Int’l card game now has a PH version inspired by Rizal’s works
Photos from Gaming Library’s official website
A show of hands for those who grew up and studied in the Philippines: Who among you dreaded Jose Rizal-related subjects?
From the mandatory memorization of character names to the perpetual fear of having a pop quiz on minor details like what vice Sisa’s husband had, we probably all had our fair share of nightmares fueled by Rizal’s classics.
But many Filipinos seem to have developed a newfound (or renewed) fondness for these literary works—thanks to the 2023 historical fantasy series “Maria Clara at Ibarra.”
To say the least, the teleserye has sparked a cultural resurgence. And what more fun way to dive *deeper* into the worlds of “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo” than by channeling your revolutionary persona in a game of cards?
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Coup—but make it Pinoy
If you’re an avid tabletop game fan, you’ve most likely heard about (or even played) “Coup” already. It’s an international social deduction card game that puts you in the shoes of a family head who needs to “manipulate, bluff, and bribe” their way to power in a corrupt Italian city-state.
Now, a Filipino edition of the game has been made, and here’s how it goes: You’re still a family head, but this time, against the backdrop of the Spanish colonial era in the Philippines. And your mission? Overthrow the oppressive regime, outwit other families, and leave them in the dust of exile.
To add a layer of authenticity to the gaming experience, Filipina visual artist Camille Chua Tan (or “Frillion”) did the illustrations for the localized “Coup.” She made sure that each card visually captures the essence of the era—all while being inspired by the main characters of the national hero’s magnum opus.
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Crisostomo Ibarra assumes his position as the Duke, Elias as the Assassin, the Gobernador-Heneral as the Captain, Padre Damaso as the (scheming) Ambassador, and Maria Clara as the Contessa.
Coup PH’s project head also revealed that they reread “Noli Me Tangere” (and even did extensive research) to ensure that “Coup: Philippine Edition” features “Easter eggs” that are actually in reference to the novel.
You may also like: Gaming god? These Filipino mythology-inspired games can make you one
Where to purchase Coup PH
Whether you’re currently in the heart of Manila or halfway across the globe, this historical RPG game is now open for pre-orders—and you can get it at a special price. For more information, visit Gaming Library’s official website. (The distributor is based in the Philippines, but they do global shipping.)
P.S. “Coup” is filled with drama, deceit, and betrayal that could just induce a real-life squabble among your gaming crew. So, here’s a gentle reminder to constantly remind yourself that it’s just a game.
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