“Sabong” – Cockfighting in the Philippines
I found this web article written by Claro Cortes, a Filipino photographer, about the “National Pastime” of Filipinos (as described by our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal). For foreigners, especially Americans and Europeans, this may seem weird or inhumane, a brute display of cruelty to animals. However, for Filipinos, “sabong” or cockfighting is just a recreation, no different from a walk in the park or a day at the movie house.
I am posting it here for the info of foreign nationals who have not been here in the Philippines or for those who intend to come here someday. Make sure when you come here, you know a bit of Filipino culture. You may find it harsh or you may find it fun. But when you go to cockpit arena and hear the crowd roar so loud, you’ll know why some Filipinos find cockfighting addictive.
“Tinali, Tinalo, Tinola”
Feathered warriors inside their cage.
A “sabungero” starts his day with a morning cord walk.
A gentle touch is considered an art form.
Watchful eyes during a sparring session.
“Tare” or knife is attached to a rooster’s leg before the fight.
Warming-up before the battle inside the arena.
“Kristos” communicate by hand signals complemented by a cacophony of betting.
A swift shuffling stroke.
Breathing stops.
A fluffy flurry.
“Sentensiyador” or arbiter gives the final verdict.
The “cock doctor” operates on the winning bird.
The “talunan” or loser is the winner’s trophy … or dinner.
November 22nd, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Yeah, fair enough, it may be fun for some people and inhumane to others. Personally I think it is wrong. People should be able to do whatever they want to do. Different strokes for different folk!!
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November 22nd, 2007 at 5:41 pm
Gerri, you’re right for saying that pal. You’re entitled to your own opinion. I personally sympathize with you despite the fact that I am a Filipino, I don’t find gambling with live animals enthralling… I’d rather play poker. Thanks for the comment.
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November 24th, 2007 at 10:59 am
I lived in Bali for almost one year and they have cock-fighting there as well. I went along one day just to see what all the fuss was about and it didn’t rock my boat at all. It’s good to experience things once and that’s the reason I was there.
Cultures differ all over the world and as Gerri says “Different strokes for different folks!”
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November 24th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
what do you mean by the trophy? the loser cock?! is that true?!
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November 24th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
leizlmarie,
yes… the “trophy” are the losing (and dead) cocks.. how do you find that?
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