Tumbang Preso: Philippine Traditional Game
TUMBANG PRESO
Philippine Traditional Game
Tumbang Preso is also known as Tumba lata, or otherwise Bato lata, and it has maintained its popularity over the years. The fabulous sport has been passed from generation to generation because of the fun and creativity derived from it.
What is Tumbang Preso?
Tumbang Preso is a unique traditional game in the Philippines that is favorite among Filipino children. The name of this sport is derived from the Filipino words Tumba, which means \"to fall\" and preso, which means \"prisoner\", translating to \"fallen prisoner\". The game is played on backyards, streets, and open areas. It borrows elements from Tag and Dodge-ball to inculcate in those who play it strategic thinking and agility.
Tumbang Preso history
Even though Tumbag Preso is a native Filipino game, there is no known date as to when it came to be. Neither is the creator of the game known. The children who found it fun would gather with whichever materials they had and start playing the sport. Its popularity has been passed from generation to generation, and until today it still commands significant attention from children and some adults across the globe.
If you are to play Tumbang Preso game, one requires an empty can, which serves as preso, a throwing object such as a slipper, and a circular barrier around the container, which can be drawn directly into the dirt, or using charcoal or chalk.
How to play Tumbang Preso
Tumbang Preso mechanics are somewhat similar to those of Duck on a Rock, a medieval children game commonly played across the globe. Below are some crucial concepts you need to know about the sport.
- The one to guard the tin can (preso) is called It, and he/she is chosen by all the players throwing the pamato to the toe-line. The one who throws the farthest from the toe-line becomes the It.
- The other players will then get at the back of the toe-line, and the game starts at a signal from the It.
- Immediately the milk can is knocked down, and the pamato is retrieved. The It then starts putting it up inside the circle, and the tagged player becomes the new It.
- In any case, the can is hit and fall outside the drawn circle but remains to stand, then the It has all the rights to tag the hitter once he/she leaves the toe-line.
- The can may be kicked or knocked down under when it is outside the circle.
- Supposing a hitter is unable to retrieve his/her pamato, the other hitters can save him/her by hitting the can.
The mechanism above has been commonly deployed when playing this particular game. However, there is a variation, which is equally exciting and fun.
It is played on sidewalks or narrow streets. The rules remain the same, except for a few observable alterations made.
Other Games in the Series:
- Bahay-Bahayan
- Luksong Baka
- Kadang-Kadang
- Tumbang Preso
- Sungka
- Catching Dragonflies
- Patintero