REST YOUR COCKS, IT’S HOLY WEEK

CARREO by Rolando S. Luzong

Peoples Tonight (March 31, 2010)

REST YOUR COCKS, IT’S HOLY WEEK

Last March 29, Holy Monday, a P1.1M-entry-fee derby was held. Today, tomorrow and even on Good Friday, invitations to participate in derbies and conciertos are being distributed like campaign paraphernalia in and ouside the cockpit.

Question : Do we really have a shortage of days in a year to fight our roosters that even during the holiest of times, we have to stage a derby or see our cocks fight?

HAPPY TO BE RECOGNIZED

During our wingbanding sorties around Leyte and Samar wherein we intentionally seek backyard breeders, most of whom have never experienced or seen how a wingbanding or screening process is done.

For a backyard breeder, especially those who just produce 20 – 30 stags a year, wingbands on their birds is like having their roosters legitimized and upgraded. As one satisfied small-scale rooster raiser would put it, “Hindi na pirated ang manok ko”.

It was what the BGT CUP has done as of the moment…give cognizance of the small sabungero and make him know that he is part of the big circle in the community of gamefowl breeders and cockfighters in the Philippines.

BGT CUP means Backyard-breeders Gamefowl Testing  Competitiveness Upgrade Program and is aimed to inspire, teach and provide mass-based breeders a credible and worthy competition wherein they could test and showcase their stags.

With about 300 small and medium scale farms visited and more than 4,500 cockerels banded, BGT CUP is well on its way to achieving its goal of training new cockers about the more exciting world of derby fighting.

For more information about the BGT CUP, text or call 0917-3504333 or 0928-5500951 or 0909-3515219.

THUNDERBIRD WAS THERE FIRST

Nowadays, the gamefowl breeding industry is said to be a 20 billion peso industry although others say its 50B. And because of this attractive figures, many companies, local and multi-nationals, have gone out of their way to enter the gamefowl feeds and vetmed market.

The Philippine cockfighting tree has bear fruits…lots of fruits, so it is not surprising why so many entities has showed up to try to get a share of the harvest.

Yes, it’s already harvest time, but, who was there during the doubtful years when the seeds of progress for Philippine cockfighting and the industry of gamefowl breeding were just being sowed.

Proudly, it was Thunderbird who saw the glimmer of light at the end of the proverbial tunnel and believed on the bright future of the Sport and industry that is truly Filipino.

I remember because I was there with Thunderbird when they first ventured into uncharted waters. A gamefowl feed being promoted and advertised was something new that we found ourselves having hard times just to be able to enter a cockpit.

Thunderbird was the first gamefow feed to advertise on television. Thunderbird was the first to conduct gamefowl breeding seminars.

Thunderbird was the first to come out with a special calendar that featured the top sabungeros at that time that included the late Monching Mitra (whose son Monmon is now running for a Senate seat); Cito Alberto, Boy Primalion and American Richard Bates who passed away last year.

Thunderbird actually glamorized the Sport that helped a lot in luring more people to join the fray.

As the gamefowl industry grew by leaps and bounds into a multi-billion peso sector and as Philippine cockfighting moved to a dizzying pace, Thunderbird developed into an institution that has gained its own identity and distinction that no other company or group can claim.

Yes, sabong is now a multi-billion-peso industry. Yes, there are lots of players in the gamefowl feeds and vetmed business today…but Thunderbird was there first and it never left.

Thunderbird is truly the only company built by an industry that it helped nourish.

World Slasher Cup – Hawaiian Invitational Derby Set

World Slasher Cup – Hawaiian Invitational Derby Set

The second edition of this year’s World Slasher Cup is looming to be an event that will set a new dimension in Philippine cockfighting.

Dubbed as the World Slasher Cup-2 Hawaiian Invitational 8-Cock Derby, the 3-day event set on May 31, June 2 & 4 revives the famous annual Hawaiian Derby held at Texoma Game Club in Oklahoma before cockfighting was rendered illegal in the United States by making it as an added flavor for the second World Slasher Cup of 2010.

According to Araneta Center’s PR Manager Genny Marcial, two planeloads of Hawaiian cockfighters are expected to join the event hosted by the Pintakasi of Champions and co-presented by Thunderbird – the winning formula.

