Home-grown Summer Games

Long before the high-tech gadgets and computer games came about, Filipino children played under the sun or the moon, in their backyards, in the park or in any spacious vacant area. The limited availability of toys was compensated by the invention of games

Games like "Agawan Base," "Taguan," "Bahay-bahayan" and others were common. These games were both interesting and challenging because children were made to think up strategies to win and unite to carry out the game plan. The games were social, physical and mental activities.

Today's young generation may still enjoy native Filipino games. Summer is a perfect time for trying these "Larong Pinoy," right around neighborhood. School is on a break and so playmates abound - and the dry season is an assurance that there's nothing will dampen the playtime.

Taguan (Hide and Seek)

This game can be played by two or more players. One player is chosen to be the seeker; the other players hide. When the rest have already hidden, someone shouts "Seek!" or "Game!" signaling the seeker to start looking. The player who is the first found becomes the new "seeker" for the next round. The game ends when all the hiding players are found.

Langit-Lupa (Heaven and Earth)

The game is played by as many members. One player is designated to be the "striker." The game starts with the other players running around on the ground ("lupa"). On a cue, the running players must clamber on anything above the ground (langit). The "striker" may catch the player remaining on the ground. The caught player then becomes the "striker," and the game continues.

Agawan Base (Seizing Base)

In this game, two teams have a base each. The number of members in each team depends on the players. The goal of this game is to seize the other team's base without getting tagged. The player that is tagged is transferred to the other team and must be rescued.

There are usually set points, such as first team to tag the other team five times wins. You can tag other people who have touched their base before you and are on the opposite team. If they've touched their base after you've touched your base, they can tag you, and you can't tag them. This is sometimes called "Black 1-2-3".

Takyan (Shuttlecock Kick)

The game is played by two or more players, depending on how many are interested to join in. One of the players must be the "slave" (called "hagù"). In choosing the hagù, all the game participants must alternately toss the takyan (flat-nosed shuttlecock) five times, first using the hand or elbow and then at the fifth time kick it upwards high enough to prevent the other players from being able to kick it, too. The player kicking the takyan which the other players are also able to kick becomes the hagù.

The hagù has the task of serving takyan at the first toss of every player. The game goes in the same way again. The hagù can then join in the game again by trying to kick up the takyan at any of the players' turn. If he succeeds, the player at whose turn he kicks the takyan becomes the new hagù. And the game may continue.

Bahay-bahayan (Playhouse)

This one is very common. It is a role-playing game where children act as members of a household, including pets. In this game, participants can act out various household situations such as dinner, cooking, washing housecleaning etc.

There are actually many more Filipino games to try. Games like these require kids to interact with one another. They can gain new friends, strengthen their bond with playmates, and develop a sense of sportsmanship.

Most of all, "Larong Pinoy" are such a good way to enjoy summer!