New Things to Do in The Philippines: Asylum Manila
Horror movies and haunted attractions aren’t new to Filipinos. In fact, if I must say, a great deal of Filipinos always love a good scare. Take my sister and I as an example. Ever since we were kids, it’s been a long standing tradition to watch scary movies, TV shows, and whatnots every once in a while. We’re not saying we’re the bravest (we still scream like babies and cover our eyes), but we really enjoy the heart-jumping, adrenaline-pumping thrill of things. And lately, a new haunted attraction in the Philippines has just opened and has literally shook us to the core. Once the country’s premier psychiatric institute for the criminally-insane, here are 5 hauntingly-good reasons why you too should visit The Asylum Manila soon!
Haunting Backstory of The Asylum Manila (Reason 1)
Before I get into the details of this new haunted attraction, let me give you a brief and haunting background of The Asylum. In 1939, the Asylum Manila was established as the Country’s premier psychiatric institute for the criminally insane. Now, it’s an unkept secret that all of the worst and most violent psychiatric patients were brought to this place. The Asylum was run by Dr. Vanicutt, a renowned psychiatric doctor from Pennsylvania. He was joined by his beautiful wife and their young daughter Anastasia.
Soon after Dr. Vanicutt’s wife was killed in a mysterious and tragic accident, he sunk into a state of madness and insanity. Some even believed he was even possessed! As such, Dr. Vanicutt turned to tormenting his patients. Often performing grotesque medical experiments which of course resulted in many deaths.
Many years after, the Japanese made it a garrison for soldiers. And yes, as you’ve guessed it, evil consumed them and they soon went insane and slaughtered each other. Since then no one has entered and the building was left to decay and ruin. Well, except those unfortunate souls who sought shelter at The Asylum. All of which were never heard from again!
This year, the doors of the Asylum Manila are open again, welcoming new patients. Are you brave enough to survive and run for your life?
Grotesque Horror-Movie Setting (Reason 2)
As with any horror attraction, the basic key to a good fright is the setting. And I’m quite pleased with how The Asylum Manila has been set up. The attraction is basically a house of terror spread out in a massive three-storey building.
Each floor containing several ‘themed rooms’ inspired by Hollywood’s greatest horror movies. I’m talking about Annabelle, the Chainsaw Massacre, and IT. They even have a room dedicated to Dr. Vanicutt and his experimental patients of Return to the House on the Haunted Hill.
Adrenaline-Pumping Massive Walk-Through Attraction (Reason 3)
Unlike traditional horror attractions where you need a ride, The Asylum Manila is a massive walk-through. Where you literally need to run (well, walk-run) for your lives!
“New patients” will go in every three minutes, grouped into 6-8. Then you would go through the rooms, up and down, round and round, combating through those ‘monsters’ along the way.
Tip: Find a scare buddy and keep your group close and tight. You can also assign someone ‘brave’ to lead the group. Just like what we did!
Heart-Jumping Live Actors (Reason 4)
Speaking of ‘monsters’, let’s talk about those heart-jumping scares from The Asylum Manila’s live actors. I have to commend the team as the actors were truly in character through and through.
They committed to their story and knew the perfect way and moment to ‘terrorize’ you. And yes even though, they all scared us to death, they were the very heart of the horror experience!
Tip: Not sure if you can make it through Asylum Manila? Don’t worry they give you a live preview at the gate.
IG-Worthy Photoshoot Rooms (Reason 5)
What’s surviving a haunted attraction without photos to tell? Lucky for us guest patients will get to live and tell about The Asylum Manila. In the middle of the chaos, there will be four (4) IG-Worthy rooms where you’ll get to be part of the action with your own photoshoot.
I love the classic Asylum room where we got to wear actual strait jackets as restraints. But my favorite was the IT Room where we all pretended to be friends with the eerily playful Pennywise clown. EEEEPPP!!!
The Asylum Manila Ticket Prices and Other Details
I personally thought the tickets prices were a little expensive before going through The Asylum Manila. But after the experience, I can now say it’s totally worth the price:
- Weekdays: Php 699.00 ( Monday to Thursday)
- Weekends: Php 799.00 (Friday to Sunday)
- The VIP: Php 1,200.00 (Front of the line; No waiting line)
You can buy your tickets on site. Or you can book online through The Asylum Manila website. For groups of 20 please contact them at PHONE: 09453007408, 09453007404, 09474612808, 09474612707. Or EMAIL: asylummanila@gmail.com.
For discounted tickets you can book via klook for Php 399 for weekdays, Php 700 for weekends and Php 1062 for the VIP tickets daily. Dare to enter the haunted? Secure your tickets now
Where is Asylum Manila?
Asylum Manila is located at 1148 E Rodriguez Sr. Ave, New Manila, Quezon City, near Broadway and Hemady Square. It’s a 45-minute to 1-hour tour which opens everyday at 4:00 PM to 12:00 MN. The place is located directly across Shrine of Jesus the Divine World/Christ the King Ministry (ironic, huh?)
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