trip to jerusalem game procedure

Musical chairs

Musical chairs (also: Trip to Jerusalem ) is a famous game with chairs, often played at birthday parties.

• 1 Equipment
• 2.1 Variants
• 3 Similar games
• one chair for each participant

The chairs are placed in a circle (or a double line), facing outwards so players can sit on them. During each round, one chair less than the number of players is used.

As soon as the music starts, the players move around the chairs. They have to move quickly and may not touch the chairs. As soon as the music is turned off, each player has to sit down on one of the chairs. As there is one chair less than the number of players, one player will get no chair - he is out of the game. Then, another chair is removed and the next round starts. Who can prevail and be the last player in the game?

• if you have got enough fitting stuff, you can require each player to organize a certain things before sitting down. So, when the music is turned off, the referee says "pen", and only people holding a pen may sit down.

Similar games

• Musical chairs extreme is quite similar, but, well, more extreme :-)
• Grab is also based on similar rules
• Active game
• Game with chairs
• Game with music
• Game for 2 to 10 players
• Game for 10 to 20 players
• Game for more than 20 players

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Trip to Jerusalem

“Trip to Jerusalem,” also known globally as “Musical Chairs,” is a beloved party game. It’s a fantastic way to liven up any gathering, blending music, quick reflexes, and a dash of competition. This game is a staple at parties worldwide, and its simplicity makes it a hit across generations.

Possible Origin of “Trip to Jerusalem”

The exact origins of “Trip to Jerusalem” are a bit of a mystery. The game is believed to have originated from the German game “Reise Nach Jerusalem.” There are theories linking the name to historical events like the Crusades or the Aliyah, the immigration of Jews to the Land of Israel. However, these theories remain unconfirmed, adding a layer of intrigue to the game’s history.

Step-by-Step Guide to Playing “Trip to Jerusalem”

Setting up:.

• Number of Chairs: Start by arranging chairs in a circle. The key here is to have one less chair than the number of players. For instance, if there are 10 players, you’ll set up 9 chairs.
• Chair Arrangement: The chairs should be placed back-to-back in the middle of the playing area. This ensures easy movement around them.
• Start the Music: As the game begins, play some lively music. The type of music can vary, but it should be something that keeps the players moving and adds to the excitement.
• Circling the Chairs: While the music plays, all players must walk, dance, or move around the chairs in one direction. No stopping or hovering near a chair is allowed.

The Thrilling Pause:

• Stopping the Music: At a random moment, the music is stopped. This moment should be unpredictable to keep the game fair and exciting.
• Scramble for Chairs: The instant the music stops, each player must quickly find a chair to sit in. This is where the fun really ramps up, as players dash to claim a seat.

Elimination and Progression:

• Elimination: Inevitably, one player will be left without a chair. This player is then eliminated from the game.
• Removing a Chair: After each round, one chair is removed to keep the number of chairs one less than the players.
• Resuming the Game: The game continues with fewer chairs and players, resuming with the music starting again.

Winning the Game:

• Last Player Standing: The game proceeds with rounds of music stopping, scrambling for chairs, and eliminating players. It continues until only two players are left with one chair.
• The Final Round: In this ultimate face-off, when the music stops for the final time, the player who manages to sit on the last chair is declared the winner of “Trip to Jerusalem.”

Tips for an Enjoyable Game:

• Fair Play: The person controlling the music should not be looking at the players to ensure fairness in stopping the music.
• Safety First: Make sure the area around the chairs is clear of any obstacles to prevent accidents during the scramble.
• Inclusivity: Encourage all players to participate and have fun, regardless of whether they win or lose.

Preparations Before Playing “Trip to Jerusalem”

Preparing for “Trip to Jerusalem” is part of the fun. You’ll need a music player and chairs (one fewer than the players). Set the chairs in a circle, facing outward. Choose a variety of music to keep the energy high. It’s a simple setup that promises loads of fun!

Possible Variations or Challenges

To spice up “Trip to Jerusalem,” you can introduce variations like using traditional Filipino music and incorporating different dance styles. This not only increases the challenge but also adds a cultural touch to the game.

Age Range of Players

“Trip to Jerusalem” is typically a game for children, but its appeal is universal. People of all ages can enjoy this game, making it perfect for family gatherings or mixed-age parties.

Gameplay Duration

The duration of “Trip to Jerusalem” is quite flexible, typically lasting about 15 minutes. It depends on the number of players and how quickly each round is played. The game’s pace keeps everyone engaged and excited.

Similar Games in Other Countries

While “Trip to Jerusalem” is a familiar game in many cultures, variations exist worldwide. Each country might have its own twist on the rules or setup, but the core concept of musical elimination remains the same.

Watch the game play from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIrj2eHob4E

Other FAQs about “Trip to Jerusalem”

When it comes to “Trip to Jerusalem,” people often have questions about the best type of music to use, how to ensure fair play, and how to adapt the game for larger groups. The key is to be creative and flexible, ensuring everyone has a great time.

In conclusion, “Trip to Jerusalem” is more than just a game; it’s a bridge between cultures and generations. It’s a testament to the joy and laughter that simple activities can bring to our lives. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a fun activity, this game is a surefire way to create memorable moments.

NOTE: Featured image credit to Kambal Tarcena Alchie

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5 Winning Strategies for Trip to Jerusalem Game

The history of trip to jerusalem, the basics of trip to jerusalem, strategies to win trip to jerusalem, perfecting your timing in trip to jerusalem, psychological tactics in trip to jerusalem, take your game to the next level.

Trip to Jerusalem Game, a cherished cultural amusement, is deeply ingrained in the Filipino way of life. This guide is your ultimate roadmap to mastering the game and winning in 2024. With 5 proven strategies, 3 timing tips, and 4 psychological tactics, we aim to take your gameplay to new heights. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned player, this guide will provide you with practical insights and a fresh perspective. By understanding the rhythm of the music, the placement of the chairs, and the pace set by the Game Master, you can strategically navigate the game, ensuring more wins and less disappointment. Discover the thrilling world of the Trip to Jerusalem Game, and become the life of the party at your next gathering.

Rooted in the rich tapestry of Filipino culture, the Trip to Jerusalem game has been a favorite pastime since the 14th century. Its journey from a simple backyard amusement to a globally recognized game is fascinating and filled with historical significance.

• The game's origin traces back to the 14th century, during the era of Spanish colonization in the Philippines. Its name, 'Trip to Jerusalem', was derived from the biblical journey of Jesus to Jerusalem.
• Despite its religious undertones, the game was primarily played during secular events and celebrations. It became a symbol of communal unity in the Philippines, bringing together people of all ages.
• The game's popularity spread beyond the Philippines, gaining recognition in various parts of the world. It's known by different names in different regions; 'Musical Chairs' in the United States and 'La Silla Musical' in Spain, to name a few.

The cultural significance of Trip to Jerusalem is undeniable. The game's simple yet thrilling nature, coupled with its historical roots, have made it an enduring part of Filipino tradition and a fun-filled activity enjoyed worldwide. Want to learn more about Filipino culture and games? Check out our game list on Lucky Cola.

Understanding the basic rules and setup of Trip to Jerusalem is key to mastering the game. It's a fun, yet tactical game that requires quick reflexes and a keen sense of timing.

• The game involves a group of players, a set of chairs arranged in a circle, and a Game Master who controls the music.
• At the start of the game, there should be one less chair than the number of players. The players walk around the chairs while the music plays.
• When the music stops, each player must quickly find a chair to sit on. The player left standing is out of the game.
• The Game Master removes one chair after each round. This process continues until only one player remains, who is declared the winner.
• The key to winning is keen observation and quick reaction to the music's pause. Psychological tactics, such as feinting or misdirecting, can also be used to secure a chair.

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The game of Trip to Jerusalem is a test of speed, agility, and strategy. Its popularity has traversed centuries, making it a beloved tradition in the Philippines. Here, we tap into the wisdom of Javier 'Jackpot Genius' Fernandez, a renowned Progressive Slots Analyst at Lucky Loot Ledger, who shares his insights to help you master this game.

