Patintero

One of the games I missed playing for many years now is "Patintero". The one I cherish the most is playing it together with Nanay (my mother), my siblings, cousins & aunts. I believe it happened just on two occasions. But, boy, it meant so much!

Today, after more than twenty years, I played it again. This time with my youngest brother (now 26 years old) & my two little nieces!

Gosh, I'm still thrilled! I still play with gusto! The simple fact of successfully passing through my opponent still satisfies me greatly!

But now, at some points in the game I put myself out of the scene, wear my grown-up hat & observe how my two little nieces are enjoying it!

It felt TerRRriFic to see them have their GRANDest late-afternoon break, just like me when I was a child! They shouted to the top of their voice. They giggled! They laughed heartily! My team-mate, Shenna, argued with his uncle as if they were of the same age. She tried to pass through his long arms! She gave her best to tag her opponent sister, Fanny, to the point that she stumbled. They were all out for the game that they didn't mind the bad & painful falls they had.

Simple games like this is surely a blast for kids! To us grown-ups, this may mean nothing. But to kids, simple games played with them by their parents, siblings, cousins, aunts & uncles create so much impact. Twenty years from now, don't be surprised to learn that these short moments are the most precious memories they treasure dearly.

So, when given the chance, grab it! Play with your little loved-ones & let the child in you come alive!