A digital playground in the mall

Poppin’ Pond

Stepping into PlayLab is like entering a virtual-reality game zone— except that there are no headsets, and everything involves physical activity aside from mental coordination.

Described as “the first digital interactive playground in the Philippines,” PlayLab is an indoor game park that features 14 attractions encouraging family bonding.

Developed for children between 3 to 10 years old, the digital games are likewise adult-friendly—in fact, all the kids had their parents joining them, and apparently everyone enjoyed it.

Here’s a brief description of what the players are asked to do in each of the 14 attractions:

1.  Tap ’n’ Glow—“Create unique color and rhythm combinations through touch-sensitive light modules, and watch your work illuminate the space.”

   Tap ’n’ Glow

2. Quantum Space—“Create abstract art through movements, interaction and boundless imagination. Become part of an infinite cosmos, even for a fleeting moment.”
3. Save the Reef—“Help save Mother Nature by protecting our precious reefs from pesky and harmful trash.”

   Save the Reef

4. Sand Box—“Dig through the sand and explore the hidden wonders of the Earth through augmented reality.”

   Sand Box

5. World of Zodiacs—“Become one of the Zodiacs in this cool augmented-reality mirror.”
6. Head Rush—“Go on an epic battle inside a holographic 3D world.”
7. Music Wall—“Explore a plethora of sounds with just a tap of your hand.”

   Music Wall

8. Butterfly Garden—“Watch as your creations take flight in a visually stunning world full of butterflies.”

   Butterfly Garden

9. Tangram—“Fly through time and space with your very own virtual rocket ship.”
10. Room Racers—“Create your own racing circuit for up to four cars, complete with obstacles made of random items you can find lying around.”
11. Live Forest—“Help fill the forest with animals straight from the drawing board to the screen.”

    Live Forest

12. Growth Chart—“Step closer and let it tell you your height.”
13. Light Bright—“Unleash your inner artist and create your very own light installation.”
14. Poppin’ Pond—“Be one with nature as you slip and slide down the pond of fun.”

Observing the kids, it was clear that the games were inducing their creativity, stimulating their minds and even goading them to sweat it out, particularly in Poppin’ Pond—which has a hill that children prefer to climb rather than take the steps beside it.

Opening soon in Metro Manila

Quite popular are Butterfly Garden and Live Forest—in which the kids and their parents engage in choosing color combinations and applying them to bring animals to life.

Darwin Remolayan, new businesses director of Robinsons Land Corp., said that the PlayLab contractor consulted with psychologists in designing the games hand in hand with software developers.

Roseann Villegas, public relations director of Robinsons Land, told Inquirer Lifestyle that PlayLab is set to open in other Robinsons Galleria branches, including Metro Manila, within six months.

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