By Freddie Hermosora Tayoan
AsFOK holds first ever Filipino Traditional Winter Games 2020
There were about 350 participants from different organizations headed by the Association of Filipino Organizations in Kuwait (AsFOK). It was the first ever winter games for Filipinos held on 31st January 2020 in Ali Sabah Al Salem area.
The participants arrived at around 8 am till 9 am. All around the different municipalities of Kuwait, the Filipino community and their friends from different nationalities gathered and participated the traditional games they have been missing to play during their youthful days. After the registration and distribution of ribbons, participants were grouped by colors, enthusiastically Zumba session by the different Zumba
Group photo during the Association of Filipino Organizations in Kuwait (AsFOK) first ever winter games for Filipinos. groups initiated the lively-danced-athletic exercise for less than an hour.
It was followed by the opening ceremony, welcoming the leaders, participants and guests. It was led by Engr Francisco Olpindo III, Founder-Chairman of AsFOK and Sarah Yousef, Founder-Co-Chairman. They explained that the main objective of the association is team building dynamics that aimed at enhancing the camaraderie and brotherly relationship with the Filipino community in Kuwait.
The participating members from the 29 organizations were overwhelmed with the street games they used to play when they were younger. Some of them recalled how passionate they were while playing. For instance, tumbang-preso, which is a simple game that involves a small empty tin can, guarded by one player, while others’ role is hitting it with slippers or simply kicking the can to knock-it-down. Four groups were able to tag the big prizes, while the other 4 colored group were happy recalling their memories.
One of the spectators, Godfrey Gadon was nostalgic and said, “I wished I could teach this game to my children and my future grandchildren. Nowadays, they are all with advanced gadgets.”
One of the most awaited games was the patintero, which was the toughest game ever played. It involves guard team, where a point of entry is being defended and the other group acts as attacker or intruder to pass through the lines being guarded and intruder coming back to their own base. Mae Ortiz, shared her experience as if she was going back to her hometown, playing the same game 25 years ago. Green group won the said defense-attack games on line.
The tough game was the Tug of War. The most challenging game which was played with stamina, strength and cooperation between members. The women yellow team and men orange team tagged the strongest group. After the match, 6 Palestinian friends came to challenge the Filipinos, and they played with brotherhood spirit and sportsmanship.
During the games, the Pinoy Ambulance Nurses in Kuwait headed by Robert Bulquiren rendered their care for the whole group by checking their blood pressure, pulse and blood sugar to ensure the safety of the sports enthusiasts.
It ended with distribution of certificates and prizes to the winners and supporters of the association.
This first Winter Olympic project of AsFOK was planned for almost one and a half month. The preparations made were the results of the united efforts of all the officers and members to bring a new history of Filipinos and their camaraderie in Kuwait. The success is a manifestation of how Filipinos can work harmoniously with everyone who wants to be fit and bringing back the traditional games of Filipinos into limelight. Let it shine for the millennials, let them play the games of our forefathers! Mabuhay!