Top 10 Things that ‘90s Filipino Kids Missed – Part 1

Who wouldn’t agree that the ‘90s Filipino kids had the best childhood ever? It was a totally different experience compared to the ‘techy’ world we live in nowadays. I describe the life of the ‘90s Filipino Kids as vibrant, fun, and exciting yet full of adventure and physical activities. Indeed, it was memorable!

Do you know that during this time, the source of happiness is simple? Children would play with whatever resources are available nearby. They would use their slippers to knock out an empty Alaska evaporated milk tin can, and they’ll still laugh their hearts out. Furthermore, they would use chalk to draw squares on the ground and still treasure this simple game. These are just examples of how creative and resourceful the ‘90s Filipino kids were.

Top 10 Things that ‘90s Filipino Kids Missed

If you want to know more about their childhood lifestyle, let me introduce you to the top 10 things that the ‘90s Filipino kids missed. Let’s see what games they played, the fashion statements that they followed, and their favorite snacks and drinks during ‘merienda.’

So, sit down and enjoy this trip down to the memory lane!

#1. Luksong Baka

This is the game for strong and powerful kids. ‘Luksong Baka’ literally means to jump over the cow in English. However, you don’t get to jump over a real one. Instead, your playmates have to play ‘baka’ or cow. But, it is not an easy role to play as your stance needs to be super sturdy. This is because a maximum of 9 kids will jump over the back until one hits a part of his body. He then gets the turn to play the cow.

It also has several levels. The kid who plays cow needs to get higher every time all the players have already jumped over his back.

This game requires skills such as mobility, stability, and strength. And when you have already mastered this game, you will surely feel proud to be called the King or Queen of Luksong Baka!

#2. Candy Necklace

Edible necklace? Isn’t that a genius fashion statement?!

Girls really enjoyed wearing these colorful necklaces around their necks. It was actually candy beads in a string, made to look like a necklace. Although, no one knows where and when it was invented. But, let us forget about those technical details as these sweets did not only fill our stomachs but also made us confident with who we are!

Surely, those kids ate those candies when they got hungry from dressing up like a Barbie girl!

#3. Paper Dolls

Kid from the ’90s, I bet you spent your allowance buying paper dolls! These are paper figures with colorful dresses of varying vibes: chick, casual, or formal. They are cut outs from a thin card, and the outfits have a little extra hook so that you can clip it to dress your makeshift doll.

They come as collectibles. No wonder the kids of the ’90s spent their allowance just to complete all the paper dolls series!

#4. Bazooka Bubble Gum

Who would forget about this bubble gum?

I bet you would go to the nearest sari-sari store from your house and then buy lots of this. Why not? For every bubble gum that you chew, you get a piece of comic strip. And maybe you did not appreciate it before when you were just a kid, but the comics that go with the bazooka bubble gum were inspirational ones.

These gums also feature your “fortune.” There are pieces on which some words of wisdom were written, and it usually tells you to chase your dreams, be brave, and other tips about success.

#5. Wansapanataym

Wansapantaym is the Filipinization of the phrase ‘once upon a time’ where most sentences of the children’s stories started. It was a Philippine fantasy anthology that was produced by and broadcasted by ABS-CBN.

90’s Filipino kids spent time watching all the episodes of Wansapanataym as its usual storyline is about a bad person who gets punishment from a fairy. Once the person faces the consequences of his or her actions, he or she would realize the mistakes and will promise not to do it again.

Aside from its storyline, the lesson that goes with it made this show indeed a phenomenal one.

#6. Power Rangers

Have you ever worn a made-up costume, mimicked your favorite power ranger’s stance, and then shouted, “Power Rangers, transform!” I know that was a thrilling experience!

The 90’s Filipino kids were fortunate to have witnessed the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers on TV. This show has encouraged creativity and vivid imagination in these kids. I would bet many aspired to become superheroes because of this show!

#7. Pogs

Those circle-like cards with different designs are a treasure!

Many kids would collect pogs, go outside their house, and play these on the streets with their neighbors. Pogs is a slammers game. Kids would slam one on a set of pogs scattered on the ground, and if they turned to face up, it’s all yours!

#8. Plastic Balloons

You would surely enjoy this activity as a kid. You can buy a plastic balloon from the nearest sari-sari store for just Php 1!

Basically, it is a tube filled up with a sticky substance that comes with a separate small straw-like tool. The sticky content comes in different colors, such as yellow, green, red, orange, and blue. You have to twirl it on the other end of the straw-like tool and then blow on the other end to make a plastic balloon.

Such a unique experience, right?

#9. Tamagotchi

The ’90s was also the start of some technological advancements. The kids of the ’90s were the first ones to have a virtual pet inside a mini egg-shaped gadget. The challenge is to feed, bathe, and take care of your pet to keep it alive. You would even see students hang this up with their IDs!

#10. Fanta

Do you still remember these neon-colored drinks? Fanta is a flavored carbonated drink that comes in different vibrant colors such as neon green, neon orange, neon pink, and neon yellow. You were probably a celebrity back then upon showing this to your classmates! Isn’t it nostalgic to reminisce about the things that you enjoyed during your childhood? I hope you enjoyed our trip down the memory lane!