Top 10 Pinoy traditional Games

As a young child growing in my native land the Philippines I still remember a lot of interactions with my peers, friends, relatives or just other people in general. And one way of interacting and socializing to other people was through games and in particular traditional Filipino games.

Traditional Filipino games are truly enthralling, highly imaginative and unique. Despite the rise of modern technology and high-tech games still most of the children in the rural areas play and enjoys these traditional games daily. I am now in my mid ages and I still can recall and it is still fresh in my mind the rules of the games that we used to play with my playmates. And the best thing about these games is that everyone can enjoy playing these for free!

More or less, there are forty Traditional Filipino Games in the Philippines. But these following games are the top games among other games in the country and these are the most played. So let the games begin! "Jack-en-poy, hali hali hoy, sino'ng matalo siya'ng unggoy."

Taguan

 Taguan or ‘hide and seek’ in English language. This ‘tagu-taguan’ make it unique compared to its counterpart ‘hide and seek is that the game usually played at sunset or night so that the it will be challenge to locate those who are hiding.

Tumbang Preso

This game is also called 'Presohan' a very popular street game; it requires three or more players. The players are provided a large throw-away object it could be their slipper or shoe called 'pamato'. The game also requires a empty tin with approximately an eight or twelve oz tin that is placed in upright position. A prisoner will guard the tin while the other player throws their 'pamato' trying to knock it down. The prisoner must put back the tin in its right position in the event that one of the players knocks down the tin. Then that is the time for the prisoner to tag one of the players and replace him as a prisoner.

Piko

This is a popular game for cute girls and ladies. The girls stand behind the edges of a box and each should throw their snippet 'pamato' or cue ball. The first to play depends on their agreement nearest to the moon or wings or to the chess of the draw line. Whoever succeeds in throwing their 'pamato' nearest to the place they agreed upon will play first. The 2nd nearest will be the next and so on.

Patintero

This game also called "Harangang Taga" you must try to cross a line without letting the "taya"(it) to touch or catch you.

Sipa

The object being used to play is also called ‘sipa’. This is made of washer with colorful threads and usually plastic straws are attached to it. The game is very simple you must use your hand or your foot by hitting the object without letting it touch the ground. The most number of kick will be declare the winner

Agawan Base

Basically there are two teams who clams two bases. How many players on each teams depends on the players. The goal of this game is to tag the other team's base without getting tagged. If you were tagged then you'll be transferred to the base of the other team. You must be rescued by your teammates by touching you. The first team to tag the team players of the opponent five times will win the game.

Luksong Baka

If we translate it into English this game means "jump-over-a-cow". The it player bends over his hands on his knees while his co players jump over him using both hands for balance. Only the hands of the player jumper may touch the back of the it. Once the jumper touches the it player with the rest of his body parts except for the hands, the jumper looses the game and it’s his turn replace the it.

Siyato

There are two players in this game; they both need a short stick to hit and a long stick for hitting the short one. Player A as the hitter and Player B as the catcher. This is played outside on the ground where you dig a small slanted hole for the short stick. The first player must hit the stick so it catches air enough to be hit by the stick again. The further the wood gets hit the more points you get. However Player B has to anticipate and catch the small piece of wood to nullify the points.

Jacke-en-Poy

Who doesn’t know ‘jack-en-poy’ in the Philippines? This is a game playing Rock-Paper-Scissors with the chan "Jack-en-Poy, hali hali hoy! Sino'ng matalo, siya'ng Unggoy (monkey)." The goal of this game is just to overpower each hand gestures such that paper wins over rock, rock wins over scissor and scissors over powers paper.

Palosebo

Every "fiesta" or feast in a certain Barrio greased bamboo pole climbing is always present. The game involves players attempt to climb a greased bamboo. The goal is be the first person to reach the top with a banner or a small bag and the price is there usually money or toys.

Other famous games in the Philippines are the following:

• Paluan ng Palayok
• Luksong Sako
• Takip Silim
• Luksong Tinik
• Holens
• Jack Stone
• Sungkit-Goma
• Luksong Lubid
• Trumpo