Today's bulinggit kids do not play the games that we (born on the 80's and earlier) used to play then when we were still uhugin. Maybe it's because of the changing times, the new technologies, foreign influence, new trends, etc. Very seldom now that we can see children playing luksong tinik, patintero, taguan, agawan base (prisoner), siato, piko, etc. Instead, young people are now more into internet, blogging (like this), PS3, XBox, iPod and the likes (at least for those who can afford). Others not so fortunate to enjoy those gadgets are working, yes child labor my friend...but that is another topic.
I can still remember those nights when the Muzonian kids of Ibaba (including me opkors) play Taguan under a bright full moon. The taya always finds it difficult to find the players hiding inside their houses not knowing that their moms already ask them to eat and rest (pinauwi ng nanay). On some nights we also play Patintero using water from sangha or sanghilya (water channel for irrigation system) as marker in the dusty roads of Ibaba, yes no paved road back then in our place. This is a fun game because aside from the competition as to who has the quickest burst of movements (offensive players) against the longer limbs (defensive players or taya), you sometimes get a chance to hug (haha) your crush if ever she joined your opponents team (bata pa, pilyo na!). Anyway, before I indulge too much on the fond memories of my childhood in Muzon let me give a list of some of the Larong Pinoy that kids of the earlier days used to play and enjoy!
Luksong Baka
Luksong Tinik
Gagamba
Piko
Patintero
Sipa
Sungka
Taguan
Trumpo
Tumbang Preso
