Group photo at the garden of Mapúa MCM of Student Mobilization (StuMo) students, College of Computer Information Science students, College of Health Sciences volunteers, and Office for Corporate Partnerships – Center for International Programs staff.
Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (Mapúa MCM) came alive with laughter, movement, and camaraderie during “Week 4: Learn and Play Filipino Games” held last July 2, 2025, at the Mapúa MCM Plaza. This special activity, organized by the Office for Corporate Partnerships – Center for International Programs (OCP-CIP) and the College of Computer and Information Science, introduced international delegates to classic Filipino games, blending cultural education with physical activity and teamwork.
The event was part of an ongoing cultural exchange program, featuring participants from Student Mobilization (StuMo), a US-based student organization. Delegates came from Kansas State University, the University of Missouri, Northwest Missouri State University, and the University of Nebraska. They were warmly welcomed and partnered with Mapúa MCM student volunteers, creating dynamic and diverse teams that encouraged learning, cooperation, and friendship.
At the heart of the event was its goal to promote the preservation of Filipino heritage through play. Participants learned and actively engaged in four traditional Filipino games: Karang-Karang, Tumbang Preso, Dragon’s Tail, and Sack Race. These games, deeply rooted in Filipino culture, offered an immersive way for the delegates to experience the country’s rich traditions while fostering physical fitness and community spirit.
Elyse from StuMo excitingly plays the karang-karang; a classic Filipino game using abaca ropes and coconut shells.
Two mixed teams were formed to encourage deeper interaction between local and international participants. Team Guyabano was composed of StuMo delegates Zach, Brooke, Elyse, Gracie, Drew, and Logan, alongside Mapúa MCM students Rizza, Kieffer, Anikka, Earl, and Laurence. Meanwhile, Team Dangerous Durians included StuMo members Kambry, Jaime, Bryant, Clayton, and Jordyn, teamed with Mapúa MCM students Joshua, James, Anya, Nadine, and Julliana.
Kambry (StuMo) hopped using a sack as they played the sack race with her teammates in the background to cheer for her.
The students from Mapúa MCM who played and volunteered represented various colleges, with notable contributions from the College of Health Sciences (Rizza Junelvy S. Birondo, Nadine Juele, and Althea Anne H. Teodoro) and the College of Computer and Information Science (hosts Angeline Kaquilala and Francis Laurence Mayol, and players James Albert Albinda, Anya Sophia Pangilinan, Joshua Famor, Anikka Francine Cabania, Jasper Nikko Navarez, Julliana Onor, Kieffer Lance Devera, Danilo Eslawan, Laurence Kharl Devera, and Earl Tolentino).
Kambry Kirk, one of the StuMo delegates, shared her enthusiasm by describing Filipino games as “competitive,” highlighting how spirited and engaging the activities were for everyone involved.
This event not only provided fun and recreation but also aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By fostering cross-cultural understanding and meaningful partnerships between international delegates and local students, “Learn and Play Filipino Games” became a platform for inclusive learning and global cooperation.
As traditional Filipino games continue to be passed down through generations, initiatives like this ensure that heritage remains vibrant—bridging cultures, strengthening communities, and nurturing shared global values.