History

The earliest record of the Sipa game was in the fifteenth century before Spain colonized the Philippines. Sipa originated in the country and was considered the Filipino national sport.

In 2009, former president Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo made Arnis the national sport of The Philippines. The popularity of Sipa waned, but it is still a frequent leisure activity among Filipinos.

There are two popular varieties of Sipa; the first uses a lead washer, while the second uses a woven rattan ball. People often mistake Sipa for a children’s game because children prefer the washer in Sipa.

Background

Takyan, a traditional Filipino game, holds a special place in the hearts of many Filipinos as a cherished part of their childhood and cultural heritage. Played with a small woven ball usually made of rattan or similar materials, takyan requires agility, coordination, and skill. Players aim to keep the ball in the air using their feet, knees, or any body part except their hands, passing it back and forth or performing tricks to keep it from touching the ground. Often played in groups in open spaces or streets, takyan fosters camaraderie and friendly competition, promoting physical activity and social interaction. With roots tracing back to pre-colonial times, takyan continues to be enjoyed by both young and old, serving as a nostalgic reminder of simpler times and the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines.

Like soccer, the Sipa game is both an indoor and outdoor game. It usually involves one or two players juggling a metal washer, ball, or a cluster of rubber bands with their feet. The term Sipa in English means kick. It is also the name of the ball used during the game.

Mechanics

The player must continuously hit the takyan with his/her foot or elbow without dropping it on the ground. The player who did the most number of kicks without dropping the takyan will win the game.

Material

Shuttlecock(usually made of a plain washer attached to feathers, plastic straw rope or plastic candy wrapper.)

Ten Twenty Chinese Garter

History

In some places, Chinese garter is referred to as "Chinese Jump Rope." Its origins date back to the seventh century in China. It is played prior to the Chinese New Year celebrations. It was handed down from one generation to the next and is now well-known abroad.

Background

Chinese garter is a traditional Filipino game that's been played for generations. It's usually played outdoors and involves jumping over a series of elastic bands stretched horizontally between two points. The goal is to successfully jump over the elastic bands without touching them or falling. It's a fun and challenging game that's often played by children in schools and neighborhoods across the Philippines.

Mechanics

The goal of the game at that point is to have the capacity to effectively bounce over the garter as it is step by step held higher by the “game posts”. Much the same as in the game ten – twenty, each group likewise has its own team leader, all the more ordinarily known as the "Mother". Once a colleague either contacts the strap or neglects to seize a specific level, the Mother can even now spare her group by taking her colleague's turn. Inability to do as such will prompt the group's end by making them the new “game posts” and will take the game back to the primary level.

The jumping routine over the garter while reciting Ten, Twenty, Thirty, Forty, Fifty, Sixty, Seventy,

Eighty, Ninety…One Hundred!

The game gets more difficult as the level progresses.

-On the first level, the garter must be in the ankle.

-Second, the garter must be in the knees of the players.

-Third, the garter must be under the butt.

-Fourth, is in the armpit

Material

Thin garter about two yards long.

Tumbang

History

Tumbang preso which directly translates to "knock down the prisoner" is a traditional Filipino children's game or a "laro ng lahi". Tumbang preso is also known as "Presohan" ("prison") or "tumba lata" ("knock down the can") in Luzon, and Tumba-Patis or "Tumba-Lata" ("Hit The Can") in most Visayan regions. Tumbang preso is a game enjoyed in groups and in the streets. A game truly for the Filipino mass before modern technology has glued the eyes of the Filipino youth on their mobbile devices. Let us take a look back at this beloved iconic traditional Filipino children's game called "Tumbang preso"

Preso

Background

"Tumbang preso" is a beloved traditional Filipino game cherished for its simplicity and embodiment of Filipino childhood. Played outdoors with minimal equipment, it involves knocking down a weighted metal can while avoiding being tagged by the "it" player, who guards the can. Typically played in streets or open spaces, the game encourages social interaction, physical activity, and strategic thinking. As players take turns being the "it" player and aiming to knock down the can, "tombang preso" fosters camaraderie and fun, serving as a cultural symbol of Filipino leisure and creativity.

