I am currently working with some artists for several murals and street art and one of their designs is about traditional games we used to play on the street when we were kids. The design brings nostalgia and immediately gives me an actual trip down memory lane.

One part of the design is a game called Hide and Seek, locally known as “Tagu-taguan” in which players conceal themselves to be found by one seeker. The game is played by one chosen player counting to a predetermined number with eyes closed while the other players hide. It was very popular to us kids back then, especially at night and when the moon is full.

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Another part of their design is “Tumbang Preso”. We were playing this game growing up either in or after school class together with our friends and classmates. An empty can and slippers are the important materials needed in this game.

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“Luksong Baka” is also part of the mural design. It has at least 3 players and involves jumping over the one person’s back called “baka” or cow. The goal is for all the players to successfully jump without touching or falling over the baka. The height or level (of the baka) is also being raised until someone falls over. There’s another popular version of this called “Luksong Tinik” where instead of using the back, the person is using their hands and arm as obstacles.

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Our childhood was full of physical yet fun activities with friends, whether your cousins and other kids in the neighborhood which gives a sense of friendship and interaction. Aside from all these games, we were also introduced to play indoors with some games which exercises our minds to think. Unfortunately, kids these days are more into gadgets than playing. I hope that they get to play these traditional games as well.