Cockfighting is a way of life in the Philippines, according to NBC News.
It has been around for hundreds of years, preceding the first arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in the Philippines. It has become entrenched in life in the Philippines, especially in the provinces where it has become one of the ways people earn their daily income.
"This job is all based on reputation," a chicken surgeon says as he works on an injured bird. He spends his days at the arenas, sewing up six to 10 chickens a day, for which he charges 200 pesos per chicken, the equivalent of about $4.50 in U.S. dollars. If the chicken dies, there is no charge. Instead, the chicken is feathered and cleaned to become stew.
There is even a sense of community around the cockfighting. During intermissions, spectators throw money into the ring to help a sabongero, or cockfighter, who is ill and at the hospital. He needs help to get his bills paid.
Cockfights are held for funerals. In these events, a percentage of the money is given to the family of the deceased. This money helps the family cover the funerary expenses, which have become so expensive that some families only rent a coffin for the wake, as the cost is so prohibitive.
Teody, who works as a driver, told NBC about his biggest win, which was 12,000 pesos, or $280, is more than what he makes in a month.
"I bought a washing machine," he said. "And I kept a little for beer."
Many workers are now in Saudi Arabia, working to prepare for the World Cup. According to an article in the Economist, more than a half million of those workers "can be classified as victims of trafficking."
After looking at those workers, and the conditions they live in, including living under extremely strict rules with low pay, many decide to stay in the cockfighting ring.
Cockfighting in the Philippines.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
