During the pre-COVID-19 days, if anyone was looking for a good scream while having a fun time, a drive to Asylum Manila in Quezon City would do the trick. Its grim spaces coupled with actors that mastered the art of jump scare provided a perfect barkada bonding time if they were looking for something beyond booze and karaoke.
Unfortunately, much like other businesses, Asylum Manila had to close its doors during the pandemic. But after two years, the team behind it is back and ready to welcome Filipinos to an even horrifying and spine-chilling experience with the opening of its bigger location in Parañaque City.
Dubbed “Nightmares Manila - Haunted Attraction,” the new horror spot opened last May 26 promises more offerings perfect for the dauntless—or the not-so. It presents two walk-through dark attractions (a nightmare horror house and a Japanese school-themed one), four escape rooms, and a zombie assault activity where guests will be shooting zombie actors, props, and targets with paintball guns. Call it “revenge scaring” because that’s what’s happening here.
“Ginagawa ito base sa concepts ng mga haunted attractions sa US. Most of the productions, yung pang-scare, imported pa sa US (This is based on concepts of haunted attractions in the US. Most of the productions, the ones we use for scaring, are imported from the US),” Roland Sarmiento, marketing manager of Nightmares Manila - Haunted Attraction, said. Apart from the machines, the horror houses also feature Filipino theater artists to help bring the thrilling fantasy to life.
During its launch, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle team had the chance to try one of its prime attractions, the Nightmare Horror House, and as the name suggests, it is all types of nightmares personified.
Right before you enter the haunted house, a grim throne is situated in front of the waiting area giving a perfect photo opportunity. Just beware of Pennywise, he likes to jump in when you let go of your guards. Inside, you will be welcomed by the house’s caretaker and maid, much like the characters on “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” only less campy and more creepy.
The horror house has a pretty neat story. But to keep it simple, in this haunted attraction, guests will be exploring a young girl’s nightmares. Trust us when we say that it is a pretty loaded one as we *bravely* walked through passages that take us from a dark forest and a torture asylum to an underground catacomb, a madhouse filled with clowns, and more. You might feel a little sorry for the girl by the end of the tour because exploring what goes inside her head is, basically, a journey through different kinds of hell.
What sets this spooky house apart is that it plays with your other senses. Not all scares are visual. At one point, guests will smell odors and hear sounds that make the terrifying scene even more real aside from other special effects—discover these when you get there.
If you’re planning to come to Nightmares Manila - Haunted Attraction, be sure to bring an extra shirt as you’re going to sweat from all the running and screaming. There is parking space allotted for anyone bringing their car, but it is limited. If you feel famished after all the terror, snacks, drinks, and meals can be purchased at the Nightmare Cafe.
Nightmares Manila - Haunted Attraction is located at Dr. A. Santos Ave. (Sucat) cor. Rainbow Drive, Goodwill 2 Subdivision, Brgy. BF Homes, Paranaque City (at the back of UCPB Sucat). To know more about its offerings and rates, visit its official website.
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