Development of a Coffee Table Book on Kapampangan Games
Kelly Jabuen Semsem
1
, Ian Christian Romero Castro
2
and Paul Oliver Gangcuangco Pili
2
1
Porac Model Community High School, Porac, Pampanga, Philippines
2
College of Arts Sciences and Education, Holy Angel University, Angeles City, Philippines
iccastro@hau.edu.ph
Keywords: Kapampanga Games, Culture, Component, Coffee Table.
Abstract: The research main purpose is to look for the definitive list of the games that are still being played by
Kapampangan children in the street in the 21st century. Researchers discovered that Kapampangan games
are oikotype where their names are unique and based on the materials and how they played. There are also
numerous accounts that feature the games being played by Kapampangans but there not yet written accounts
that show their target components in physical fitness. Therefore, the researchers sought to develop a coffee
table book that contains the target components of each games with their procedure, materials and
photographs of each games in a Kapampangan typology. The researchers employed a quanti-qualitative
methods that utilized methodological research design which is concerned in developing of instrument like a
manual or book. The result of the study shows that the book is relevance to the course needs and it is
friendly to the users which could help to identify, promote and preserve our local culture and traditions.
Therefore, the researchers concludes that Kapampangan games could be utilized in enhancing the teaching
of Physical Education as a basis for alternative physical fitness test.
1 INTRODUCTION
For centuries, games played a significant role in the
lives of every individual. A game serves as a
pastime or recreational activity which provides
unique opportunities for social development through
working cooperatively and competitively with
others, by showing self-control, unselfishness and
developing a capacity and desire for fair play and
good sporting attitudes. Games also form a
longwinded and vibrant action among individuals
through social interaction which is evident in all
cultures. The Philippines, through its well diverse
characteristics and rich environment, opportunities
rich for Filipinos to develop their own games that
are inexpensive and may improve the wellness of an
individual. These games are enjoyed by everyone
anytime, anywhere that are readily available wherein
they can either serve as participants or as mere
spectators. (Hall, 1998).
These different games could also contribute to
the development of the children where they could
release their conserved energy in a good way
(Schiller, 1873) games could also contribute in
dissipating the inhabitation of stress built into an
individual which could also serves as an outlet for
the children (Hall, 1912). Hence, play releases
tension it could also serves as a way to restore
energy and provide more benefits like generating
once body through physical activity. (Mitchell and
Manson, 1948). Through games we could also
enhance our abilities and refine our skills in a
particular fields (Appleton, 1910). Play could also
nurture not only the physical aspect but as well as
the mental ability of an individual which help in
completing the ego of an individual by means of
play children are more exposed to the different
situation which could lead to develop the cognitive
skills and aid in the emergence of these situations
(Lange, 1902).
Under infantile dynamic theory play occur
because of the cognitive life space of the child which
enable them to create another reality that cannot be
distinguished between real and unreal world at their
current state (Lewin, 1965). However because of this
their imagination could also be developed. While
other theory suggest that play immerged just to
satisfy drive even though child doesn’t meant to do
it under Cathartic Theory (Freud, 1920). Play theory
also suggested that by means of games mastery
arises because of the repetition of the overwhelming
30
Semsem, K., Castro, I. and Pili, P.
Development of a Coffee Table Book on Kapampangan Games.
In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Sports Science, Health and Physical Education (ICSSHPE 2017) - Volume 1, pages 30-36
ISBN: 978-989-758-317-9
Copyright © 2018 by SCITEPRESS Science and Technology Publications, Lda. All rights reserved
anxiety-provoking situations based on
psychoanalytic theory (Anna Freud, 1996).
Thought that one of the most interesting features
of games is that they are all competitive in nature,
which develops socialization and oneness among
children (Kichner, 1991). It shows that through
games persons can develop their minds by thinking
what skills are needed to accomplish the task,
language to communicate with the teammates,
critical thinking to solve the mystery and counter
attack the opponents tactics. It also forms
socialization and cooperation among the members of
the team, sharing of ideas and friendship develop
and sense of belongingness to a group is enhanced
(Feldman, 1994), the emotional aspect of a person
also develops through independence. To achieve the
set goals, confidence in socializing with others and
self-esteem. Through games, physical activity is the
number one aspect that is being developed because it
gives a large development for motor activity which
the body system needs. A study also shows that
learning should not be confined to workbooks and
the four walls of the classroom but should flow
outside the playground and be integrated through-
out the day.
