More than being an app developer and a web engineer, Dale Dennis David is first a patriot. He’s the founder of Filipino Matters, a non-profit dedicated to promoting Filipino culture and values, as well as initiating efforts to create social change. But it was in 2004 when he created Team OPS, a company specializing in gaming and software development.

With the idea of tapping social media and mobile phone applications to further the cause of Filipino Matters, Dale formed a team to create the mobile application Sipa: Street Hacky Sack, based on the traditional Filipino game. “The concept of creating Filipino games that anyone can easily download anywhere in the world was one way of promoting the culture without too many logistical concerns,” says Dale.

The team dubbed themselves Team Butchukoy, and they took assignment as a simple side project. After three months it was made available for download. “We wanted to create a game that would not only be acknowledged as made by Filipinos, but would also entice foreigners who are curious to know more about the culture,” says Dale. “We are proud that there’s a Pinoy-themed game on iTunes and Android made by Pinoys in the same place where Angry Birds and Temple Run are also available.”

The team is currently creating a free version of Sipa, as well as developing more Filipino-themed games. That, of course, isn’t enough to sustain a company, so the team also develops mobile apps and games for companies, that will help sustain their social projects.

“We want to be known for being an innovative and creative Filipino company that contributes to the development of the Filipino game industry,” says Dale. “We want to change how we Pinoys see ourselves, that we can be a leader, an innovator and not just a follower in the game development industry.”