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