Big Kids Rule at Thrillscape in Okada Manila

Built for both casual enjoyers and thrill-seeking adventurers, Okada Manila’s latest entertainment attraction inspires fun and fitness for one and all

MJ Jose

<p>As a 90s baby with an unfortunate addiction to cable TV and American game shows, it was my greatest dream to be whisked away by the folks at Nickelodeon Studios to the Legends of the Hidden Temple set, handpicked among many to enter Olmec’s temple in search of some lost treasure. To do so, the game show creators would put kids through a series of physical and mental challenges—the pinnacle of which was a temple where you had to climb, crawl, strategize, and assemble a silver monkey in hopes of achieving victory. </p><div><br/></div><p>Years later, I found myself about to realize that dream as I tried to peer through the locked gates that concealed the interactive tag arena hospitality giant <strong>Okada Manila</strong> christened as <strong>Thrillscape</strong>. The 1,200-sqm playground was an idea that had been cooking since 2019, understandably put on the back burner due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. This did not deter Okada’s team, however, and, thanks to the help of an accreditation secured through the Philippine Obstacle Sports Federation, they managed to hit the ground running when they formally opened the attraction this February. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/7ed68d78-5617-40b3-af4e-cf01611ddc22_dscf7145.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/></span></span></div><p>Less hidden temple and more McDonald’s PlayPlace on steroids, the arena is set to entertain casual adventurers while poising a challenge to the fitness fanatics. Participants are given 40 minutes to weave through 32 different obstacles, accumulating points by making contact with different touch points, all activated by a wrist tag given to you right before you enter. A specific color sensor grants the player a fixed number of points, with green—usually the easiest to find or reach—giving the least and red, which can take awhile to get to depending on the obstacle, the most. </p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/99b49d49-7c66-40ac-9dc5-6ab09835f796_dscf4134.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/942b02e9-f00e-4c9a-89f1-b0c170a67c49_dscf4217.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/></span></span></div><p>After depositing our things in the locker—leave all accessories behind; the safety team won’t let you in otherwise—we watched an orientation video and checked in with our wrist tags. How you play is entirely up to you. Wanting to get a good feel of the place, I decided to cover as much ground as I could while hitting as many touch points along the way, electing to crawl through the tunnels, climb up the rope ladders, and scale up an obstacle called the Dragon’s Peak. </p><div><br/></div><p>There’s a rock climbing wall for boulderers and climbers, and even vertical ropes for those with good upper body strength. A particularly memorable one involved climbing on top of and shoving giant exercise balls aside to get to the sensors—which can be above or below you, so keep your eyes peeled—which reminded me of the ball pit dives I used to do as a kid. The Mirror Maze was pretty cool, too; you can easily lose track of where you are because of the optical illusions that hinder your progress. Those with a fear of heights have a few surprises in store, but it’s definitely something you’ll be proud of at the end. My best friend and I are both pretty active people, but even we were winded by the time our first game was up.</p><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/8a284d73-f51d-4570-b26b-5da698476157_dscf4231.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/a3dc6e94-e910-47c3-ab69-e5b55361d956_dscf4236.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/></span></span></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/3f638376-bbf6-47fb-888b-a84a6ec39a92_dscf4239.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/></span></span></div><p>Packages start at P499, which includes the wrist tag, use of the lockers, and two games, each one spanning 20 minutes. There is no age limit; anyone four feet and above is welcome to enter the arena. It’s a great venue for birthday parties, team building activities, and even impromptu hangout with friends—the more, the merrier. We can’t wait to come back! </p><div><br/></div><p>Thrillscape is located at the ground floor of Okada Manila’s Coral Wing, Crystal Corridor. The course is open on Mondays to Thursdays from 12pm to 8pm, and Friday through Sunday from 10am to 10pm. Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/okadamanila" target="_blank">@okadamanila</a> on Instagram for updates.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/wellness/fitness/electric-studio-rooftop-ride-2024/37608" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Electric Studio Takes Its Signature Outdoor Ride to New Heights</a></div>