a wheelchair in this haunted hospital in which you have to escape with your friends. You will be randomly attacked by the inhabitants so be sure to coordinate with your teammates to fend them off using the flash light. Two to four people can take part at the same time, The game style is similar to Silent Hill so please be warned that there are violent scenes and grotesque expressions included in the experience.
So those are the VR games in the City of Dreams Garage Zone, from our experience the staff is very accommodating giving players a welcoming atmosphere. They also provide masks to avoid unnecessary contact so wearing the VR headsets hygienic.
However in order to enjoy this VR experience it comes with a price as its a tad bit expensive for the Philippine market. There is also currently only 5 vr games however according the management there are more to come, In Fact there is a construction on going as they will add more VR titles to experience. So this is our take, what do you think, Let us know in the comments!
Bring the whole barkada and experience in VR the iconic games of your childhood like Galaga and Mario Kart, along with other Bandai Namco exclusive games at The Garage City of Dreams!
Present my code #5VRFREEFCPC and get a FREE Family Computer for a single receipt minimum 5 VR ticket purchase!
Promo runs starting May 15, 2019 and valid for the first 100 Family Computer redemptions only.
The Garage FAQ
Location Upper Ground Floor
Size 2,714 SQM
Description
A VR Zone and food park set in a modern industrial-inspired and air-conditioned space. The VR Zone features a new generation entertainment facility produced by a leading Japanese video game development company, Bandai Namco Amusement. This VR Zone is complemented by a set of carefully curated food and beverage trucks and trailers.
Operating Hours
- Sunday-Thursday
- 11:00 AM –11:00 P.M
- Friday & Saturday
- 10:00 AM –12:00 MN
- Sunday -Thursday
- 08:00AM –11:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday
- 08:00 AM –12:00 MN
Design
Modern industrial interiors by Malherbe Design in collaboration with Westar Architectural Interior Design; and graffiti artworks by Kookoo Ramos and Deejae Paeste
Entrance Free
VR activities
- Mario Kart Arcade GP VR
- Hospital Escape Terror
- Ski Rodeo
- NEW GAMES: Galaga Fever
- Winged Bicycle
Ticket Prices at the VR Zone
- One activity: P 380 nett
- Three activities: P1,000 nett
- Ski Rodeo for two: P700 nett
- Galaga Fever for two: P700 nett
- Mario Kart only (4 PAX): P1,300 nett
- Horror Room (4 PAX): P1,300 nett
- Winged Bicycle (4 PAX): P1,300 nett
The Garage is open for all ages; however, guests under the age of 7 years old must have parental consent to experience certain VR activities. Moreover, some activities may not be experienced by children below 13 years old regardless of parental consent.
Menu
- Japanese
- Filipino
- American
- Vietnamese
- Mexican
- and Italian
El Chupacabra, Farmacy, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, Katsu Sora, Little Flour, Pink’s Hotdog, and Pizza Grigliata
The Chip Shoppe, Chocol8, Juiced, and The Roaster by City of Dreams Manila
Service Casual
Here are some press release notes
CITY OF DREAMS MANILA OPENS A VR ZONE AND FOOD PARK The Garage: A First of its kind in the Philippines
October 9, 2018 – City of Dreams Manila is changing the landscape of entertainment and dining as it unveils The Garage at 5 PM on October 14.The new attraction is a VR Zone and food park that enables guests to delve into the immersive experience of virtual reality entertainment and delight in a wide range of casual dining choices from the carefully curated selection of food and beverage trucks and trailers set in a comfortable, air-conditioned space.
Bandai Namco Amusement from Japan, one of the world’s leading video digital entertainment development companies, provides the virtual reality experience at the VR Zone.
“The Garage is City of Dreams Manila’s latest attraction featuring unique entertainment activities in partnership with Bandai Namco Amusement. With their creativity and cutting-edge technology, we are honored and delighted to partner with them, and together blaze a trail in delivering extraordinary entertainment experiences that go beyond gaming and recreation in the Philippines,” Kevin Benning, City of Dreams Manila’s Chief Operating Officer said.