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Timing is a crucial aspect of Trip to Jerusalem. The ability to react quickly when the music stops can make the difference between winning and losing. Here are three key timing tips and a couple of exercises to improve your reaction time.

• Tip 1: Concentrate on the rhythm of the music. A sudden change may indicate an impending stop.
• Tip 2: Watch the game master closely. Their behavior may hint at when the music will stop.
• Tip 3: Practice makes perfect. Regularly playing the game can help you develop a sense of timing.

For exercises, try the following:

• Exercise 1: Engage in sports like table tennis or badminton that require quick reactions.
• Exercise 2: Play video games that demand high-speed decision making. It can help enhance your reaction time.

Mastering timing can significantly increase your chances of securing a chair when the music stops. To further improve your gaming skills, check our post on Winning Pai Gow Strategies at Lucky Cola .

In the classic Filipino game of Trip to Jerusalem, the key to winning isn't just about speed or agility; it's about employing the right psychological tactics. By understanding the basics of human psychology, you can increase your chances of securing a seat when the music stops. Here are four proven tactics and two exercises to enhance your spatial awareness.

• Anticipation: Predicting when the music will stop is crucial. Pay attention to the Game Master's pattern. They might have a specific rhythm or timing they prefer. Use this to your advantage.
• Distraction: A little distraction goes a long way. Engage your opponents in light conversation or make unexpected movements to divert their focus.
• Positioning: Always aim to be near a chair. This reduces the distance you need to cover when the music stops. But don't make it too obvious, or you might become a target.
• Confidence: Displaying confidence can be intimidating. It can make your opponents second-guess themselves, giving you an edge.

To improve your spatial awareness, try these exercises:

• Obstacle Course: Set up a simple obstacle course at home and time yourself navigating through it. This can help improve your agility and awareness of your surroundings.
• Meditation: Believe it or not, meditation can significantly improve your spatial awareness. By focusing on your body and its relation to the space around you, you can enhance your perception and reaction time.

Now that you've learned these psychological tactics and spatial awareness exercises, it's time to put them to the test. The next time you play Trip to Jerusalem, remember these tips:

1. Stay focused and be mindful of your surroundings. 2. Use psychological tactics subtly and wisely. 3. Practice makes perfect. Regularly practice your spatial awareness exercises.

Whether it's a family gathering or a town fiesta, dominate the game and become the life of the party. And remember, it's not just about winning; it's about enjoying the game and making unforgettable memories.

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How to Play the Musical Chairs Game with Kids

By: Author Tanja McIlroy

Posted on Last updated: 7 April 2024

Categories Games for Kids

The Musical Chairs game is an interactive and enjoyable game often played at birthday parties. It’s also great for any setting where you have a group of children, such as a class or group of friends on a playdate.

Find out how to play this awesome group game, why it’s actually educational, and discover some fun variations of musical chairs for kids.

Musical Chairs is sometimes referred to as the Chair Game and Trip to Jerusalem .

How Many Players Do You Need for Musical Chairs?

To make the game fun, it’s best to play with at least 5 to 10 children. The bigger the group, the better. 

If you’re playing with toddlers or young preschoolers, it’s ok to play with just a few so you can teach them the concept of dancing, listening for the music to stop and quickly finding a chair to sit on. 

For toddlers, it is better not to remove a chair on each round as they may not understand the concept of games with rules yet.

Musical Chairs Rules

How do you play a game of musical chairs? 

• To play Musical Chairs, you just need children, chairs and music!
• The chairs are placed in a circle, usually facing outwards.
• You’ll need one chair for every child.
• The adult plays some music which the children dance freely to, and one chair is removed from the circle.
• When the music stops, the children have to sit on a chair as quickly as possible.
• Whoever doesn’t find a chair is out and must wait on the side.
• Continue the game until the last child sits on the last chair.
• Then, start a new round.

Musical Chairs with a Twist

How do you make musical chairs fun? Try these Musical Chairs variations to suit different ages and play different versions.

• Involve the children who are out – Allow the child who is out to remove one chair in the next round so that the child doesn’t have to immediately exit the game.
• Change the rules for toddlers – Don’t remove chairs so toddlers can be involved in every round.
• Face inwards – To get the children facing each other and therefore interacting more, face the chairs inwards and dance inside the circle.
• Place chairs back to back – Instead of making a circle with the chairs, place them back to back in two rows.
• Place chairs randomly – Allocate a big area for dancing and place the chairs randomly around the room so they are not as easy to find when the music stops.
• Don’t use chairs – You can change the chairs out for paper plates, hula hoops or any other objects that you can get kids to sit on. Call the game “musical hoops” or “musical plates instead.”
• Following instructions – Use the game to teach listening and gross motor skills by choosing an action to perform to the music for each round instead of dancing. They could march, do jumping jacks, or hop around the room. Kids have to follow the instructions and also pay attention to when the music stops so they can find a seat.

Musical Chair Game Benefits

What do children learn from the Musical Chairs game?

There are so many benefits of music in general. Here are just a few of the benefits of playing this game:

Gross Motor Skills

Musical Chairs is a movement game , which means it will develop children’s gross motor skills .

Speed, Balance and Coordination

Kids need to react quickly and move with speed or they will not make it to a chair on time. They need balance and coordination to execute these movements.

Spatial Skills

Learning to share space with others and navigate their bodies around others – without knocking into them – is an important part of sensory development .

By playing this game, children are able to develop their understanding of their position in space as they dance, plan their route and then run to a chair.

Making it safely to a chair requires planning in advance. While dancing, kids must plan where they want to attempt to sit, as well as develop some backup plans in case the seat is taken.

It would not make sense, for example, to run to the other side of the room if a seat is taken but rather to find the next closest seat.

Concentration and Listening Skills

Kids need to listen and pay attention so they can react as soon as the music stops. It teaches quick thinking.

Social Skills

Musical Chairs is great for building social skills. Kids learn to move together, share space, avoid hurting anyone when attempting to get to a chair, and be patient. They also get to practise losing gracefully.

Musical Chairs Music

The best songs for musical chairs are upbeat and have a nice rhythm that kids can dance to.

Favourite Nursery Rhymes

Young children will enjoy dancing to familiar, favourite nursery rhymes. 

Here is a comprehensive preschool songs list .

Popular Songs

For the most fun, play popular songs that kids and adults both enjoy. Here are a few that are always a hit.

• OneRepublic – Counting Stars
• Katy Perry – Firework
• Billy Joel – Uptown Girl
• Pharrell Williams – Happy
• Avicii – Wake Me Up

Musical Chairs Compilations

YouTube has many videos with music suitable for a game of Musical Chairs. These ones have stops built into them so you don’t have to stop and start the music yourself.

• Musical Chair
• Musical chairs song that stops

Games Similar to Musical Chairs

The following two games are very similar to Musical Chairs as they are both movement games that require listening to the music and taking action when the music stops.

• Musical Statues – Also called Freeze Dance, in Musical Statues children must dance to the music and then freeze when the music stops.
• Pass the Parcel – In this carpet game , children pass a wrapped parcel around the circle while the music is playing and when the music stops, the child who is holding the parcel must remove one layer of wrapping.

While the following games are not played to music, they are also great for developing listening skills:

• The Telephone Game
• Do This, Do That
• The Odd One Out Game
• The Categories Game
• I Spy with my Little Eye

Are you a preschool teacher or working in Early Childhood Education? Would you like to receive regular emails with useful tips and play-based activity ideas to try with your children? Sign up for the newsletter!

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Trip to Jerusalem

The chairs are placed in two rows with the backs against each other. Music is played. As long as the music is playing, everyone dances around the chairs. When the music stops, all players must find a seat as quickly as possible. Each round, a chair is removed while the music is playing. Anyone who can no longer get a seat is out.

The aim of the game is to be the last to find a seat on a chair.

Dieses Spiel ist auch auf German verfügbar.

