IMAGINE a person being in a small, kind of claustrophobia-causing room. A padlocked door is on the right side of the wall and several objects are cluttered around the room. Above his head is a ticking clock that’s losing time. There seems to be absolutely no way out—or is there?
Exit Now is a real-life escape game, much like a tangible version of popular online role-playing games where one is virtually experiencing being trapped in a room, often with a heart-pounding soundtrack, and one must find clues to unlock the doors to his freedom. It has been a popular game in Asia, North America and Europe, and now it’s available for Cebuanos of all ages to enjoy.
David Chua and Kong Seng Yap, proprietors of Exit Now, decided to bring the game to Cebu. “In my country, Malaysia, I found this game to be quite fun and interesting. It’s a good way to bond with family, friends and colleagues,” David shared. “We just really want to bring more entertainment here in Cebu,” Kong Seng added.
With five themed rooms—Prison Break, The Orphan, Mission Impossible, Factory 19 and The Mummy—Exit Now gives a thrilling experience like no other. Thrill-seekers can test their wits as they look for clues and go through obstacles and puzzles to escape a room. But here’s the ultimate twist: there is only 45 minutes on the clock. Failing to exit the room under the time means you lose. Exit the room in less than the time and a smiling photo of your faces will be placed on their wall of fame, plus you get unlimited bragging rights.
David and Kong Seng make up the different stories of each themed room, which are inspired from popular adventure and thriller movies and TV shows. They come up with the clues, puzzles and obstacles for each room, never underestimating the wits of their customers—they never make their rooms easy for anyone.
Escaping the rooms may be challenging, but it is never impossible. “It’s actually kind of easy. You don’t have to study a lot or be some kind of genius. You just need some observation skills to look for clues and just combine them together,” David said.
Exit Now has the unique ability to make you use all your senses to the limit. It’s a fun and exciting way to practice teamwork and common sense, testing your abilities to its maximum potential through an adventure-filled room.
Exit Now is located at the second floor of City Time Square, Mandaue City and is open from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. (Deneb Batucan)