Laoag City Revives Filipino Traditional Games

Childhood hits the Laoag City open court once more when Filipino traditional games or “Ay-ayam” in Iloko were played by the city employees in the hope to revive Filipino tradition.

Ay-ayam like ‘kadang-kadang’, ‘siatong’, ‘sungka’, ‘entra’ and ‘ginnuyudan’ (tag-of-war) are among the games battled and enjoyed by the Laoag City hall workers including the city police personnel, the teachers for the Laoag City education division and the city’s cooperative sector.

“This is to show the youth of this generation that we survived our childhood without computers and smart phones and yet it is more enjoyable,” Myleen Pascua, head of the Laoag City Community Affairs Division said.

Traditional games were long forgotten childhood fun because of the booming modern generation which includes the presence of computers, smart phones and accessible socialization over the internet.

Children used to play them during free time, after school or even school break as part of their hobby.

These can prevent idleness or even sharpen memories and creativity because they are games commonly played by children, usually using native materials or instruments.

Unlike computer games, traditional Filipino games also promote healthier lifestyle because it requires exercise such as running, jumping, stretching and other motions that will enhance the body muscles.

The most awaited part of the game is the battle of “ginnuyudan” or tag-of-war championship feat between the police officers and all-male teachers in Laoag City.

Everyone cheered for their contenders. In the end the police officers won the battle with two over zero score from their opponent.

The one-day fair is part of the highlights of the Pamulinawen Festival celebration in Laoag City which carries the theme “Timeless”. (PNA) FPV/LGA/CDG/EBP