Cockfighting in the Philippines
It is safe to say that the Philippines is heavily invested in Cockfighting. From the day we arrived, we noticed vast fields of rooster farms, cockfighting arenas, and banner ads for rooster vitamins. We met enthusiasts, trainers, and gamblers, all with stories of people losing everything, to roosters who eat better than humans. Supposedly, the best roosters are imported from Texas and that petting them constantly toughens their skin. If a rooster is killed in action they are usually eaten by the family, but the meat is tough (probably from all the petting). I personally, don’t like or agree with cockfighting or any other “sport” that puts living things against each other for someone else’s amusement, but I was curious to learn more about this culture. We were invited to see some practice fights (with rubber guards on their talons) and documented what we saw.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di72aWBXTIU