Angry Birds

Since it was spring break, I took an eight hours trip to the North to visit some acquaintances. It was a tiring trip but seeing all the yellow flame trees lined up along the highway was soothing enough to kill time. 

The house that I visited was tucked in a small road that led to a very small village. There was a commotion going on where we parked.  I happened to witness a real cockfighting derby and it was my first time to see one. I asked permission if I could take photographs and so I did. I do not condone the fight because I am not into bloody sports. But I was having a hearty laugh seeing the reactions of the men surrounding the makeshift arena.

(Pardon the language)

"Nagkita rin tayo sa wakas, tang*^#mo! Ibalik mo syota ko!"

"Taran#%*@ ka ba, akin siya, AKIN!"

The men were constantly shouting, "Ugh! Ugh!" whenever one of the cock was being attacked by the other. I cannot make sense of what they were shouting and how they were doing the game. All I knew that the cocks were probably being encouraged by the spectators to be more aggressive. 

" Ganun, sige magtutuos tayo ngayon!"

"Etong sa yo!" 

The cockfight is an intense sport,  recreation, or pastime. But to the men in that village, it was a fun way to gather together and show off their prized cocks (no malice intended). There must be great pride in the prowess of their birds and in winning (illegally).

"Hindi pa ipinanganak ang magpapatumba sa akin!"

"Ang daldal mo!"

"Dugo! Magtago ka na sa pinanggalingan mo!"

I took very few photos because when I saw blood oozing out, I bowed down and left the arena. It was a real experience to see cockfighting as a blood sport but something I won't encourage people to practice, unless it has religious implications. 

Who won? I don't know, told you I left. Make your bet!