Most kids who grew up in the Philippines back in the 80’s and 90’s have fond childhood memories of playing outdoors. Back in the days when television, family computers, and brick games were the only “techie” things, many children preferred spending time playing with their friends, generally neighbors their own age.
This has changed drastically these past decades since the introduction of modern video game systems, computers, and mobile devices. It seems more youngsters prefer staying at the comfort of their homes and spending their game time in front of the screen.
Still, it’s never too late.
As a parent, you can introduce traditional Pinoy games to your children during your bonding time with them. This will help you have quality time together plus you get to feel young again as you look back and enjoy your favorite games as a child.
Here are 6 suggestions you might want to consider:
Taguan
This is the Pinoy version of the American game “Hide and Seek.” The difference here is that this one is usually played at night, making it more challenging to find the hiding players.
Sipa
A candy wrapper or a few strips of plastic are attached to a small, flat piece of metal. Opposing players will pass the sipa to each other, testing their speed and agility. Dropping the sipa during your turn means your opponent gets the point. Think of it as a small scale volleyball game but with a sipa, not an actual ball.
Pitik-Bulag
While covering your eyes with one hand, you will use specific fingers on the other to try and guess the exact finger being shown by the other player. Of course, you will only make the guess after the player flicks his or her finger on your hand. If you get the right finger, you exchange roles with your friend.
Chinese Garter
Despite its name, yes, this is a traditional Filipino game. This one is typically played by girls with two players holding each end of a garter (or more commonly, a long line of rubber bands weaved together). Players try to cross the garter without tripping on it. The level of difficulty arises, depending on the player’s skill. It begins by having the garter lined at ankle-level and move up to the head, daring players to jump higher.
Bahay-Bahayan
This one develops the imagination of kids as they pretend to be family members in this role-playing game. One boy acts as a dad while a girl pretends to be the mom. The rest play as children, neighbors or even as a pet. They simply act out common household scenarios such as having dinner together, cooking food, doing chores together, and many others.
Langit-Lupa
The “it” player tries to tag another player. Anyone standing on the ground can be tagged but those who move up to higher places or objects cannot be tagged. For example, a boy can stand on a bench and the “it” player will not chase him anymore. He or she who gets tagged will be the next “it.”
And this is just but a tip of the iceberg. There are many other interesting Pinoy games for kids such as Holen, Luksong Baka, Luksong Tinik, Patintero, Piko, Tumbang Preso, Ubusan Lahi, and more.
Parents, which games do you miss the most? Which ones will you play with your children soon? Did we miss any particular favorites?
We’d love to hear from you so feel free to sound off in the comment section!
