A Look Back at Traditional Filipino Games: Bringing the Fun to a Filipino-American Audience
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Growing up, whether in the Philippines or in a Filipino-American household, games were an essential part of childhood. They were played on the streets, schoolyards, and anywhere there was space to gather. These games brought joy, laughter, and a sense of community. For those who grew up in the U.S., learning about these traditional games can be a way to connect with cultural roots and share the fun with friends. Here’s a guide to some of the most beloved Filipino games and how they’re played.
1.Sipa
Sipa is a game that tests skill and agility. It involves using the feet to kick a small, weighted object—often a washer wrapped in straw or thread—repeatedly without letting it touch the ground. The goal is to keep it airborne for as long as possible, showing off footwork and coordination.
2.Sigay
Sigay is a game involving shells tied to strings. Players select their sturdiest sigay and take turns whipping their shell to strike an opponent’s sigay. The objective is to damage or break the opponent’s shell. It’s a test of strategy and precision, with players using the string like a whip for controlled strikes.
3. Dampa
In Dampa, players use rubber bands or small collectible cards. It starts with betting your own rubber bands or cards to the pool. Each player with a bet, takes a turn trying to move the items across the finish line. The game is named after the sharp, downward motion of the hand (the "dampa") to make it move forward. Once you get the a rubber band or card across the finish line, it is yours to keep. The game requires hand-eye coordination and some strategy to win. The victors display their winnings with their arms lined with rubber bands from their wrists to their elbows.
4. Jolen
Playing jolen (marbles) is a classic game where participants try to knock each other’s marbles out of a circle using their own shooter marble. The game requires precision and planning, as the player with the best aim often collects the most marbles and wins.
5. Langit-Lupa
Langit-Lupa is a variation of tag where “langit” (heaven) refers to elevated surfaces that are safe zones. Players on “lupa” (ground) can be tagged by the “it.” The chant “Langit, lupa, impyerno, im-im-impyerno” starts the game, and everyone scrambles to avoid being tagged while finding their way to safety.
6. Agawan Base
Agawan Base is a team game similar to capture the flag. Each team has a base, and players try to reach the opposing team’s base without being tagged. Strategy and teamwork are essential as teams plan their moves to tag opponents and defend their base.
7. Tumbang Preso
Tumbang Preso involves a tin can and slippers. One player guards the can while others try to knock it down by throwing their slippers at it. The challenge comes in retrieving your slipper without being tagged by the “it” once the can is toppled.
8. Siyato
Siyato is like baseball but played with sticks. Players use a longer stick to hit a shorter one that is flicked into the air. Points are scored based on how far the short stick travels. It’s a game of coordination, skill, and good timing.
9. Chinese Garter
Chinese Garter is a jumping game that involves an elastic band stretched between two players. Jumpers must cross over the garter as it is raised higher each round. This game tests flexibility, jumping skills, and agility.
10. Ten-Twenty
A variation of Chinese Garter, Ten-Twenty requires players to jump over an elastic band while chanting “ten-twenty” and performing a series of jumps. Players move up in levels, making the game more challenging as they progress.
11. Luksong Tinik
In Luksong Tinik, players leap over “thorns” formed by the hands or feet of other players. The game becomes more difficult as the “thorns” rise higher. It’s a test of agility and confidence, with participants showing off their jumping skills.
12. Luksong Baka
Luksong Baka is similar to Luksong Tinik, but players jump over a crouching person called the “baka” (cow). The “baka” gradually rises higher with each round. The challenge lies in clearing the jump without touching the “baka.”
13. Patintero
Patintero is a game of speed and strategy. Teams take turns trying to cross lines drawn on the ground while defenders guard those lines. The objective is to cross the lines and return without being tagged. It requires quick thinking and sharp movements.
14. Sungka
Sungka is a game of strategy played with a wooden board with small shells. Players move shells or stones around the board to collect as many as possible. It’s a quieter game that encourages planning and calculation.
15. Jak en Poy
Jak en Poy is the Filipino version of rock-paper-scissors. This simple game is often used to decide who goes first in other games or to settle disputes. It’s fast, easy, and known by almost every Filipino child.
16. Teks
Teks cards were small, collectible cards that often depicted popular shows or comic stories. Players flicked these cards in the air, and cards that landed face-up were won by the player. It was a game of skill and luck, and collecting rare teks cards was a point of pride.
17. Pogs
Pogs were circular cardboard discs with colorful designs. Players would stack them and use a heavier “slammer” to try and flip the pogs over. Any flipped pogs were collected by the player, making it a game of both strategy and excitement.
18. Doktor Kwak-Kwak
In Doktor Kwak-Kwak, the group links hands to form a circle, and the players twist themselves into a human knot while singing. The designated “doctor” tries to untangle them without breaking the links. The game is fun, fosters teamwork, and encourages problem-solving.
