Sabong at Diura Fishing Village

Not only that the Spanish left Batanes with lots of colorful churches, it has also give them a pastime- cockfighting. Cockfighting or sabong will always be part of the people’s celebration. It was fiesta when we arrived at Diura Fishing Village and I wanted to somehow join the revelry. I must confess that its hard for me to appreciate a place without spending time with them and I think this is the perfect time- everyone is spontaneous, smiling, shouting and intent on the bout that is happening.

The sentensyador or referee of the fight. He has the final say on who won the fight.

Sabong 101

Sabong is a fight between two cocks, just like boxing, whoever surrenders or dies first is declared the loser and the pot money will go to the winner. What makes sabong exciting is that the people watching can bet within themselves.

Betting is done with hand gestures, when the finger(s) is pointed upwards the bet is in denominations of 10’s (ex. 2 fingers raised upwards, Php20); when the finger(s) is pointed horizontally, the bet is in 100’s (4 fingers horizontally, Php400); and when downwards, the bet is in the 1000’s (6 fingers downwards, Php6,000). I’m no expert in cockfighting and I also don’t gamble like this but this one bloody sport is part of our culture and I believe each Filipino would be able to at understand how it works.

The handler (can also be the owner) of the cock is readying for the fight.

The sentensyador waits for the betting of the crowd before he begins the fight.

They bet between the llamado (the bigger and better breed) or dejado (the underdog). After the betting, the two cocks begin until one’s bloody demise.

I wasn’t able to see action as everyone from the small town flock towards the small cockpit.

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Visit Batanes is a 9-part series that paints the unfading beauty of Batanes, her citizens, churches, culture and cuisine. Posts are filled with photos that will surely convince readers to be thrilled in islands ata northernmost part of the Philippines. Come! Explore Batanes!

Visit Batanes Series: Colorful Churches / Sabong at Diura Fishing Village / Lola Ida and the House of Dakay / Surviving the Faluwa Ride / Quotes & Reflections at the Honesty Café / Chill Time with the Ivatans / Snapshots from Sabtang Island / 10 Must-Try Foods / Accommodations in Batanes

***This happened during the Batanes Bloggers’ Winter Tour last February 11-14, 2011. The trip was made possible by SEAIR. My heartfelt thanks goes to Tita Lydia of Batanes Seaside Lodge & Restaurant and Dir. Bless and the rest of DOT Region 2 staff.