It’s good to remember the good days. Back then, summer filled the air. The joy of play was also universal and has been remembered quite fondly. It was a time that was simpler. Back then, the children would go outside to play and embark on agility, skill, and strategy contests.
Filipino games are what kids enjoyed back then. They were woven into the fabric of Filipino life, thanks to cherished memories spent playing them. It was a time without gadgets, and it was a lived experience.
Let’s discuss some of these games!
Chinese Garter
At this time, we’ve got Jili games, but back then, we had Chinese garter. The game is a measurement and testament to how flexible and agile a person is. The mechanics of the game are that there are two people. The two people will hold and stretch a garter in a horizontal line and be positioned at opposite ends.
After that, the players will jump over and reach the other end without stumbling or falling. As the game continues, the higher the garter used becomes. In the later parts, the heads of the holder are how high the garter has gotten in on. After that, the players have to overcome this hurdle.
Patintero
Next up is another game that requires agility and cunning to make the most of both teams; in Patintero, smarts and cunning reign. Guards and runners are the classifications of the teams in Patintero. Runners get to move forward. They will also have to cross the lines. The challenge is crossing the lines and getting past the guards without getting tagged.
The game is highly physical, so many fights turn physical, from slapping to excessive tackling. However, nothing can truly beat the feeling of crossing the line without getting touched by the guards. It’s a beautiful feeling and an even more incredible experience!
Luksong Trinik
Luksong tinik is up next! Many people can play the game. The large group will then be classified into the base and barrier. Then, they will sit and face each other, hands touching to form a thorn. As the game escalates, then so do the stakes. The height of the thorn shape using the hands will also elevate as the game continues, thus making it more of an obstacle to the players. Whoever passes it without any violations thus is declared the victor of the game.
Tumbang Preso
There was a recent movie, back in the 2010s, named after the game. Tumbang Preso is another name for the game of Tumba Lata, which takes its name from the requirement of a can being placed in a small circle. One person who will be tagged as the “it” or the “taya” guards the can as the other players attempt to put the can down by throwing a slipper while being away from the can. You must hit the can and return it to its original place. After that, you must return to their starting point without being tagged as the “it.”
Wrapping Up
Physical games under the sun and the smell of sun-tinged sweat are some of the remnants of the old days. As the Filipino language is slowly developing, we must remember certain parts of culture, including these games.