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History of Musical Chairs (Game) – Origins, Meaning, Metaphor,… 

By Author Gamesver Team and JC Franco

Categories Musical Chairs

Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Gamesver Team and JC Franco

Musical Chairs is a game that’s been much-loved by many adults and children across the world for many years…but, where does it actually come from? Who invented the game, and what was its actual purpose? These are questions that beg to be answered, so today, we’re going to delve a little deeper into the history of Musical Chairs .

The history of Musical Chairs in a snapshot:

• The exact origins and creator of Musical Chairs is unknown.
• The game was previously called “Trip to Jerusalem.”
• It is most commonly known to come from the German version of the game “Reise Nach Jerusalem”.
• There is a deeper possible meaning behind the game’s name.
• The name of the game is also often used as a metaphor.

If the above pointers have piqued your interest, perhaps it’s time that you take a closer look at the game and its interesting history. While there isn’t a heap of historical research to turn to, what we do know about Musical Chairs is quite interesting indeed. Each pointer is unpacked in further detail below, so all you have to do is read on. 

What Is Musical Chairs?

Before we leap right into the game’s history, let’s take some time to consider what the game is all about and how it is actually played. 

Musical Chairs isn’t a particularly complicated game. It is actually quite simple in terms of gameplay. A set of chairs must be set up in a circle. The number of chairs must be one fewer than the number of people playing. For instance, if there are 10 players, there must be 9 chairs set up. 

Then, music is played, and each player must move around the chairs as it plays. When the music is stopped, the players must sit on a chair. Of course, one player is not going to have a chair, and so there is a mad dash to get one. The player without a chair is out. 

The game continues by removing one more chair with each round until there is just one winner and one chair.

Musical Game Chairs – A Brief Look at the History of the Game

Musical Chairs has an interesting history even though we don’t know all too much about it. A lot of the facts surrounding the game are left up in the air and are actively disputed. It’s safe to say that we don’t know nearly as much as we want to. Let’s take a look at what we  do  know… The pointers below will give you a brief look at the history of the game. 

1. The exact origins and creator of Musical Chairs is unknown.

A great deal of time has been taken to research the actual history of Musical Chairs , and the answers are always the same. Nobody really knows who exactly invented the game and when that truly was. Everyone knows it is a game that has been played for hundreds of years. It might be nice to know exactly where it comes from, but it turns out that that information simply isn’t available. 

2. The game was previously called “Trip to Jerusalem”.

There is something that we can glean from history, and that is that Musical Chairs was previously called “Trip to Jerusalem”. When the world at large started calling it Musical Chairs instead of Trip to Jerusalem is also unclear, but we do know that it wasn’t always called Musical Chairs. That’s fairly interesting in itself!

3. It is most commonly known to come from the German version of the game “Reise Nach Jerusalem”.

Trip to Jerusalem is a game that was predominantly played in Germany. It is known in German as “Reise Nach Jerusalem”, and that is where the translation comes from. German children played this game often, and still to this day, it is known by both German children and adults. If asked, they too will probably tell you that they don’t quite know the origins of the game and who actually invented it to start with. 

4. There is a deeper possible meaning behind the name of the game.

By this point, you might be wondering why the game was named “Trip to Jerusalem” at all. The reality is that the actual gameplay might have made it relevant to players at the time. There is a theory that implies the name was, in fact, inspired by the Crusades, who, of course, suffered very many losses along their travels. 

There are other theories out there too. One says that the name was inspired by the immigration of Jews from the diaspora to the land of Israel. This was called the Aliyah. During these trips, it is said that there were very limited spaces for Jews on the ships to the Land of Israel, and that is depicted in the game and the number of chairs used. Of course, these are just theories that haven’t been confirmed.

5. The name of the game is also often used as a metaphor.

Last but not least, Musical Chairs is more than just a game. Throughout history, Musical Chairs hasn’t just been a fun game to play with family and friends. It is also a term that has often been used as a metaphor because of the gameplay. 

What metaphor is that? The term is often used as “playing musical chairs” and means that someone or something is being moved around aimlessly in a time-wasting manner. One could say, “this is like playing a game of musical chairs”, or similar. 

There you have it! If you were wondering about the history of Musical Chairs and where it comes from, now you know most there is to really know about it.

Gamesver Team

This article was co-authored by our team of in-house and freelance writers, and reviewed by our editors, who enjoy sharing their knowledge about their favorite games with others!

• Gamesver Team https://www.gamesver.com/author/nr-e-9w-y-xlf-8r-ayh-mci-r-_zegy-q/ Trivial Pursuit – How to Play Without the Board: 14 Alternatives (Variations…)
• Gamesver Team https://www.gamesver.com/author/nr-e-9w-y-xlf-8r-ayh-mci-r-_zegy-q/ Wilhelm Steinitz | Biography: 30 Important Facts (1st World Chess Champion)
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JC Franco serves as a New York-based editor for Gamesver. His interest for board games centers around chess, a pursuit he began in elementary school at the age of 9. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Mercyhurst University, JC brings a blend of business acumen and creative insight to his role. Beyond his editorial endeavors, he is a certified USPTA professional, imparting his knowledge in tennis to enthusiasts across the New York City Metropolitan area.

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Journey to Jerusalem

Game description.

This classic game is known by just about everybody and of course, can’t be missed at any birthday party. Because this game is known worldwide, it has many names and just as many variations. For example: Like with the original game, everybody is sitting in a circle. The difference, every child has a hat. Except one. When the music starts to play, the hat is quickly passed on from one person to the next. This can be neighbour to neighbour or randomly. When the music stops, the child without a hat has to leave the game. This is repeated until there are only two kids left who play against each other.

The hats are not passed on by hand but have to put on the neighbour’s head.

Not important. The last wins the game.

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Musical Chairs

Development goal.

To develop strategic thinking, listening to directions and social comfort.

Before You Start

Equipment Needed:  Chairs/ cones (one chair less than the number of players participating) and music

• Players are gathered in a circle around the chairs

Arrange chairs in a circle with the seats facing outwards

How to Play

• Play the music and have the players walk around the perimeter of the chair circle.
• When the music stops, everyone must immediately sit in a chair.
• The one person left standing it out.
• Remove another chair and continue until only one person is left.

Remove one chair after each round but keep everyone in the game. The challenge then is to get every player seated on a diminishing number of chairs. In other words, they have to share chairs.

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Musical Chairs

(for ages 6+), ingredients:.

• Radio or music player
• 2 or more chairs
• 3 or more players

Recipe for Fun!

There is no better game than musical chairs to get kids flexing their listening and social and problem-solving skills. A popular birthday party game for kids, it’s also a fun play idea for playdates, scout troops or other get-togethers involving kids. Musical chairs is also a fun idea for grown-up parties to get everyone up, moving, and having fun.

The more players and chairs involved, the longer the game will take. The number of players is only limited by the number of chairs you have handy!

How to Set Up Musical Chairs:

• Count the number of players.
• Collect chairs equivalent to the number of players, minus one.
• Arrange the chairs in a double line, back to back.
• Instruct the players to walk clockwise in a tight circle around the chairs.

How to Play Musical Chairs:

• Start the music and have the players walk clockwise in a circle around the chairs.
• Stop the music suddenly, and all players need to sit quickly in an empty chair.
• One person will be left standing without a chair, and they will be out of the game.
• Another chair is then removed.
• The game continues until there is only one person seated in a chair.
• That person is the winner of the game.

Tip: Let kids build social skills by navigating sticky situations like what to do when two people try to sit on the same chair. Learning to create and enforce rules is one of the great things kids learn by playing games like musical chairs!

Fun Twists on Classic Musical Chairs Game: For little kids, put out pieces of paper instead of chairs. The kids have to be sitting criss-cross applesauce on the paper when the music stops. Having a pool party or birthday bash at a waterpark? Musical beach towels is a fun summer twist on musical chairs.

More "Genius" Play Ideas

Frosty Toss

Magic t-shirt, go fish card game.

