HISTORY OF PHILIPPINE GAMES OR LARO NG LAHI

It has been recognized that the Philippines has distinct and abundant cultural
ñheritage. The colonization of Spain, America, and Japan has greatly influenced the
development and formation of the present culture. Indeed, our own customary actions
wave soleness, enthusiasm, and spiritual image that reflects the Filipino identity.
Traditional Filipino Games are games played by the Filipino children with the use
of indigenous materials. It is usually a product of invention due to limited resources of
toys. Mostly, these games do not need materials but the players themselves. The game’s
difficulty developed due to innate flexibility to think and act.
As globalization invades the world, its
flourishing brought to the country has drastically
removed some significant aspect that have
been integral part of the culture and tradition for
years.
Mellie Leandicho Lopez made a study
about Philippine games entitled ‘A study of
Philippine Games’ (1980) where it was noted
that ‘laro’ is the overall term for recreational
activities. The closest term is the ‘palaro’
referring to a group of special occasion games
that take place during wakes, festivals and town
fiestas. This would also refer to games that are
competitive in nature where each contest is
always concluded.
Major studies of games pointed out that traditional games are shared communally
within Philippine context. The same situation exists in neighboring countries, especially
Indonesia.
The family is a social agent that builds the development of each member of the
household. As traditionally practiced in the Philippines and the neighboring countries,
children learn from their parents. It is the obligation of the parents to help their children
learn social customs, standards and values of his culture. This system is also shared by
other members of the family, relatives, and, by and large, the members of the community,
speeding up the learning process of any child. Also, with this frame of attitude,
preservation of tradition is enhanced, and the children benefit from it. It is in this process
that whatever they learned is right away integrated into their consciousness.
Malay (1956) pointed out that 'Filipinos like to play game,' and this is observed
true.
 Traditional and high-tech games are simultaneously played around the country. As
part of Filipino pastime, especially in the rural areas and during moonlit nights, the
neighborhood gathers and shares games in the plazas, open areas, and main roads,
trying different sets of games and interacting with each other as part of their recreation,
socialization, and relaxation after a hard day's work.
Laro ng Lahi was coined and popularized by the Samahang Makasining (Artist
Club), Inc. (commonly known “Makasining”) with the help of National Commission for
Culture and the Arts and being used by the other Philippine Local Government Unit, other

organizations and other institution. Imparting of these Filipino games to the youth is one
of the main objectives of the organization.
 Some of these popular laro ng lahi are following:
 Bahay-bahayan
 Luksong baka
 Chinese garter
 Patintero
 Agawang Sulok
 Sekyu Base
 Bulong-Pari
 Leron-leron Sinta
 Holen
 Tumbang Preso
 Iring-Iring
 Langit-lupa
 Jack N Poy
 Luksong-Tinik
 Palosebo

At present, playing means facing the computer or other gaming devices, phone,
mobile or personal laptops as to pressing on buttons and keyboards, and spending the
whole day just sitting around while facing the gadgets’ screens which is quite alarming.
Indeed, time changes rapidly but one thing we can do is to start introducing and
promoting these old practices of traditional games to the younger generation in a way we
can help of instilling in them a sense of history.
References:
https://steemit.com/philippines/@zam398/laro-ng-lahing-filipino-traditional-filipino-
games-in-danger-of-vanishing-soon
https://larongpilipinas.weebly.com/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traditional_games_in_the_Philippines#Syatong