Spanish interns Mertxe Mendibe Lazaro and Maria Pilar Arraiz Torre, along with French intern Enzo Muñoz, engaged in traditional Filipino games on March 7, 2025, at West Visayas State University, offering them a fun and interactive way to immerse themselves in Filipino culture while fostering connections with DagYoung Student Ambassadors and International and Local Linkages Office staff.

The interns took part in a popular Filipino game like “Dr. Quack Quack,” a lively game that combines elements of tag and strategy, where players must avoid being tagged while attempting to reach a designated safe zone. “Chinese Garter,” a popular game testing agility and flexibility, was also played, where participants took turns jumping over a stretched garter at increasing heights.

The participants also enjoyed “Kadang Kadang,” a balancing race where each player places a slipper on each foot and races to the finish line without losing balance. “Patintero,” a team-based game involving drawing lines on the ground and attempting to cross them without being tagged by opposing players acting as “guards,” was another exciting highlight.

Lastly, they played “Tumbang Preso,” a classic Filipino game where players aim to knock down a can using slippers while avoiding being tagged by the player.

These games provided participants with hands-on experience of Filipino childhood traditions, fostering camaraderie and cultural understanding. For the foreign interns, it was an opportunity to learn about Filipino traditions firsthand, enhancing their cultural competence and appreciation.

This initiative underscores WVSU’s commitment to internationalization and cultural diversity, providing platforms for students and interns to engage in meaningful cultural exchanges that enrich their academic and personal growth.

By Gladwyn B. Gustilo/ILLO