October 22, 2019
Filipino Street Games
by: Netanya Flores
In this day in age, some of us have dedicated our leisure and relaxation times to playing Fortnite, while others have not fallen down that path and are probably spending time on a random Buzzfeed quiz instead. But, while we are so caught up in our 21st century Americanized ways, on the other side of the world our cultural roots thrive on among other children. Because this meeting’s theme is “Game Night,” let’s look at some street games our nanays, tatays, lolas, lolos, titas, titos and probably the whole barrio used to play growing up!
1. Patintero
It’s the Filipino version of “Tag” where a grid-like board is made and people on one team have to pass through the grids without being caught by members of the opposing team. Best tagger spot is smack dab in the middle, plus as an advantage, you gotta have the arms for this guys.
2. Tumbang Preso
I remember my dad talking about playing this game all the time when he was growing up in Davao, and basically what happens is there’s a can or bottle in the middle of the road and everyone takes turns using their ‘tsinelas’ to knock it down. I think any of us would rather have the slipper thrown at a can than us!
3. Luksong Baka and Luksong Tinik
This game, which translates to “jump over the cow” or “jump over the obstacle” is our country’s version of leap-frog. Players have to jump over someone who’s pretending be the cow and has their back crouched. In the tinik version, the goal is to jump over two people’s hands and their feet that are forming some sort of block. As time progresses, the person crouching gets higher and higher. Whoever jumps the highest wins.
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