Traditional
Patintero
Also called Harang Taga, Tubigan, Line tag
Runners try to cross a grid of lines and come back without being tagged by guards who can only move along the lines.
- people
- 8–20
- time
- 20 min
- energy
- High
- materials
- Household items
Kids-safeHR-safeChurch-safe
Before you start
Draw a rectangle about 5 m wide and 10–12 m long, split into two columns by a long center line and into 3–4 rows by cross lines. Split into two teams of 4–6; the guard team needs one guard per cross line plus one on the center line.
- 1Guards stand on their lines and may move only along them, keeping both feet on the line.
- 2Runners start behind the front line and try to cross every line to the far end, then come back to the start.
- 3A guard tags a runner with a hand touch; a tagged runner is out for that round.
- 4Teams switch roles when every runner is out or a time limit (3 minutes) ends. A runner who makes it out and back scores a point for their team.
What to say3
- 1“Guards on your lines — feet on the line or it doesn't count!”
- 2“Runners, find the gap… GO!”
- 3“Made it there AND back — one point for the runners!”
Host tips3
- Guards step off their line to make a tag and runners protest every time. Put a referee at the side of the court watching only guards' feet.
- Courts that are too big make guarding impossible; too small and nobody gets through. Start at about 5 × 10 m and adjust after the first round.
- Tired guards stop moving and the game stalls. Use a 3-minute round timer so roles switch even if runners are still in.
Variants2
Patotot guard
The center-line guard (patotot) may move along the whole length of the court, while cross-line guards stay on their own lines.
Small group
For 6–8 players, draw only two cross lines and drop the center line.
Safety3
- Runners collide when two dodge the same gap — play on grass or a non-slip surface, and no shoes with spikes.
- Light hand-touch tags only: no pushing, grabbing or slapping.
- Avoid concrete courts for adults in office shoes; play barefoot on grass or in sneakers.
Good for
Occasions
SchoolFiestaTeam buildingReunionRetreat
Venues
OutdoorIndoor, large
If this one dies early4
- Agawan BaseTwo teams each guard a base and try to touch the other team's base, tagging opponents who left their base earlier than they did.
- Tumbang PresoPlayers throw slippers to knock over a can guarded by the 'it', then race to grab their slipper back before they are tagged.
- Capture the FlagTwo teams each hide a flag on their half of the field and try to carry the other team's flag home without being tagged.
- What's the Time, Mr. Wolf?Kids creep toward the wolf by asking the time and taking that many steps — until the wolf shouts 'Dinner time!' and gives chase.