Chapter 3: Community-Based Recreational Activities: Traditional Filipino Games (PDF)

Outdoor and Recreational Activity CHAPTER 3 COMMUNITY-BASED RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES TRADITIONAL FILIPINO GAMES NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION History of Traditional Outd...

Outdoor and Recreational Activity CHAPTER 3 COMMUNITY-BASED RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES TRADITIONAL FILIPINO GAMES NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION History of Traditional Outdoor and Recreational Activity Games of the Philippines Games are a universal phenomenon. Both adults and children engage in their own types of games at various points in their lives. Initially, games were intended primarily for amusement and played whenever suitable opportunities arose. Scholars believe that many games are simplified and secularized versions of ancient cultural ceremonies. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION The Filipino ‘Laro’ Outdoor and Recreational Activity The Filipino ‘Laro’ In the book A Study of Philippine Games (1980), author Mellie Leandicho Lopez noted that ‘laro’ is the Filipino term for all forms of recreational play. The closest term for specific games is ‘palaro,’ which refers to a group of special occasion games played during wakes, festivals, and town fiestas. These games are often competitive, with each contest concluding in a clear outcome. Major studies of games indicate that traditional games are shared communally within the Philippine context. A similar situation is observed in neighboring countries, especially Indonesia. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION The Filipino ‘Laro’ Outdoor and Recreational Activity It is well known that games play an important role in a child’s learning process. The educational influence of games on a child's physical, mental, and moral development is a key reason why these games are still practiced and observed by the general public. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION The Filipino ‘Laro’ Outdoor and Recreational Activity Malay (1956) pointed out that “Filipinos like to play games,” which is observed to be true. Traditional and high-tech games are played simultaneously throughout the country. As part of Filipino pastimes, especially in rural areas and during moonlit nights, neighborhoods gather in plazas, open areas, and main roads to share games, interact, and enjoy recreation, socialization, and relaxation after a hard day’s work. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION The Filipino ‘Laro’ Outdoor and Recreational Activity “LARO” is the Filipino generic term for all forms of recreational play. Filipinos say “Laro tayo,” meaning “Let’s play,” whether for fun without concern for consequences or in a highly competitive contest. Indigenous games, widely known as “Laro ng Lahi,” have Hispanic origins. They are not only enjoyed by youngsters but also by anyone who appreciates playful humor. While these games are recreational, they also test an individual or group’s strength, endurance, and dexterity. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION Individual and Dual Games Outdoor and Recreational Activity Individual games are those played by a single player, while dual games involve two players. All games begin with a procedure carried out by the players themselves. Though the procedures may vary, they are collectively referred to as “manuhan.” NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION  Individual and Dual Games Outdoor and Recreational Activity There are several methods for conducting “manuhan,” including the following: 1. Tihaya or Taob – (Top or Bottom Side Up) In this method, a clam shell, wooden shoe, leaf, or coin is used. The result determines the outcome based on which side is facing up. 2. Bunotan ng Patpat – (Drawing Sticks) Players draw sticks from a bundle, and the person who draws the shortest stick is chosen to play first. The one who draws the longest stick becomes the last player or the “It” (Taya). 3. Gansal or Pares – In this game, one player holds a number of tokens (such as seeds, shells, or pebbles) in one hand and asks the opponent to guess if the total number is odd or even. If the opponent guesses correctly, they win and have the right to play first. 4. Toe-line – Each player throws their “pamato” (a small object used in the game) from a predetermined starting point towards a toe-line. The player whose object lands closest to the toe-line plays first. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION Different Traditional Games Outdoor and Recreational Activity The following selection of games reflects those that are commonly played throughout the country and in neighboring Asian countries. Many of these traditional games involve physical strength and are categorized into mock warfare, racing, and formula games, which rely heavily on dexterity and skill. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION Karera ng Baong Sangko Outdoor and Recreational Activity (Coconut Shell Stilts Race) This game is designed as a race and can be played by two or more children, regardless of gender, typically aged 7 to 12 years, or even older. It involves using coconut shells with abaca rope threaded through holes in the shells. The ropes are adjusted to match the height of each player. Starting and finish lines are marked on the ground. Players, standing on the coconut shell stilts, race from the starting line to the finish line as quickly as possible. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION Luksong Lubid (Jump Rope) Outdoor and Recreational Activity This game is commonly played by girls aged 5 to 15. It is typically played outdoors in good weather and indoors during the rainy season. The length of the abaca rope used varies depending on the number of players. The game involves two players turning the rope while others jump over it. The players who touch the rope with their feet are replaced by new participants NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION  Luksong Lubid (Jump Rope) Outdoor and Recreational Activity Kolyahan ng Sarangola is a game that requires dexterity and skill in maneuvering high-flying kites. Kite fighting is one of the traditional games in the Philippines. This game is typically played by boys aged seven and older, outdoors during the summer months (March to June in most provinces, extending to October in some areas). In this game, two groups compete using their kites, which can be either large (gorion) or small. The objective is to damage the opponent's kite while protecting one's own. The kites’ strings are coated with powdered glass to help cut the strings of the opponent’s kites. The game ends when a kite is damaged and falls to the ground, resulting in a loss for its owner. