Our Story

"My fondest childhood memories have always involved playing outdoors. Habulan, Piko, Agawan Base, Melting Candle, Garter, Jak-en-poy, Bahay-bahayan and my all-time favorites, Patintero and Hide and Seek.

Growing up with a creative father, Architect Francisco Bobby Mañosa, who was who was a firm advocate of everything Filipino, it was only natural to make LARO – or Filipino games – the theme for the closing art exhibit of my Creative Kids Studio in the summer of 2015. LARO championed the creative power of children through an art exhibit and sale celebrating Filipino games and play.

The results were amazing. The kids were taught how to play patintero, piko, jolens, and tumbang preso, so they could understand the art and designs they had to create. Not only were they able to create beautiful pieces, but they actually enjoyed playing the games of their parents’ youth.

The summer event turned into a campaign that bridged the gap between generations, taking us back in time, yet moving us all together into the future. When my father and I closed the LARO exhibit, he looked at me, asked “What’s next?” – and immediately suggested two things: add music, and ask Gary V for help… for who else could create life-changing experiences through music, with a big heart for the youth, but Gary Valenciano?

When I approached Gary about this project, it energized the child in him. He is, after all, UNICEF’s National Ambassador. He enthusiastically shared with me animated stories about his childhood and how he used to play hide-and-seek. We shared stories, creative ideas, and hopes for Filipino children. And just like that, LARO evolved into AWIT AT LARO… another, even bigger celebration of the joy of play, revisiting the songs and games of our youth."

“Once in a while, ideas pop into our heads and grab us, move us, drive and lead us to execute. This new campaign that aims to protect and preserve the youth by reintroducing traditional free play through music is one such idea.

As the national ambassador of UNICEF in the Philippines, in recognition of their 70th anniversary and in celebration of my 35th year in showbiz, I am proud to present “Awit at Laro.”

A vision shared by the Tukod Foundation, this campaign will not only help us raise funds for their endeavours but for UNICEF and the Shining Light Foundation as well, while inspiring  the next generation to rediscover and enjoy the music and games of our youth.”
 

The Awit at Laro album features a variety of songs produced by Gary Valenciano who has been working closely with top Filipino composers and singers. The album contains 9 reimagined traditional songs as well as 11 brand new songs about the games Filipinos have known and loved since childhood.