Soon as I got back from a Weekend Trip to Magalawa Island, my little brother welcomed me with his updates and latest stories; this included a news report he saw featuring a one-of-a-kind-zoo. “Ate, Have you heard about the Virtual Zoo?” Having no idea of what a virtual zoo is, seemed liked all my cells got so giddy and excited, and asked my brother for more info. Hmmm… to cut the long story short, me with a bunch of kids (and kids at heart) found ourselves in the newly opened Tutuban Center’s Virtual Zoo the next day.

How To Get There:
Virtual Zoo is the newest addition in Tutuban Center Mall; it is located at 4th Floor, previously the Cinema Lobby. It opened its doors to the public last Friday, October 26, 2012 only.

Tutuban Center Mall is situated at West Loop Road, C.M. Recto Avenue and Dagupan Street, Manila.

via Public Transpo
by Train. From any PNR stations, there is a direct ride to Tutuban. For schedules and ticket prices, you can check their website at http://www.pnr.gov.ph.

by Jeep. Ride a jeepney to Divisoria via Juan Luna Street. This will take you directly to Tutuban. Another option is to ride a jeepney bound for Manila City Hall or Lawton, from there, you can take jeepneys bound for Divisoria.

via Private Vehicle
Take Taft Avenue or Mabini. Cross McArthur Bridge and follow Rizal Avenue until you reach C.M. Recto Avenue. Once you reach Recto, turn left and you will see Tutuban Center Mall. Or from Jones Bridge, follow Juan Luna Route until you get to Divisoria. (Pay Parking is available at a flat rate of Php50.00)

Off to go to the Virtual Zoo!!! Weeheehoo!!!
Virtual Zoo is a collage of 3D photos that brings different animals into life. Currently, the gallery is composed of 12 larger-than-life 3D paintings of the following: tarsiers, crocodile, elephant, tiger, turtle, shark, lion, and bats.

How To Turn the Animal Paintings into Life:
All of the paintings here are made by Lakang Dayang, a group of Fine Arts and professors of Polytechnic University of the Philippines. The Virtual Zoo is designed to release its creative 3D form into life by getting the right angle of the wall painting. With the perfect angle, these art photos will create an illusion of depth and trickery. So better be creative and patient to look for that magic spot where to click your shutter. If ever that you do not have any idea on what to do and where to take the pic, sample shots can be found just before the painting; you can use those as your guide.

So, C’mon, let’s wake up the animals in the Virtual Zoo!!! 

Virtual Zoo is definitely a must-visit! By the way, I almost forgot, the admission is FREE. 🙂
Virtual Zoo is open every day from 10:00am to 8:00 pm.