Entertainment
Cockfights
According to the same source, there are more subtle ways of ensuring that betting is less of a risk: "Several cocks, belonging to the same owner, are pitted against each other, without gaffs. The birds are of the same size and weight. In the process, done in private backyards, the perpetrators can determine which of the fowls perform better than a particular opponent, and the pair is then segregated... The capitalist who knows the respective performance of his pets beforehand, can even pick the 'dejado' or 'llamado' sized to suit his purpose and not be noticed. Usually, the fighter which performs better wins, with very rare exceptions. The capitalist makes a killing if all three of the pairs he brought in follow the script. The various handlers who are ignorant about the scheme, to avoid leaks, are properly compensated." (Manila Standard, January 9, 1990)
Mr. Baquizal offers a token consolation to those who have lost fortunes at cockpits, and to the many who are still willing to take the risk of betting against unbeatable odds: "Most reputable cockpits abhor the fixing of fights and take proper precautions and measures to prevent 'teopes' (fight fixers). One of them is the arrest and prosecution of those caught fixing fights, or manhandling them inside the arena. The practice, however, remains unabated, a sign of troubled times nowadays" (Manila Standard, January 9, 1990)
C.A. Baquizal also recommends that one shouldn't cheat at cock fights. His reasons are pretty weak in times when fear of hell and purgatory are no longer as effective to discipline people as they once have been: "While these methods (of cheating) have at one time or another, been tried, they are not recommended. There are too many risks and factors to be considered, among which are luck and the vestiges of sin!" (Manila Standard, January 9, 1990)
Of course, cockfights are not only open to betters but also to spectators. They are regularly held on Sundays and may start before 8:00 and last until late night. Derbies often stretch over weekends or even three days when a public holiday creates a sequence of three non-working days.
Even though enthusiasts aim to promote cockfights as a tourist attraction, similar to bullfights in Spain, foreigners are seldom seen at the arenas. First, they find it hard to follow what is going on, and second, more than in the case of bullfights, they tend to regard cockfights as cruelty to animals. The editor views cockfights as less cruel than bullfights but as interesting as a butcher shop.
Metro Manila has a large number of cockpits, many of them in the outskirts of the city. The smaller cockpits generally have cockfights every Sunday, whereas the bigger ones often are just used for derbies. Entrance fees to regular cockfights are around 20 pesos. Often arenas have air-conditioned boxes rented out for much higher prices to the so called big timers. When derbies are held, entrance fees are much higher, reaching up to 200 pesos. For foreigners who want to watch cockfights, the La Loma cockpit is recommended. However, we give a fairly complete list of cockpits in the metropolis (Abbreviation: cap - capacity).
Cockpits with cockfights every Sunday
La Loma Cockpit - 68 Calavite St
La Loma, Tel 731-20-23; cap 4,000
very popular cockpit, biggest of those featuring cockfights every Sunday
Pasay Cockpit Arena - Dolores St
Pasay City, Tel 86-17-46; cap 2,100
Elorde Cockpit Arena - Dr A Santos Ave
Sucat, Paranaque; cap 3,000
Zapote Cockpit - Zapote, Las Pinas
cap 3,000
AP Recreational Area - Phil Racing Club
Compd. Reyes Jr Ave, Makati; cap 3,000
Pasig Square Garden
JD-361 Concepcion St, Barrio Santolan
Pasig, Tel 721-39-25; cap 3,000
Mandaluyong Cockpit - 160 Shaw Blvd
Mandaluyong; cap 1,500
Mandaluyong Coliseum - Old Saniga St
Mandaluyong
Caloocan Cockpit - Caibiga St
Caloocan; cap 1,900
Sta Quitera Cockpit Arena - Sta Quitera Rd
Caloocan; cap 800
Northbay Cockpit Arena - Navotas; cap 1,500
LR Yanco Cockpit Arena - LR Yanco St
Navotas
Portrero Cockpit Arena - Portrero St
Malabon; cap 3,000
Matedero Cockpit Arena - Barrio San Agustin
Malabon
All Star Cockpit & Sports Center
Don Bautista Blvd, Dampalit, Malabon
Marikina Valley Cockpit Arena - Dela Paz St
Sta Elena, Marikina; cap 3,300
Sabungan Bagong Buhay - 110 Shoe Ave
San Roque, Marikina; cap 700
Muntinlupa Coliseum - Tunasan Rd
Muntinlupa
Cockpits with occasional cockfights, mostly derbies
Araneta Coliseum - Araneta Center
Cubao, Tel 921-27-01; cap 10,000; ac
Ultra Cockpit - Meralco Ave
Tel 816-00-41, 815-26-25; cap 9,000
San Juan Coliseum - Pinaglabanan
Recreational Enterprises, Tel 79-79-33, ac
Paranaque Cockpit - Tambo, Paranaque
cap 3,000
Pateros Cockpit Arena - RA Almeda St
Martirez 96, Pateros; cap 3,200
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Created: August 24, 1995 - Last updated: July 21, 1999
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