A few decades
ago, kids used to gather in the streets or in the neighborhood playground to
play their favorite Larong Pinoy. It is an important part of growing up; it
also teaches camaraderie and sportsmanship. Some games are physically
challenging, some are intellectually stimulating. Traditional Filipino street
games are commonly played using native materials but since there is a limited
resource of toys, Filipino children usually come up on inventing games without
the need of anything but the players themselves.
With the
increasing popularity of western sports activities like basketball and
volleyball and the emergence of high tech gadgets, children playing traditional
street games gradually reduced. If only we could revive it and maintain it,
children of today can reap the benefits of playing these games - a positive
influence on our physical, mental and emotional well being.
According to
Magna Kultura Foundation, Larong Pinoy fosters appreciation of national culture
especially the new generation. Through play, children can experience the
Filipino spirit and in fun way, it instills patriotism.
The following
are popular Filipino Games we used to play growing up:
1. Chinese Garter – two people hold both ends of a stretched
garter while the other attempt to cross over it. The goal is to cross without
having tripped on the garter
1 kilo chicken; cut in small pieces
