LIKE the bullfight which Mexico and Spain are synonymous with and very proud of, we have cockfighting which we can claim as uniquely Filipino and is practiced here in the Philippines more actively and popularly than anywhere in the world.
The ongoing 2010 World Slasher Cup 8-Cock International Derby at the Araneta Coliseum is one example of how popular cockfighting is in the country. Imagine, 260 entries, 44 of which are foreign competitors from America, Japan, Malaysia, Guam and Germany.
The 2-cock semis among Group A entries (those who fought their elimination last Monday) reverberates today with 100 matches starting at 1 p.m.
Instead of the “more than the usual hot bath” or “more than the usual shopping”, why not “more than the usual excitement,” during the 2007 World Boxing Council Annual Convention held at the Manila Hotel.
Thunderbird treated the delegates to the Philippine Cockfighting Orientation Tour wherein the guests were brought to San Pablo City to the gamefowl farms of Sonny Lagon (Blue Blade) and Ompong Plaza (RGP).
In these farms Mexicans, Americans, Europeans and Africans were so excited as they handle the fightingcocks and spar them against each. The tour culminated with a visit to the Araneta Coliseum where the championship of the Bakbakan derby was being held at that time.
Respected boxing referee Edward Cotton summed up the sentiments of the group when he said, “every year there’s a convention done in different countries and every year there’s a tour. We’ve been to the Rock of Gibraltar, Isle of Capri, Paris, the Pyramids, name it we’ve been there, but this tour will be the most memorable for most of us.”
Towards this goal, the Araneta Coliseum, thru its top man Nene Araneta decided to invite all foreign tourists here in the country to watch the 2010 World Slasher Cup for free. They just need to present their passport at the entrance.
Last Monday, the aficionados were surprised to see a lot of foreigners going into the Big Dome. Someone commented “Ang daming kasaling Kano.” Actually, most of them were tourists who availed of the free tickets, although there is really a record-breaking number of foreign participants competing in the event.
The great equalizer
In the book Tahor, the late journalist Louie Beltran wrote that “cockfighting is the great equalizer.”
Beltran, a gamefowl fancier himself, took note of the reality that cockers take off their social class, their titles, their position, as well as their economic status at the entrance of the cockpit.
It’s not surprising to see a lowly kristo talking to a congressman or a governor getting conditioning tips from an elementary graduate handler or Manny Pacquiao sitting down with a breeder or me, discussing a sabong issue and anti-cockfighting politicians with Mr. Araneta himself.
Indeed, if men are really created equal, the best place it is very much evident is inside the cockpit. Go and see and experience for yourselves.
‘Bugbugan sa Del Monte’
Joey Sy and Allan Vicencio are hosting a special 4-cock derby at the Del Monte Cockpit Arena in Malabon City on March 5, 2010, titled “Bugbugan sa Del Monte.”
Why Bugbugan? Imagine these possible match-ups between the top cockers who have confirmed their participation : Osang dela Cruz vs. Benjie Lim, NFGB President’s Cup champion Moy Almuete vs. Tony King, Jun Topacio vs. American Norman Rockwell, James Campbell/Noel Jarin vs. Bobby del Rosario of Mangzee Farm, Boy Gamilla vs. RGBA Stag Breeder of the Year Pros Antonio, Tony Mabasa of Aklan vs. Bong Gazmen of the Bicol Gamefowl Breeders Ass’n.
The event is in cooperation with the Rotary Club of Metro Valenzuela for their project of building thee classrooms for Bgy. Cabugao in Bato, Catanduanes
