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Cockfighting
Cockfighting is deeply ingrained in Filipino culture. It existed
before Spanish times and persisted throughout the centuries
despite all attempts to ban it. Sabong, as it is known in
Tagalog, is a national pastime that knows no social distinctions.
Not a sport for the faint-hearted, it pits two roosters of
comparable weight that fight each other until one is killed
or turns tail and flees.
The bout is usually brief and bloody. Razor-sharp spurs are
attached to the birds' legs. With neck feathers ruffled, the
birds dance around each other, testing each other's strength.
There's a swish of blades and swirl of feathers, roars rise
from the gallery, and in a few minutes it's all over. If both
birds are still alive after ten minutes of skirmishing, the
bout is declared a draw. Sometimes special matches called
carambolas are also held, where five or more birds are placed
in the arena at the same time to fight it out until only one
remains.
Special fights called derbies, have purses ranging from US$10,000
to $170,000. Tourists who wish to see a cockfight can go to
the Araneta Coliseum. It costs around US$10 for front row
seats. It is advisable to go with a guide or someone knowledgeable
about the game who can explain the intricacies of betting.
Bets are indicated by a series of hand signals such as the
wiggling of a thumb or the wagging of a hand. The man who
calls the bets, without the use of a computer or written slips,
is the kristo, so called because his posture of extended arms
resembles Christ nailed to the cross. You can either bet on
the cock that is favored to win (llamado) or the less popular
one (dejado).
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Mountain Biking
The Mountain Bike is an ideal way to explore the natural beauty
of the Philippines. Riders can be guaranteed a remarkable
trip through stunning and diverse scenery. An almost endless
number of trails await those ready to venture off the beaten
track, and opportunities for everything from gentle day-trips
to gruelling week-long mountain tours exist for all tastes
and levels of fitness. The sport is expanding fast in the
Philippines as equipment becomes more readily available. Around
the major cities, small clubs of dedicated mountain bikers
are beginning to flourish, and friendly local competitions
and bike-outs take place regularly. The locals are usually
delighted to meet fellow enthusiasts and welcome the opportunity
to share information about their favorite trails.
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Trekking
Hiking and trekking The spectacular geography of the Philippines
challenges everyone with the slightest sense of adventure
to explore this fascinating country on foot. The natural landscape
constantly exhilarates and surprises. Volcanic peaks and ridges
tower above densely forested slopes, providing striking contrasts
of scenery and terrain. It's only when you begin to discover
the extraordinary richness of the flora and diversity and
cultural complexity of the native inhabitants: to hike in
the mountains is to go to the roots of an ancient culture.
In addition, the hiker is rewarded with stunning panoramas,
vigorous exercise and the satisfaction of conquering some
daunting peaks.
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