In connection with this internationally-famous competition of winged-warriors, Thunderbird and Araneta Coliseum is launching the “Bigtime Ka sa World Slasher Cup” raffle promo, wherein the four grand prize winners from Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao with one chaperon each will be brought to Manila and to the Big Dome for free complete with hotel accommodations, salon and spa treatment, pocket money and a trio (2 hens and a broodcock) from Sonny Lagon or any of the Thunderbird Winning Team members.

To join, one just have to write his/her name, address and signature in a piece of paper and enclosed it in an envelope with one empty pack each of Thunderbird Bexan XP and Thunderbird Electrogen D+, then send to Thunderbird Bigtime Ka sa World Slasher Cup #84-86 Mayflower St. Mandaluyong City.

Bexan Warriors Dominate Araw ng Dabaw Derby

Bexan Warriors Dominate Araw ng Dabaw Derby

There were 192 and then there were only 3.

Coming from three different cities, Bexan Warriors Dr. Ruel Manungas of Tagum in Davao Del Norte; James Ang from Cebu and highly-respected Congressman Dodong Codilla of Ormoc all scored six perfect wins to dominate the 192-entry P8 million 2010 Araw ng Dabaw Annual 6-Cock Derby.

The 4-day event hosted by Sammy Uy and Dorie, sponsored by Thunderbird is regarded as the biggest and most prestigious cockfighting event in Mindanao and is participated by the biggest names in Philippine cockfighting.

Cong. Codilla – the first to emerge victorious proudly reported that the birds he fought composed of Sweater crossers, Ormoc Gold and Bulik are breeding of his son Winnie.

Thunderbird Winning Team member and Ormoc Gold Breeder Bernie Tacoy who was also competing in the said derby who suffered an upset in his 4^th fight that gave him his only loss, was given the honor to award the trophy to his godfather and mentor Cong. Dodong Codilla (Golden Yakal).

The second 6-0 win-loss slater was Cebuano cocker James Ang – a good friend of Inilog (Tukaan) host Doc Hanzie Dal – himself a multi-awarded breeder.

Completing the grand slam for the Thunderbird Bexan Warriors is Dr, Ruel Manungas of Tagum who fought Kelso-Roundhead & Kelso-Sweater crosses.

In an interview over Sabong TV, he was asked why the name of his entry is B-Warriors. “It’s because of 5 Bs. My children Beatriz, Bridgette, Bernadette and Benjamin” , he said. “And of course, Bexan”, he added.

Dr. Ruel Manungas, a dentist, bred and trained his roosters with assistants Ivan & Rudy and with the expert knife-tying of gaffers Joy Lopez & Dodong.

Watch Out for Anti-Sabong Politicians

CARREO by Rolando S. Luzong

Peoples Tonight (March 19, 2010)

Watch Out for Anti-Sabong Politicians

Nowadays, we should not only be aware of narco-politics, but also of animal rights politics.

I was surprise to see on television the other day a tv reporter who has been at the forefront of several animal rights protests in the pasts.

He was there when foreign strip teasers scandalized Quiapo Church. He was there when the white-skinned infiltrators vandalized Manila Zoo and showed the children how malicious humans can be. He was there when two guys, one wearing a chicken suit, created a commotion in front of Araneta Coliseum red gate while the World Slasher Cup was being held.

Immediately, one began to think what this guy has done or if he has enough track record or if he really has the money to run a respectable senatorial campaign. Although, the obvious is that he should be financed by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals or the Humane Society, two U.S. based organizations which are responsible for the illegalization of sabong in America.

We hear of a mayoralty candidate arrested for pushing drugs. We read about drug enforcement officials warning us that bigtime pushers are now trying to get their own people in elective positions to protect their interests.

I am not calling the attention of sabong-lovers only. These warning also goes to poultry raisers; egg producers; livestock farmers and the likes because these animal rights groups are drumbeating the idea that animals should not be killed or eaten because they have the same rights as human beings.

In America today, after the animal terrorists have cause the outlawing of cockfighting through the dissemination of lies, PETA and HSUS are now staging pickets in front of McDonald’s and KFC restaurants to scare away customers. They now lead raids on gamefowl farms, animal-testing facilities, poultries, piggeries and cattle farms.

Are we ready to counter the onslaught of these groups in the Philippines or are we just playing stubborn, over confident or simply does not care. Scrutinize who you will vote for now rather than curse them later when they are already making laws for us.

