It seems incongruous but language experts say this Tagalog word came from the English phrase “hole in.” Many Filipinos assume it’s from the Spanish because it is often stylistically spelled as jolen.
toys
Mga Manika (Dolls), Bola (Ball), Tambol (Drum), Bisikleta (Bicycle), Holen (Marbles), Robot, Yoyo
YOYO
This word is reportedly from the Ilocano language used in the northern part of the Philippines. Continue reading “YOYO”
Games and Toys
Mga Laro at Laruan Para sa Mga Bata
Games and Toys for Children
laruan
toy
larô
game
JACKSTONE
The game that English speakers know simply as “jacks” is called “jackstone” in the Philippines. Continue reading “JACKSTONE”
SUNGKA
aka chongka
Sungka is a popular game in the Philippines. It involves dropping small stones or cowrie shells into large holes on a long canoe-shaped board.
sung·kâ
“mancala”
This game is called mancala in the US. It is also known as “count and capture” or “sowing game” in English. The latter moniker is because seeds are sometimes used instead of shells or stones. Filipinos ordinarily use cowrie shells. Continue reading “SUNGKA”
LARUAN
root word: larô (play, game)
MANIKA
This word is from the Spanish muñeca.
Often still spelled as manyika because of the Spanish influence.
manika
doll
TOYS
The Tagalog word for “toy” is laruan. Continue reading “TOYS”