While I was walking yesterday, I saw a group of children playing ‘luksong baka’. They were having fun while enjoying the game. Then I remember my childhood days twenty five years ago. I also use to play that kind of game with my neighboring kids especially on weekends.
As years went by, these Filipino traditional games for kids are slowly disappearing. You can rarely see Filipino kids playing patintero, tumbang preso, luksong tinik, luksong baka, taguan, syato, habulan, etc. These games were replaced by gadgets like xbox, playstation, nintendo, and kids are more exposed to Western Sports activities.
Amidst the popularity of these latest game gadgets and non-Filipino sports, we must not lay aside and forget our traditional games. We must always remember that this is our cultural heritage and treasure. There are many known traditional Filipino games for kids, but I will only name the Filipino traditional games that I still remember when I was a kid.
PATINTERO
1. Patintero – this is a popular game not only for kids, but including adults. I remember that we played this game not only in the morning, but sometimes in the evening when it is full moon. We used chalk or water to make lines. The rule of the game is very simple: make it sure that you can cross the line without being catch or touch by the other group.
PIKO
2. Piko – this is the Filipino version of hopscotch. I always see my two sisters playing this game when they were still kids, because it is a popular game among the girls.
LUKSONG TINIK
3. Luksong Tinik – Two players will be the base by putting their right feet or left feet together. While the other players will jump without touching the two players feet.
LUKSONG BAKA
4. Luksong Baka – It is a popular variation of luksong tinik. The ‘it’ will bend while the other players will jump over him/her. The bending player will gradually stands up as the game continues. A jumper who will not be able to jump over, or touch