***

How about a joke to beat the summer heat. This one was sent to me by email by my friend Kelly Everly of Kentucky.

OLD BROODCOCK

A farmer goes out one day and buys a brand new stud rooster for his chicken coop.

The new rooster struts over to the old rooster and says, "OK old guy time for you to retire."

The old rooster replies, "Come on, surely you cannot handle all of

these hens. Look what it has done to me. Can't you just let me have the two old hens over in the corner?"

The young rooster says, "Beat it. You are washed up and I am taking over."

The old rooster says, "I tell you what, young stag. I will race you around the farmhouse. Whoever wins gets the exclusive domain over the entire chicken coop."

The young rooster laughs. "You know you don't stand a chance old man. So, just to be fair I will give you a head start."

The old rooster takes off running. About 15 seconds later the young rooster takes off running after him. They round the front porch of the farmhouse and the young rooster has closed the gap. He is already about 5 inches behind the old rooster and gaining fast.

The farmer, meanwhile, is sitting in his usual spot on the front porch when he sees the roosters running by. He grabs his shotgun and - BOOM - He blows the young rooster to bits.

The farmer sadly shakes his head and says, "Dammit... third gay rooster I bought this month."

Watch Out for Anti-Sabong Politicians

CARREO by Rolando S. Luzong

Peoples Tonight (March 19, 2010)

Watch Out for Anti-Sabong Politicians

Nowadays, we should not only be aware of narco-politics, but also of animal rights politics.

I was surprise to see on television the other day a tv reporter who has been at the forefront of several animal rights protests in the pasts.

He was there when foreign strip teasers scandalized Quiapo Church. He was there when the white-skinned infiltrators vandalized Manila Zoo and showed the children how malicious humans can be. He was there when two guys, one wearing a chicken suit, created a commotion in front of Araneta Coliseum red gate while the World Slasher Cup was being held.

Immediately, one began to think what this guy has done or if he has enough track record or if he really has the money to run a respectable senatorial campaign. Although, the obvious is that he should be financed by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals or the Humane Society, two U.S. based organizations which are responsible for the illegalization of sabong in America.

We hear of a mayoralty candidate arrested for pushing drugs. We read about drug enforcement officials warning us that bigtime pushers are now trying to get their own people in elective positions to protect their interests.

I am not calling the attention of sabong-lovers only. These warning also goes to poultry raisers; egg producers; livestock farmers and the likes because these animal rights groups are drumbeating the idea that animals should not be killed or eaten because they have the same rights as human beings.

In America today, after the animal terrorists have cause the outlawing of cockfighting through the dissemination of lies, PETA and HSUS are now staging pickets in front of McDonald’s and KFC restaurants to scare away customers. They now lead raids on gamefowl farms, animal-testing facilities, poultries, piggeries and cattle farms.

Are we ready to counter the onslaught of these groups in the Philippines or are we just playing stubborn, over confident or simply does not care. Scrutinize who you will vote for now rather than curse them later when they are already making laws for us.

***

How about a joke to beat the summer heat. This one was sent to me by email by my friend Kelly Everly of Kentucky.

OLD BROODCOCK

A farmer goes out one day and buys a brand new stud rooster for his chicken coop.

The new rooster struts over to the old rooster and says, "OK old guy time for you to retire."

The old rooster replies, "Come on, surely you cannot handle all of

these hens. Look what it has done to me. Can't you just let me have the two old hens over in the corner?"

The young rooster says, "Beat it. You are washed up and I am taking over."

The old rooster says, "I tell you what, young stag. I will race you around the farmhouse. Whoever wins gets the exclusive domain over the entire chicken coop."

The young rooster laughs. "You know you don't stand a chance old man. So, just to be fair I will give you a head start."

The old rooster takes off running. About 15 seconds later the young rooster takes off running after him. They round the front porch of the farmhouse and the young rooster has closed the gap. He is already about 5 inches behind the old rooster and gaining fast.

The farmer, meanwhile, is sitting in his usual spot on the front porch when he sees the roosters running by. He grabs his shotgun and - BOOM - He blows the young rooster to bits.

The farmer sadly shakes his head and says, "Dammit... third gay rooster I bought this month."

