Before the computer games were invented, the Pinoy (Filipino) children played and enjoyed their traditional games like Piko, Taguan, Tumbang Preso, Luksong Tinik, Step No - Step Yes, Luksong Lubid, Sipa, Sungka, Patintero, Tiyakod, Text (playing card), Holen (playing marbles), Palo Sebo and many more.
These games can’t be played alone. You have to gather the other children from the neighborhood or your schoolmates during break-time to be your playmates. In the process, you are able to develop friends who will be your friends till you grow old. The Filipinos are already closely knitted families, but the traditional games will help bring the community closer to one another.
It is sad that these games are already dying due to the easy access of the Filipino children to the computer, gadgets, social media, television and movies. Because of the upsurge of the technology, many children as young as in the preschool level are already suffering from many kinds of illnesses like high blood pressure, diabetes, eye strain, etc. due to the lack of physical exercise and eye exposure to the different gadgets.
For example, for a parent to keep his child seated while having a meal in a restaurant, the parent will allow the child to watch her favorite Disney movies or play games or every member of the family is holding his or her own gadget; sending text or checking their FB accounts. What a sad sight to watch! The supposed to be an enjoyable family bonding of togetherness while having a meal is missed. If being a millennial is like this, then, the distinct culture of the Philippines that has a close knitted family, will eventually die.
I could still recall when my daughter was still studying at the University of the Philippines-Manila, one of her PE subjects was the traditional Filipino games. The state university tried to revive the Filipino games. If only the families, schools and communities will have a concerted effort to revive these games, then we will bring back the fun to our beloved country; the Philippines.
Just look at the smiles and enjoyment of the Pinoy children in the attached photos. Is it not more fun in the Philippines when the tourists will visit our country just to play and experience the traditional Filipino games?
NOTE: The attached photos were downloaded from Google but edited in PS Express in my Ipad.