Not all medicine comes in pills. Sometimes, it’s in the leaves we step over. Sometimes, it’s in the stories passed down through bloodlines. And sometimes, it comes alive in a digital world—one that teaches us to heal not just wounds, but our connection to culture.
This is the heartbeat of Breath of Life, a 3D game design concept by Alexandrea Rosco, John Benedict Aspan, Adrianne Mae Del Rosario, Jericho Demapula, and Jarret Ivan Reboton. Far from your usual fantasy or sci-fi adventure, Breath of Life roots itself in the indigenous medicinal knowledge of Negros Occidental, turning ancient healing traditions into an interactive learning experience.
“We were inspired by how traditional medicine still plays a big role in Filipino life,” the team shares. “Especially in communities where hospitals or pharmacies are out of reach, it’s more than survival—it’s culture.”
That culture is what the game seeks to protect and amplify.
Initially, the team hoped to consult a local albularyo for their research. But their journey led them even deeper—connecting with the Bukidnon community in Candoni, who opened their knowledge and perspective. The result is a game that doesn’t just use herbs as items—it treats them with reverence.
Players step into the shoes of Jansen, a young paramedic returning to his ancestral roots. Along the way, he discovers the medicinal knowledge passed down from his grandfather—an indigenous healer—and slowly, players begin to learn through exploration, storytelling, and experimentation.
“We didn’t want it to feel like a digital textbook,” they explain. “We wanted players to feel the process of learning—through reflection, interaction, and cultural immersion.”
In Breath of Life, every plant has a purpose. Every environment is designed with intention. The game challenges the binary of modern versus traditional medicine—not to say one is better, but to show how both can exist side by side. It’s about resourcefulness, respect, and above all, remembering.
But this isn’t just about health—it’s about identity. The game is a celebration of Filipino resilience, and the wisdom that has been quietly safeguarding communities for generations.
“Our hope,” the team says, “is that Breath of Life will inspire players to see value in our cultural heritage. These healing practices are part of who we are—they deserve to be learned, appreciated, and preserved.”
In a time when so much is being lost to forgetfulness, this game offers a rare chance to remember.
One plant. One story. One breath at a time.