Pinoy folklore-inspired digital games star in Pasinaya’s Palaro

Photo courtesy: Cultural Center of the Philippines

The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) celebrated Pinoy digital games showcasing local myth, history, and culture through its newest segment in Pasinaya 2025—the biggest multi-arts, open house festival held on February 1 and 2.

Adventure abounded as its Palaro area featured professional and indie games from CCP Game and Comics Development grantees in interactive booths, where people played demos and had friendly matches with other Pasinaya attendees.

The projects offer unique storylines, mechanics, and overall gameplay, with multilayered fun for players.

One featured project is Fight Bakunawa—a mobile 1v1 fighting game highlighting the country’s rich folklore that presents creatures of mythology in “Sinag” by Ranida Games, through its unique storyline and mechanics. Its Tekken-like gameplay will keep you engaged, while also learning because the game arenas are held in the famous spots of the country.

Meanwhile, players can hone their entrepreneurship skills with “Pearls of Asia” by Synthillate as they play business tycoons in a historical setting. Its signature mechanic includes playing iconic Filipino historical figures, mythical heroes, and mythological beings using their knowledge to build a business empire.

Explore iconic Pinoy landmarks all around the country while finding cultural treasures aboard their trusty jeepneys in Kendikorp’s “Gala.” The pixel-styled user interface gives players a nostalgic feeling for popular games in the ‘90s.

A player can also channel their inner Indiana Jones with Metamedia Information System Corp’s “Treasure Seekers,”  a multiplayer puzzle-solving adventure where one can recover the long-lost treasures in an epic journey around the country.

Lastly, join Kata as he embarks on a heartwarming journey back to his bahay-kubo atop the giant Narra tree in “Kata” by Katakata Creative. This story-driven game features Filipinos’ cultural traditions as the character meets new friends in his ventures.

“Whether you’re an experienced gamer or a first-timer, CCP Pasinaya: Palaro delivers a unique fusion of innovative technology and Filipino culture,” CCP Vice President and Artistic Director Dennis Marasigan said in a press release.

The CCP sees this new addition as further expanding the promotion of Filipino artistry to digital platforms. “It’s a chance to experience our rich history and mythology in an entirely new way—through interactive, inspiring gameplay that highlights the creativity of local game developers,” Marasigan added.

Pasinaya attendees enjoyed playing the games and other interactive booths of Palaro inside the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez (TIG) parking area from 9 AM to 5:30 PM for both days. 

Nhorie Mae, an Education student, and avid Pasinaya attendee since 2021, expressed that this year has been more inclusive and pangmasa. 

“Naging mas malaya, eye-opener per se, para sa mga [newcomers, and they would think] na, ‘ah, may ganto palang nagyayari.’ They included [a] variety of performers, artists, and producers na kita talaga na they are the sons and daughters of arts and culture,” she said.

“Mas naging exciting kasi appraised and localized yung masterpieces na pinalabas nila,” she added.

CCP Pasinaya 2025 is scattered throughout the country, as it stayed true to its theme, “Para sa Lahat!”, featuring museum tours, artistic and musical performances, cultural parades, and many more with its See-All-You-Can, Pay-What-You-Can format.

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