I remember the first time I heard about Perya games—it was during a conversation about classic arcade experiences that somehow drifted to this Filipino carnival tradition. Much like how Donkey Kong's transition from 2D to 3D platforming created mixed feelings among veteran gamers, my own journey into Perya gaming came with its own set of uncertainties and discoveries. If you're completely new to this vibrant world of colorful lights and ringing bells, let me walk you through exactly how to go Perya in ten straightforward steps based on my own experiences and missteps along the way.
First things first—you'll want to research which Perya events are happening near you. These traveling carnivals move between different towns and cities, so timing is crucial. I typically check local community boards or social media groups about two weeks before I plan to visit. Last summer, I made the mistake of showing up in a town only to discover the Perya had moved to another location three days earlier. Wasted trip! Setting up Google alerts for "Perya" plus your region can save you this headache. Don't just rely on word-of-mouth—while helpful, it's not always the most current information source.
Once you've confirmed the location and dates, planning your budget becomes essential. Unlike modern gaming where you might buy a single game for $60, Perya operates on a pay-per-play system that can quickly add up. I typically bring around 2,000 Philippine pesos (about $35) for a thorough experience, though you can certainly enjoy yourself with half that amount if you're more selective. The key is to separate your funds—keep your game tokens money separate from your food budget, or you might find yourself with plenty of rides enjoyed but nothing left for that delicious fishball stand you passed earlier.
Now, about what to wear—this might seem trivial, but trust me, it matters. Perya grounds are typically dusty or muddy depending on the weather, so leave your best sneakers at home. I made that mistake once and regretted it when my white shoes turned brown after just an hour. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are your best bet, and clothing that you don't mind getting a little dirty. The weather can be unpredictable too, so I always bring a small foldable umbrella regardless of the forecast. You'll thank me when that sudden tropical downpour starts while you're waiting in line for the roller coaster.
Getting there is half the adventure. Public transportation is often the most practical choice since parking near Perya locations can be challenging. I usually take a jeepney or tricycle to the general area and walk the remaining distance. If you're driving, aim to arrive either right when it opens around 2 PM or after 7 PM when the initial evening crowd has settled. The worst time to arrive is between 5-6 PM when everyone's getting off work and heading straight to the carnival. I've spent 45 minutes just looking for parking during that window—time that could have been spent actually enjoying the games!
When you first enter the Perya grounds, resist the urge to immediately jump into the first exciting game you see. Take a full walk around the perimeter first. This serves two purposes: you get to see all available attractions without the pressure of crowds, and you can mentally note which games seem worth your tokens. I typically spend about 20 minutes on this initial reconnaissance. You'll notice that similar games are often clustered together, so you can compare difficulty levels and prize quality before committing your resources. This strategic approach has saved me from wasting tokens on nearly impossible games multiple times.
The game selection process is where your personal preferences come into play. Some people love the skill-based games like basketball shoot or ring toss, while others prefer games of chance. I tend to gravitate toward the mid-difficulty games that offer reasonable challenges without being outright predatory. There's a particular satisfaction in mastering a game through multiple visits—much like how Donkey Kong's transition to 3D platforming in Donkey Kong 64 was divisive among fans, with some appreciating the complexity while others found it frustrating. Your Perya game preferences will similarly develop over time through trial and error.
Speaking of games, let me share a hard-earned tip about the famous color game—that circular board where you bet on colored sections while a dealer spins an arrow. Start with smaller bets until you understand the rhythm. The first time I played, I lost 300 pesos in about ten minutes by betting heavily on my favorite color without observing the patterns. Now I typically allocate no more than 20% of my game budget to color games, and I've had much better results by watching several rounds before placing any bets. The dealers are often skilled at building excitement, but maintaining a calm approach will serve you better in the long run.
Food is an integral part of the Perya experience, and timing your meals can enhance your enjoyment. I've found that eating a light meal before arriving works best, so you're not gaming on an empty stomach but still have room to sample the carnival treats. The food stalls typically offer better value than the random food carts scattered throughout the grounds. My personal favorite is the classic "isaw" (grilled chicken intestines) followed by "kwek-kwek" (battered quail eggs)—they're affordable at around 20-30 pesos per stick, delicious, and perfectly capture the Perya atmosphere. Avoid drinking too many sugary beverages though—the combination of heat, excitement, and sugar can leave you feeling drained later.
Managing your time and energy is crucial for maximum enjoyment. Perya events can be overwhelming with their constant stimulation—blinking lights, competing music from different attractions, and crowds everywhere. I typically plan for a 3-4 hour visit, which gives me enough time to enjoy several games, eat, and people-watch without becoming fatigued. When I feel my energy dipping, I head to one of the seating areas near food stalls for a brief rest. This recharge break makes a significant difference in how much I enjoy the later part of my visit.
Finally, the departure strategy matters more than you might think. The end of the night often creates bottleneck situations at exits and transportation hubs. I usually begin winding down about 30 minutes before I plan to leave, cashing in any remaining tokens and making final food purchases. If you've won larger prizes, consider bringing a reusable bag to carry them—trying to navigate crowded spaces while holding an oversized stuffed animal in one hand and food in the other is a challenge I've learned to avoid. Leave when you're still having fun rather than waiting until you're completely exhausted—it makes the memory much sweeter.
Much like how Donkey Kong Bananza represents a redemption story for the character after the mixed reception of Donkey Kong 64, your first Perya visit might have its own learning curve and redemption arc. My initial trip was frankly disappointing—I spent too much, saw too little, and left frustrated. But each subsequent visit taught me something new, and now Perya outings are among my favorite leisure activities. The key is embracing the experience as both a game and a cultural immersion. So there you have it—my complete guide on how to go Perya in ten steps. Your first visit might not be perfect, but with these tips, it will certainly be memorable and set the foundation for many enjoyable returns.