Hulumtim

Hulumtim is a lesser-known traditional game originating from the indigenous communities of the Philippines, particularly among the Igorot people of the Cordillera region. The game is played using a set of smooth, polished stones, typically river stones, which are stacked and manipulated in a manner that requires skill, balance, and strategy.

The objective of hulumtim is to remove all stones from the playing surface without disturbing the remaining stones. Players take turns flipping over stones to reveal hidden stones beneath them. When a stone is flipped and another stone is found underneath, the player must flip that stone as well. If the stone flipped reveals no other stone, the player must remove it from the game. The game continues until all stones are either flipped or removed, with the player who removes the last stone declared the winner.

Hulumtim is often played casually among friends or family, serving as a simple yet engaging pastime. It is sometimes played competitively, with variations in rules depending on the region or group. The game reflects the resourcefulness and adaptability of the Igorot people, who traditionally used natural materials for entertainment and skill-building activities.

While not widely documented outside the Cordillera region, hulumtim is valued for its simplicity and the mental focus it requires. It is sometimes played alongside other traditional Filipino games like *sipa* or *polo*, though it remains distinct due to its unique mechanics. The game has also been used as a cultural activity to teach patience, concentration, and strategic thinking to younger generations.