The virtual reality experience provided by a leader in video digital entertainment development is complemented by quality food and drink choices offered by 10 of the hippest and contemporary food and beverage partners including the resort’s own talented staff. This concept, curated all in one place, makes The Garage a first of its kind in the country -- “setting us apart from the rest,” adds Benning.
“Bandai Namco Amusement is honored to partner with luxury integrated resort City of Dreams Manila and bring to this exciting destination our first VR Zone entertainment facility in Southeast Asia. We hope to bring outside of Japan an immersive, multi-sensory and fun activities to Filipinos and foreign guests with our unique VR activities at The Garage,” Kunihisa Yagisita, Bandai Namco’s General Manager stated.
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.
Game of a lifetime
The Garage’s VR Zone features a new generation entertainment facility that offers an exhilarating and startling experience with top-of-class VR technology.
One of the exciting activities at the VR Zone is the famed Mario Kart Arcade GP VR, which was developed by Bandai Namco Amusement under license from Nintendo. The three-minute Mario Kart Arcade GP VR enables one to choose to play as one of the characters: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, or Yoshi; step right into the action-packed world of Mario Kart universe; and race until the finish line through a course filled with traps such as giant Piranha Plants and Thwomps or large stone creatures that attempt to crush the players. This highly sought-after game can be played by up to four persons and is open to enthusiasts 13 years old and above.
For those seeking a different kind of thrill, the Hospital Escape Terror, which can be played by up to four participants, is described as a ‘horrifying experience unlike ever before’. This immersive horror room game is open to thrill-seekers ages 13 years old and above. Hospital Escape Terror’s players have the goal to escape and survive altogether the dark, cursed, and abandoned hospital within nine minutes while being restrained on a wheel chair.
The two-minute Ski Rodeo on the other hand, is a steep downhill ski simulator that lets a player ski a vast snowy mountain course with sharp slopes and steep drops at an immense speed with the goal to finish at the fastest time possible or within the allotted time. This heart-dropping game, which can be played in pairs, is open to individuals with a height of 140 cm and up.
Gastronomic Galore
Going hand in hand with the one-of-a-kind entertainment experience, The Garage’s VR Zone is offering a selection of 10 food and beverage trucks and trailers: 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.
Hailing from Japan, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka’s well-loved ramen is characterized by its 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.
Another food truck specializing in Japanese cuisine is Katsu Sora. A household name in the metro for good tonkatsu or Japanese deep-fried pork cutlet, Katsu Sora’s secret to their naturally tender, marbled, and flavorful tonkatsu is the use of only 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. Their Iberico and Kurobuta Tonkatsu sets are served with their famed Juugokokumai rice, a premium rice blend that includes white rice, corn, barley, millet, sesame seeds, and black beans.
Los Angeles’ most popular hot dog stand, Pink’s Hot Dogs has been hailed by multiple publications as the number one hot dog in America. A staple in Hollywood since 1939, their lip-smacking hot dogs especially the 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. This legend continues in Manila since opening their first store in 2016, and is offered together with other American favorites such as burgers, fries, nachos, and more.
Little Flour Café by the highly successful Wildflour Café + Bakery, is known for its well-loved and locally-inspired Filipino rice bowls, delicacies and grilled items.
El Chupacabra is 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.
Pizza Grigliata serves nothing but hot, freshly-made artisanal pizza to deliver a different kind of pizza experience that stands out from the rest. 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 takes us back to the time of 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.
Alongside the well-curated food and beverage outlets at The Garage are City of Dreams Manila’s own exceptional outlets: Chocol8, Juiced and The Roaster.
Chocol8 features handcrafted chocolates in a number of shapes and forms, and are enhanced with special ingredients such as fruits, nuts, and spices.
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.
The Garage is open daily from 10 AM to 2 AM.
VIRTUAL REALITY GALAGA FEVER DEBUTS AT THE GARAGE IN CITY OF DREAMS MANILA
March 28, 2019 – City of Dreams Manila launches “VR Swarm Shooting Galaga Fever,” a virtual reality shooting experience as its latest VR Zone activity produced by Japan’s Bandai Namco Amusement Inc., one of the world’s leading video digital entertainment development companies. The newest activity at The Garage VR Zone, which is situated at the walkway of The Shops at the Boulevard at the upper ground, leading to The Garage VR Zone and food park is now available.
