When the first Timezone store opened in the Philippines in 1998, as a joint venture of its Australian parent company and the Filipino conglomerate Ayala Corporation, this family-oriented video amusement center became an instant hit. Soon, the original location in Ayala Center Cebu was replicated at the Glorietta 4 mall in the Ayala Center complex in Makati City and then in other malls nationwide.

Timezone has become a convenient venue for parents who are into video and arcade games to bond with their children. It is also a safe way to deposit their children while running errands and having a relative or helper accompany the not-so-little ones. The teenagers and young adults, meanwhile, usually meet up here for gimmicks or even dates.

Over the years, though, the venue has proved to be limited in terms of space and activities to really cater to each family or barkada member's entertainment needs and interests. That's how the "multi-attraction concept" came about, which now prevails in some 45 stores with floor area from 900 to 1,000 square meters, and eventually in all other locations.

"Aside from the games, there are other attractions," Rafael "Raffy" Prats, president and general manager of Timezone Philippines, told DAILY TRIBUNE at the reopening of its Robinsons Galleria store on 19 October. "Like in this case, the bowling lanes. Then we have our virtual reality games, full-sized karaoke booths, prize shop. Other stores have bumper cars, billiards, ping-pong, basketball zones."

The bigger space also means an entire room for parties to celebrate birthdays and milestones, or even hold corporate events and activities. One table for 10 people is already considered a party, but Prats noted they usually get reservations for the whole party room.

Here are a few tips to make the most of your family bonding at Timezone:

Avoid the rush

"The best time to come is when the mall opens, especially pag (during) weekends," Prats said. "Kasi (Because) after lunch, it really becomes a bit full in many of our venues. That's when the peak times come, from 1 p.m. to about 7 to 8 p.m. But if they do come by, let's say 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., they're guaranteed to get a slot in the bowling, bumper cars." Meaning, those games or facilities that are in high demand.

Load your card online

Make sure that your or other family members' cards are loaded, so you won't have to spend time at the counter lining up. You can do this by downloading the Timezone Fun App, which is available for both iOS and Android phones.

"We give higher bonus loads on the mobile app," Prats pointed out. "Para may (So that there's an) extra P50, P100, kung sa (if through the) mobile app maglo-load. Whatever you load in your card, it can be used in all venues. It has the flexibility to use anywhere."

Be on the lookout for promos

Timezone has special offers, such as the ongoing exclusive promotion available on the mobile app until 31 October. Guests can get a Powercard load worth P1,000 for only P500. In celebration of Robinsons Galleria store's relaunch, guests who load P600 at the venue shall receive P900 worth of Powerload, plus a bonus of 100 Powertickets. It also runs until 31 October.