Beyond Modernity

The nostalgic moment of running beneath the bask of sunlight, the warm sweat
drifting on the surface, and the rapid acceleration work of respiration resulting in the
height of exhaustion. However, despite overwhelming force, the clashes of teeth in
the mug have not subsided. This atmosphere evokes a playful yesterday, wherein,
amidst the domination of modernity, it is still vivid in the mind as it bears our
heritage. Laro ng lahi continue to create history in every generation beyond walls of
current trends.

Growing up in a technologically advanced, industrialized, and diverse era has always

been dominated by consumerism culture, a way of life that has completely engulfed
me in the waves of materialization and vogue. Overshadowed by dominant social
networking and pop culture, I assumed that Laro ng lahi would be forgotten and
would not be introduced to the next generation, but it has surpassed my wildest
expectations. I still see kids on the street playing tumbang preso, hide and seek, and
luksong tinik; perhaps they haven't been exposed to digital games, but what's
fascinating is that these games have been instilled in their minds to play. Hence,
Filipinos continue to value its significance to our identity, as they tend to knot the
string that connects our heritage in the foreseeable.

As the Indigenous peoples' education hub, Philippine Normal University-North Luzon

is one of the institutions that does not fail to promote Laro ng Lahi among students.
During the university's recent 31st anniversary, with the theme: Pamantasang Bukod-
Tangi, Kahusayan ay Ipagbunyi. The professors and faculty members allowed
students to experience playing laro ng lahi with the assistance of PE majors. Despite
exhaustion and failure, the students does not fret to play and instead completed the
Filipino games. Each player gave their best to fully enjoy and embrace our cultural
heritage.

Here are the Laro ng Lahi that are being held during the event:
Station 1: Sambunot
Station 2: Sack Race
Station 3: Alupihan
Station 4: Sosakor
Station 5: Juego de Anilyo
Station 6: Hilahan ng Dahon ng Niyog
Station 7: Luksong Tsinelas
Station 8: Palosebo
Station 9: Patintero
Station 10: Hulihan ng Buntot
Station 11: Agawan Panyo
Station 12: Tug of War
Station 13: Agawan Buko
Station 14: Pabitin
Station 15: Obstacle
Station 16: Basagan Palayok
Station 17: Flying Carpet
Station 18: Water Bag Throw
Station 19: Pyramid
Station 20: Lovers Carry

Furthermore, Aivan Baradi, a second-year social science student from the Ybanag
Indigenous people, directed the group of Ulayaw in playing the Laro ng lahi at the
celebration. He manages to participate in a total of eight games alongside the other
members cheers to his impressive leadership and perseverance in enjoying all of the
games. Their active involvement demonstrates camaraderie and teamwork.

“To be completely honest I had so much fun and I can say this is one of the best
moments so far in my 2023 year. I got to work with my classmates and even though
sometimes we fail, I know that it will be a great lesson for us to do more and excel in
the future,” Aivan said as he share his experience in Playing Laro ng lahi.

“ It is not just about having fun and winning from those several games, but it's about
having a sense of awareness about the culture of the Philippines. It's fact that laro ng
lahi is challenging and tiring to play with, but the memories, learnings, and
appreciation is incomparable,” he added.

How glorifying it is to know that somewhere within this ever-changing world,

cherishes and values the existence of Laro ng lahi, someone out there living a modern
life, surrounded by sophisticated and lavish living, and yet climbing a slippery
bamboo to reach the summit and wave the flag. Instead of surfing the virtual sphere,
someone beyond modernity chooses to be challenged.

This gives me faith that the essence of its existence has not dissipated and is not on
the verge of disappearing. No matter how many centuries pass or the number of
advances we generate, somebody will continually remind us of its significance,
someone will maintain the pleasure of wanting to play, and someone will preserve this
play . Beyond modernity having to play Laro ng lahi, we can be neighbors with our
forefathers.