Celebrating its 38th anniversary, “Galaga” is considered a classic video game masterpiece and one of the most popular arcade video games since it was first released in the 1980s. Taking on a new and exhilarating format as “VR Swarm Shooting Galaga Fever,” the game is set to deliver an action-packed, multi-sensory, and startling hyper-realistic experience through the top-of-class VR technology of Bandai Namco group.
“We are committed to provide compelling attractions for families and friends of different generations, so that they can all come together to The Garage and share a fun, memorable, and elevated virtual reality experience with the introduction of “VR Swarm Shooting Galaga Fever” and other VR activities. It’s an honor for City of Dreams Manila to strengthen its partnership with Bandai Namco Amusement Inc. to continue to raise the standard of innovative and state of the art entertainment,” COD Manila Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President Kevin Benning stated.
Up to two participants can play the latest VR attraction. Players will be provided with VR goggles and a VR gun, as they play atop an elevator that will take them 150 meters into the atmosphere, where they have to shoot down as many swarming alien attackers from Galaga as they can. The battle ends if the elevator crashes down or if the players fail to evade and be hit even once by the Giant Galaga’s beam.
The Garage also features another new thrilling VR experience, the Winged Bicycle. The two VR experiences by Bandai Namco group are the latest addition to The Garage’s popular VR activities: Mario Kart Arcade GP VR, Ski Rodeo and Hospital Escape Terror.
Winged Bicycle, which can be played by up to four individuals, enables players to experience the thrill of flight through riding the pedal-powered Winged Bicycle. Players have to pedal with their legs, and fly over soaring mountain surfaces, plunge through waterfalls, and dodge rocky cliffs along the way in order to reach the floating castle within a certain time limit to win.
VR enthusiasts and their families and friends also get to enjoy The Garage’s gastronomic offerings at its food park, comprised of carefully curated food trucks and trailers: Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, Katsu Sora, Pink’s Hotdog, Little Flour, El Chupacabra, Pizza Grigliata, Farmacy, Chocol8, The Roaster, and Juiced.
The Garage VR Zone and food park is set in a 2,714-square meter cool and comfortable space located at the integrated resort’s upper ground floor. It puts into spotlight a new generation entertainment using top of class VR technology operated by Bandai Namco Amusement, and stands out with its modern industrial interiors catering to a 563-seating capacity.
On Sundays to Thursdays, the VR Zone is open from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., food outlets at 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and The Roaster at 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and on Fridays to Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., the food outlets at 10 a.m. to 12 a.m., and The Roaster at 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Single VR activity ticket is at Php 380; while packages are available for those playing in pairs or groups: Php 700 for two persons playing Ski Rodeo or Galaga Fever; and Php 1, 300 for a group of four playing Mario Kart Arcade GP VR, Hospital Escape Terror or Winged Bicycle. For those who want to avail of three or five activities, the ticket prices are Php 1, 300 and Php 1, 650 respectively.
About City of Dreams Manila
The luxury integrated casino resort City of Dreams Manila marks the formal entry of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited into the fast-growing and dynamic tourism industry in the Philippines. Officially opened in February 2015, City of Dreams Manila is operated by Melco Resorts Leisure (PHP) Corporation, a subsidiary of Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corporation.
The dynamic and innovative resort complex, located on an approximately 6.2-hectare site at the gateway to Entertainment City in Parañaque, includes the ultimate in entertainment, hotel, retail and dining and lifestyle experiences with aggregated gaming space, including VIP and mass-market gaming facilities with 299 gaming tables, 1,680 slot machines and 207 electronic table games.
The integrated resort features three luxury hotel brands: Nüwa Manila, ranked Five-Star by Forbes Travel Guide in 2018 and 2019 which also named it one of the World’s Most Luxurious Hotels in 2018, and Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star awardees Nobu and Hyatt Regency, more than 20 impressive restaurants and bars, and distinctive entertainment venues, including: the family entertainment center DreamPlay, the world’s first DreamWorks-themed interactive play space and The Garage, a VR Zone and food park.
