Palosebo

Palo-sebo (from the Spanish "pole-grease") is a traditional Filipino game. A local variant of the greasy pole, it is likely derived from the Spanish cucaña.

Description
This game is usually played by boys during a town fiesta or on special occasions in the various Provinces of the Philippines. Long and straight bamboo poles are polished and greased, after which a small bag containing the prize is tied to the top. The bag usually contains money, sweets, or toys. Sometimes a small flag is used instead of the actual prize, which is given to the winner afterwards.

Play
Contestants try to climb the pole in turns to secure the prize, and anyone who fails to reach the top is disqualified. The winner is the one who succeeds in reaching and untying the prize or retrieving the flag.

Images

 * Picture depicting the palosebo, Caminawit Photo Center at Bravenet.com
 * Picture depicting the palosebo at Flickr.com
 * Picture depicting the palosebo, Kids play the ‘palo sebo’, Pinoy Outlook/Sun+Stars e-magazine at Sunstar.com and Flickr.com

Short films

 * Playing the palosebo at YouTube.com
 * Playing the palosebo also at YouTube.com

Other related links

 * Filipino games and other links, from Pinoy Games, Pinas, DLSU-Manila (2002):
 * Philippine Games by Eric A. Gutierrez, from Geocities.com
 * Filipino Games, SeaSite.niu.edu


 * 100 Best Things of Being Pinoy, by Liborio G. Altarenos III (et al.), Sea Crest Trading Company (2000) and Philippine Daily Inquirer (June 14, 1998)