Bexan Warriors Dominate Araw ng Dabaw Derby

CARREO by Rolando S. Luzong

Peoples Tonight – March 17, 2010

Bexan Warriors Dominate Araw ng Dabaw Derby

There were 192 and then there were only 3.

Coming from three different cities, Bexan Warriors Dr. Ruel Manungas of Tagum in Davao Del Norte; James Ang from Cebu and highly-respected Congressman Dodong Codilla of Ormoc all scored six perfect wins each to dominate the 192-entry P8-million 2010 Araw ng Dabaw Annual 6-Cock Derby.

The 4-day event hosted by Sammy Uy and Dorie Du, sponsored by Thunderbird is regarded as the biggest and most prestigious cockfighting event in Mindanao and is participated by the biggest names in Philippine cockfighting.

Cong. Codilla – the first to emerge victorious proudly reported that the birds he fought composed of Sweater crossers, Gold and Bulik are breeding of his son Winnie who may soon inherit his seat in Congress.

Thunderbird Winning Team member and Ormoc Gold Breeder Bernie Tacoy who was also competing in the said derby and who suffered an upset in his 4^th fight that gave him his only loss, was given the honor to award the trophy to his godfather and mentor Cong. Dodong Codilla (Golden Yakal).

The second 6-0 win-loss slater was Cebuano cocker James Ang – a good friend of Inilog (Tukaan) host Doc Hanzie Dal – himself a multi-awarded breeder.

Completing the grand slam for the Thunderbird Bexan Warriors is Dr, Ruel Manungas of Tagum who fought Kelso-Roundhead & Kelso-Sweater crosses.

In an interview over Sabong TV, he was asked why the name of his entry is B-Warriors. “It’s because of 5 Bs. My children Beatriz, Bridgette, Bernadette and Benjamin”, he said. “And of course, Bexan”, he added.

Dr. Ruel Manungas, a dentist, bred and trained his roosters with assistants Ivan & Rudy and with the expert knife-tying of gaffers Joy Lopez & Dodong.

SOME FACTS ABOUT THE BODY OF FIGHTING COCK

Before going into specific details over breeding fighting cocks it is only proper to give some information on the general characteristics of the physiology and anatomy of the fighting cock. Physiology is the study of the functions of the different organs of the body and anatomy is the study of the disposition, size, and form of the different organs of the body. The information regarding the physiology and the anatomy of the cock fighting will aid in increasing one’s knowledge along breeding game fowl.

The fighting cock is a very vertebrate: that is, it has a vertebrae or spinal column and belongs to “vertebrate” a subphylum of chordate animals, comprising those having a brain enclosed in a skull or cranium and a segmented spinal column, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes.

The body or skeleton of the fighting cock is composed of thirteen vertebrae of the neck and loss of facility or a total fall of his neck towards his body like he was hit by a cane and might result to his death.

Other General Characteristics :

1. The fighting cock possesses hot blood;

2. Its body temperature is comparatively higher than other domestic animals with an average of 107 degrees Fahrenheit. It is coolest at ten o’clock in the evening up to 12 midnight; hence its sleeping quarters must be free from draft and be kept reasonably warm to avoid colds and pneumonia. Its highest temperature is reached at around eleven o’clock in the morning up to three o’clock in the afternoon; therefore, during theses hours, the fighting cock must not be unduly exposed by the sun.

3. The cock’s heartbeat averages 300 per minute. The cock’s feathers are his foundation of protection against the blows, injuries, and wounds inflicted by his opponent. The feathers also serve to maintain the cock’s normal body temperature. Usually the feathers constitute from 4-9 percent of the total body weight of the cock. General, moulting or change of feathers occurs once a year starting in May; but in the greater majority moulting starts from June to August and ends in November thru January.

The fighting cock’s moulting period unlike that of ordinary cock and other birds is slow and long.

The fighting cock’s skeleton is light, compact and vigorous. Its bone are hollow and almost empty-a fact that makes the entire skeletal frame light. The location of lung is such that any blow in its area can easily affect the thoracicolum bar area which could be fatal.

The Respiratory system -- As differentiated from the lungs of a mammals the lungs of the fighting cock are small and firmly fitted in the cocks ribs and vertebrate column. The interchange of gasses in the respiratory process occurs during the exhaltation period.

The Digestive System—the cock’s digestive system starts from the mouth or beak which is deprived of lips and teeth. The tongue terminates at one point. Behind the tongue is a structure in the form of the head of an arrow, which serves to throw foods towards the esophagus and also helps in drinking.