City of Dreams Manila delivers an unparalleled entertainment and hospitality experience to the Philippines and is playing a key role in strengthening the depth and diversity of Manila’s leisure, business and tourism offering, enhancing its growing position as one of Asia’s premier leisure destinations.
Mr. Kevin Benning joined the company in March 2016 as Vice President of Gaming Operations, overseeing all casino, marketing, and advertising for the property, until he was named Chief Operating Officer in April 2018.
Prior to joining City of Dreams Manila, Mr. Benning was the Vice President of Casino Marketing for Resorts World Sentosa from April 2015 until March 2016. He worked with Sands China Limited from June 2011 as Regional Slot Director, and in 2012 until April 2015, he assumed the post of Executive Director of Marketing Operations, overseeing loyalty marketing operations, telemarketing, and shuttle services.
Mr. Benning began his career in gaming with Harrah’s in July 2004 as a marketing host eventually holding a variety of roles within the company in marketing, planning, and continuous improvement in the ensuing seven years until April 2011.
He graduated from Arizona State University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Business from the W.P. Carey School of Business.
Bandai Namco Amusement Profile and Executives
Ryuichi Osada
- Manager
- Location Development Team, Produce Department 3
- Produce Division
- Product Business Company
Osada is the construction manager of various urban type theme parks and is in charge of space design and construction of all VR Zones, including the VR Zone at The Garage of City of Dreams Manila as Project Manager.
Career highlights:
- Producer of Photo Machine "Ka Chou Fu Getsu", which got the best sales in Japan.
- Marketing/Producer of GUNDAM "Senjo no Kizuna"
- Producer of Japan's most popular music game "Taiko no Tatsujin".
Yukiharu Tamiya
- Manager
- Produce Team 2 Produce Department 1
- Produce Division
- Product Business Company
He has since been working as a planner and developer for a wide range of games: focusing on arcade games such as the “Dragon Chronicle” series, and the “Dragon Ball ZENKAI” series, but also taking part in consumer and mobile games. He is popularly known as “Manager Tamiya” for his hand in concept planning for new projects, and directing VR activities since 2015, including “Project i Can”, an undertaking that was aimed towards discovering and expanding unknown areas of entertainment using VR technology.
Kunihisa Yagishita
- General Manager
- Produce Department 3
- Produce Division
- Product Business Company
While heading the Planning and Development Department as
Director of Planning & Development, and overseeing a wide range of arcade machines aimed at both domestic and overseas, he launched a short term VR entertainment facility "VR ZONE Project i Can" in April, 2016.
Since October, 2016, he was heading the newly created “VR Department” as General Manager and was currently in charge of the VR facility business.
He started in October 4 2016 with the establishment of a new "VR Department" in the company. then was inaugurated general manager of the same department and supervise VR facility business in general.
In April 2018, he took office as general manager of "Produce 3 department", and in addition to the VR facility business, he oversees the marketing of real entertainment products in general, including arcade games and new-style attractions.
Ryuichi Osada
- Manager
- Location Development Team Produce Department 3
- Produce Division
- Product Business Company
Osada is doing space design and construction manager of various urban type theme parks.
In charge of the direction of space design and construction of all VR ZONE He is in charge of project manager of "VR ZONE City of Dreams Manila".
As a major career
- Producer of Photo Machine "Ka Chou Fu Getsu" That got the best sales in Japan.
- GUNDAM "Senjo no Kizuna" Marketing / Producer.
- Producer of Japan's most popular music game "Taiko no Tatsujin".
About Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corporation
Integrated casino developer Melco Resorts and Entertainment (Philippines) Corporation is a company listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange with trading symbol of “MRP”. It is a subsidiary of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (NASDAQ:”MLCO”), the developer, owner and operator of casino gaming and entertainment casino resort facilities in Asia. It developed City of Dreams Manila, which is managed and operated by Melco Resorts Leisure (PHP) Corporation.
