Tumbang Preso  

A Filipino chasing game where players knock down a can with a slipper while avoiding being tagged by “it.”

Players
• Minimum of 3 players, but more makes it more fun!
• One player is the Taya (It) or Guard, while the others are throwers.

Equipment
• 1 empty can or bottle – this is called the Preso (the “prisoner”).
• 1 slipper or flip-flop per player – used for knocking down the can.
• Chalk or marker – to draw the circle where the can stands and the throwing line.

Play Area
• A flat, open space like a street, schoolyard, or backyard.
• Make sure the ground is clear and safe for running and throwing.

Draw the Circle
• Mark a small circle on the ground (about 1 foot in diameter).
• Place the can or bottle upright in the center — this is the target.

Draw the Throwing Line
• A few meters away (about 3 – 5 meters), draw a straight line.
• All throwers must stay behind this line when throwing their slippers.

Choose the Taya (Guard)
• Decide who will guard the can using Jack-en-Poy (rock-paper-scissors), drawing straws, or simple counting.
• The Taya stands beside the can, ready to protect it.

Start the Game
• On a signal, the throwers take turns hurling their slippers at the can.
• The goal is to knock the can down while staying behind the throwing line.

When the Can Falls
• As soon as the can is knocked over, the Guard must quickly stand it back up before tagging anyone.
• While the Guard is busy resetting it, throwers run forward to retrieve their slippers.

Avoid Getting Tagged
• After retrieving their slippers, players must run back to the throwing line before the Guard can tag them.
• If a player is tagged, they become the new Guard (Taya).

If the Guard Fails
• If the can is knocked over again before the Guard finishes resetting it, the Guard must start over, giving players more time to retrieve their slippers safely.

Winning the Game
• There’s no set endpoint — play continues as long as everyone’s having fun.
• The main challenge is speed, aim, and agility!

⚙️ Strategy Tips
  • 🎯 Aim carefully – Try to knock the can down with your first throw.
  • 🏃 Move fast – Sprint to your slipper and back before the Guard tags you.
  • 👀 Stay alert – Watch the Guard’s movements and wait for the best chance to run.
  • 🧠 For the Guard:
-Reset the can quickly and securely.
-Keep an eye on multiple players at once.
-Tag smartly, predicting who will run first.
The name Tumbang Preso (toom-BAHNG PREH-soh) comes from two Tagalog words:
  • Tumba (toom-BAH) → “to knock down” or “to topple.”
  • Preso (PREH-soh) → “prisoner.”
So, Tumbang Preso literally means “Knock Down the Prisoner.”
Other Tagalog words used in the game:
  • Taya (tah-YAH) → “It” or “the Guard.”
  • Tapon (TAH-pon) → “Throw.”
  • Takbo! (tahk-BOH) → “Run!”
  • Tag ka! (tahg kah) → “You’re tagged!”