Tumbang preso facts for kids

Tumbang preso ("knock down the prisoner"), also known as tumba lata ("knock down the can") or bato lata ("hit the can [with a stone]"), is a traditional Filipino children's game. It is usually played in backyards, parks, or in streets when there is little traffic in an area.

Description

The equipment needed is an empty soda can or any kind of can or bottle, and a slipper for each player. To make the game enjoyable and exciting, there should be no more than nine players. One player or the "tayà" ( the "It") guards the milk. The objective is for the players to hit and knock down the milk can with the slipper, and for the It to put back the can inside a small circle a few meters away from the toe-line. When a player is tagged while recovering their slippers , they become the It.

Variation

This variation is played on narrow streets or sidewalks. The same rules apply except for some changes:

• Two toe-line are drawn, on opposite sides and are closer to the circle.
• The number of hitters will be divided on opposite sides.
• The soda can may also be flattened a little to make it harder to topple. This can be done by slightly hitting the sides of the can with a blunt object until it folds, then stepping on the can carefully.
• When the hitters run out of slippers, the game turns into a chase. Players on one side will act as bait while those on the other side will try to kick the can, all while trying to avoid being tagged.
• After the can falls down, the game is paused and all slippers are retrieved.