“Musical Folk Games of Manila, Philippines (3rd Edition)” offers an engaging anthology of 28 spoken and sung musical folk games, meticulously collected by the author during her early teaching career in the Philippines. Each entry includes musical transcriptions and detailed, step-by-step instructions for playing the games. The book also provides English translations and select cultural insights that broaden readers’ appreciation of the games’ significance. To further enrich the experience, users can purchase separate video recordings for each game, allowing for a deeper immersion in the vibrant traditions highlighted within the book.

With Western colonial influences permeating Filipino education, there has been a pressing need for pedagogical materials reflecting authentic Filipino culture—a challenge Dr. Factora has tackled head-on ever since her initial teaching stint in Manila, the National Capital Region. A strong advocate for cultural relevance in music education, she observed children at play during their leisure time and conducted field research in Metro Manila’s neighboring cities.

Far from being mere frivolous pastimes, musical games represent community heartbeats; they are generational threads woven through time and melodies echoing across ages. They form an integral part of our cultural heritage, transmitting stories, traditions, and values from one generation to another. Folk games are not merely culturally significant —they also offer tremendous benefits for holistic development and overall well-being. Furthermore, these games can enhance learning experiences by serving as effective educational tools for teaching musical concepts.