MOTHER’S DAY : Today is a special day for me and my siblings being the 70^th birthday of our beloved mother Lualhati Santos Luzong. Nanay, maligayang kaarawan, ipinagmamalaki ka namin. Happy birthday also to my good friend Ken Cantero.

YOU SHOULD SEE THIS VIDEO

HUMANE SOCIETY AND CLAIFORNIA POLICE RAIDING A FARM, "SAVING" THE GAMEFOWLS THEN KILLING THEM LATER, "BECAUSE THEY MUST BE SAVE FROM FURTHER INHUMANE TREATMENT"...HOHOHO

HAWAIIAN FLAVOR FOR THE WORLD SLASHERS CUP

CARREO by Rolando S. Luzong

Peoples Tonight (March 6, 2010)

HAWAIIAN FLAVOR FOR THE WORLD SLASHERS CUP

In today's world of innovations and new developments, even the World Slasher Cup gets a different twist with the announcement that the second edition of the World Slasher derby for this year will be called the 2010 World Slasher Cup-2 Hawaiian Invitational 8-Cock Derby.

It will not be surprising if the title will raise some eyebrows considering that the World Slashers Cup is an event that is a Filipino sabungero pride. So, how come that the word Hawaiian has been incorporated?

Before cockfighting was banned in practically 99% of the United States, one of the most popular cocking events was the annual Hawaiian Derby which is held in Texoma Game Club in Oklahoma. I was lucky to set foot in the said cockpit just be fore it was closed for good and met its operator or manager, a lady by the name of Judy Hamilton (or is it Collins).

With the continuously growing number of foreigners, particularly the Hawaiians, competing in the World Slasher Cup, a bright idea was hatched with the concurrence of Mr. Jorge “Nene” Araneta which resulted in the 2010 World Slasher Cup-2 Hawaiian Invitational Derby.

According to Araneta's PR Manager Genny Marcial, two plane loads of Hawaiians are expected to arrive here to compete or just watch the Slasher.

The three-day event is set on May 31, June 2 & 4 and will again have Thunderbird as co-presentor and this early, a special promo that will surely thrill those sabungeros that have been wanting to watch the World Slasher Cup.

I don't want to preempt Thunderbird with the details so I will just leave you hanging for now, but I assure you that this promo is something you have never heard of.

MITRA COCKS

The Mitra 56 line of roosters was a “labor of love” for the late Speaker of the House Monching Mitra. It was one of the most ugliest roosters that ever entered the ring, but it’s fighting style is poetry in motion.

Yes, it took him 30 years to prove his point, but it was worth the wait when he won 1987 & 1988 back-to-back championships of the Annual Fiesta Señor 7-Cock Derby in Bacolod City – one of the toughest cocking event for many years.

The breed originated from a broodcock that has a legband number 56 given to Mitra by Father Medrano of Bauan, Batangas who revealed that “only one out 100 is game”. The rooster had short legs, but has long thighs. He was so good in sparring, but would quit after 3 to 4 buckles.

It was in 1957 when Mitra started experimenting and perfecting the Mitra 56. He bred it to several hens and no sons ever quitted.

The infusion of imported bloodline to the Mitra 56 was another rare story. An American by the name of Spec McLaughlin arrived in Manila bringing along twelve roosters. They were greys with white legs.

Pilot Ben Rodriguez bought ten of them for P400 apiece. Two rejects were left. One with eyes of different colors and the other, a nervous runner. Both were just being sold at P200 each. Mitra had only P100 in his pocket, but the American won’t let go of the chickens so Mitra requested that the roosters be reserved for him. When he came back the following day, only the quitter was left.

When Mitra showed the cock to his Bagiuo City-based American cocking buddy Kip Moore, the latter said “I don’t wanna breed that thing”. However, Mitra was insistent.

They bred the McLaughlin cock to Mitra 56 hens and they started producing winners.

From then on, the Mitra 56 strain became Monching’s foundation line. They were crossed with the Parawakan, Hamilton, Boles and other imported breeds and they the offsprings were awesome.

For many years, the weird-looking Mitra cocks dominated the competition and up to the present thousands of breeders are proud of their Mitra breeds.

