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Palo Sebo is a traditional Filipino game that involves climbing a greased bamboo using ones bare hands and feet to get the flag at the top. The player who reaches the top, gets the flag, and brings it back down to the ground, is declared the winner.

Location
Palo Sebo contests are popularly held as part of, and during town fiestas and other public celebrations throughout the Philippine provinces.

Age
A game competed by boys, from around the age of ten years.

Ability
Necessary skills include the ability to climb a pole, a head for heights, a strong grip and nerve.

Description
Before the game starts, a long, straight and well-polished bamboo pole, with a small flag at the top, is lavishly greased to make it very slippery. Lots are drawn to decide on climbing order, If the first climber fails to secure the flag, he is immediately replaced by the second climber. The game continues until a climber reaches the top of the pole, unties the flag, and returns to the ground with the flag in his hand. He is declared winner.

Dedication
Variations of the game include;

Palo Sebo can be played by using two or more bamboo poles where participants compete with each other by climbing simultaneously.

Palo Sebo can also be played by teams, where teams of three or four boys help one of their teammates reach the flag faster than the opposing team. The first team to reach the flag shall be declared winner. If the entire team slides down to the ground without the flag, a new team shall have a turn until a winner is declared.

Closely Related Activities
Greasy pole 999, Pole climbing 467, Fierljeppen 752, Rope climbing 929.

Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.

Energy

Arms

Legs

Sight

Hearing

Speech

Learning

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