The Good Old Days: Pinoy Childhood Rewind
Remember when happiness came in the form of a one-peso snack, a pile of teks, a jar of jolens, or a whole neighborhood running wild in the street before the 6 PM ‘tawag-ni-nanay?’
As we grow older, these little pieces of Pinoy childhood begin to slip away—quietly replaced by new routines, new worries, and a world that no longer moves as slowly as it used to. Still, looking back at these moments feels like opening a window to happiness we didn’t even realize we missed.
A Bite Back in Time
If there’s one memory that instantly pulls us back to those days, it’s the food.
Who could forget the simple joy of one-peso snacks? Every time your mom gave you five pesos, you had the chance to try a different variety of these treats—like Pompoms, Kobi, Kiss, Bangus, or Lumpia, straight from the sari-sari store.
Aside from these classic snacks, equally unforgettable were the sweet treats we craved so badly that we sometimes pouted or even shed a tear when our parents said no.
We also had the DooDoo candy ring, which we would soak in our mouths until it melted, the colorful puto masa, or those chalk-like sweets, which would leave a streak of color on your tongue. And let’s not forget the delicate meringue candies, so fragile that one gust of wind could make them crumble instantly.
If there were snacks to fill us up, there had to be something to wash it all down. Those were the famous drinks that quenched our thirst: Jungle Juice, Chooga Juice, Magnolia fruit drink, and Pop Cola.
Screens of Nostalgia
Afternoons at a Filipino home weren’t complete without the chaotic yet familiar “agawan ng remote” moments in front of the TV.
Who didn’t grow up learning and laughing with Batibot, or marveling at the arts and crafts on Art Angel? We eagerly tuned in to the magical tales of Wansapanataym, joined the fun in Jollitown, or laughed along with the antics of Goin’ Bulilit.
Also, shows like Ang Mahiwagang Baul and Iglot took us on even more magical adventures, sparking our imagination and leaving us wide-eyed with wonder. Even educational programs like Math-Tinik made learning feel like a game.
There were also times when everyone gathered around to catch popular game shows like Bet on Your Baby, Hole in the Wall, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Deal or No Deal, and The Singing Bee.
During these times, the living room buzzed with laughter and playful debates as we cheered for our favorite contestants, shouted answers, and celebrated every win—even if we weren’t the ones taking home the prize.
In the Middle of the Street…
Who else played joyfully, barefoot and carefree, making the most of every game until the sun started to set?
Remember Patintero? We would dash across lines while others tried to tag us. Then there was Tumbang Preso, where you had to knock down a can with a slipper while the “it” guarded it, and sprint away before getting tagged. Next came Piko, hopping through chalk-drawn grids on one foot, testing both balance and patience.
After that, Luksong Baka and Luksong Tinik challenged us to leap over friends, or hands and feet stacked like thorns, making everyone laugh at every stumble. And in Tagu-taguan, we would hide behind walls, trees, or makeshift forts, holding our breath as the seeker counted and searched.
And of course, the toy-based games were just as much fun: Jolen, Trumpo, Chinese garter, and teks—each one adding its own spark of laughter and friendly competition.
Looking back at these Pinoy childhood memories reminds us of a time when life felt lighter, slower, and filled with wonder. These childhood memories may belong to the past, but the warmth they bring continues to shape who we are today. And as we move forward, it’s comforting to know that a piece of our “good old days” will always stay with us.
