Dama, also known as Filipino Checkers, is a popular board game in the Philippines. It's a variant of the traditional checkers game, but with some distinct rules and features that set it apart.

Here's a brief overview of how Dama is played:

1. Board: Dama is played on the same board as checkers, with an 8x8 grid. The board is set up so that each player has their pieces on the three rows closest to them.
2. Pieces: Each player starts with 12 pieces, typically in contrasting colors (like black and white). The pieces are usually discs or checkers.
3. Movement: Pieces can move diagonally forward, capturing an opponent's piece by jumping over it diagonally if the adjacent space is empty. Multiple captures can be made in a single turn if the opportunity arises, similar to international checkers.
4. Kinged Pieces: When a piece reaches the last row on the opponent's side, it is "kinged" and gains the ability to move both forward and backward diagonally. This gives kinged pieces more mobility and strategic advantage.
5. Objective: The objective of the game is to capture all of the opponent's pieces or to block them so they can't make any more moves.
6. Variants: There are regional variations of Dama with slightly different rules depending on the locality in the Philippines.

Dama is not only a game of strategy but also a social activity enjoyed by people of all ages. It's often played casually in homes, schools, and public spaces, fostering camaraderie and friendly competition.