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Musical Chairs: Rules & Fun Variations for Kids

Last Updated: March 20, 2024 Fact Checked

Playing the Game

• Fun Variations to Try

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano . Aly Rusciano is a Creative Writer based outside of Nashville, Tennessee. She has over ten years of experience in creative, academic, and professional writing. Aly’s writing has been nationally recognized in the Sigma Tau Delta Rectangle and featured in Blue Marble Review, The Sunshine Review, PopMatters, and Cathartic Literary Magazine. She graduated from The University of Tennessee at Martin with a BA in English, focusing in Creative Writing and minoring in Theatre. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 220,941 times. Learn more...

Musical chairs is a fun and exciting game for kids (and adults) to play. Not only is the game perfect for energetic kiddos, but it can also help larger groups of any age interact and have fun together. In this article, we’ll teach you how to play or host a rousing game of musical chairs. Plus, we’ll even show you some variations and alternate rules to make the game even more fun. So, grab some chairs and put on a rocking playlist to get started!

Playing Musical Chairs

• Count how many players you have and subtract 1. Then, group that many chairs together in a circle in a large space with the seats facing outward.
• Play music and have the players move around the chairs. When the music stops, players must sit in a chair and the player left standing is out.
• Continue playing music and removing a chair each round until only 1 player remains.

Setting Up for Musical Chairs

• Make a playlist of songs that match the theme of your event or get-together.
• Have someone pick a favorite artist or album to play.
• Enlist someone to be in charge of the music. This person will start and stop the music throughout the game.

• For example, if 5 people are playing, you should have 4 chairs in a circle.
• Arrange your chairs in an area with lots of space, like a large living room or outside patio.
• If you don’t have chairs, try using stools, carpet squares, pillows, or markers on the floor instead.

• How long the music plays is entirely up to the person in charge of the music! A round can be 5 seconds or even a minute long!

Adding Variations for Musical Chairs

• For this version, you will have the same number of chairs as players for each round.

• This is a fun way to have a game go more quickly when you have a lot of players.

• Hop on 1 foot
• Walk on tippy toes

Community Q&A

• If 2 people sit on a chair together, the person who has more of their body on the actual seat of the chair wins. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/musical-chairs
• ↑ https://www.greatgroupgames.com/musical-chairs.htm
• ↑ ​​ https://www.activityvillage.co.uk/musical-chairs

About This Article

To play musical chairs, start by arranging the chairs in a circle, making sure to have 1 less chair than the number of players. Next, have the players walk around the chairs when the music starts, then try to find a seat when the music stops. Have the person that's left standing leave the game, and remove 1 chair before playing the next round. Continue playing rounds and removing chairs until there’s only 2 players and 1 chair left. The person who sits in the chair in this round is the winner! To learn how to play musical chairs with fun rules and variations, read on. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Ben Gurion Airport Guide

Driving in Israel

Reasons to Visit Israel

Top Destinations

One-Week Itinerary

Best Israel Tours

Top Things to Do in Israel

Best Beaches

Best National Parks

Outdoor Markets

How to Visit the Dead Sea

Food to Try in Israel

Things to Do in Jerusalem

Top Sacred Sites

Guide to the Western Wall

Best Restaurants

Tel Aviv Nightlife

Your Trip to Israel: The Complete Guide

The tiny nation-state of Israel is fraught with political tension, but it’s also one of the most incredible places to visit , filled with religious landmarks, archaeological finds dating all the way back to the Bronze Age, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant cities with acclaimed restaurants, museums, art galleries, and more. At just over 8,000 square miles, it’s also fairly easy to see most of the country on your trip, especially if you have more than one week.

The capital of Jerusalem is bursting with history and is a cultural melting pot of Muslims, Jews, and Christians, all of whom consider the city holy. (This also causes some major political tensions that you should be aware of before your visit). Tel Aviv, always considered the more modern of the two main cities, is known for its beaches, inspired art scene, fantastic shopping, and renowned bars and restaurants.

And beyond these cities lies a diverse landscape dotted with deserts, mountains, fertile valleys, and some of the most impressive geologic formations in the world—plus of course the salty Dead Sea, sparkling Mediterranean, freshwater Sea of Galilee, and even a tiny piece of the diving haven, the Red Sea.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit : Luckily, Israel is a pretty good place to visit year-round, thanks to mostly good weather ; although summer can be very hot, it still attracts plenty of tourists. In fact, summer is peak tourist season in Israel, along with the week of Passover. Many of the Jewish holidays are fun times to visit, but beware of rising flight and hotel prices and larger crowds at some attractions during those times. It’s also important to know that many things (restaurants, stores, museums, government offices, etc.) are closed during holidays, so plan accordingly. Spring and fall are ideal times to visit since the weather is mild and crowds are smaller (except for Passover, which occurs in the spring).
• Language: Israel’s national language is Hebrew, but you’ll also hear and see lots of Arabic and English—most people in Israel speak English, and it is taught in schools. All road signs and other important information are often printed in all three languages.
• Currency: New Israeli Shekel, usually abbreviated as NIS or just referred to as “shekel”
• Getting Around: Israel has an extensive bus system , from intra-city systems in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other cities to a countrywide inter-city system that can get you almost anywhere in the country. The main bus company in Israel is called Egged , except for Tel Aviv and its surrounding area, which is served by Dan . The last few years have also seen an expansion of the rail system in Israel. There are now 10 lines that criss-cross the country, going from Beer Sheva in the south to Akko and Nahariya in the north, and as far east as Beit Shean. One of the biggest recent developments was a new high-speed rail between Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Ben Gurion International Airport, shrinking travel time dramatically. Taxis are also used frequently, especially in urban areas, and sheiruts, or shared vans, operate within and between some cities. Uber and Lyft do not operate in Israel, but people use the taxi app Gett to hail a cab. If you’re in the country for a long time and planning to get off the beaten path, renting a car and driving might be right for you.
• Travel Tip: Make time to explore beyond Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, if you can. Places like the Dead Sea , Akko , and the Sea of Galilee are each only a few hours from Israel’s two major cities, making day trips an easy way to see more.

Things to Do

Israel is jam-packed with attractions and activities, with everything from thousand-year-old archaeological sites to stunning beaches and national parks. There are things to occupy families with young kids, clubbing college kids, foodies, history buffs, culture hounds, and nature lovers. Don’t miss these activities:

• Hiking: Israel’s diverse geographic terrain means there are some excellent hiking trails across the country. From deserts to canyons to mountains to forests to caves, the national parks and nature preserves of Israel offer incredible landscapes to explore. Plus, some of them include ancient ruins of Biblical, Iron Age, or Ottoman-era cities and fortresses. If you’re attempting an off-trail hike, be sure to have a guide with you, as environment and weather can sometimes be extreme—and you also don’t want to accidentally cross the Green Line.
• See the Holy Sites: Israel, also called the Holy Land, has so many important religious sites for so many different religions, it’s no wonder that many visitors to Israel are on some kind of pilgrimage. But even if you’re not religious, seeing these often ancient landmarks, meaningful sites, and beautiful temples and shrines are sure to move you. Sites like the Western Wall , Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Al-Aqsa Mosque, Dome of the Rock, Bahai’I Gardens, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Capernaum, Cave of the Patriarchs, Masada, and the Mount of Olives, are all impressive.
• Hit the Beach: Israel is home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches , thanks to its 170 miles of Mediterranean Sea coastline, the desert-surrounded Dead Sea, the lush Sea of Galilee, and clear waters of the Red Sea in Eilat. Aside from swimming and sunbathing, Tel Aviv beaches also offer a lively scene complete with dining, drinking, volleyball, outdoor gyms, and more. And biking or walking along the promenade is a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Where to Eat and Drink

Israel has gained acclaim in the last five to 10 years for its incredible food scene, getting on the radar of many foodies. Tel Aviv in particular is a standout city with a dynamic and varied dining scene, with top-quality and creative restaurants. Additionally, Tel Aviv has become a bastion for vegans and is known as one of the vegan capitals of the world, with about 40 vegan restaurants and 44 vegetarian restaurants  .

