Investment immigration to the Philippines and learn about life in the Philippines: It is well-known that Filipinos are passionate about cockfighting, an obsession that has become a national habit. Long before the Spanish colonialists invaded in the early 16th century, the country already engaged in cockfighting, a tradition dating back two or three centuries. Therefore, it is no exaggeration to include cockfighting in the list of the Philippines' "national treasures." In the eyes of Filipino men, two roosters with eyes reddened by battle also symbolize courage, vitality, and the spirit of martial arts. Consequently, Filipinos use the gamecock as a metaphor for a brave person. To this day, the Philippines remains one of the few countries in the world where cockfighting is legal.
Walking through the urban and rural areas of the Philippines, one sees chickens everywhere; sometimes, cages of chickens are even placed on busy, bustling streets. Men are particularly fond of these birds; when going out to visit friends or chat with others, they often tuck a large rooster under their arm, affectionately stroking its feathers from time to time. Filipinos are very particular about the breeding and training of their gamecocks. Although there are those who use substances like cocaine to make their birds fight more fiercely, the vast majority of people rely on natural skill.
Training involves establishing a disciplined daily routine for the birds and equipping their claws with protective coverings similar to boxing gloves to practice attacking. Feeding is even more meticulous, consisting of wheat, oats, beef, vegetables, and even vitamins. Some people, though poor and unable to feed themselves, will ensure their birds receive the best food first. Gamecocks in wealthy households live in exquisite cages, with some even equipped with audio systems so the birds can listen to music.
A cockfight is an electrifying scene. In a pentagonal arena, two roosters are released, each with a razor-sharp blade strapped to its leg. One can see them flying and flapping, pecking and kicking, while feathers are torn away like snowflakes, and the birds become covered in blood.
After a life-or-death battle, one of the roosters is inevitably killed, its throat severed until it bleeds out; no rooster ever flees the arena in defeat. The spectators watching the fight pack in layer after layer, their excitement nearing madness. They wave their fists, shouting and jumping with flushed faces and bulging necks, as if they were gladiators on the battlefield themselves.
The audience cannot help but go crazy, as their wagers are riding on one of the birds. If they win, a large sum of money is theirs; if they lose, they may have to tighten their belts for a while, or in serious cases, face financial ruin. In a single match, the total wagers placed by spectators can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. Dreaming of getting rich through cockfighting is the mindset of many Filipinos. This is why the activity has swept the nation and remains enduringly popular.
Cockfighting events are usually held on Sundays. Across the 7,000+ islands of the Philippines, there are tens of thousands of cockpits. Most of the roosters participating in the fights are high-quality breeds imported from the United States, characterized by short bodies, long legs, and long necks. Owners spare no expense, feeding them high-protein diets of cheese, meat, and other supplements.
After months of feeding and training, the gamecock’s wings become tough and strong enough to knock over a two-year-old child; its body is solid as a board, making it difficult to pierce; its legs are as agile as springs, capable of jumping several meters; and its claws and beak are sharp enough to pierce through plywood.
Most importantly, these gamecocks are fierce and pugnacious; once they enter the arena, they only advance and never retreat, either defeating their opponent or dying in the process. This spirit of defying death provides a certain stimulation to the spectators. Perhaps for this reason, many Filipino men view gamecocks as idols, treating them with special favor and respect.
