MAJOR 17 PE PHILIPPINE TRADITIONAL GAMES AND SPORTS
1. Search and explain in your own words what is Philippine traditional games and
sports.
Philippine traditional games and sports are activities that have been passed down from
generation to generation in the Philippines. These games often involve physical skills,
teamwork, and strategy. Some examples of traditional games include sipa (foot kicking
game with a rattan ball), patintero (tag game played on a grid), and luksong baka
(jumping game over a crouching person). Sports such as arnis (a form of martial arts)
and sipa (a form of kick volleyball) are also considered traditional in the Philippines.
These games and sports are not only fun to play but also help to preserve the country's
cultural heritage.
2. Give at least 10 examples of Philippine traditional games and sports.
1. Sipa - foot kicking game with a rattan ball
2. Patintero - tag game played on a grid
3. Luksong baka - jumping game over a crouching person
4. Tumbang preso - hitting a can while avoiding being tagged by a defender
5. Piko - hopscotch-like game played with small stones
6. Sungka - board game with shells or seeds
7. Holen - marbles game
8. Moro-moro - traditional Filipino wrestling
9. Arnis - martial arts using sticks
10. Sipà - a form of kick volleyball
3. How have these games evolved or changed over time in the Philippines?
Over time, some Philippine traditional games and sports have evolved and adapted to
modern times. For example, while the traditional game of sipa was played with a rattan
ball, it is now often played with a plastic ball. Additionally, some traditional games have
incorporated elements of technology, such as piko being played on smartphones or
tablets. Some traditional sports, like arnis, have gained international recognition and
have been standardized into competitions with rules and regulations. Despite these
changes, efforts are being made to preserve the cultural significance of these games
and sports through events, workshops, and documentation.
4. Are there any specific games that have been lost or forgotten over time? State
what are those.
Due to the continuous evolution and development of technology, several games
created in the Philippines have faded into obscurity over time. Here are a few
notable examples:
1. Tumba lata – A can is put in the middle and each participating players shall hit the
can using one pair of their slippers. Once they will hit the can then they are spared from
punishment, but if they fail to do so and the slippers goes past the can then they will
face certain consequences. Some of the consequences include spanking using the
slippers, going under a trail of people, or getting hit by a slipper.
2. Luksong tinik - This game can be played with many people that will be divided into
two groups. Two people will serve as a base and a barrier. They will sit and face each
other, with their soles and hands touching to form a tinik(thorn). At the first part of the
game, the base will make a lower tinik(thorn) and the players will then jump over the
hands without touching it. The player who accidentally touch the hand while jumping
will be disqualified. As the game progresses the base will continue to put their
respective hands into a higher position making it more challenging for the players. The
team who can pass the barrier without any violation will be the winner.
3. Jack Stone - A dozen of jacks and a ball are used to play jack-stone or knuckle-stone.
This game is better played with a group of two or three to make it more challenging. To
play this, hold the jacks in your one hand. Throw the jacks just in front of you. Then
bounce the ball. As the ball bounced you must get the jacks with one hand and catch the
ball afterwards. The ball must only bounce once. Then put the jacks in the other hand
and continue getting the remaining jacks in the same way.
4. Holen (Marble) - A holen is a Filipino term of marble. Marbles are being scattered on
the ground to serve as the target. The players uses his marble to hit the other marbles.
The player who hits the most marbles wins.
5. Chinese Garter - A kind of game that tests a person's flexibility and dexterity. Two
people hold and stretch the garter in the opposite ends in horizontal line. The players
shall jump over and reach the opposite end without tripping on it. The longer the game
goes, the higher the garter gets. At the later part of the game, the garter will mostly be at
the heads of the holder. The players will then be forced to use their full power to
overcome and surpass the garter. Some even do cartwheels.
These games highlight the rich gaming culture in the Philippines, even if some have
been forgotten over time.
5. What are some of the cultural or social significance of these games in the
Philippines?
Games in the Philippines, both traditional and digital, hold significant cultural and social
value as they reflect local heritage and foster community connections. Traditional
games like Sipa promote physical activity and teamwork among children, while digital
games often incorporate Filipino folklore and narratives, helping to preserve cultural
identity. Additionally, gaming communities can create social bonds and provide spaces
for collaboration and competition, allowing players to engage with each other and share
experiences that resonate with their cultural background. Overall, these games play a
vital role in shaping social interactions and cultural pride in the Philippines.