Israelis love their falafel and shawarma of course, but Israelis are also the world’s biggest consumers of fruits and vegetables, and when you walk through any of its bustling outdoor markets like the famous Machane Yehuda in Jerusalem or Shuk HaCarmel in Tel Aviv you’ll see why.

While classic Middle Eastern fare like hummus, halvah, tabbouleh, and Israeli salad are easily found, visitors will also be rewarded with modern Israeli food at critically acclaimed restaurants like Onza , Mashya , Claro , HaBasta , Dok , Santa Katarina , North Abraxas , Opa in Tel Aviv and Machneyuda , Anna , Mona , and Chakra in Jerusalem. (Plus Uri Buri in Akko is a must-visit for fish and seafood lovers.) And for those willing to venture off the beaten path, Majda , located in an Arab-Israeli village just outside Jerusalem is one of the most lovely and delicious dining experiences you’ll ever have—it’s one of Chef Yotam Ottolneghi’s favorite places. Israel has also improved its international offerings, with Japanese, Thai, Italian, French, and other cuisines more widely available now—and they’re actually good.

Israel’s booze scene has also grown by leaps and bounds, with dozens of wineries, distilleries, and breweries, now operating in the country, plus plenty of top-quality bars and restaurants to get well-made cocktails and diverse wines.

Explore our article on the best foods to try in Israel , the best outdoor markets in Israel , and the top 10 restaurants in Tel Aviv

Where to Stay

The hotel scene has vastly improved in Israel over the past 10 years, with plenty of luxury and more affordable options in locations across the country. In Tel Aviv, there are diverse options on the beach, in the White City, in Jaffa, and in Neve Tzedek, with many excellent boutique hotels (like the Norman, Hotel Montefiore, Hotel Vera, and Brown Beach Hotel), while in Jerusalem you’ll want to look in and around the Old City and downtown. Major cities also have several hostels. Airbnb is also a good bet, and there are often good deals to be found.

Outside of Israel’s two major cities, you’ll find large and sometimes over-the-top resort hotels, especially around the Dead Sea and Eilat. Up north, there are some stunning boutique hotels. While there are some major international hotel chains in Israel like Hilton, InterContinental, and Marriott, there are also Israeli brands that have become acclaimed, including the boutique Brown Hotels , Isrotel (which operates the top-rated Cramim, Beresheet, and Mitzpe HaYamim, along with dozens of others), and Dan Hotels .

There are also a few uniquely Israeli accommodations to check out: Tzimmers and Kibbutzes. A tzimmer is like a bed-and-breakfast, often located in rural areas or on farms and hosted by a local family. Tzimmers are a great way to get a more local experience, and are often accompanied with delicious, homemade breakfasts. Meanwhile, kibbutzes—shared communities that were integral when Israel first became a state—often have hotels or houses and apartments for rent and some can be quite excellent. Aside from offering a peak inside a kibbutz, many of them also have great amenities like swimming pools, fitness centers, restaurants, cafes, and more, and can be more affordable than hotels.

Explore our articles on the best hotels in Jerusalem and the best hotels in Tel Aviv.

Getting There

If you’re flying from the U.S., you’ll fly into Ben Gurion International Airport , just outside Tel Aviv. From there, you can take the high-speed train to Jerusalem or Tel Aviv, take a bus to many locations, or grab a sheirut (shared taxi) or taxi. Ramon Airport, located north of Eilat, operates locally and welcomes a few flights from Europe.

When you arrive and depart, expect to be interviewed by passport patrol and other security agents. If you are not Jewish or have a lot of stamps from Arabic countries in your passport you will be questioned heavily about the reason for your visit. Security is very prevalent at the airport  .

Culture and Customs

While there are many cultural things to be aware of, the most important thing is to be respectful. As the world’s only official Jewish nation  , there are countless customs that may be unfamiliar if you are not Jewish.

• From sundown on Friday until Saturday night, is the Sabbath, or in Hebrew, Shabbat. During Shabbat, certain parts of the country, especially Orthodox neighborhoods, shut down in many ways, with buses not running, restaurants and stores shut, and museums and attractions closed. That said, some parts of the country that are more secular will operate as usual, like much of Tel Aviv. The customs around many Jewish holidays are similar to Shabbat, and many have several more traditions. For example, if you’re in Israel on Passover you’ll notice that many restaurants don’t serve wheat or grains during that week because they can’t be eaten during Passover, according to Jewish law.
• It’s a good idea to bring modest clothing with you as religious neighborhoods and sites will require things like skirts past your knees, no low-cut tops, and long sleeves for women. Modesty is also required in Muslim sites, including the requirement of women to cover their hair.
• While many restaurants in Israel are kosher, there are also plenty that are not these days, especially in Tel Aviv. So don’t be surprised to see bacon, shrimp, and cheeseburgers on menus!
• Many Israelis are known for being brusque and brutally honest. They don’t sugarcoat things, have thick skins, and customer service has only become a concept in recent years. That said, Israelis are also friendly and generous—it's pretty easy to score an invite to a Shabbat meal.
• Tipping in Israel is discretionary, but expected, especially in bars and restaurants. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped.
• Security is very tight in Israel. It’s common to see metal detectors everywhere from the mall to the train station, and soldiers with guns strapped to their backs is a common sight. When you arrive and depart the country you’ll be questioned about your purpose of travel. Checkpoints while driving can occur anywhere, but are usually only found at borders with Palestinian Authority-controlled areas.
• Finally, it’s important to be aware of the political tensions of the country. Borders, occupied territory, the Green Line, terrorist attacks, the military, the government, and more are all hot-button subjects. That’s not to say that Israelis won’t talk about them, but it might be best to listen more than speak.

Money Saving Tips

Israel is actually quite expensive, with restaurants, hotels, taxis, and fuel stations charging premium prices, here are some tips to save money.

• Try to buy food from local markets, and don't be shy about bargaining at outdoor markets (shuks).
• Stay at a hotel where breakfast is included.
• Use public transportation as much as possible.
• Spend time at free attractions, beaches, and parks without admission fees.
• If you can, travel in the off-season (but not during holidays).

Tel Aviv Press. " World Vegan Day Survey ." Nov. 1, 2020

The Jerusalem Post. " Flying to Israel: Heeding Security Is Key to Smooth Travel ." August 4, 2019

BBC. " Jewish Nation State: Israel Approves Controversial Bill ." July 19, 2018

Guide to Planning a Trip to Israel

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Israel

Top 15 Destinations in Israel

The 19 Best Things to Do in Israel

Regions to Visit in Israel

One Week in Israel: The Ultimate Itinerary

The Best Time to Visit Israel

Ben Gurion Airport: The Complete Guide

The Top 25 Things to Do in Jerusalem

Weather in Israel: Climate, Seasons and Average Monthly Temperature

Mediterranean Cruise Maps

Flying to Israel: Best Airlines and Travel Tips

Israel's Best Outdoor Markets

Where to Go in 2023: The Most Exciting Destinations to Explore This Year

Akko in Israel, called Acre in the Bible: Exotic, Authentic, Unforgettable

Trip to Jerusalem : 21 Tips to Travel to Israel

A Trip to Jerusalem

Here I´d like to share my tips for visitors travelling to Jerusalem for the first time. Especially if you are going by yourself rather than in a group or package tour.

Even though I am an  experienced traveller and speak a few languages. It wasn´t an easy city for me to find my way around. At first I found it tricky. When I came to the end of my week in Israel I had gotten used to the transport system and understood things much more.

Tips for Jerusalem

The hotel where I stayed was part of the Prima hotel group. Located in the high end district of   Yemin Moshe this Jerusalem Hotel was practical and comfortable to visit the main sights. The old town was a about 1 km walk to Mamila mall and the tower of David.

This was a good location as there were restaurants close to the hotel on Keren Hayesod St. Walking down a little further past the Montefiore Windmill you come to the first station. The Old Railway Station which is now an area of shops and restaurants with the old railtrack running through it.

