What's Da Buzz?

The ‘Real Game’ as I define it refers to growing up as a kid fully enjoying childhood no matter the circumstances. Like many in the Philippines and elsewhere, we grew up poor and working to survive. We didn’t have the videogames, TV, DVD’s or any of the luxury items that are so common in the USA. When you had little, you learned to value life and those in it far greater. Enjoyment was to be had in all that you did.

Whether it is with siblings, cousins, neighbor kids or friends, you use your imagination to create games. Common games would be bottle caps, sword fighting with sticks, piko baro, milo game, taguan or a game of tag and many other games we came up with. Swimming or finding a makeshift swing was always a fun way to pass some time when you weren’t working. But when your parents called, you went back to them immediately without question.

My brother tried to test his limits as a kid a few times and got a bamboo switch across the bare rear end for it. I had my time or two of having a welt left from a bamboo switch on the bottom of my feet in the arches. You don’t forget those lessons kasi masakit! If you spoke back to your parents disrespectfully, you could expect a solid sampal or slap in the face. For that matter, you are expected to respect all of your elder siblings as well. Talking back to them would also get you a slap in the face whether you were right or wrong.

But there was a catch to that. Your elder siblings had to be respectful to you as well unless they wanted to get the bamboo switch from their parents. Family was far too important to waste time on bullying, fighting, or being cruel. Nothing stayed a secret for long as the extended families were big and many watched so if you or your elder sibling did something wrong, you wouldn’t be staying with the family for long. Palalayasin ka and label you “walang hiya!”

to be continued…

Anah