For as long as I can remember, Filipino kids have been playing sipa (which literally means “kick” in Tagalog) on the streets. Having a lot of boy playmates when I was much (much?!) younger, I also learned how to play the sport. Not well, but not dreadfully either. It brings back a rush of sweet nostalgia from those innocent days, when all I care about is the time that I can finally go out to play. If you’re thinking of asking for a live demonstration, well, don’t even go there. I’ve lost my full-body agility superpowers a long time ago, replaced by fast fingers I mainly use as weapons of mass destruction. Which brings me to this post’s review topic:
SIPA: Street Hack Sack, an Android/iOS application which brings to life one of the oldest and most-loved street games in the Philippines. SIPA is the first-ever Pinoy-themed game available on the Android Market and the iTunes App Store (links below), made by a group of highly talented Filipinos, a couple of whom I’ve had the enormous pleasure of working with several years ago. From the game description:
The object of the Sipa game is to hit a shuttlecock with your feet and elbows for as long as you can. In the Philippines, players use washer with ribbons or scrap cloth.
The game puts you in control of Butchukoy, a little boy out to play Sipa throughout the streets of Manila. Earn points every time Butchukoy successfully hits the shuttlecock. Look out for litter on the streets because you’ll get extra points for picking them up. You’ll be able to use these points to unlock other places in the Philippines so keep them coming!
Furthermore, what makes Sipa different from other games available today is the fact that there is more to it than just excitement and thrill. Sipa spells nationalism, culture, heritage, life lessons, and adrenalin-pumping gaming acts all rolled into one.
Here’s the in-game trailer from SIPA:
Here are some of the screenshots from the game:
An app that promotes our rich Filipino culture and heritage, teaches the player to become environmentally-aware, is exciting and wholesome and fun and has some really cutesy graphics to boot? What more can any Filipino ask for from a mobile game made by fellow Pinoys? And it’s not even expensive like other apps in the market. Can you tell I’m a SIPA believer? 
Buy Pinoy! The SIPA app is available for only $0.99 on Android and iTunes! What’s better is that part of the proceeds from this SIPA game will be given to Mighty Minds and Filipino Matters, two non-profit organizations aimed at promoting Pinoy pride and uplifting the Filipino youth through education. It’s for a really good cause, so this is one of those purchases where I can safely say that every cent I paid for is worth it!
This is not a sponsored post. I purchased the app on both the Android Market and the iTunes App Store to facilitate this review.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Nice one Kaye
The game looks interesting. Sadly though, I don’t have an android phone or even iTouch. But I’ll try to dl that game for my boyfie’s iTouch.
hmmm parang gusto ko din i dl yan Kaye:D mahilig ako sa larong yan when I was younger ehehe
I’m very familiar with the game. I tried playing it when I was a child but I didn’t get the hang of it. I guess my foot and eye coordination didn’t work well. LOL. I’m glad they have it as an app, now I can play it using my fingers. I have great hand and eye coordination, thanks to texting!
Wow galing ng pinoy. Keep making more mobile apps.
Is this applicable for Elijah? Wanna try this game too since Im not good in SIPA. hihihi
Looks kind of cute, will try it. Thanks!
Quiapo church in the background? Cute game for everyone!
This is such a nice game promoting our Pambansang Laro..
I’d download this if only I have an iPhone or an Android phone.. >.<
Wow digital sipa, tunay na larong Pinoy. Tamang-tama sa mga bagets na hindi na familiar sa mga laro natin noon. Sana may luksong-tinik din.
I don’t know how to play that game. Mas gusto ko piko at tumbang preso… pero okay to ha digital ang galing
I never get to learn how to play the game – I tried several times but I failed LOL! So this digital game could be the answer to my longing to play SIPA hehe!
this looks interesting. is it also available for iPhones?
i would like to get some Pinoy apps for my kids to play with
I’ve always wanted to learn how to play SIPA. Unfortunately, because we’re mostly girls in the family (yes including my cousins), we didn’t have the chance to make this a “family sport”. I will definitely download this app on my phone as soon as I get my card replaced. I will definitely support our own great Pinoy henyos (in the real sense of the word).