When you say riddles, it’s is a clever presentation of an object that aims to be solved with the ingenuity of the person who hears it. Many cultures have their own riddles. Arabic riddles are one of the most abundant in quantity and have been considerably studied, those of the Persians are well known, and of course, we Filipinos also have our own set of riddles.

Since Filipinos have been colonized by quite a few countries, it is not known how much of Filipino riddles are in fact “Filipino” and original. So far, they seem to be originated from Europe or has been influenced by European thought, as we have been colonized by the Spaniards for 333 years. Filipino riddles deal largely with animals, plants, and objects that are of local character.

An example of a famous Filipino riddle is: “Pedro hides, but his head is exposed.” I like riddles but I don’t have the patience to actually work on them and try to solve them. Now, isn’t that funny, right?. If that riddle was mentioned to me and the person asks me to solve it, I might have said something such as, “Tell Pedro to work on his hide and seek skills because it sucks.” That’s how short my patience is for riddles. Just kidding, of course.

But on a serious note now, riddles are actually giving you lots of clues as to what it or the answer is, it’s just a matter of deducing and narrowing down the options that you might have in mind with regards to what the riddle is referring to. Notice that the riddle used the name Pedro. Pedro is a masculine name. And men are strong. Then the object the riddle is referring to might be something sturdy. Another clue given is that this object, when it is hidden… you can still see its head. So ask yourself what is it that is sturdy but even though hidden you can still see its head?

You know what it is now? It’s a nail. You know, the one used in woodworks and construction? It’s something as small and bizarre as that! The riddle refers to a simple object such as that.

Riddles or brain teasers are a good way to pass the time. They’re not only fun to solve, but they’re also great on making your mind to think actively. Riddles have been there even during ancient times; they’ve delighted the old Aryans and Greeks, as they still do up until today. Not only are they used for entertainment and to pass the time, but they are also good ways to show that certain Filipino wit.