PIKO – Here are some important facts about this Filipino traditional game that you should know.
Piko is a beloved traditional game from the Philippines, similar to hopscotch but with a unique Filipino twist. It’s a fun, physical activity often enjoyed outdoors, perfect for kids and even adults.
In the Philippines, Piko has been a staple in street games for decades. It’s a game that combines simple equipment with a lot of fun and skill.
The game involves hopping through a series of squares drawn on the ground, while players toss a marker to navigate the course. It’s a game that’s not just about agility but also precision and balance.
History
Piko has been a favorite pastime in the Philippines since at least the 1980s. It’s often played during school breaks or after school, typically in the streets or open spaces.
Origin
Although Piko is a Filipino variation of the globally known hopscotch, the exact origin of the game is a bit unclear. Hopscotch itself has been around for centuries and is known by different names worldwide.
Rules
To start, players toss their markers onto the drawn court, which is usually a cross-shaped or rectangular pattern with numbered squares. The goal is to hop through the squares, skipping the one with the marker without losing balance or stepping on the lines.
How to Play
- Draw a court on the ground using chalk or similar tools.
- Decide who goes first by tossing markers towards a target.
- The first player throws their marker onto the first square and hops through the course.
- They must avoid stepping on the square with the marker and not touch the lines.
- If they succeed, they move on to the next square. If not, their turn ends.
- The game continues until someone completes the course or claims all the squares.
There are variations of Piko, including Sud-sud Krus, which is played on a cross-shaped court and may involve different challenges. In some versions, players must claim squares as their own to win.
Piko is more than just a game; it’s a piece of Filipino culture that has stood the test of time and continues to bring smiles to faces young and old.