CMDI’s revival: traditional and recreational Filipino games
For the second time, the CARD-MRI Development Institute, Inc. (CMDI) spearheaded by the Degree Educational Partnership (DEP) Unit, celebrated the Palarong Lahi 2017 with the theme, “Larong Lahi: Bahagi ng Kasaysayan, Masayang Balikan” on January 28, 2017 at the CMDI Main Campus, Brgy. Tranca, Bay, Laguna.
The said activity showcased and revived various Filipino traditional games such as dama, bunong braso, sipa, sungka, piko, kadang-kadang, patintero, and sack race, which were simultaneously participated in by seven blocks from senior high school and college departments.
Nowadays, youth are captivated with different foreign-influenced games and with the advent of technology, they are drawn to the virtual space, seemingly forgetting to play some “physical” outdoor games. “There’s a need to integrate these traditional sports especially to students’ academic life for it is remarkably part of the Philippine history,” said Mr. Luisito Lapitan, faculty member. The institution, wants to bring back the old way of human learning and interaction with the nature by conducting this activity every year.
The program kicked off with the parade of students, staff, and faculty from Brgy. Tranca covered court to the main campus. The opening activities were highlighted by the oath of sportsmanship and torch lighting. The flame set the mood of the activity where the participants loudly and proudly cheered for their teams.
The Parade
Senior High School and college students are all smiles and full of energy as the parade started at 6 o’clock in the morning from Brgy. Tranca, Bay, Laguna covered court to CARD-MRI Development Institute, Inc. (CMDI) main campus.
Lighting of the torch
Warren Evangelista of Block 3 senior high school department, one of the representatives, initiated the lighting of the torch which marked the opening of the Palarong Lahi 2017.
Dr. Edzel Ramos, CMDI Institute Director and Dean, in his opening remarks, advised the participants to aim for a friendly competition and to uphold the principles of sportsmanship. “Whether you win or lose, the most important thing is to give your best for the team and enjoy the day,” he emphasized. Indeed, everybody was energetic, enthusiastic, and competitive to reach their goal to win.
Dama
Dama is a famous board game in the Philippines played on a wooden board with 10 squares and 14 end points. Block 1 and Block 7 ladies, both from college department come face to face in this game of strategy
Bunong Braso
Women power: Mary Jane Negrite of Block 1 senior high school and Rheania Polota of Block 3 college
busted the myth that women’s arms are fragile.
Sipa
Sipa or “kick” is the Philippines’ traditional native sport before the Spanish era. Eduard Bantangoso of Block 1 college displayed his “sipa” skills.
Sungka
This is a game played on a solid wooden block (2 rows, 7 circular holes and 2 heads). Blocks 3 and 2 of senior high school competed against each other.
Piko
Piko is hopping onto the squares to finish the diagram and establish many “houses”. Jessica Catina and John Drin Malabanan represented Block 1 senior high school for this game of hopping and jumping.
Kadang-kadang
Blocks 1 and 4 of college department raced and walked synchronously to reach the goal line.
Patintero
College Blocks 4 and 1 guarded each other’s territories in this physically-intensive game.
Sack Race
Nestor Macaraeg of Block 1 college rushed and jumped high to reach the finish line.
The Champion
Block 4 of the college department is the overall champion of Palarong Lahi 2017.
Block 4 of the college department emerged as this year’s overall champion. Meanwhile, Blocks 3 and 7, also of the college department, were the 1st and 2nd runners up, respectively.
According to Robielyn Villamor, college student, Palarong Lahi should be extended from one to three days to include plenty of indoor and outdoor games enabling them to develop their cognitive and physical skills.
“Millenials are now aware that old games played before by their folks are more entertaining and physically challenging not like the online games which are easy to manipulate and can be cheated sometimes,” expressed Ms. Vilma Romanillos, faculty member.
Indeed, it was a successful event and students are looking forward to witness and experience next year’s Palarong Lahi.
News feature article by: Dianne B. Ubaldo