Jerusalem Accomodation

The Prima Royale Hotel served a great breakfast and they have a roof terrace with views over the city. I imagine that in Summertime the rooftop bar is a fabulous place to enjoy a drink with those views.

In this area along the King David Road and around this neighbourhood there are lots of good Jerusalem hotels and I think it´s a good location to stay in.

Beauty Tip:  One thing I really noticed while I was there is that the atmosphere is very dry. It´s important to stay hydrated (even if it´s not hot weather) and take lots of body cream with you. I have dry skin anyway but while I was there I needed to pay extra attention because of the low humidity there. If you get thirsty or dry skin make the most of the Pomegranate or juice stalls that tou see on every corner. Delicious.

Things to see

So what did I see while I was in Jerusalem?

I visited the main sights in the Old Town and the moden museum of Israel which has some amazing archaelogical and historic exhibits. On this post I am not going in detail about these places as I prefer to share practical tips about Jerusalem which I found difficult to find when I was planning my trip.

This walking tour was really interesting but you need to have comfortable shoes and plenty of water.

Afternoon: Walking around the commercial area of Jerusalem, Ben Yehuda Street,   Jaffa Road (Yafo Road) and Mamila Shopping center.

Here are some great tips to plan an Israel Itinerary

Day Two: Visit to Bethlehem and the Church of the Nativity. (Private car tour) Tower of David Museum.

Afternoon walk around the Mahane Yehuda food market.

Day three : Visitng the Montefiore Windmill with views across the old town.

Walk down to the First Station and onto the German Quarter.

Afternoon visit to the Israel Museum. (by taxi)

Getting to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv Airport

The most comfortable way to get from Tel Aviv Airport to Jerusalem is with a Sherut. Make sure you have your hotel name and address written down somewhere which you can show to the driver. If you have it in Hebrew then even better.

The Sherut I took from outside the Ben Guiron Airport to Yemin Moshe district cost me 60 shekels (15 euros / 16 $ usd / 13 gbp)  Each person pays this amount (depending on the drop off point) So for two of us with luggage it costs us 120 shekels to be dropped at the front door of our hotel.

You agree the drop off point before you get in with the driver and he will tell you the cost. You need to pay cash on arrival.  Once you get on the bus you may have to wait until it fills up with other passengers.  (could be 10- 20 minutes)

The Bus station is at the western end of the city and not too handy for the main hotel areas. Another benefit of the sherut is that it runs even on the Shabbat days whereas buses and trains don´t. I did get the train from Akko to Tel Aviv and found the trains really good. They even have wifi connection and plugs too.

More detailed information here:  Take inter city shared Taxis to Jerusalem

Get to Tel Aviv Airport from Jerusalem City

To get from the hotel back to the airport we found that the best option was to get a taxi to Jerusalem Bus Station. This cost around 25 shekels. Then inside the bus station I bought two tickets for the Bus 947 route to Ben Guiron airport. 24 shekels

These buses leave every 20-30 minutes. Buses do have Wifi connection and are run by Egged.il

When you are going to the airport remember that you must leave plenty of time for security checks during the check in and passport control. The queues are long and the checks are quite thorough. If I didnt lose count I´m sure that we passed 7 or 8 controls before actually getting on the plane.  I just want to stress that going with the usual 90 minutes before your flight time here won´t work out. Try to get to the airport 3 hours before your flight.

The bus leaves from the bus station and takes about 30 mins to the aiport. However the bus doesnt leave you at the airport. You are dropped off at a busy junction some miles from the airport. Wait at this bus stop along with other passengers for the Bus 5 Airport express. You do not need another ticket, your ticket is valid for this ride too.

It can take 15 minutes or so for this bus to come along. Then the route take you in and around the airport stopping at lots of different points and the International terminal seemed to be the last stop.

Getting taxis in Jerusalem is quite simple. It is also a good way to get to certain places. I always asked the driver to put the meter on when I told him the address where I was going to. The word in hebrew is ´ moneh´ (similar to the english word money right?)   if you are unsure you can also point to the meter.

The actual phrase is  be-vakasha le-haf’il et ha-moneh

The driver may offer you a fixed price but if you don´t know how much it usually costs then you dont know if it is a good price or not.

Saying this I caught quite a few taxis while in Israel and all the drivers were courteous and helpful. If sometimes a little sharp with the brakes.

In Jerusalem city it´s best to walk as much as you can and when you need to get a taxi.

Eating out in Jerusalem

One of the best things about my trip was the Israeli food . I just loved all those vegetables, exotic salads and yummy cakes. In some cases it cost similar prices to a large European city (Madrid, Amsterdam etc) other times it seemed to be a little less expensive. This Israel Budget guide gives more detail about prices.

• Olive & Fish at Jabutinski 2 –  I enjoyed this place so much I went back twice. Mediterranean style food. Open for lunch and dinner. Make sure you leave room for their homemade desserts. Casual but elegant setting. Popular with locals and tourists alike.
• Aroma (several locations) – I ate here a few times. At Mamila Avenue and also at Tel Aviv airport. They have delicious salads, huge sandwiches and delicious natural fruit juices. Fast healthy food at a good price. They actually have 20 different locations. Aroma Jerusalem Locations
• Machneyuda at Beit Ya’akov St 10, Jerusalem- This restaurant comes highly recommended although I didn´t get to try it myself.  Modern Israeli cusine.
• First station – At the first station there are lots of different cafés and restaurants.  I ate at the Kitchen Station but there I was really spoilt for choice. Fish restaurants, Organic food cafés, it all looked so delicious.

Souvenirs to buy

• Beautiful Ceramics in the Armenian Quarter at Sandrouni which is located just inside New Gate. This ceramic center has small and larger pieces they also have some good quality silver items too.
• Dead Sea Cosmetics. You will see plenty of these on offer. Ahava is one of the most well known and established brands. You may also like to try Premier and -417.
• Dates, the local dates in Israel are Medjool and they are delicious.
• Judaica and other religious items abound. Ben Yehuda has several special stores along that centrally located road.

After my trip

Despite lots of media coverage about the political situation and tensions, while I was in Israel I didn´t feel unsafe at all. Seeing the soldiers walking around with guns does seem daunting of Hebrew and were generally helpful and welcoming.

My personal highlights of Israel were the historic sites and the local food I had during my trip.

• Thankyou – Toda
• Greeting – Shalom
• Good morning – Boker Tov
• Excuse me/sorry – Slicha

There are quite a few places which I didn´t get chance to visit on my trip. Dead Sea, the Negev Desert or the vibrant capital Tel Aviv for example. Perhaps I´ve be planning to return sometime in the future.

I did visit Akko, a beautiful coastal town to the North which I will write up on my next blogpost.

This trip to Israel was arranged by Visit Israel as part of my FITUR Travel Blogger award.

Many thanks to the Israel Tourist Board in Madrid for their hospitality.

Please Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission. All thoughts, feelings and opinions shared on this blog and in this post are my own

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Very informative blog. Here you shared very helpful tips while traveling to Jerusalem. I am planning a trip to Jerusalem in January. Thanks for sharing

Amazing post!! Just what I was looking for for my trip there next week <3 Thank you for the tips!

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Unleash the Fun: The Ultimate List of Pinoy Parlor Games and Twists You Can’t Resist in 2023

Gatherings and celebrations are at the heart of Filipino culture, and Pinoy parlor games are a beloved tradition that brings people together, creating laughter and lasting memories. In this article, we’ll explore the classic, hilarious, and modern adaptations of traditional parlor games that are perfect for your next Filipino gathering . Let’s dive into these fun and engaging games that will surely delight everyone in attendance.

Classic Pinoy Parlor Games

Pinoy parlor games have been a staple at Filipino gatherings for generations. They foster camaraderie, friendly competition, and an atmosphere of fun and excitement. Here are three classic games that will never go out of style.

1. Trip to Jerusalem

Rules of the game: Trip to Jerusalem, also known as “musical chairs,” involves players walking around a circle of chairs while music plays. When the music stops, players scramble to find an open chair. The one left standing is eliminated, and a chair is removed for the next round. The game continues until only one player remains seated.

