The 1521 Spanish colonization of the Philippines has become an inspiration for the creation of Alcaldia: The Way Forward board game. Set in the pre-colonial period, the game is one of the most popular board games in the Philippines. Alcaldia is considered a Philippine history educational tool for students. This deck-building board game allows Filipino community building during the Spanish colonization.
Behind this Filipino, game creation are co-creators Marek Sison and Ruiz Sison. In this board game, you become the leader of Alcaldia, a Spanish name for Barangay. You have two goals as the leader that are called Barangay goal and Bulawan goal. In this guide, you will learn more about the history, rules, techniques, and gameplay of Alcaldia.
What is the Alcaldia board game?
Alcaldia: The Way Forward is a Filipino-made board game designed by Marek and Ruiz Sison. Initially, it was intended as an Information Design thesis and eventually led to a board game concept. The creators found it challenging to create a game that would appeal to different gaming markets. They also thought of introducing a game suited for game enthusiasts and students.
To create an exciting board game, the team takes inspiration from the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The group aims to design a game that educates children on Philippine history more engagingly. As part of its theme, this game challenges players to devise creative ways to defeat the Spanish as they colonized the Philippines.
In Alcaldia, players will face two big decisions to achieve goals. One, you can cooperate with the Spanish, and two, build a Filipino community to advance the Philippines. Adding the concept of the location in the game will help players realize these goals.
How to play Alcaldia?
The highlight of Alcaldia: The Way Forward is the decisions that Filipinos could have made to ward off the Spanish colony. However, it took decades before they could achieve victory and independence.
As a player, you have two goals as the leader. First, achieve victory in the Barangay goal. It involves several tasks in building a thriving community towards cultural achievement despite the presence of the Spanish. It focuses on gaining Freedom Points.
Second, you must complete tasks for the Bulawan goal. This goal allows you to work on technological advancement and produce resources for the community. You can do this by purchasing Tools, Allies, and Locations. You win if you achieve either of the two goals. Alcaldia can be played by 5-6 members and may last up to 30 minutes for every session.
Game rules
This deck-building game requires the players to decide whether to advance the Philippines by setting up a Filipino community or cooperate with the Spaniards. Alcaldia consists of complex mechanics in managing your Freedom Points and resources. Using your money, you can buy Tools. In addition, you can buy Allies using your Goods. You can also buy Locations using Money and Goods. Finally, players can also buy cards from the center. You can put the purchased cards in the discard pile, and they act as new decks when you run out of cards. If you can complete one of the two goas, you earn a victory in Alcadia.
Alcaldia techniques and playing tips
In Alcaldia, you encounter mechanics and rules covering Resources, Freedom Points, and Money which you can use to buy Allies, Locations, and Tools. Due to the complexity of Alcaldia’s mechanics, you must first familiarize yourself with the game’s rules. You can play the game for free with your friends to experience unlimited game-play.
Like in other board games or card games, the key to winning is to play it regularly. This way, you can improve your skills and decisions, which you could have done in past sessions. Take note that you need not achieve both goals to win. Instead, aim for the Barangay Goal or Bulawan Goal to make the most out of Alcaldia.
Can I play online?
Currently, there is no downloadable android app for Alcaldia: The Way Forward deck-building game. Therefore, you can only purchase this board game’s complete package online. However, it is currently in development, and publishers are working to make it available online and in retail stores in the future.
Can I play Alcaldia for real money?
The Alcaldia: The Way Forward is designed to be played for fun. Players cannot play this board game for real money. You cannot win real money by playing it just like other board games or card games designed for fun, entertainment, and educational purposes. However, you can bet with your group on who will be the winner in the game.
FAQ
Is the board game educational?
The theme of Alcaldia: The Way Forward focuses on the Filipino community in the face of the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The game is undoubtedly an educational board game in two aspects. First, it educates people on how to build a community and explains its complexities towards accomplishing goals. Second, it engages and familiarizes children and adults with the history of the Philippines.
Who invented the board game?
Marek Sison and Ruiz Sison are the co-creators of Alcaldia: The Way Forward deck-building board game. Compared to other games, this one is educational and engaging and shows the bravery of the Filipino community to strive against the Spanish. This board game simulates the complexities of building a Filipino community while discovering the history of the Philippines.
Can you play this game online for free?
No. You cannot play it online for free since there is currently no available online app for Alcaldia. Instead, you can purchase the complete package online and enjoy it with your group for free.
How long does the game of Alcaldia last?
One game session of Alcaldia: The Way Forward may take up to 30 minutes with 5-6 players participating.
How many people can play?
Five to six players can participate in the deck-building game. Players take the role of a leader of Alcaldia, intending to achieve the Barangay and Bulawan goals.
What is a tabletop game?
A tabletop game is typically played on a table or flat surface. You can try tabletop games such as board games, miniature games, dice games, and tile-based card games. Alcaldia: The Way Forward is one of those tabletop games inspired by Philippine history during the Spanish colonization.