1.2 Research Framework
The researchers utilized a bottom-up approach in
creating the coffee table book. It start enumerating
all the list of games to the actual creation of all the
games with illustration.
Figure 1: Research Framework
1.3 Statement of the Problems
The researchers aimed to developed a coffee table
book showcasing the top most games played by
Kapampangans. Specifically, the researchers sought
to:
1. Identify the different games that commonly
played by Kapampangans using the available
literature.
2. Develop a pool of Kapampangan games that
are usually played in the different towns of
Pampanga;
3. Create a coffee table book on Kapampangan
games with their target components; and
evaluate the book’s content, relevance and
usefulness.
Materials used are found within the country that
can adapt and suit to body composition of the
Filipinos compared to the western people.
Development of a Coffee Table Book on Kapampangan Games
31
This study may also enrich the literature about
the local games of Pampanga. Also, the findings
then are valuable inputs in retrieving and preserving
the culture. It will help the historians and curriculum
developers to attain data that could be codified for
the use in formulation of a curriculum relative to the
physical education. The outcome of the study can
also be used to determine the deficiencies of the
students in physical fitness that needs further
intervention.
2 METHODS
2.1 Research Design
The researchers utilized a methodological research
design. This design is concerned with the
development of instrument (in this case, a coffee
table book) that will be used as a basis for
alternative physical fitness test. Likewise, the
researcher also incorporated qualitative analysis
which the researchers utilized purposive sampling
technique.
2.2 Participant of the Study
This study was confined base on the total number of
population of each municipality from the different
selected towns in Pampanga. Namely Arayat,
Candaba, Guagua, Mabalacat City, Masantol,
Sasmuan and Porac that in every town the
researchers have asked the selected sample
participants who are knowledgeable and already
experienced the different games that usually played
by Kapampangans in their respective towns. The
researchers have asked the participants to simulate
the actual games by four (4) to fourteen (14) years
old. The researchers had documented the games that
served as their basis and concrete evidence that the
different games collected are played in Pampanga,
Which was aligned to the current curriculum.
2.3 Sampling Technique
The researchers have used purposive technique where in
the participants or informants were asked to
demonstrate the actual simulations of the game
while the researchers had documented the game. The
researchers also had maximized and utilized the
homogeneous sampling that addressed the specific
characteristics of the particular group of people or
interest that afterward the detail was examined
thoroughly by the researchers and experts. The
interview with the use of guide questions was used
to ensure the consistency of data or information
about the games its mechanics or procedure.
Documentation had been launched through the use
of cameras and video recorder as ensured that the
data were processed and verified by experts and the
target attributes of each game were properly
identified through the help of an expert or game
scholar.
2.4 Research Instrument
Since the researchers conducted snow-ball technique
in asking the participants the different games they
being played in the street researchers did not used a
separate list of games. Hence, they immediately
recorded them and create a definitive list out of
those records.
An evaluation tool was employed by the
researchers as it established the validity of the
research and had determined each attribute that
shown by each game which are validated by the
experts. A semi-structured interview utilizing open-
ended questions was used in the data gathering
procedure in interviewing experts. This design was
used to establish a conversation with the participant
whether in a form of group or individualized
interview. Open-ended questions did not limit the
researchers in eliciting more information and
experiences from the respondents. An open-ended
interview by the way of contrast, allowed the
participants to describe what is the meaning and
salient features without being pigeon hold into
standardized categories as stated by Patton (2002).
The semi-structured interview guided consisting of
open-ended questions provided more data base are
not possible with pure interviews because of
unforeseen events. Nonetheless, the written
responses supported the data collected from in-depth
interviews.
2.5 Data Gathering Procedure
The researcher had begun the data gathering by
searching all the definitive list of Kapampangan
games through different literatures. The games
where pre-selected by the researchers where the
researchers eliminated all the games that have
gender sensitivity, those who can promote
misdirection that resulted to unacceptable values to
the society like gambling which the researchers did
not tolerate. Researchers also eliminated those
games that do not suit the age of the respondents
which vary from four (4) to fourteen (14) years old
ICSSHPE 2017 - 2nd International Conference on Sports Science, Health and Physical Education
32
who do not have any relevance to the study. The
researchers also eliminated those indigenous games
that are unfamiliar and cannot be simulate anymore,
which could not add anything valuable or new
knowledge about the study. The researchers also
made two sets of survey questionnaires which are
separately intended for each sexual preference. But
because there is lacked of time for the researchers to
wait for the response of the respondents and some of
the respondents having a hard time to read. The
researchers asked the participants to form a group
and as the participants directly what are the common
games that usually played in their area to maximize
the time. So, that the participant can demonstrate or
simulate the different games that commonly played
to their community. Wherein the researchers
documented the simulation of the games using
cameras which the photographs serves as a data for
the development of the coffee table books. To
highlight each games and their procedure on how
they are played together with the culture of
Kapampangans on how this games affects their lives
specially the children.
