Traditional games on special stamps

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) launched the “Larong Atin! Traditional Games” special stamps to promote Philippine heritage and culture.

The Larong Atin! se-tenant block of four stamps features bato-bato-pik/jack-en-poy (rock-paper-scissors), bahay-bahayan (playing house), luksong-tinik (thorn hurdles) and  trumpo (spinning top). The souvenir sheet for Larong Atin! shows jolen (marbles), piko (hopscotch), tumbang preso (knock down the prisoner) and saranggola (kite). These Philippine traditional games sharpen problem-solving skills, promote teamwork and healthy competition, and encourage activities for youth from all walks of life. Each game has a story to tell about our values and traditions. More importantly, “these traditional Filipino indoor and outdoor activities promote physical well-being and strengthen family ties in preparation for the ‘new normal,’” PHLPost said.

“Parents and kids can stay active at home playing their all-time Pinoy favorites like bahay-bahayan and bato-bato-pik while ensuring a safer environment during this pandemic. We also share the advocacy of preserving Filipino heritage in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Filipino Heritage Festival Inc. (FHFI),” Postmaster General Joel Otarra said.

Philippine traditional games can be considered living intangible heritage, the preservation of which is supported by the 1987 Philippine Constitution. Also called laro ng lahi, these games are recreational activities that introduce children to Filipino values such as pakikipagtulungan (helpfulness), pakikiisa (cooperation) and pakikisama (getting along well with people).

PHLPost has printed a total of 100,000 copies of the four different designs of the stamps sold for P12, P14, P15 and P17 each. A special 5,000 pieces of the limited collector souvenir sheet stamps were also printed to be sold at P100 each. The stamps were designed by in-house graphic artists Rodine C.  Teodoro and Eunice Beatrix U. Dabu in coordination with Judith Neric of FHFI.

Stamps, souvenir sheets, and official first day covers are now available at the Philatelic Counter, Manila Central Post Office; all Mega Manila Post Offices; Postal Area 2, San Fernando, La Union; Postal Area 4, San Pablo; Postal Area 5, Mandaue; Postal Area 6, Iloilo; Postal Area 7, Davao; and Postal Area 8, Cagayan de Oro. Stamp collectors will have the option to purchase the stamps by ordering online (www.phlpost.gov.ph) or through telephone (8527-0132/852-70108). Specially designated postmen or “wheel riders” will deliver these stamps and collect payments through cash-on-delivery, a convenient method of payment upon receipt of items.