DOT partners with Mystery Manila for a gamified virtual tour of the Philippines

Itching to travel but feeling a bit scared still? Consider this nifty project by the Department of Tourism then!

DOT has partnered with Mystery Manila for an online gamified virtual tour called "Where in the Philippines is Sam San Mateo?"

Sam San Mateo is the game's fictional travel vlogger, which players will have to look for all over the Philippines.

According to a DOT statement, participants will play virtual tourists visiting famous landmarks and destinations in the Philippines "to find helpful clues that will reveal the next destination and further their quest to track down Sam San Mateo." 

The tour/game features actual tour guides stationed in select destinations all over the Philippines.

Even by staying at home, players can experience a fun and safe way to discover the beauty and charm of the 7,641 islands of the Philippines, historic cities, sunsets, mountain views, and picture-perfect crystal clear beaches.

The interactive tour lasts from 60 to 90 minutes and players are allowed to interact with locals through live tour guides and participate in local activities.

They can also contribute to choices that will affect the tour's outcome.

"Where in the Philippines is Sam San Mateo" is free and open to all players on all Sundays of December. You can sign up for any of the four schedules — 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm — through this form.

If you want a private game just among family and friends, you can book through Mystery Manila's website. 

— Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News