QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Apr 2026) — History class usually means reading and lectures, but a new virtual reality experience from Ateneo is turning Martial Law into something you can actually step inside.
Developed by Ateneo de Manila University’s Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Reality Laboratory in partnership with the Ateneo Martial Law Museum and Library, the project takes the form of a VR escape room called “Heritage Hero: Secrets of the Golden Era.” It places players inside an abandoned mansion tied to the Marcos regime, where they uncover stories through puzzles and exploration.
The goal is simple: make a complicated and often distant chapter of Philippine history feel real for younger generations.
Learning history by doing, not just reading
Instead of following a straight timeline, the game lets players interact with objects and scenarios that reflect daily life during Martial Law. It is less about memorizing dates and more about understanding how people lived, worked, and resisted.
Players move through three rooms over a 30 to 60 minute session. Each space highlights a different aspect of the era.
In one area, players assemble propaganda materials and operate a printing press, mirroring the work of underground resistance groups fighting censorship. In another, they prepare Nutribun, referencing government nutrition programs at the time. A bedroom scene introduces construction plans and contracts, prompting questions about infrastructure projects that remain debated today.
The experience blends storytelling with hands-on tasks, encouraging players to think critically rather than giving them easy answers.
Why VR makes a difference
Eric Cesar E. Vidal Jr., Ph.D., technical head of the VAMR Laboratory, said the project leans on the idea that people learn better when they actively engage with material.
He explained that some forms of thinking are closely tied to physical interaction, such as writing or playing, rather than simply reading or listening. VR, in this case, becomes a tool to make abstract or distant topics easier to grasp.
Early tests with Ateneo students showed promising results. Many participants said they felt more involved, even those who had little experience with virtual reality. Some also expressed interest in learning more about the historical issues presented in the game.
More than just tech
While the project highlights what immersive technology can do, the team behind it sees a bigger purpose.
By combining education, storytelling, and interactive design, the experience aims to help young Pinoys connect more deeply with the past. It also encourages reflection on how narratives are shaped, especially when history intersects with current events.
The research behind the project, titled “Design and Testing of a VR Escape Room Game for Philippine Martial Law History,” was presented in December 2025 at the 33rd International Conference on Computers in Education.
Availability details for public access to the VR experience have not yet been announced.
