Lived Experiences of Gen Z Students Towards Laro ng Lahi: A Phenomenological Study

This phenomenological study explored the perceptions, affective attitudes, and motivational drivers influencing the engagement of ten purposively selected Generation Z learners at Biliran Province State University (BiPSU) with Laro ng Lahi. Data gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed via systematic thematic coding revealed a significant "Cognitive-Cultural Disconnect," where participants exhibited high procedural mastery derived from informal observation but lacked declarative knowledge regarding the socio-historical origins of the games. Affectively, the narratives indicated a "Nostalgic Appreciation" rooted in the psychological need for Relatedness, serving as a "social-emotional detox" from digital isolation, though this valuation is frequently hindered by an "Exhaustion-Enjoyment Paradox" and the convenience of sedentary technology. Ultimately, the study identified "Technological and Environmental Displacement" as the primary barrier to sustained interest, while highlighting a strong learner desire for "Institutional Modernization" through gamified competitive structures. The findings conclude that the survival of traditional Filipino games in the modern era necessitates a hybrid pedagogical model that bridges ancestral heritage with the digital habits and institutional scaffolding required by the contemporary learner.