The Philippines boasts a rich cultural heritage, evident not just in its food, music, and art, but also in its traditional games, known collectively as “Laro ng Lahi,” which translates to “Games of the Race.” These games, passed down through generations, are more than just childhood entertainment; they’re testaments to Filipino resourcefulness, social interaction, and cultural identity. From tabletop games like sungka or tongits, to the playground games we grew up with like tumbang preso and piko. One way or another us filipinos have played one of these games in all parts of our lives.
Tumbang Preso
Tumbang Preso, also known as “Knock Down the Prisoner,” is a popular game among Filipino children. It involves a simple setup: an empty can placed in the middle of a playing area, and a group of players armed with slippers or flip-flops. One player is designated as the “guard” who protects the can, while the others attempt to knock it over by throwing their slippers. The objective is to hit the can and avoid being tagged by the guard while retrieving the slippers. The game develops agility, accuracy, and strategic thinking, and is often accompanied by laughter and cheers, making it a cherished pastime in Filipino communities.
Piko
Unleash your inner artist with Piko. This game uses a hopscotch-like grid drawn on the ground with chalk or a pointed object. Players take turns hopping across the grid, following a numbered sequence, while maintaining balance and avoiding stepping outside the lines. Piko can be played with increasing difficulty by adding more intricate patterns and even incorporating rhymes or challenges at each numbered square. Its difficult to find a school in the Philippines without its own piko lines in one of its playgrounds.
Luksong Baka
Luksong Baka, or “Jump Over the Cow,” is a game that tests the jumping abilities of the players. The game starts with one player crouching down to form the “cow,” and the other players taking turns jumping over them. As the game progresses, the “cow” gradually stands up, increasing the difficulty of the jump. The goal is to clear the “cow” without touching them, requiring agility, strength, and coordination. Luksong Baka is often played during fiestas and gatherings, fostering a sense of camaraderie and competition among the participants.
Patintero
Imagine a thrilling game of tag taken up a notch. Patintero involves two teams competing on a rectangular court marked with intersecting lines. Players from one team try to cross the court without being tagged by the opposing team who guard designated “patintero” lines. This fast-paced game requires agility, strategy, and teamwork. Imagine dodge ball without the ball, eliminating your adversaries with “touches” without leaving your own lines.
Sipa
Sipa, meaning “kick” in Filipino, is a traditional game that showcases the dexterity and coordination of the players. It is akin to the Southeast Asian game Sepak Takraw but is played with a small, woven ball made of rattan or plastic. Players use their feet, knees, and elbows to keep the ball in the air, preventing it from touching the ground. Sipa can be played individually or in teams, and it requires skillful footwork and precise control. The game is often played in open spaces, schoolyards, and streets, symbolizing the resilience and resourcefulness of the Filipino spirit.
Conclusion
In the age of digital games, the youth nowadays have not played or herd of some of these games, its our job as the older generation to teach what games are suppose to be, playing with your friends in the playground afterschool and pouring hours and hours of fun with these games is one of the cornerstone of our childhood. Our culture is our identity, don’t let it be forgotten, as highlighted by 90s Tamil Songs.