Filipino games are part of the culture, and they can never be overlooked. Throughout history, Filipinos rely on games for entertainment and socialization. And in some cases, some traditional games in the Philippines have become lucrative enterprises due to betting and payouts available. Today, these Filipino games still form part of the national psyche, and these have adapted to the times. It’s now possible to enjoy these games on iOS and Android phones and play these in casinos.
Popular Filipino and international games
In the past, Filipino games outdoor were enjoyable and offers opportunities for socialization. For example, there are the team target games in the Philippines like ‘tumbang preso’ that relies on used cans and ‘luksong-tinik’ where players jump over another player.
However, the introduction of new technologies including the internet and Wi-Fi-enabled mobile phones changed the dynamics. Today’s generation enjoys its virtual versions. For example, cards and board games are now virtual which you can play online. Also, there’s growing attention on play-to-earn games like Axie Infinity Philippines.
Best games to play
Some of the best games to play are board games, card games, international games, and role-playing games. One popular game in the Philippines is Mobile Legends, a massive online-based game that attracted millions of fans. Having Mobile Legends banned in the Philippines is still a pipe dream for many. Other top mobile games to play are Call of Duty, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike. Aside from these popular titles, Filipinos also enjoy many board and card games that are explained below:
Board games
Board games are traditionally enjoyed in the Philippines. During family or get-togethers with friends, these games are a familiar sight. Board games come in different types and forms, some use a pair of dice and others use tokens and other equipment like cards, deeds, and miniature houses and hotels like in Monopoly.
Top traditional Filipino game – game of generals
The Game of Generals is one of the 10 most popular online games in the Philippines. It is a two-player education war game created in 1970. The goal of the game is to destroy the opponents and control armies.
Most popular international game – Monopoly
Monopoly is an Economics-themed board game that’s based on the game designed by Lizzie Magie in 1903. It is a multi-player dice board game that involves the acquisition and selling of properties based on the throw of a dice.
Card games
Filipinos love card games, and these are now playable on mobile or desktops thanks to online casinos. The most popular card games are Tongits, blackjack, poker, and solitaire. These card games are also playable online and can be played in a free demo and real money.
Top traditional Filipino game – Tongits
One of the traditional Filipino games in the Philippines is Tongits. It is a three-player rummy-inspired card game that’s played using a deck of 52 cards. Your job is to empty your hands or at least minimize the count of the unmatched cards.
Most popular international game- Solitaire
Solitaire which is also called ‘Patience’ is a type of card game that challenges the player to arrange the cards in a systematic order. In the standard rules, you need to pair the cards for you to discard them.
Role-playing games
In role-playing games or RPGs, players assume the roles of a character. This type of game engages players with the game world in a fictional setting and with backstories.
Most popular traditional game – Tadhana
Tadhana is a table-top and adventure role-playing game set in the Kalawakan universe. It is inspired by Filipino folklore, mythology, and urban legends. The game takes players to the magical world and supernatural creatures.
Top international game – Dungeons and Dragons
As a fantasy tabletop role-playing game (RPG), Dungeons and Dragons is one of the popular games in the Philippines. In this war game, the players decide and create their characters, instead of relying on military formation. It is said that this game popularized the role-playing game industry.
Can I play Filipino Games online?
Yes, some of these Filipino games are playable online. You can play these directly using the browser of your phone or you can download and install a native app. For example, ‘Tong-its’ and Solitaire are now available in the Google Play Store which you can download and install.
Can I play Filipino Games for real money?
Yes. While these games can be played for free, you can also play these games and win real money. For games like Axie Infinity Philippines, you earn while you play. It allows players to collect non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on the blockchain. Also, you can trade these NFTs for cash or cryptocurrencies. Most players use this as a great source of income. For card games like Tongits, you can play it for real money by registering with a legitimate casino or downloading a game app directly.
Why is it worth playing Filipino traditional games?
Filipino traditional games are worth playing since they’re entertaining and preserve the Filipino culture and tradition. While it is an enjoyable pastime, you can also earn from these Filipino traditional games played on mobile. You can play these in real money and enjoy it against other players. Also, playing these types of games helps you develop decision-making skills and proper use of strategies.
Are traditional Filipino games in danger of disappearing?
The introduction of new technologies has dramatically changed our way of life. And these changes extend to the way we enjoy and appreciate Filipino games. Yes, the popularity of these traditional activities is fast-dwindling due to the proliferation of modern and mobile-based games. But there are still efforts to preserve these treasures through the efforts of certain individuals and casino operators.
Sungka and ‘Tong-its’, for example, are now available in apps and can be played in some online casinos. Although modern games dominate the casinos, these games are still available and ready to entertain the players.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) to guide you on the traditional Philippine games.
How important are Philippine traditional games to society?
Philippine traditional games play a significant role in Filipinos and society. Playing traditional games is an effective way to promote camaraderie and harmony among players. These games can also help enhance teamwork skills, strategic decision-making, and tactics during gameplay. More importantly, they capture the essence of the Philippine culture.
Which are the most popular Filipino games?
The most popular Filipino games are board and card games like ‘Tong-its’, Solitaire, and Tadhana. For the international Philippine games, the most played games are Mobile Legends, Axie, and other mobile video games.
Can you play Filipino games online for free?
Yes. Players from the Philippines can play Filipino games online for free using the demo mode. You can play these Filipino games without fear of losing large sums of money.
How is the card game Pekwa known in other countries?
The card game Pekwa is known as Fan Tan. It traces its origins to China before it was introduced in the United States.
What is the difference between board and role-playing games?
Role-playing games allow players to assume a character role in a fictional setting. Mobile Legends is one popular role-playing game. Board games, on the other hand, are open-ended. The conditions for ending the game are different from role-playing games. When you play board games, you will place or move the pieces on a particular board.