By: Lex Perry

Visuals by: LDR

 

In an age where technology and digitalization continue to grow and develop into something bigger and bigger as the days go by, it’s but refreshing and even wistful to take a look back at the games where we won’t need the use of the internet and stay behind a screen to play – at the same, before the month of August comes to a close, let’s not forget our very own Buwan ng Wika.

 

As you can see with the visual aids used, for this article, we’ve decided to highlight simple but fun games that perhaps you would either only know of or be able to play only in our motherland – the Philippines; which is why it’s generally called Larong Pinoy. See, the idea here is to blend a bit of history & entertainment in hopes of reminding the Kids of today about the games & activities that is part of our identity as Filipinos and at the same time help in maintaining and preserving its significance in our culture.

 

TUMBANG PRESO

 

The goal here is knock down a tin can or a bottle using your ‘pamato’ or tool of choice that is usually a ‘tsinelas’ or a slipper – a flip flop to be exact, or sometimes a rock that commonly has to have a marking or a distinct look so as to be able to identify which the pamato belongs to. The thing is, the tin can or bottle is guarded by the ‘preso’ or prisoner who is the ‘it’ in the game (don’t worry, it’s just badass terminology)  and failing to do so will give a chance for the preso to tag a player who will then become the new ‘it’.

 

Another thing to note is that the field of play is not that wide and pretty restricting in terms of space, and that’s one of the main things that make the game thrilling. If you think you’re good, or can be good in this game then you must have the ability to run fast and have high precision in hitting targets, having skills or traits comparable to that of a sprinter and marksman. Or if you’re just looking to have some good fun with friends, and like the idea of developing your speed and aim, then definitely try this one out.

 

For the rules & mechanics of Tumbang Preso,  click here

(http://www.angelfire.com/games4/pigssai/tradrules.htm)

 

• Alam mo ba? 💡 (Did you know?)

 

The game Tumbang preso takes elements and similarity from both foreign games tag and dodgeball which thus promote being agile and thinking strategically to win.

 

‘PAGTATAKDA NG PAMANTAYAN’ or SETTING STANDARDS

 

In that sense, it’s inherent that we Filipinos have our own way of thinking uniquely and creatively and setting our standards by somehow combining two separate games that are known and fun to play in their own right and coming up with a new one which we proudly call our own.

 

 

PATINTERO

 

If you’re looking for a fun activity that you can do with a relatively large group then we highly suggest you guys go play Patintero. The idea here is to outrun and outsmart the ‘taya’ or the ‘it’ by getting past them and reaching through the other side. This game greatly promotes coordination and team chemistry since they are these are the primary keys to victory.

 

Like in any other physical game or sport, agility and quickness will allow you to go a long way. But still, it is indeed teamwork that makes the dream work. I believe that it’s the games & activities like these which build and uphold camaraderie that we were able to establish our ‘Bayanihan’. It’s an ideal game for Kids, especially during their formative years, because it would help instill in them a strong sense of togetherness and inspire them to act voluntarily in helping and working with their fellowmen.

 

• Alam mo ba? 💡 (Did you know?)

 

Patintero is derived from Spanish word tinte ("tint" or "ink") in reference to the drawn lines. Another name for it is tubigan, tubiganay, or tubig-tubig ("water [game]"), due to the fact that the grid lines are also commonly drawn by wetting the ground with water. It is also known as harangang-taga or harang-taga (lit. "block and catch"), referring to the game mechanics.

 

 

‘MANATILING TOTOO NGUNIT WAG MAPALAGAY’ or STAY TRUE BUT NEVER STAY PUT

 

If you dig just a little dip and base it off of what I said about the game, you can relate this powerful phrase by simply accepting the truth that not all of us are the same in terms of strengths and capabilities. Let’s face the reality that some people may have advantages over us, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are more than us. In fact, there are certain circumstances where it’s the people with the least that are able to do the most. Just think about David & Goliath. Yup, you can always do something about it!

 

For the rules & mechanics of Patintero, click here:

(http://www.seasite.niu.edu/tagalog/Filipino_Games/patintero.htm)

 

LUKSONG BAKA

 

Now if you’re that Kid who enjoys games and activities that entail a ton of jumping and hopping, then you’ll surely enjoy playing Luksong Baka. It’s a great game to put your leaping ability to the test. Unlike the first two games we’ve tackled, this time it’s not about far, but how high can you go? Well, depending on how tall the persons you’re playing against and how high of a jumper they are will actually determine how high you must go.

 

However, if you’re not too confident about your hops then this game may not be suitable for you – at least at first; and that’s because I think it’s a game that are dominated by people with long legs and high vertical leaps. Although if your aim is to improve on those aspects and looking to have fun while you’re at it, then definitely go for this game. It slowly and steadily increases in difficulty as you advance.

 

 I’ve personally seen friends of mine who are playing this game drastically increase their leaping abilities, now I don’t want to guarantee nor claim that its Luksong Baka which should be given credit for that – but I do believe that in one way or another, it did contribute or at least helped them achieve it.

