These Pinoy parlor games with a twist can spice up your next party

Classic Pinoy parlor games have been a staple in Filipino gatherings across generations – from reunions and office parties to lively holiday bash.

If you’re planning to host a party, you can further elevate your celebration with these entertaining Pinoy parlor games with a fun twist.

All you need are props that you already have lying around your house – plus your competitive spirit.

These games are designed to add laughter and a sprinkle of joy to your gatherings. They’re about creating memorable moments and bringing people together. So, gather your guests and let the games begin!

Pinoy parlor games with a twist

Whether you’re rekindling childhood memories or playing these games for the first time, these reinvented classics with a twist are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.

Newspaper dance

This party staple may have been around since you were a kid. Players are paired to dance on a single sheet of newspaper while music is playing. When the music stops, players fold the paper in half and continue dancing, making each round trickier as the newspaper gets smaller.

The last pair standing wins.

Added twists:

• Players wearing traditional Filipino costumes get extra points
• Let them dance to classic Filipino tunes and incorporate folk dance moves

Bring me

In this game, the host calls for specific items and players race to deliver them. Whoever brings the items first earns points and the one with the most points wins. 

Added twists:

• Incorporate general knowledge trivia or family-related items, like lola’s favorite pillow.
• Adding more Filipino flair, use items like Filipino snacks, a picture of a local celebrity or anything with a Filipino flag.

Calamansi relay

@itsmejackee Just want to share one of our fun games during our Children’s ChristmasParty. #parlorgames #christmas2022 #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp ♬ original sound – Jackee❤️❤️❤️ – Jackee❤️💋

Players are divided into teams as they line up to carry a calamansi on a spoon held in their mouths. Each team member will race to pass it down the line without dropping the calamansi.

Added twist:

For a fresh spin, replace the spoon with a toothpick and swap the calamansi with a Polo (or Lifesavers) candy – the one with a hole– inserted in the toothpick.

Trip to Jerusalem

Participants dance around a circle of chairs as the music plays, scrambling for an empty seat when the music stops. One chair will be removed each round until only one chair remains for the two last standing contenders.

Added twists:

• Arrange the chairs in a creative and unpredictable manner and when the game gets down to only two players, let them dance facing backwards. The uncertainty of the chair’s position makes the game trickier and exciting.
• Use lively OPM hits to keep the energy alive.

Polvoron challenge

This is a sweet and messy but hilarious Pinoy parlor game that guarantees a lot of laughter. Participants eat a polvoron and attempt to whistle as loud and quickly as possible.

Added twist:

Instead of whistling, let the players say tongue twisters to make it even more challenging – and more fun!

Tumpakners

You’ll be testing your trivia smarts with this Pinoy parlor game. Popularized by a local afternoon TV show, players are divided into teams with each member facing another player from the opposing team.

Each team must have a pair representative and be given a category, and they must pair their answers to get a point.

Added twists:

Customize categories to fit the occasion. For Christmas parties, you can use “gifts Filipinos wish not to receive as a gift” (towels or picture frames) or “noche buena foods.”

For family reunions, try “a certain Tito’s favorite food”  and for the food category, make it Pinoy and use “vegetables from the Bahay Kubo song.”