Tips for a fun and competitive experience:

• Use lively Filipino music to set the mood and encourage players to dance around the chairs.
• Arrange the chairs in a creative pattern to add an extra challenge.
• Encourage cheering from eliminated players to keep the energy high.

2. Pinoy Henyo

How to play Pinoy Henyo : In this classic guessing game, one player wears a headband with a word or phrase attached to it. Their teammate must give clues to help them guess the word without saying it directly. Players have a limited time to guess as many words as possible.

Popular categories and sample questions:

• Filipino celebrities
• Local delicacies
• Famous landmarks
• Philippine history
• Traditional customs and practices

3. The Boat is Sinking

Game mechanics and objectives : The game master announces, “The boat is sinking! Group yourselves into (a specific number).” Players must quickly form groups of the specified number. Those who fail to join a group are eliminated.

Strategies for teamwork and quick thinking:

• Encourage players to communicate and strategize with each other.
• Increase the challenge by varying the group sizes throughout the game.
• Allow eliminated players to help others find groups by cheering them on.

Hilarious Filipino Party Games

These amusing party games are sure to have everyone laughing and enjoying themselves at your Filipino gathering.

1. Calamansi Relay

The rules and benefits of this laughter-inducing game: In this game, teams race to pass a calamansi (or small lime) from one player to another using only a spoon held in their mouths. The first team to pass the calamansi to all its members without dropping it wins.

Tips for a safe and enjoyable relay:

• Use an open space to accommodate running and movement.
• Make sure there is enough room between teams to prevent collisions.
• Provide a clean-up station for any calamansi spills.

2. Newspaper Dance

How to play Newspaper Dance with a Filipino twist : Pairs of players must dance on a single sheet of newspaper while the music plays. When the music stops, they must fold the newspaper in half, and continue dancing on the smaller surface. The last pair still dancing on their newspaper wins.

Creative ways to increase the challenge:

• Use traditional Filipino music and dance moves.
• Incorporate various dance styles and techniques.
• Encourage players to wear traditional Filipino attire for added flair.

3. Bring Me

A classic Filipino party game for all ages : The game master calls out an item or description, and players race to find and bring that item to the game master. The first player to successfully bring the item wins a point. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Suggestions for unique and amusing “bring me” items:

• A specific Filipino snack or delicacy
• An item with the Philippine flag on it
• A picture of a famous Filipino personality
• A traditional Filipino toy or game

Modern Adaptations of Traditional Parlor Games

These updated versions of classic games offer a fresh and engaging twist to traditional Filipino parlor games.

1. Pinoy Bingo

A cultural spin on the popular game of chance : Create bingo cards with images or words representing Filipino culture, such as local celebrities, traditional foods, and popular tourist destinations. Players mark off squares as items are called out, and the first player to complete a row or column wins.

How to create your own Pinoy-themed bingo cards:

• Use an online bingo card generator and customize it with your chosen images or words.
• Print and laminate the cards for durability.
• Provide markers or chips for players to use during the game.

3. Patintero with a Twist

An updated version of the classic Filipino street game : Patintero is traditionally played outdoors, but you can adapt it for an indoor setting by using masking tape to create the grid on the floor. Players must cross the grid without being tagged by the opposing team.

Strategies for an engaging indoor experience:

• Use music to set the mood and create a lively atmosphere.
• Implement a time limit to keep the game moving at a fast pace.
• Allow players to use creative tactics to avoid being tagged.

3. Sungka Showdown

The basics of the traditional Filipino board game : Sungka is a two-player game involving a wooden board with small holes or “houses” and shells or stones. Players take turns distributing the shells around the board, capturing their opponent’s shells to accumulate points.

Tips for hosting a competitive Sungka tournament:

• Organize a bracket-style competition with multiple Sungka boards.
• Offer prizes for the top players to encourage participation.
• Display a leaderboard to track player progress throughout the tournament.

Parlor Games for Special Occasions

These parlor games are perfect for adding a touch of Filipino tradition to your special events.

1. Pabitin for Birthdays

The history and significance of Pabitin: Pabitin is a popular game at Filipino birthday parties, where small gifts or treats are attached to a lattice or grid suspended from the ceiling. Children jump to reach the items as the grid is lowered and raised.

How to prepare and execute a memorable Pabitin game:

• Attach a variety of small gifts, toys, or treats to the lattice.
• Ensure the grid is securely suspended and can be easily raised and lowered.
• Encourage cheering and excitement from the audience to create a festive atmosphere.

2. Agawan Panyo for Weddings

The symbolism of Agawan Panyo in Filipino weddings : Agawan Panyo (handkerchief snatching) is a fun game often played at Filipino wedding receptions. It symbolizes the couple’s pursuit of a happy and harmonious life together.

Tips for incorporating the game into your special day:

• Provide a beautifully embroidered handkerchief as the game’s focal point.
• Invite guests of all ages to participate, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.
• Offer small prizes or tokens for those who successfully snatch the handkerchief.

3. Palosebo for Fiestas

The origin and significance of Palosebo : Palosebo, or greased pole climbing, is a traditional Filipino game played during fiestas and other celebrations. Participants climb a tall, greased bamboo pole to reach a prize at the top. This game symbolizes perseverance and determination in overcoming challenges.

How to organize a thrilling Palosebo race:

• Choose a sturdy and tall bamboo pole, ensuring it is well-anchored for safety.
• Apply grease or a slippery substance to make the climb more challenging.
• Attach a desirable prize at the top to motivate participants to reach the summit.
• Encourage cheering from the audience to create an exciting and festive atmosphere.

Tips for Organizing a Successful Pinoy Parlor Game Event To ensure your Pinoy Parlor games event is a hit, follow these tips for a well-organized and enjoyable gathering.

Preparing the venue and materials:.

• Choose a spacious and comfortable venue that can accommodate all guests and game setups.
• Prepare all necessary game materials in advance, ensuring they are in good condition.
• Set up a designated area for each game to allow for smooth transitions between activities.

Setting the rules and choosing a game master:

• Clearly communicate the rules for each game to avoid confusion and ensure fair play.
• Appoint a charismatic and engaging game master to lead the games and keep the energy high.

Encouraging friendly competition and sportsmanship:

• Promote a spirit of friendly competition and teamwork among players.
• Recognize and celebrate the achievements of all participants, regardless of the outcome.

Ensuring a fun and inclusive atmosphere for all guests:

• Offer a variety of games to suit different ages, interests, and abilities.
• Encourage participation from all guests, including those who may be shy or hesitant.
• Create opportunities for guests to socialize and build connections through the games.

As conclusion.

Pinoy parlor games are a cherished aspect of Filipino culture, bringing joy and excitement to gatherings and creating unforgettable memories. By incorporating these games into your events and encouraging the younger generation to participate, we can keep the tradition of Pinoy parlor games alive and thriving for generations to come. So, get ready to laugh, compete, and bond with your loved ones over these fun and engaging Filipino games.

Note: Featured image credit to flickr.com . No copyright infringement intended.

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8 party games for an authentic pinoy party.

If there’s one thing all Pinoys love, it’s a proper party – complete with lechon , lots of rice, inappropriate tita comments, and, of course, party games. We list down the most common party games that no proper Pinoy party should pass on:

8. Trip to Jerusalem

This game is played by arranging a bunch of chairs in a circle. Players should be one more than the chairs. So if you have 12 chairs, there should be 13 players. Dance-y music is then played as players go around the chairs. Players must then take a seat once the music stops. The person who doesn’t get seated is eliminated. A chair is also removed from the circle as the game progresses. The game gets real when there’s only one chair left and two players fight for it. This could get really dangerous, especially if the players are highly competitive. I’ve witnessed lips getting bloodied and shirts getting ripped. Now, that’s a game of thrones!

7. Bring Me

Bring Me is as straightforward as it gets. The host says “Bring Me + whatever he/she wants” and whoever brings the item first gets the prize. Items include the usual “puting buhok” and “10-peso bill” to the strange requests such as armpit hair and nail clippings. Makes you wonder if they’re brewing a potion of some sort and are just using the party as an excuse to get the ingredients.