The researchers also employed on the spot
questions to the experts that elicited more
information and gathered more data that made the
research clear, reliable and valid. Most of experts
agreed that the researcher must used new
Kapampangan orthography so that the reader can
easily grasp and understand each games especially
the procedure part. One of the expert Magkalas
(2014) stated that “Malayari ulang dyanang bilang
ding balang steps nung makananu la pamyalungan
ding balang pialung bang ding mamasa sagli deng
aytinjan” But according to Tubera (2014) stated that
It is better to deliver the steps and procedure in a
paragraph form because if you are going to use step
by step procedure it makes the book much scholarly
and academic in nature where the friendliness and
entertainment value of the book sacrifice.” But in
the end both experts agreed that in the end it is on
the researchers’ decision on what format they were
going to employ for the coffee table book. Another,
aside from featuring the games experts also
suggested that the researchers could incorporate the
different traditions and beliefs of Kapampangans,
when it comes to games where the Kapampangan
beliefs, tradition and culture could be features like
during holy week and sunset. It that way the book
makes more appealing, entertaining and informative
for the readers. Experts also suggested that most
researchers could also incorporate trivia about the
origin of the different games their etymology or
even the origin of the materials used for each games.
Lastly, to established reliability and validity,
triangulation for the target components of each
games, the researcher asked an expert regarding the
evaluation of each games wherein Tubera (2014)
stated that “Actually you do not necessary need an
expert to evaluate the games based on their target
component because you yourself could determine
their target components of each games provided that
the games showcase and highlight the necessary
component. From that suggestion of an expert the
researcher pre-determined the target component of
each games. But the book where also examine by the
experts in the field of physical education to ensure
the validity of evaluation done by the researchers.
Data were gathered from participants of different
towns of Pampanga. Interviews, surveys and
evaluation tools were utilized and served as a way
for cross-checking that determined the target
component to the frequent games played by
Kapampangans that produced a coffee table book as
a basis for alternative physical fitness test or as a
reference for the researchers, teachers and historians.
2.5 Data Analysis
All statistical tests were run using the Statistical
Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.
Frequency and percentage distributions, means, and
standard deviations were used for description
purposes
3 RESULTS
Table 1 presents the demographic profile of the
study participants (experts). A total of nine (9)
experts in the field of history, field research and
physical education participants were conveniently
included in this study. From this batch, they vary in
their age. Most from the respondents from this batch
are male (67%). Most of the respondents are married
(55.6%). It is very evident that only 1 (11.1%) of the
respondents from this batch did not yet obtain a
master’s degree.
Table 1: Demographic profile of the study participants
(expert).
Characteristics
Frequency
Percentage
Age 26
32
37
38
40
42
1
1
1
1
2
1
11.1
11.1
11.1
11.1
22.2
11.1
Development of a Coffee Table Book on Kapampangan Games
33
46
Total
Missing
Total
1
8
1
100.0
11.1
88.9
11.1
Sex
Male
Female
Total
Missing
6
2
8
1
66.7
22.2
88.9
11.1
Marital Status
Single
Married
Total
4
5
9
44.4
55.6
100.0
Educational
Background
Bachelor’s Degree
Master’s Degree
Doctorate Degree
Total
1
6
2
9
11.1
66.7
22.2
100.0
Table 2. Content and Relevance Result
Questions
Mean
Verbal
Inter
Content and Relevance
1. The content of the
book are relevant to
the course needs
(Kapampangan
Culture and PE
subject).
4.78
Strongly
Agree
2. The preliminary
section and
Kapampangan games
are presented in a
systematic approach.
4.22
Strongly
Agree
3. The level of the
approach is suitable
for the intended user.
4.67
Strongly
Agree
4. The instructions for
each activity are
comprehensible and
are straightforward
4.71
Strongly
Agree
5. The ‘Attribute or
Component’ section
help the readers gain
important knowledge
and skills about
Kapampangan games.
4.67
Strongly
Agree
6. The appendix
provides additional
vital information
4.13
Agree
User-Friendliness
7. The structure and
format of the book
4.89
Strongly
Agree
are visually
appealing.