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION  Turumpo (Top) Outdoor and Recreational Activity Turumpo is a widely enjoyed game throughout the Philippines. While each province has its own distinct shape and style of top, the most elaborate and largest tops are typically found among the Maranao people of Mindanao. The game requires skill to effectively manipulate the top. Tops are usually crafted from soft wood for casual play 1. Damage Competition – The goal is to and from hardwood for competitive games. To play, a inflict damage on the opponent’s top. The top meter-long string is wound around the top. The top is held that sustains the most damage and stops between the fingers and thumb and then spun onto the spinning loses the game. ground. There are two main types of competition: 2. Duration Competition – The aim is to keep the top spinning for the longest time. The top that spins the longest is declared the winner. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION Yoyo Outdoor and Recreational Activity According to early researchers and historical documents, the yo-yo was originally not intended as a game but as a tool for hunting, capturing animals, and self-defense. Today, yo-yos are typically made from wood and acrylic plastic, whereas historically, they were crafted from materials such as carabao horn, ivory, silver, and even gold. The game of yo-yo is relatively new and can be played either alone or with a partner, both outdoors and indoors, by people of all ages and genders. The mechanics of the game are straightforward: players aim to outmaneuver their opponents by keeping the yo-yo spinning continuously without interruption. If a player fails to complete a required trick—such as "around the world" or "walking the dog"—or if their yo-yo loses momentum or stops spinning, they lose the match. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION Sipa (Rattan Football) Outdoor and Recreational Activity The object used in this game is called a "sipa." It consists of a washer with colorful threads, often made from plastic straw, attached to it. The sipa is thrown into the air, and the player must use their foot to keep it aloft. The goal is to prevent the sipa from touching the ground by kicking it repeatedly with the foot and occasionally the area just above the knee. The player counts the number of successful kicks, and the one with the most kicks wins the game. The term "sipa" is also used to refer to the Filipino variant of Sepak Takraw, which is known as the "pambansang laro" or national game. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION Luksong Tinik (Thorn Hurdles) Outdoor and Recreational Activity Luksong Tinik is a popular game primarily played by girls aged 7 to 12, though boys may join in certain areas. This outdoor game involves players being divided into pairs, with each pair consisting of a "mother" (inay) and her "child" (anak). In the game, two players act as the "it" and sit facing each other, stacking their feet and hands together to form a hurdle. The height of the hurdle is gradually increased, and the opponents must jump over it. If a "child" player touches any part of the hurdle, the "mother" must jump in their place. If the "mother" also fails to clear the hurdle, both the "mother" and "child" become the new "it" and take over the seated position. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION Sunka (or Chongca, Sungca, Sunkaan, Outdoor and Recreational Activity Sunca, Tsunka) - Board Game The game is played on a wooden board shaped like a pea-pod, featuring seven small holes in rows on each side and a larger hole at each end. Each large hole is filled with an equal number of "sigays" (small shells). The game involves two players, each taking turns. On their turn, a player picks up sigays from any hole on their side, places one sigay in the small or big hole to their left, and then continues by placing all the sigays from the last hole in the big hole to their left. This process is repeated until one player runs out of sigays to move. The player with the most sigays at the end of the game is declared the winner, while the player who has no sigays left is the loser. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION  Teks (or Teks Game Cards) Outdoor and Recreational Activity Teks, also known as teks game cards, are collectible playing cards favored by Filipino children. These cards feature comic strips and text within speech balloons. The game involves tossing the cards into the air and allowing them to fall to the ground. Players use their thumb and forefinger to flip the cards, creating a snapping sound as the thumb's nail strikes the surface of the card. The objective is to collect cards from other players based on how the cards land or are arranged upon hitting the ground. The player who successfully flips their card in a way that results in the best landing position or configuration wins and collects the other players' cards. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION  Teks (or Teks Game Cards) Outdoor and Recreational Activity Pitik-Bulag is a game involving two players. In this game, one player covers their eyes with a hand while the other player flicks their finger (pitik) over the hand covering the eyes. The player with their eyes covered then calls out a number simultaneously. If the number called out matches the number of flicks, the players switch roles for the next round. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION Piko (Hopscotch) Outdoor and Recreational Activity Piko, also known as hopscotch, involves players standing behind the edge of a marked area or box. Each player takes turns throwing their cue ball into the designated area. The order of play is determined by an agreed-upon rule, such as the ball landing closest to a specific marker (e.g., "moon," "wings," or "chest"). The player whose cue ball lands nearest to the agreed- upon marker goes first, followed by the next closest, and so forth. