Dama and Chess Tables at the Park

This is my entry to @friendlymoose's contest with the theme "squares."





Table #1 at Igorot Garden to the left of the monument when you are facing it

Another view of table #1

Table #3 beside the welcome arch of Igorot Garden

Another view of table #3

Table #2 to the right of the monument

Before these tables have been installed, those who love chess and/or dama would bring their own boards to the park and play which would attract spectators or lovers of the game alike. You can even see those who make money out of it by presenting you challenges.

During the time of one of our presidents, particularly Fidel V. Ramos, in 1998, these tables were set up at Burnham Park as part of the park's rehabilitation. Since then, it had become a common sight to people, mostly men and boys, huddling around players eager to see who will win.

I remember there used to be a guy at Igorot Garden who would rent out chessboards because there were only three tables there. I'm not sure if he was the one providing pieces for players to use on those tables as well. Although there are other tables at the park available where you can play, still people would choose to play at Igorot Garden. The last five photos were all taken at Igorot Garden.

The first five photos were taken near the police station and tourism office. That is not much frequented by parkgoers. Mostly it's the overflow from other parts of the park would occupy that. That's why I like that part of the park for it is more "secluded."

Since pandemic, I haven't seen people congregating at Igorot Garden playing chess or dama or maybe because I haven't had the opportunity to pass their at a later part of the day. You can see the they were already worn out and almost all are lacking or without tiles.

When I saw the theme of @friendlymoose's contest, this came to mind. I have seen a post by the city on their social media about it last month and I have been meaning to take photos of them too. That's why I headed to the park to take photos of them for this contest. I'm really torn between the first and last photo which one should I pick as entry.

For more information about the contest, head on to this post

For the best experience view this post on Liketu