Sungka

Brief History of Sungka

Sungka, also known as Mancala, is a traditional game that has been played for centuries
in various cultures around the world. Its origins can be traced to ancient Africa and the Middle
East, with different variations emerging in Asia and other regions. The game has been passed
down through generations and continues to be a popular pastime in many communities.

Mechanics of Sungka
Sungka is typically played on a rectangular wooden board with two rows of seven small
pits or hollows called "houses" and a larger storehouse, also known as the "head" or "home," at
each end. The board is traditionally made of wood or other natural materials.
The game involves small stones, seeds, or shells as playing pieces, with each house
initially containing a certain number of these pieces. The objective is to capture as many stones
as possible from your opponent's side and store them in your own home.

Rules and Guidelines of Sungka

Setup:
 Place the Sungka board horizontally between the two players, with each player facing the
long side of the board.
 Fill each of the 14 houses with seven stones, seeds, or shells.
Initial Move:
 The first player, known as the "mover," starts by scooping up all the pieces from any of
their own houses.
Sowing:
 Moving counterclockwise, the player drops one piece into each successive house,
including their own storehouse but excluding their opponent's storehouse.
 If the last piece lands in the player's storehouse, they get another turn.
 If the last piece lands in an empty house on the player's side, and the opposite house on
the opponent's side has pieces, the player captures all the pieces in both houses and puts
them in their storehouse.
Opponent's Turn:
 The opponent then takes their turn following the same rules.
Ending the Game:
 The game ends when one player's side is empty. The remaining pieces on the other side
are then captured by the player who still has pieces.
Scoring:
 The winner is the player with the most pieces in their storehouse when the game ends.
 Jolen/Holen (Marble)

Brief History of Jolen (Holen)

One of the best and the most amusing game, that I've ever played in my childhood days is
the Filipino traditional game called 'Holen' can be also called as 'Jolens', it is the Tagalog version
of a marble ball from the USA. Holen is a tiny ball made out of a glass or a marble material. It
also has a different color and designs, so you each player can easily distinguish their own
favorite or their front running holen or the what so called 'pamato'.

Mechanics of Jolen (Holen)

Jolen (holen) sets itself apart as it requires specific equipment: marbles. This one-on-one
game is where you and your opponent choose a “shooter” marble. The rest are grouped and
placed in a circle. To note: opponents must have the same number of marbles. You and the other
player will then take turns using your “shooter” to hit the other’s camp. If you send one out of
the circle, the marble becomes yours.

Rules and Guidelines of Jolen (Holen)

Turn-Based Race:
 Players take turns in a race to the finish line.
 Players can either roll their marble into the hole or strategically shoot an opponent's
marble to progress.
Rolling the Marble:
 Rolling requires skill to avoid falling short or becoming a target.
 A player needs precision to get their marble into the hole without making it an easy target
for opponents.
Shooting Opponent's Marble:
 Before shooting an opponent's marble, ensure accuracy in hitting the target.
 Shooter's hand must rest on the ground or be lifted at a height of 1 "dangkal."
 Thrusting the hand forward for an advantage is not allowed. A line compensates for
jerking action.
Consequences of Hitting Opponent:
 If an opponent's marble is hit, they go back to the starting line, losing all progress.
 A strategic setback for opponents, allowing the shooter to gain an advantage.
Tricky Return Path:
 Returning the same way after reaching the last hole is challenging.
 Players may strategically throw or place their marble away from opponents to avoid
being targeted.
 Skilled shots can clear the path directly to the finish line.
"Kulto Finish":
 Rare occurrence where a shooter accidentally hits an opponent's marble, sending it into
the hole.
 Results in an unexpected and swift victory.

HAND CLAPPING GAMES

Rules and Guidelines of Hand Clapping Games
Participants and Language:
 Played by two or more players.
 Chant is in Tagalog, a language commonly spoken in the Philippines.
Clapping Actions:
 Players engage in hand clapping actions while chanting.
Chant and Clap Sequence:
 Follow a specific chant while clapping hands.
  The chant likely involves a rhythmical or rhyming pattern.
Counting at the End:
 Conclude the chant with players counting from one to ten.
 Continue clapping hands during the counting.
Consequences for Mistakes:
 If any player misses a count or makes a mistake during the counting phase, there are
consequences.
 Players who make errors might face the consequence of getting their ear pinched.