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION Jolen/Holen Outdoor and Recreational Activity Jolen, also known as Holen, is a game that requires marbles as its primary equipment. In this one-on-one game, each player selects a "shooter" marble while grouping the rest into a circle. Both players must have the same number of marbles. Players take turns using their "shooter" to knock marbles out of the circle. If a player successfully sends a marble out of the circle, that marble becomes theirs. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION  Tumbang Preso Outdoor and Recreational Activity Tumbang Preso, also known as Presohan, is a popular Filipino street game that requires three or more players. Each player uses a large object, such as a slipper or shoe, called a "pamato," to play. An empty tin or plastic container (about the size of an 8 or 12 oz. tin) is placed upright 6 to 8 meters from the throwing line. One player is chosen as the "prisoner" (often through a method like Jack en Poy) and guards the container. The other players stand at the throwing line and take turns throwing their "pamato" at the container, aiming to knock it down. Once the container is knocked over, the prisoner must return it to its upright position before attempting to tag any players who are retrieving their "pamato." If a "pamato" lands too close to the container while it is upright, allowing the prisoner to step on both with one foot, the owner of that "pamato" becomes the new prisoner. The prisoner can also tag players who are retrieving their "pamato" from outside the throwing line. After each throw, players must retrieve their "pamato." If a player is tagged by the prisoner before reaching the throwing line, they become the prisoner in the next round. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION Four Benefits of Playing Traditional Games Outdoor and Recreational Activity 1. Builds Life Skills. Playing traditional games fosters teamwork and social interaction among children. Many classic games involve physical activities such as jumping and swinging arms, which enhance exercise and improve eye-hand coordination. Team games like Luksong Tinik and Piko require players to develop strategies to outwit their opponents, helping them learn to strategize and resolve conflicts. 2. Preserves Our Heritage. Teaching children about cultural heritage is as important as introducing them to modern concepts. Engaging in traditional Philippine games allows children to connect with their cultural roots and develop a sense of pride in their heritage. This connection through play has a lasting positive impact on their understanding and appreciation of their culture. 3. Bridges Generations. Sports and games are excellent connectors across different ages, cultures, and social backgrounds. Playing traditional games as a family strengthens bonds and fosters closer relationships. Incorporating these games into family activities provides children with valuable unstructured playtime, contributing to stronger family ties and overall well-being. 4. Requires Minimal Equipment. Philippine traditional games such as Piko, Luksong Tinik, and Saranggola do not require expensive equipment or specialized attire. All that is needed is a group of players and a space to play. This accessibility makes traditional games an inclusive and economical choice for family fun. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION Importance of Traditional Sports and Games Outdoor and Recreational Activity Traditional sports and games are integral to our cultural heritage, encompassing everything from dances and ball games to water sports. They are more than just pastimes; they represent a vital part of our history and cultural identity. These activities offer a unique glimpse into our past, bridging gaps across genders, generations, and individual differences. Traditional sports and games (TSG) are deeply rooted in local and regional traditions, serving as important counterparts to the globalized sports and culture of today. They should be celebrated alongside other cultural elements such as language, music, literature, and architecture. In an increasingly globalized world, TSG provide a valuable opportunity to experience and appreciate cultural diversity and community. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION  Outdoor and Recreational Activity PERFORMANCE TASK: TRADITIONAL FILIPINO GAME DAY NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION PERFORMANCE TASK: TRADITIONAL FILIPINO GAME DAY Outdoor and Recreational Activity Objective: Students will actively participate in traditional Filipino games, demonstrating their understanding of the rules, effective teamwork, and strategic skills. Group Formation: Number of Groups: Divide the class into 4 to 6 groups, depending on the number of students. Preparation: Game Selection: Each student or group of students will choose a traditional Filipino game from a provided list. Material Preparation: Students will prepare the necessary materials for their chosen game. They should either bring these materials from home or create them using available resources. Game Presentation: Rules and Objectives: Students will briefly explain the rules and objectives of their chosen game to the class before starting. Cultural Significance: Students should also share any interesting facts or cultural significance related to the game. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION PERFORMANCE TASK: TRADITIONAL FILIPINO GAME DAY Outdoor and Recreational Activity Game Execution: Leading the Game: Students will lead their peers in playing the game. This involves setting up the game, clearly explaining the rules, and ensuring that everyone understands how to participate. Active Engagement: Students will actively engage in playing the game, demonstrating their skills and adherence to the rules. Peer Participation: Encouragement: Students will facilitate and encourage participation among their classmates, ensuring everyone has a chance to play and enjoy the game. Teamwork and Sportsmanship: Demonstration: Throughout the game, students should demonstrate good sportsmanship, respect for others, and effective teamwork. This performance task will allow students to experience and appreciate traditional Filipino games, fostering both a sense of cultural heritage and skills in teamwork and leadership. NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION  Outdoor and Recreational Activity NUEVA ECIJA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION