Memories of Childhood - La La Li Tam Pong

About the piece

“A chore have to be done by order of the adults! It is time for us to decide the “lucky one” to handle the job. Ready for it? ”

This is the situation where most Malaysian kids will play a game. The game goes by so many names in Malaysia, but the Penang version of this game is called —— “La La Li La Tam Pong” .

But somehow, I always remember the name as “La La Li Tam Pong”, hence the subtitle of the piece.

It takes at least 3 person to initiate this game. We will stand in a circle and chant “La La Li La Tam Pong” while fanning our palm. At the sound of “Pong”, we will show our hands, with our palm facing up or down. The loser will the the only one with different direction from the others. If there are more than one hand with same directions, the game will restart till the loser is found. This game was most popular among kids to decide on who to do unwanted chores.

Of course, once the game starts, things will never go that smoothly. The loser will usually protest and wanting a rematch, at risk of being making fun of by the other kids. Sometimes the loser will even run away, making the others chase him down in order for him to “take responsibility”

This piece is about me reminiscing of the fun (and sometimes fiery) times playing “La La Li Tam Pong” with my friends.