These games are more than just fun; they are a connection to heritage and culture. They remind us of the value of community, creativity, and simple joys. For Filipino-American families, sharing these games is a meaningful way to introduce children to the rich traditions of the Philippines and create lasting memories.
1.Sipa
Sipa is a game that tests skill and agility. It involves using the feet to kick a small, weighted object—often a washer wrapped in straw or thread—repeatedly without letting it touch the ground. The goal is to keep it airborne for as long as possible, showing off footwork and coordination.
2.Sigay
Sigay is a game involving shells tied to strings. Players select their sturdiest sigay and take turns whipping their shell to strike an opponent’s sigay. The objective is to damage or break the opponent’s shell. It’s a test of strategy and precision, with players using the string like a whip for controlled strikes.
3. Dampa
In Dampa, players use rubber bands or small collectible cards. It starts with betting your own rubber bands or cards to the pool. Each player with a bet, takes a turn trying to move the items across the finish line. The game is named after the sharp, downward motion of the hand (the "dampa") to make it move forward. Once you get the a rubber band or card across the finish line, it is yours to keep. The game requires hand-eye coordination and some strategy to win. The victors display their winnings with their arms lined with rubber bands from their wrists to their elbows.
4. Jolen
Playing jolen (marbles) is a classic game where participants try to knock each other’s marbles out of a circle using their own shooter marble. The game requires precision and planning, as the player with the best aim often collects the most marbles and wins.
5. Langit-Lupa
Langit-Lupa is a variation of tag where “langit” (heaven) refers to elevated surfaces that are safe zones. Players on “lupa” (ground) can be tagged by the “it.” The chant “Langit, lupa, impyerno, im-im-impyerno” starts the game, and everyone scrambles to avoid being tagged while finding their way to safety.
6. Agawan Base
Agawan Base is a team game similar to capture the flag. Each team has a base, and players try to reach the opposing team’s base without being tagged. Strategy and teamwork are essential as teams plan their moves to tag opponents and defend their base.
7. Tumbang Preso
Tumbang Preso involves a tin can and slippers. One player guards the can while others try to knock it down by throwing their slippers at it. The challenge comes in retrieving your slipper without being tagged by the “it” once the can is toppled.
8. Siyato
Siyato is like baseball but played with sticks. Players use a longer stick to hit a shorter one that is flicked into the air. Points are scored based on how far the short stick travels. It’s a game of coordination, skill, and good timing.
9. Chinese Garter
Chinese Garter is a jumping game that involves an elastic band stretched between two players. Jumpers must cross over the garter as it is raised higher each round. This game tests flexibility, jumping skills, and agility.
10. Ten-Twenty
A variation of Chinese Garter, Ten-Twenty requires players to jump over an elastic band while chanting “ten-twenty” and performing a series of jumps. Players move up in levels, making the game more challenging as they progress.
11. Luksong Tinik
In Luksong Tinik, players leap over “thorns” formed by the hands or feet of other players. The game becomes more difficult as the “thorns” rise higher. It’s a test of agility and confidence, with participants showing off their jumping skills.
12. Luksong Baka
Luksong Baka is similar to Luksong Tinik, but players jump over a crouching person called the “baka” (cow). The “baka” gradually rises higher with each round. The challenge lies in clearing the jump without touching the “baka.”
13. Patintero
Patintero is a game of speed and strategy. Teams take turns trying to cross lines drawn on the ground while defenders guard those lines. The objective is to cross the lines and return without being tagged. It requires quick thinking and sharp movements.
14. Sungka
Sungka is a game of strategy played with a wooden board with small shells. Players move shells or stones around the board to collect as many as possible. It’s a quieter game that encourages planning and calculation.
15. Jak en Poy
Jak en Poy is the Filipino version of rock-paper-scissors. This simple game is often used to decide who goes first in other games or to settle disputes. It’s fast, easy, and known by almost every Filipino child.
16. Teks
Teks cards were small, collectible cards that often depicted popular shows or comic stories. Players flicked these cards in the air, and cards that landed face-up were won by the player. It was a game of skill and luck, and collecting rare teks cards was a point of pride.
17. Pogs
Pogs were circular cardboard discs with colorful designs. Players would stack them and use a heavier “slammer” to try and flip the pogs over. Any flipped pogs were collected by the player, making it a game of both strategy and excitement.
18. Doktor Kwak-Kwak
In Doktor Kwak-Kwak, the group links hands to form a circle, and the players twist themselves into a human knot while singing. The designated “doctor” tries to untangle them without breaking the links. The game is fun, fosters teamwork, and encourages problem-solving.
These games are more than just fun; they are a connection to heritage and culture. They remind us of the value of community, creativity, and simple joys. For Filipino-American families, sharing these games is a meaningful way to introduce children to the rich traditions of the Philippines and create lasting memories.