You probably haven’t heard of Laro ng Lahi—and that’s exactly why you need to.

Laro ng Lahi are traditional Filipino games, deeply woven into the culture and community. Think of them as the heartbeat of the old neighborhoods. Games like Patintero, Tumbang Preso, and Luksong Baka—these aren’t just for fun; they’re about strategy, trust, and teamwork. And here’s the kicker: these games can transform your team like nothing else.

Why Laro ng Lahi?

We’ve all done the typical team-building exercises. Trust falls, obstacle courses, escape rooms. Fun, sure—but they’re often disconnected from any deeper meaning. Laro ng Lahi taps into something different. These games carry the spirit of unity, competition, and collaboration that’s been passed down through generations.

Here’s why it matters:

Cultural Connection: By bringing these games into your workplace, you’re connecting your team to the roots of Filipino values—bayanihan (community spirit) and resilience.
Simple, But Deep: They’re easy to learn, but they reveal how people think, communicate, and work together.
Pure Engagement: These games are physically active, mentally stimulating, and—most importantly—fun.

How to Turn Laro ng Lahi Games into Real Team-Building

Now that you know why these games are special, here’s how you can use them to create an unforgettable team-building experience.

1. Start with Storytelling

Introduce Laro ng Lahi to your team by telling a story. Imagine the simplicity of growing up with nothing but chalk to draw the game lines and sticks as makeshift equipment. This gets them hooked. They’ll see it’s more than just games—it’s a piece of history, a window into a culture they may not know.

2. Choose Games That Make Teams Work Together

Pick games that reflect the kind of collaboration you want to build:

Patintero: Teams have to strategize how to defend and break through the opponent’s lines. It’s about coordination, quick thinking, and teamwork.
Tumbang Preso: There’s no winning unless the team works together—one distracts, while the others attack. The metaphor for shared goals and roles at work couldn’t be clearer.

These games naturally force everyone to contribute. They encourage problem-solving, communication, and thinking under pressure—exactly what great teams need.

3. Mix Teams for Diversity

Here’s where the magic happens: Mix up your teams. Don’t let people group up with their friends. Put together people who don’t normally work closely. Games like Luksong Baka require trust, and you’ll see unlikely pairs form as they help each other leap and clear challenges.

Why it matters: This diversity builds new connections and strengthens collaboration across different teams or departments.

4. Explain the “Why”

Every game has a purpose. As your team plays, stop and reflect on what’s happening:

How did they work together?
Who naturally took charge?
Who supported quietly?

Tie it back to the workplace. These games are a mirror, reflecting how your team collaborates, communicates, and adapts in real-world situations.

5. Add Real-World Challenges

Think of it as leveling up. Modify the games to reflect challenges from the workplace. For instance:

Add a time limit to Patintero to simulate working under tight deadlines.
Limit the number of players in Tumbang Preso to test resourcefulness and creative problem-solving.

These small tweaks force players to adapt and think quickly—just like handling real challenges at work.

6. Rotate Leadership

Before each round, assign a new leader to each team. They’re responsible for guiding the strategy, keeping morale high, and pulling in quieter team members. Suddenly, leadership isn’t just for the managers—everyone gets their turn.

Why it matters: This helps develop leadership skills and encourages your team to step outside their comfort zone.

7. Encourage Healthy Competition

Turn each game into a mini-championship. Keep score and make it clear—winning takes more than individual effort. It’s all about teamwork. Celebrate collaboration just as much as competition.

8. Reflect and Celebrate

After the games, circle everyone up for a debrief. What did they learn about each other? About themselves? Highlight moments where teamwork and leadership shone through. Then celebrate—it’s not just about who won. It’s about how the team grew together.

Laro ng Lahi isn’t just a throwback to the past—it’s a tool to build better, more connected teams today. These traditional games might be old, but their lessons are timeless. Bring them into your next team-building session and watch as your team’s collaboration, communication, and trust soar to new levels.

You can work with professional team building facilitators.

How Laro ng Lahi Games Can Transform Your Team