There’s something about stepping into a bustling hotel lobby, or watching waves roll against the shore of a resort, that makes hospitality students feel right at home. For the aspiring professionals of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM), their recent educational exposure trip to Cebu was more than just a getaway—it was a vivid and hands-on glimpse into the world they’ve chosen to be part of.
Led by Dr. Christian Angelo B. Ituriaga, Program Head of the Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, the trip was designed to bring to life two of the program’s key courses: Recreation and Leisure Management with Resort Hopping and Fundamentals of Lodging Operations. Instead of classroom walls, their learning environment stretched across oceanside resorts, urban hotel kitchens, and Cebu’s rich cultural landmarks.
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.