Games that Bond: Why Tongits Is the Ultimate Icebreaker for Couples and Friends Abroad

When you’re thousands of miles away from home—whether for work, study, or adventure—making meaningful connections with others can be both exciting and challenging. Cultural barriers, language differences, and unfamiliar routines can sometimes get in the way of forming bonds. But there’s one simple, unexpected tool that can bridge those gaps: a classic Filipino card game called Tongits.

Rooted in Filipino tradition yet easy enough for anyone to learn, Tongits isn’t just a pastime—it’s a powerful social glue. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, joining new friends in a hostel common room, or looking for ways to stay connected with fellow Filipinos abroad, Tongits offers an inviting way to break the ice, spark conversation, and create memories.

What Is Tongits?

Tongits is a three-player card game originating in the Philippines, believed to have gained popularity in the ’90s. It’s often compared to Rummy and Gin Rummy, as players aim to form sets and runs while avoiding being stuck with high-point “deadwood” cards at the end of the game.

What sets Tongits apart, however, is the energy it brings to a table. The strategic bluffing, the quick decisions, the excitement of declaring a “Tongits” or a “Draw”—these all make the game a fast-paced bonding experience. It’s competitive, yes, but always with a good dose of laughter and camaraderie.

Why Tongits Works As the Perfect Icebreaker

1. It’s Easy to Teach, Hard to Master

Tongits doesn’t require years of experience to enjoy. A couple of rounds are usually enough for newcomers to grasp the basics, making it an ideal game to play with new travel buddies, locals, or even a romantic partner who’s unfamiliar with Filipino culture.

2. It Builds Camaraderie Through Friendly Competition

Games are a natural way to lower social barriers. Tongits in particular invites storytelling, banter, and strategy-sharing. It gets people talking and laughing—and that’s how friendships are formed. For couples, it’s a lighthearted way to challenge each other and improve teamwork.

3. It Brings a Piece of Home

For Filipinos living or traveling abroad, introducing Tongits to others can be a way to stay connected to their roots. Teaching the game becomes a form of cultural exchange—one that’s more interactive and engaging than simply explaining traditions.

4. You Can Play Anywhere

All you need is a standard deck of cards and a bit of space. Whether you’re lounging at a beachside resort in Thailand, hanging out in a café in Barcelona, or winding down at your Airbnb in Tokyo during a trip to Japan, Tongits is a travel-friendly game that fits in your pocket and your itinerary.

5. It’s a Conversation Starter

Imagine you’re at a party abroad and things feel a little awkward. Pulling out a deck of cards and saying “Let me teach you a fun game from the Philippines” can instantly shift the energy. Tongits can act as your social passport—an open invitation to connect.

Playing Tongits as a Couple: A Fun Twist

For traveling couples, Tongits offers more than just amusement. It’s a game of observation and timing, making it a great way to read your partner better. Whether you’re both new to it or one of you is introducing the other, Tongits adds a playful layer to your travel routine.

You can even turn it into your own tradition: a couple of rounds before dinner, a game while waiting for a train, or a friendly match during downtime at your hotel. It’s also a great way to meet other couples or new friends while traveling.

Taking Tongits Online While Abroad

Can’t find someone to play with in person? That’s where Tongits Go, the digital version of the game, comes in. Available on both Android and iOS, it lets you enjoy real-time games with players from around the world—even if you’re solo backpacking through Europe or working remotely in Dubai.

Tongits Go also allows you to invite friends or your partner into matches, join tournaments, and chat within the game—so you’re never too far from the fun. Pair that with GameZone, an online platform that connects Filipino card game lovers, and you’ve got a full-fledged digital hangout that feels like home.

Travel Moments Made Better With Tongits

Some of the best travel stories come from unexpected moments—like a spontaneous Tongits game that turns strangers into friends. Maybe it’s a local host in Vietnam who picks up the rules faster than expected. Or perhaps a fellow Filipino traveler you bump into in London, and instantly bond over a shared love for the game. These are the memories that stay with you long after the passport stamps fade.

A Few Tips for Playing Tongits on the Go

• Carry a travel deck of cards – Lightweight and easy to slip into your daypack.
  
• Use Tongits Go for digital play – Especially useful when you can’t meet face-to-face.
  
• Host mini tournaments in hostels – Great for sparking new friendships or bringing people together on quiet evenings.
  
• Use it as a cultural conversation piece – Teach others the story behind the game and the Filipino values it reflects: community, cleverness, and connection.
  

Final Thoughts: Pack Light, Play Often

Travel is about stories, and games like Tongits create those stories in the simplest, most joyful ways. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, solo, or with friends, bringing along a piece of Filipino culture through Tongits turns ordinary moments into extraordinary connections.

So next time you plan your trip, don’t forget your essentials: passport, camera, travel insurance—and a deck of cards for Tongits.