When we were young, the troubles of the world do not seem to matter so much to us. We find happiness in simple things like throwing your slipper on a can and it hit perfectly, or reaching the highest edge of a chinese garter and be claimed “mother” of the group. We find joy in moments that are simply worthwhile… and where the truest laughters we had came from.
Culture and traditions are what make a community or nation have identity. One of these is the laro ng lahi games of the Filipinos. These games have been part of the lives of Filipino children. These became their source of entertainment back in the days. However, in today’s generation where technology advances as time goes by, children are more into computer games and mobile games rather than playing outside with friends and peers. This results in the laro ng lahi slowly fading in the culture of Filipinos.
Laro ng lahi games are embedded in the life and soul of every Filipino child. These Laro ng lahi games used to be the primary entertainment of children in the past and are continuously celebrated nowadays although the number of children playing laro ng lahi games is slowly decreasing.
To advocate for the restoring of the traditional games we have, is a must. Not only laro ng lahi games are effective for the children’s physical health but also for their mental and emotional health. Hence, in a young age, let us not deprive our children from the joy brought by these games. After all, it a part of childhood to play actively and make actual friends.
To support this advocacy, here are some experiences shared:
“…In spite of this, I still preserve and treasure the memories of my childhood days while playing laro ng lahi games. These games gave me an identity as a Filipino kid. It developed my relationship between my friends and cousins. And it also made me meet new friends. I can still remember whenever I visit my aunt’s hometown. My cousins and I would usually play “Chinese garter”, “piko”, “one by one”, “nanay tatay”, and tumbang preso. We would play the whole afternoon and got scolded by our aunt since we were covered with dirt, sweat, wounds, and scratches. Sometimes we would argue over nonsense like who is the real winner… who cheated and so on.”
“Remembering these makes me still smile and giggle. It really brings out the kid in me. I still hope I could do these again with my friends and cousins even if we are in our adulthood. Laro ng lahi really impacted my childhood and I hope children these days would experience what I have experienced.” – Wayne
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“…But despite this inevitable truth, the memories of myself playing laro ng lahi games will always be present in me… something I give importance to… something I rekindle when everything that’s happening around me is in chaos… and something I find comfort with. I can still remember when I am still a child I cannot let a day pass without playing Chinese garter and piko. Together with my peers, I enjoy every moment I spent playing despite the sweat and the little fights I had with them due to the misunderstanding while playing.”
“The good thing about being a child is that they seem to forget a little fight once they stop playing. Aside from enjoying playing games, I also get to form camaraderie with my peers and enjoy collaboration whenever we are playing as a team while at the same time bringing out the competitiveness in us. Oh! what a great opportunity to reminisce about the child that I was. I suddenly want to go back to those days when everything was at peace and the responsibility I carry was light.” – Stephanie
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“…Looking back, I have so little memories of playing laro ng lahi games. As a child, I was too isolated and was forbidden to go outside the house because of the reason that I might get hurt or lost. But reminiscing the least I remembered, playing laro ng lahi games like luksong baka, has given me so much joy even though it was only for a short period of time I have spent with the other children in our neighborhood. Playing traditionally outside is such an essential part of childhood life in which I believe every child, including my younger self back then, deserves to experience.” – Angel Mikaella
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“…I don’t have any personal experiences when it comes to the laro ng lahi when I was a child because of the reason that I am restricted to go out of our house due to my clumsiness. I often fall even if I’m just walking so that’s why my parents don’t let me go out and just gave me computer and laptop where I can play games. But, experiencing playing the laro ng lahi in the course PE113 is fun and enjoying.” – Dian
The Why and How
Laro ng Lahi are age-old games that are usually played using instruments or materials from the native culture. Because of the scarcity of toys availability in the Philippines, children frequently create their own games using only players.
Larong Lahi is the games of our heritage. It is a “yaman ng lahi,” or cultural treasure, that many Filipinos have cherished for many generations. It is a beloved activity that Filipinos cherish throughout generations, from our grandparents to our parents to today’s youngsters and young children.
Activities in mechanics that are “Laro ng Lahi”-based can be utilized as a collaborative in-class activity where students can support one another, making learning easier and improving their communication skills. Traditional games, or laro ng lahi, are essential because they preserve our ancestors’ cultural values. Within five minutes, it teaches kids how to cooperate, strategize, and make friends with neighbors.
HOW TO RESTORE TRADITIONAL CHILDHOOD GAMES
1. Teach the learners the different kinds of traditional games
2. Explain the rules of each game
3. Let the learners experience playing the tradional games.
4. Tell them stories about these experiences.
5. As the older generation, let us teach our kids the importance of playing physically and limit their use of gadgets as well.
JOIN US IN OUR ADVOCACY! RESTORE CHILDHOOD GAMES!
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References for pictures:
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Personal Physical Fitness and Wellness Advocacy 