8. The font style and
font size used in the
book are readable
Strongly
Agree
9. The illustrations are
clear and easy to
follow.
Strongly
Agree
10. The procedures are
logically sequenced.
Strongly
Agree
11. The topics are well-
structured and easy to
locate.
Strongly
Agree
12. The language,
vocabulary and
writing styles used in
the book are simple
and appropriate.
Strongly
Agree
4 DISCUSSION
The researchers aimed to develop a Kapampangan
coffee table book’s with the target components of
each games. After the researchers read numerous
account of literature the researchers used them as
their spring board to produce the coffee table book.
Where they eliminated some of the games especially
those with ethical consideration and those which
could not simulate anymore and already passed by
the time. As the previous studies also suggested that
there is a need to describe thoroughly the
Kapampangan games which served as one of the
basis of the researcher that sought their problems.
Where the researchers presented each games with
procedure and photograph for better understanding
together some of the trivia and more importantly
with the target components of each games.
Where the reader could assimilate or relate their
experiences especially those days that they are
young. The researchers also used another way of
organized system which is not only focusing on the
interactive part of the games rather to the totally of
the games that include culture, values and
socialization part compare from the different books
which already published by some of the game
folklorist.
Such as the book of Lopez (2001) wherein she
classified the different games based on their
materials and pre-games. Moreover the own research
of Tubera (2008) where he classified the games
based on materials focusing to the used of rubber.
Both researcher never classified and input the target
ICSSHPE 2017 - 2nd International Conference on Sports Science, Health and Physical Education
34
component of each games to physical education. The
researchers have developed a coffee table book that
covers a wide variety of context. While coffee table
book allows readers examine each subject matter in
an easy way, it also showcases an interesting
graphical representation of the verbal text inputted
through pictures which can be easily understood by
the reader (Tubera, 2014).
“your coffee table book is much more
appropriate to your study because it is much easier
to develop within a limited time rather than a
manual because when you make a manual you need
to prove and simulate the games repeatedly to test
the attribute or target components that it offers to the
player but through a coffee table book you can
showcase the tradition and culture of Kapampangan
you could also inform your target reader about the
benefits of each games to body and it is good
because it is the first time to have a coffee table
book that focus on games that Kapampangan used to
play”.
The researchers also observed and analyze that
the different games are oikotypes that is local
versions with nothing like them elsewhere that the
names are unique and based on the materials that
used by the gamer. Names of the different games
also varies depends on the geographical location.
Based also on the result and response of the
participants it shows that most of the experts
strongly agree about the content and relevance of the
book except for the appendix section and procedure.
Because during the time when the coffee table book
was evaluated the appendix section was not
provided. It was only in the latter part when the
researchers presented to them the appendix section.
The participants also had a hard time to read the text
in Kapampangan especially the students because the
texts that have been used were old Kapampangan
orthography. According to Alley and Bacon from
National Reading Panel of United State of America
(2000). Text structure is one of the factors that
affects reading where the reader can easily recognize
the important thought and ideas more easily when
they understand the pattern that the writer used to
organize the text and reader can also easily
understand when the format of text is appropriate to
their age or level (Lopez, 2001). In terms of user-
friendliness of the book experts strongly agree that
the book is friendly for the intended users. The
pictures are appealing and the procedures are easy to
follow and comprehend.
5 CONCLUSIONS
The researchers conclude that the book is suitable in
incorporating it as an instructional materials in a
classroom setting. The study is able to produce a
collection of games that could be browse by
researchers and next generation about the different
games that are being played by Kapampangans in
the 21st century. The book is also suitable in
preserving the Kapampanga culture especially in the
field of games and followed the new Kapampangan
typology which make the books easier to read and
understand by the current and next generation.
Which create a significant impact in the
Kapampangan language and literature. Moreover,
the coffee table book is friendly and informative for
the user or readers as it highlight and gives trivia to
Kapampangan culture and tradition. Where it also
uncovers on how Kapampangans or Filipinos lived
in the past just what Tubera (2008) and Lopez
(2001) stated that games are reflectors how peoples
lived in the past.
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Freud, A., Baines, C. 1996. The ego and the mechanisms
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Freud, Sigmund. 1975 [1920]. Beyond the Pleasure
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Hall, K. S., Nichols, S. B. 1912. Children at play in many
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Schiller, F. 1873. The works of Frederick Schiller.
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