‘Cockfighting is in our blood’

The local cockfighting arena was packed last Sunday as cockfighting enthusiasts enjoy the cockfighting derby. (Kimberly A. Bautista)

Although cockfighting may seem grotesque to many, to those who participate in the sport, it represents family tradition and culture.

The Saipan Tribune was able to briefly enter the world of cockfighting last Sunday, while the local cockfighting arena hosted a cockfighting derby.

Upon stepping into the arena, you’ll immediately find dozens of cocks caged and prepared to battle to the death. Although the concept seems cruel, it is more than just provoking two animals to kill each other, according to Raynaldo Guanlao.

Guanloa is a seasoned cock breeder, conditioner, and he is also seasoned in the tying of knives unto the ankles of fighting cocks which many cannot do.

“When I came here, I did not know that there was cockfighting but when I found out, I was happy that I could continue my hobby…I’ve been doing this since 1989…in the Philippines… It’s in our blood, it’s our culture especially it’s been done in our family clan…me and my family we have a farm where we raise chickens for cockfighting,” he said.

“We raise the chickens to fight and the owners bet. I just tie the knife to their birds and they give me like $20… just sideline to earn money,” he added.

Guanlao said that aside from tradition, it’s also a means to make extra cash for those who are barely making ends meet and its entertainment that brings different ethnic groups together.

“This is just a way for us to make some money, entertain ourselves, and it brings us together because look we have Filipinos here, locals…we’re watching, and we’re happy,” he said.

According to Guanlao, cockfighting is also a far better way to gamble compared to the poker parlors and casino that litter the island, and cockfighting also garners revenue for the government because it is taxed.

“This is gambling but compared to poker and casino…this is fair… those are machines programmed to win. This one is just breeding your bird, conditioning your bird, then fight…For me, I prefer cockfighting because even though there is gambling, it is fair,” he said.

When asked about the recent bill to ban cockfighting in the CNMI and how he felt about it as a cockfighting enthusiast, Guanlao said it would be saddening.

“For me, it would be sad because this is my culture, our sport, and we’ve been doing this since my great grandparents so if they stop this, for me, its very sad,” he said.

When asked about animal cruelty, Guanlao said that chickens are killed regularly and eaten savagely. Cockfighting is done as an extra step before the chicken is killed and eaten.

“We eat these animals already…for the mean- time we let them fight and whichever dies, we eat it,” he said.

Guanlao said that winnings of the triumphant fightingcock’s owner is taxed 10 percent.