WhenInManila.com recently held a teambuilding session at All aBOARD XP by Gaming Library, trading the usual work setup for a few rounds of tabletop games. I’ve played board games before, but mostly the familiar ones, like Snakes and Ladders. Many of the games we tried here were new to me.
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The experience turned out to be a mix of figuring things out as we went, a lot of laughter, and a few small takeaways that felt applicable outside the game itself.
That’s Not a Hat: Keeping track—or pretending to
One of the first games we played was That’s Not a Hat, a card game that revolves around remembering (or claiming to remember) objects being passed around the table.
Each player gives and receives face-down “gifts,” identifying them as they go. The catch is that it’s easy to lose track of what’s what, so players sometimes have to rely on bluffing to get through a turn.
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For me, it felt like a mix of memory and observation, though it didn’t always go as planned. I tend to forget things quickly, so almost every time my turn came around, I was thinking, “wait—what was this again?”
There were times when I was sure about an answer, and ended up being completely wrong. It also became clear how confidently people can commit to a guess, whether accurate or not.
It’s a short game, but it keeps everyone engaged the whole time.
Brick Like This!: Communication in practice
The second game, Brick Like This!, focused more on teamwork.
Players are paired up, with one person describing a LEGO build while the other tries to recreate it as accurately as possible. The challenge comes from how clearly instructions are given—and how well they’re understood.
I was paired with my coworker Jia, and the game highlighted how important it is to be specific and attentive. Even small gaps in communication could lead to completely different results.
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It’s straightforward, but it naturally encourages players to adjust how they explain things and how they listen.
Tapple: Thinking on the spot
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We ended with Tapple, a word game built around categories and a 10-second timer.
Players take turns giving answers that fit a category while pressing letters on a wheel, making sure not to repeat anything already used. The time limit adds pressure, especially as options start to narrow.
I’d seen this game online before, so I was curious to finally try it. Some rounds were easier than expected, while others led to complete mental blocks. It’s a simple format, but it pushes players to think quickly and respond on the spot.
An easy way to connect
The session at Gaming Library felt easy to settle into, even for someone trying most of the games for the first time. Each game had its own pace and focus and didn’t require much time to learn.
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It worked well as a team activity without feeling too structured, and it offered a different way to interact with coworkers, especially those I usually only see on Discord calls.
Overall, it was a fun, low-pressure way to connect in person.
If you want to try playing board games, we recommend visiting All aBOARD XP. You can try before you buy, discover new games, and revisit old favorites in an atmosphere built for fun and community. Expert coaches and friendly game guides are always on hand to teach rules, recommend games based on your interests, and help you get straight into the action.
All aBOARD XP is located in Greenbelt 5, Uptown Mall, One Bonifacio High Street, SM North EDSA, and AlterEgo in Shangri-La Plaza.
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