The best time of my life was when I was 6 to 11 years old.
It was when during weekends, summer and even after classes, my siblings and cousins and I would go outdoors to play all sorts of traditional Filipino games like AGAWAN BASE, PATINTERO, LUKSONG TINIK and PEPSI-SEVENUP. For those who are not familiar with these games, these are activities that involve running, tactics, speed and team work.
Nowadays, I see children hardly sweating it out. They are locked up in an air-conditioned room each one holding a PSP. While it is a good gadget to keep them quiet, I don't think it is healthy for them.
I suppose these games are still being played in the provinces where an access to a computer or PSP is not readily available.These fun activities shouldn't be tagged as a "poor children's game" because it is not. It is so much fun and you can feel the adrenaline rush through your veins especially when you are hiding underneath a bush hoping not to get caught but the "taya". The wind blowing in your face as you rush to the rival's base just to save your team mate. Even the complains of being "madaya" when the "patotot" touches your hair and not your body.
This summer, I plan to get the Dizon kids on their feet and know how enjoyable it is to play these kinds of games that promote better health, strong passion for team work and Earth friendly games. No electricity, battery and entrance fee needed. For those who don't know how these games are played, here are the rules.
AGAWAN BASE
PATINTERO
Get your kids movin' folks...Because Candy Says So.
You have read this article Filipino outdoor games
with the title Mahuli TAYA!!!. You can bookmark this page URL https://rafaelverga.blogspot.com/2011/03/mahuli-taya.html. Thanks!