6. Stop Dance

Like the Trip to Jerusalem, only without the chairs. Players must dance, but once the music stops, they must freeze. Those who are unable to remain still gets eliminated. You can also reverse the mechanics by having the players dance when there’s no music and freeze when there is. What a nightmare for awkward dancers!

5. Paper Dance

Similar to Trip to Jerusalem and Stop Dance in the sense that it requires stopping-and-starting music to eliminate players. The twist is that a piece of paper (usually a broadsheet) is used as the “dance floor”. Players are grouped into twos and hop on the paper when the music stops. The paper is then folded in half and gets tinier and tinier. The teams must find a way to remain upright within their respective “dance floor”. The last team standing wins.

4. Pinoy Henyo

A relatively new addition to Pinoy parties, Pinoy Henyo is played between teams of two. The goal is to guess a word (it could be a name, place, food, song title, etc). One team member gets to guess by asking yes-or-no questions. The other then replies with “Oo, Hindi, or Pwede.” The team who guesses correctly in the shortest amount of time is the winner.

3. Pukpok Palayok

It’s the Philippines’ version of the piñata, only instead of papier-mâché, we hit a clay pot called palayok . The player gets blindfolded, spun around, and yelled at with directions. If he/she succeeds at hitting the jackpot, the audience gets to dive for a shower of candies, barya , and other knickknacks. I’ve always thought this game was a way for the adults to let go of all their repressed anger.

2. Happy birthdaaaaaaaaaay

A fitness test, in a way, this game asks participants to hold their breath the longest while saying a phrase. Usually it’s “happy birthday”, but I’ve heard “Merry Christmas” and “welcome to the Christian world” too.

This game is often the highlight of Pinoy parties, specifically children’s birthdays. Goodies are tied on a suspended frame of kawayan and shiny palara . Players stand underneath as an operator lowers or raises the it as he/she pleases. Players get to keep whatever they could grab from the pabitin . This could also get violent. Children can become quite rabid at the prospect of free toys and candies. Be vigilant.

What other party games have you played?

*Photos belong to their respective owners

About The Author

Celine is a weirdo. Know more about her on her personal blog: Celineism .

Planning a Trip to Jerusalem : Your Ultimate Checklist

Fascinating and contrasting feelings and sights await those who are planning a trip to Jerusalem. Whether it is the via Dolorosa, the Western Wall, or the Dome of the Rock, there is an indescribable feeling being inside one of the holiest places in the world.

A melting pot of cultures can be seen as Jews, Christians and Muslims live in close proximity to each other and interact on a daily basis. Be prepared for modern nightlife in Tel Aviv, diverse landscapes and beautiful beaches as Israel borders the Mediterranean, the Red Sea, and the Dead Sea.

Planning a trip to Jerusalem: Check to see if you need a Visa

Israel has visa exemptions for many countries. You can see the list of countries to which Israel has visa exemptions here .

Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and United States, among many other western nations who are exempt. Again, ensure you consult official government sources while you plan your trip to Israel.

Something very unique to the State of Israel is The Law of Return, 5710 – 1950. It determines the right of every Jew to immigrate to the State of Israel. Jews returning to Israel are considered people who were away – or whose ancestors were away – from what is today called the State of Israel and are now returning to their ancestral lands. With regard to the law, “A Jew is a person born to a Jewish mother, or who is a convert to Judaism, and is not a member of another religion.” While I do not talk much about the conflicts over this ancient land, I find this very interesting.

Will You Get An Israeli Passport Stamp in Your Passport?

Why does it matter? Well if you do not plan to travel around the Middle East, it does not really matter. However, some countries will not allow entry to travellers who have visited the state of Israel. Thanks to the blue visa paper instead of the stamp, it is really a non-issue. You can see more photos of the passport process if you are interested in my post about entering Isreal from Jordan.

Consider a Visit to nearby Jordan

Petra is a bucket list worthy destination and for good reason! It is right at the top of Lonely Planet’s 2020 list of the top places to visit in the world. If you have time, I highly suggest a visit to not just Petra but to try and spend about 5 days in Jordan. 

More information on visiting Jordan can be found here: Should you visit Jordan or Israel or both? Mistakes to avoid when planning a trip to Jordan Best Hotels Near Petra Jordan

Book Your Tickets

Depending on where you are coming from, you are going to want to sort out your airline tickets in advance. Israel has one main international airport, Ben Gurion International Airport (Airport Code TLV). It is located about 45 kilometers northwest of Jerusalem (mostly highway driving and takes about 40 minutes with light traffic).

If you are planning a visit to Jordan before you come to Israel, check into everything you need to know about crossing the border. While the distance between Amman, Jordan’s capital city and Jerusalem is not far (less than 100km as the crow flies) it is a process that takes half a day. Read how to get from Amman to Jerusalem before you go any farther.

Purchase Travel Insurance

There are a few other things to think about when it comes to planning a trip to Israel. The first thing is travel insurance. Whether it is an emergency room visit for something as simple as strep throat, or an emergency appendix surgery, or an unfortunate moped incident things do go wrong when people travel everyday.

You can find out more information and buy your travel insurance here.

Itinerary Planning

Plan how many days you want to spend in Jerusalem and where else in Israel you plan to visit. As mentioned above, I suggest a few days in Jordan as well. Petra is well worth a visit, and again while it is not far, as the crow flies, it takes half a day to get there from Jerusalem due to highway restrictions.

Plan Your Activities

What are the most important things you want to do while in Jerusalem? Research those first and put them at the top of your list. Maybe it is a tour of the old city or perhaps a full day trip to enjoy all of the highlights.

Do you want to day trip out of the city? Does souvenir shopping need to be on our list? Are there foods in Israel that you are dying to try? I have listed some popular tours below to give you an idea of how much there is to do in Jerusalem. You are going to want to have a few days here to really get a sense of the city, and visit the neighboring highlights!

From Jerusalem to the West Bank Day Trip: Explore the best of the West Bank on this comprehensive full-day tour leaving from Jerusalem. The tour visits Bethlehem, Jericho, Qasr el Yahud on the River Jordan, and Ramallah, giving you the full picture of this historic and fascinating region. 

Meet the Ultra Orthadox Jews:  This tour is designed to give you a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious identity of the ultra-Orthodox Jews living in Jerusalem. During the tour, visit a traditional neighborhood, which isn’t typically visited by tourists. 

Jerusalem Pub Crawl:   Discover the coolest pubs and clubs of Jerusalem on a 3-hour evening drinking tour, and see where the locals like to party. Experience an alternative side to the Holy City from the historic monuments, with free shots and VIP entrance all evening.

What to Buy in Israel?

Book your accommodations.

Israel’s high season is basically March to October as spring and fall offer decent weather and the summer months see tourists on summer break. You can read more about the best time to visit Israel .

I suggest you start with this site to get an idea of what is available when you plan to visit. I love the easy cancellation options. If you are into the self-catering facilities that AirBNB offers, then check out these

Learn a few Hebrew Words

Shalom means Hello, goodbye, and peace. This is probably the most universally known word in Hebrew.

Sabbath  means “day of rest” which is where we get the word  sabbatical  from meaning, a year of rest. These all stem from Hebrew name for Saturday,  shabbat .

Shabbat runs from sundown Friday until the end of Saturday. It is a day of rest, as mentioned above

Bevakasha means please

Mayim means water, and on a hot day in Israel, you are going to want some. You can say, “some water please” like this, mayim, bevakasha!

Pack Your Bags and Prepare for your Trip

You now have everything you need to know for planning your trip. What you need now is to pack! 

Books to Read on Israel

Click on the books below to read more about each one

Lindsay fell in love with Jordan when she first visited in 2016. She now goes back every year to explore more of this special place. Lindsay is also the owner of Amman Food Tours , a social enterprise that is women-owned and hires local female guides. This project provides meaningful employment for women in Amman.