Mechanics
1. To determine who is “It” first players can stand by the can and toss their slippers as close to the toe-line as possible, the person who’s slipper is farthest is “it” (you can also determine this by other means such as rock, paper, scissors, etc.)
2. Once you have determined who is “it” the hitters will line up behind the toe-line
3. Then the hitters will start trying to knock down the can with their slippers
4. After they toss their slipper they must cross the toe-line to retrieve their slipper
5. The person who is “it” can only tag the hitters once they have crossed the toe-line and have touched their slipper
6. Additionally if the can is knocked out of the can zone the person who is “It” must place the can back into the can zone before they can tag any of the hitters
7. Also the person who is “it” cannot try to block the hitter’s slippers from hitting the can

Materials

A empty can and a Slipper

“Noong Wala Pang Gadgets”
A Play To Remember

“Noong Wala Pang Gadgets” transports viewers to a time when the streets were alive with the laughter and energy of Filipino children engaged in traditional games. The documentary paints a vivid picture of kids playing tumbang preso, where they would skillfully aim slippers to knock over a tin can, and Chinese garter, where they leapt over progressively higher garters with impressive agility. These games were more than just pastimes, they were integral to the daily life of Filipino neighborhoods, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among children.

In an era long before the digital revolution, the streets of Filipino neighborhoods thrummed with the sounds of children at play. The simplicity of this time is beautifully captured in the nostalgic phrase, “Noong Wala Pang Gadgets,” which translates to “Before There Were Gadgets.” This period, devoid of smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles, was defined by outdoor play and traditional games that brought joy, camaraderie, and life lessons to Filipino children. These games were not merely a form of entertainment; they were a cultural cornerstone that fostered community, creativity, and physical fitness.

One of the most iconic games of this era was tumbang preso, a thrilling game that involved knocking over a can with a slipper while avoiding being tagged by the “prison guard.” This game, along with Chinese garter, where children showcased their agility by jumping over a garter band stretched progressively higher, were staples of Filipino childhood. These activities were deeply ingrained in the social fabric of communities, often taking place in makeshift playgrounds on narrow streets or open fields. Patintero, a strategic game of tag, and luksong tinik, a game of jumping over human obstacles, further exemplified the rich tapestry of Filipino traditional games. These games were not only fun but also taught essential skills such as teamwork, strategy, and physical coordination.

As we reflect on the days “Noong Wala Pang Gadgets,” it becomes clear that these traditional games played a significant role in the cultural and social development of Filipino children. They provided an avenue for physical exercise, fostered social interactions, and nurtured a sense of belonging within the community. In contrast to today’s digital distractions, these games encouraged children to engage with their environment and each other in meaningful ways. Reviving these traditional games in contemporary times can serve as a bridge to reconnect younger generations with their cultural heritage, emphasizing the timeless value of play in childhood development. “Noong Wala Pang Gadgets” is not just a nostalgic recollection; it is a celebration of a simpler, yet profoundly enriching, way of life that continues to hold valuable lessons for the future.

“Noong Wala Pang Gadgets” serves as a poignant reminder of the simplicity and joy of a time before digital distractions. It underscores the cultural significance of these traditional games and their role in preserving Filipino heritage. By celebrating these outdoor activities, the documentary encourages today's generation to reconnect with these cultural roots, emphasizing the importance of physical play and social interaction in childhood development. Through this evocative portrayal, the film ensures that the legacy of Filipino street games continues to inspire and delight future generations.

References

A, C. (n.d.). Tumbang Preso - An Iconic and Beloved Filipino Children’s Game | A Look Back at a “Laro ng Lahi.” https://retropilipinas.blogspot.com/2018/10/tumbang-preso-iconic-laro-ng-lahi.html

FILIPINO TRADITIONAL GAME: "CHINESE GARTER " - EXISTING GAME EVEN BEFORE THE DIGITAL WORLD — Steemit. (n.d.). Steemit. https://steemit.com/traditions/@rosava/filipino-traditional-game-chinese-garter-existing-game-even-before-the-digital-world

Indigenous Games - ten twenty and chinese garter. (2022, March 22). Coursehero. Retrieved May 6, 2024, from https://www.coursehero.com/file/137559735/Indigenous-Games-ten-twenty-and-chinese-garterpdf/

Macfarlane, A. (2022, October 11). Sipa Game: Learn How To Play The Native Philippine Sport. History of Soccer. https://historyofsoccer.info/sipa

P. (2022, June 29). Tumbang Preso: Pinoy Game that Younger Generations Must Know. I Am Pinoy. https://iampinoypi.blogspot.com/2022/06/tumbang-preso-pinoy-game-that-younger.html

Sungka and Takyan - A Traditional Filipino Games — Steemit. (n.d.). Steemit. https://steemit.com/game/@diosarich/sungka-and-takyan-a-traditional-filipino-games

TAKYAN — Steemit. (n.d.). Steemit. Retrieved May 6, 2024, from https://steemit.com/philippines/@aaronplando/takyan

MADE BY : MARA RODRIGUEZ & ROCHELLE DEGUITOS

BACK

HOME