 

• Alam mo ba? 💡 (Did you know?)

 

Luksong Baka originated from Bulacan, The Prosperous Province Forged by History and Heroism.

 

 

‘LAWAKAN ANG PANGARAP AT UNTI-UNTING MAGSIMULA’ or DREAM BIG, START SMALL

 

Sometimes we long for things that aren’t, let’s say, tailor-made for us and we may be in a position where we start with very limited means – but again, that doesn’t automatically mean that we’re going nowhere with it. We just need to ask ourselves ‘How bad do I want it?’ and the answer to that question is found not in what we say verbally, but in the actions and efforts we take in trying to achieve that certain feat, regardless if we only have very little. It’s true that small things create the biggest impacts, because combine them all together, then you may have just made a huge leap closer to your dreams – but it doesn’t  end there. It’s a constant and continuous work in progress.

 

For the rules & mechanics of Luksong Baka, click here:

(https://mgapalarongpinoy.wordpress.com/2017/12/24/luksong-baka/)

 

 

LANGIT, LUPA 

 

So here’s a game that’s somewhat demanding but nevertheless fun & easy. The thing with ‘Langit, Lupa’ is that it is demanding in a sense that it cannot be played or is dull to play in a space where there’s only a flat surface or only a few spots that are raised from the ground. At the same time, while they are key factors in this game, it also demands more than just your physical abilities and strategic thinking. Depending still on the people you’re playing with, it does require some patience.

 

That being said, we don’t want you think that it’s a complicated game, rather, it’s really simple to play; its just the nature of the game. You would need raised spots because they serve as the ‘Langit’ or ‘heaven’ (again, take note that this is also just some badass terms & concepts the creators of the game came up with) and the flat surface serves as the ‘lupa’ or ‘land’ and the thing is the taya or ‘it’ in this game can only run along the land and is unable to tag the other players when they’re in heaven. That’s the reason why in this game, timing & patience is key apart from being alert and having quick reflexes.

 

• Alam mo ba? 💡 (Did you know?)

 

In choosing who the first it is usually a chant is sung, while pointing at the players one by one:

Langit, lupa impyerno, im – im – impyerno (Heaven, earth, hell, he-he-hell)
Sak-sak puso tulo ang dugo (Stabbed heart, dripping in blood)
Patay, buhay, Umalis ka na sa pwesto mo (Dead, alive, get out of your spot!)

 

 

‘ABUTIN ANG ULAP, AT TUMUNGO SA BUWAN’ or REACH FOR THE CLOUDS THEN PROCEED TO THE MOON

 

See, you may deem that I’ve interpreted it in a literal aspect. I’m not going to deny that, but let’s try to give it more emphasis. When you’re looking to gain or achieve something, chances are, it requires patience and timing as well. Like in Langit, Lupa you cannot stay lax or carefree as you are anticipating the moment you’re able to tag another player. Think of it as an opportunity – you have to stay focused and prepared to grab it once it presents itself because it may take long before you have that chance again.

 

Know what makes the tagline even more beautiful? It encourages you to go even further even if you’ve already seized the opportunity. It encourages you to proceed to the moon, that you can go even higher. It’s up to you how you plan to see and interpret what higher means. The thing is, before having to think about all that, you must stay alert and ready.

 

 

POGS  

 

Here’s what may come as a surprise, that even I only knew of just recently. Based on my research online, it is said that the game POGS did not actually originate in the Philippines but in Maui, Hawaii in during the 1920s. Still, it’s become a part of our culture that is why we’ve decided to include it in the list, and in this game, the idea is to slam the caps and get them to face up so you get to keep them – it’s a fun and popular game that is being played all around the globe.

 

In my opinion, the most awesome thing about POGS is its design aspect, it’s a small and round cap that shows off an awesome piece of art. I think its also one of the main things that lured people into playing the game and make them collect it. It’s a combination of skill + aesthetic. I mean, what more can you ask for, right?

 

• Alam mo ba? 💡 (Did you know?)

 

The brand name "Pog" is owned by the World Pog Federation. The name pog originates from POG, a brand of juice made from passionfruit, orange, and guava

 

 

‘PINUPUNAN LANG ANG PANGANGAILANGAN’ or JUST FILLIN’ THE NEEDS

 

I think we can all agree that the term or word ‘need’ has the tendency to be overused and thrown off of its true meaning, especially when we’re online shopping. Guilty? I don’t blame you, because so are we. It’s not that it’s that bad or negative, it’s just that when you know you’ve worked hard and did something productive, we like the idea of rewarding ourself, and people respond to incentives. Don’t we?

 

Look, i’m not trying to validate your online purchases or convince you whether or not it’s a necessity, I mean do believe in the need to reward ourselves, I guess I just would like you guys to be more considerate of how you reward yourselves, and how often you do it.