JOLEN/MARBLES

Palmo is another fun marble game. A hard wall, preferably concrete is required. In the neighborhood, there was Iya Ikit's place, Iyo Payong's, Iya Putot's, Mama Sisay's and Nong Pangcoy's, and a few places else. Our favorite was at Iya Ikit's. Define the area by drawing vertical line from the wall, on both sides. Then connect the two sides with a semi-circle line. Within the defined area, draw a line (manuhan). And prepare a stick, gungi, say, two-inch. Each player bounces his marble on the wall, trying to bring it closest to the manuhan. The farthest one from the line, puts his marble for target first. He bounces his marble against the wall. If it gets out of the defined area, he loses it to the next player, then repeats it until it is in. Next player takes his turn. The aim is to hit any marble that is inside, or at least bring his within the length of the gungi to the other. If successful, he gets that marble and gets another chance to grab another one, else, the next player takes turn. As everybody gains confidence, the defined area gets smaller and the gungi gets shorter if not eliminated. This is my late younger brother's favorite marble game. We had a wooden house, and a portion before you get inside, has the floors sloped a wee bit. That is where we play. At times, he feel safe because his marble is stacked between two floor slabs. But nothing comes out-of-range from my preying-hands. He always wins anyway, he is the younger.