| By LARRY LOCARA |

Cockfighting enthusiasts not only in Panay Island but in the country and the rest of the world are upbeat in the upcoming “7-Cock Candelaria Derby” from January 29 to February 2 at the Iloilo Coliseum, Brgy. San Isidro, Jaro, Iloilo City.

Pot money is P50,000 per entry with a required minimum bet of P22,000 per fight. The minimum bet is an insurance that the participant should only field the best cocks in his farm so quality fights are assured.

“We will still have the same format, Set A participants, about 60 entries will fight 4 cocks on Jan. 29-30, 2012 and Set B entries will fight on January 31 and Feb. 1, 2012. As in the previous years, it is a fight-all format, meaning, all four cocks will have to be fought during the eliminations. Those qualifying for the finals will fight their remaining three cocks on February 2 to vie for the top honor of being the champion of the 2012 7-Cock Candelaria Derby”, said Luis “Chito” Tinsay, pit manager of Iloilo Coliseum.

There are also at least 20 foreign entries from the mainland US, Guam, Hawaii, Saipan and Australia, he said. Many of the foreign entries have sent their fowls as early as two years ago so that they can acclimatize to local conditions.

Local participants are also formidable players and are regular participants in tough derbies nationwide. Also vying for the much-coveted cup are tough competitors from Negros and Panay Islands such as Johnny Ledesma fighting in tandem with Ilonggo contractor Lando Layson, who had already won this event for at least three times. Rafael Nene Abello, another breeder known for his sugarcane plantation and high quality imported goat breeds has also been a consistent participant and winner.

Tinsay said the organizers took the guaranteed prize because it “often provides a big temptation for those desperate to win that they would go to all ends just to win the prize” and added that they are trying to avoid this scenario.

He said they limited the number of entries to 120 only so the derby would be manageable.

“We noticed in the past and in other events outside of Iloilo that fighting that goes all the way to the next day have stressed not only the owners and handlers but the cocks as well that these were no longer fun to watch,” Tinsay explained.

If the event indeed draws 120 entries, the champion may win at least P3 million.

He enjoined the public to watch the derby which now boasts of affordable ticket price.

Cockfighting is a Filipino tradition which can be traced back centuries ago. At present, it is considered a tourism event, such as what happens in Boracay where a cockpit is frequented by tourists.

“Come and enjoy the Candelaria Derby which will be from January 29 to February 2, 2012. We have also scheduled a 5-Cock Derby which is a continuing event and will start February 3. With only P1,000 a small aficionado can join and vie for the guaranteed prize of P500,000,” Tinsay concluded.*