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Nanay, tatay facts for kids

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Nanay, tatay
Genre(s) Hand game
Players 2
Setup time N/A

Nanay, tatay (which means Mother, father in English) is a super fun and traditional children's game from the Philippines. It's one of the most popular games played by kids there! This game is played by two people, and it involves clapping hands and singing a special chant at the same time.

What is Nanay, Tatay?

Nanay, tatay is a type of hand-clapping game. It's a great way for kids to have fun together and practice their rhythm and coordination. The game is simple to learn, which is why so many children in the Philippines enjoy playing it.

How to Play Nanay, Tatay

Playing Nanay, tatay is easy and needs just two players.

  • The two players sit or stand facing each other.
  • They clap their hands together in a rhythm while chanting the special song.
  • The goal is to keep the rhythm and the chant going without making any mistakes.

The Chant

The song for Nanay, tatay is a big part of the game. It goes like this: Nanay, tatay, gusto kong tinapay, Ate, kuya, gusto kong kape, Lahat ng gusto ko ay susundin nyo, Ang magkamali ay pipingutin ko.

What the Chant Means

The chant is in Tagalog, one of the main languages in the Philippines. Here's what it means:

  • Nanay, tatay, gusto kong tinapay means "Mother, father, I want bread."
  • Ate, kuya, gusto kong kape means "Older sister, older brother, I want coffee."
  • Lahat ng gusto ko ay susundin nyo means "Everything I want, you will follow."
  • Ang magkamali ay pipingutin ko means "Whoever makes a mistake, I will pinch."

Game Play and Consequences

The game continues as long as both players keep the rhythm and the chant perfectly.

  • If one player makes a mistake, like clapping at the wrong time or forgetting a part of the chant, the game stops.
  • The player who made the mistake gets a light, playful "punishment" from the other player.
  • This "punishment" is usually a gentle pinch on the nose or ear, or another fun, harmless action chosen by the players. It's all in good fun and part of the game's playful spirit!

Why is it Popular?

Nanay, tatay is popular because it's:

  • Simple: It doesn't need any special equipment, just two players.
  • Fun: The clapping and chanting make it lively and enjoyable.
  • Traditional: It's a game that has been passed down through generations of Filipino children, connecting them to their culture.
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