Palo Sebo

A traditional Filipino festival game where players climb a tall, slippery bamboo pole to reach a prize waiting at the top.

  • 1 tall, sturdy bamboo pole
  • Grease or another slippery coating
  • Prize or prize bag
  • Open outdoor area
  • Several players
  • Adult supervision and a safe landing area
  • Secure the bamboo pole firmly upright in the ground.
  • Coat the pole with grease to make it slippery and difficult to climb.
  • Attach a prize securely to the top of the pole.
  • Clear the area around the pole and establish a safe boundary for spectators.
  • Players take turns trying to climb the slippery bamboo pole.
  • Use your arms and legs to grip the pole and work your way upward.
  • The grease makes climbing harder, so players may slide back down and try again.
  • Depending on the rules, players can compete individually or work together to reach the top.
  • Continue until a player reaches the prize.
  • The player who reaches the top and retrieves the prize wins! 

    • 🏆 How to Win 
    Climb all the way to the top of the pole and retrieve the prize before the other players.

    • Palo (PAH-loh) — pole or stick

    • Sebo (SEH-boh) — grease or animal fat

    • Palo Sebo (PAH-loh SEH-boh) — literally “greased pole”