PH CONSULATE, FILCOM CENTER, AND KNIGHTS OF RIZAL KICK-OFF INAUGURAL PALARONG PINOY IN HAWAII

Consul General Arman Talbo (2nd from left) joined (L-R) State Rep. Rachele Lamosao, U.S. Rep. Ed Case, Honolulu City and County Councilmember Tyler Dos Santos-Tam, and FilCom Center Chairperson Edmund Aczon for the ceremonial sipa toss to officially open Palarong Pinoy 2025.

30 June 2025, Honolulu - The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu, together with the Filipino Community Center and the Knights of Rizal, co-organized the inaugural Palarong Pinoy 2025 last June 29 at the FilCom Center. 

The Palaro was conceptualized to revive interest in Philippine traditional games and sports, preserve cultural heritage, and foster meaningful connections across generations of Filipino-Americans and cultural enthusiasts. In his remarks, Consul General Arman R. Talbo emphasized the importance of working as a community to achieve collective goals, and foster Philippine traditions. He added that the inaugural Palaro is an example of what can be achieved when the community unites and cooperates. He also highlighted that the games serve as a bridge to “connect generations, and to share with our keiki – the children of our community, what makes being Filipino so wonderfully unique.” 

Sixteen (16) teams competed in five games, namely sipa, patintero, tumbang preso, dama, and sungka. Approximately 200 people, including families and friends who cheered on competitors, event volunteers, first aid providers, and community supporters, attended the games. 

The event was made possible with the support of the community partners including the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of Hawaiʻi, O'ahu Filipino Community Council, Congress of Visayan Organizations, GMA Pinoy TV, Ramar Foods, Visionary Views LLC, Philippine Celebrations Coordinating Committee of Hawaiʻi, the United Filipino Council of Hawaiʻi, Philippine Nurses Association of Hawaii, Linglingay Dance Troupe, and Mrs. Josie and Mr. Virgil Sumait. 

Eight (8) teams, including the Consulate’s team, will be moving on to the finals round of Palarong Pinoy 2025, which will be held at the Philippine Consulate General on July 29. 

Team Oahu Filipino Community Council (OFCC) and Team Solesisters played patintero,  a traditional tag game played on a grid.

Team representatives played Tumbang Preso, a knock-down-the-can game.

Ramar Food’s “The Lumpia Man” and Kumusta Pusa had a sungka match (photo courtesy of Alex Acorda).

Consul General Talbo observes a dama (Filipino checkers) match.