On March 20 is the tenth death anniversary of Ramon “Monching” V. Mitra, Jr. who is undoubtedly the most nationalistic Filipino cocker that ever lived.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Pareng Lito Nazareta yesterday and to my Chicago-based sister Malou Luzong-de Guzman.

FEATHER-WATCHERS BRAVING THE HEAT

CARREO by Rolando S. Luzong

Peoples Tonight (March 3, 2010)

FEATHER-WATCHERS BRAVING THE HEAT

The El Niño phenomenon is already driving the mercury to new levels giving us a boiling atmosphere. And while most of us hide in the shade or stay within the confines of our air-conditioned offices or within the controlled comfort of the many malls that provide havens from the solar anger, the wing-banding teams of the local breeders associations are out on the road braving the heat to see if your cockerels have the right number of primary wing feathers to qualify for wing-banding.

Started yesterday are the farm-to-farm visits of highly-trained feather-watchers in the mission to legitimized cockerels so that after six months when they are already stags, they will have the needed credentials or badges to be fought in the respective association stag derbies.

These feather-watchers are the marines of the stag derby season. They are the ones that pave the way for the other working committees of the associations and the federations to make things possible towards a successful stag season each year.

They bear not only the heat of the sun, but also the complaints and capriciousness of some breeders. They are actually the ones that softens the bumps and lowers the hurdles that are expected along the way.

To all the feather-watchers, I tip my hat.

BGT CUP WINGBANDING

After the three successful “BGT CUP All About Conditioning Seminars” held in Ormoc & Tacloban in Leyte and in Calbayog, Samar sponsored by Thunderbird Vetracin Gold Caps, popular Ormoc Gold breeder Bernie Tacoy announced yesterday the schedule of wingbanding of cockerels for the BGT CUP Stag Derby Circuit.

“We will do the screening and wingbanding from March 15 – 30. We will start in Ormoc then move to other backyard farms all the way to Catarman in Samar, as well as Biliran”, says Tacoy who raffled off three pairs of his signature breed of gamefowls during the seminars.

Those who were not able to attend the seminars, but would like also to have their cockerels wingbanded may call or text Rey Bimbao at 09285500951 or at 0917-3504333.

Only a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 50 birds will be banded for each farm or breeder. To qualify, a cockerel must have four primary wing feathers intact on both sides.

The BGT CUP Stag Circuit will have five separate 3-stag events (1^st leg) that will begin on September 4 in Valencia Cockpit in Ormoc; on Sept. 11 in Buraen Amusement Center in Buraen, Leyte; on Sept. 18 in Paranas, Samar; on Sept. 25 in Biliran; on Oct. 2 in Sta. Fe, Leyte and again in Buraen for the 4-stag final leg on October 9.

“Bugbugan sa Del Monte” Derby on March 5

Joey Sy and Allan Vicencio teams up on March 5 for one of the biggest and most prestigious cocking events ever to be staged at the Del Monte Cockpit in Malabon City. Dubbed as the “Bugbugan sa Del Monte” 5-Cock Derby, the one-day spectacle is exclusively sponsored by Thunderbird Ganador Max – for maximum fighting ability.

A cash prize of P500,000 is up for grabs with the entry fee and minimum both pegged at P11,000.

With several of the who’s who in Philippine cockfighting already confirming their participation, great match-ups are expected that can truly make the event live up to its title “bugbugan”.

Some of the awaited face-offs are those of Engr. Sonny Lagon vs. Jun Topacio; Osang dela Cruz vs. Benjie Lim; American Norman Rockwell vs. RJ Mea; James Campbell & Noel Jarin vs. Bobby Del Rosario of Mangzee Farm; Boy Gamilla vs. RGBA Breeder of the Year Pros Antonio; Tony Mabasa of Aklan vs. Bong Gazmen of Bicol.

Proceeds of this derby will go to the construction of three classrooms in Bgy. Cabugao, Bato, Catanduanes – a project of the Rotary Club of Metro Valenzuela. Those interested to join, especially Rotarian cockers may call Joey Sy at 0917-3271584.

WELCOME BACK to my good friend and kumpare Romano Pedroche who is shere for his sabong vacation to fight in a derby and visit his RPED Game Farm in Bago City, Nergos Occidental.

SWINDLER-COCKER VICTIMIZES HIS OWN PEERS

CARREO by Rolando S. Luzong

Peoples Tonight (Saturday - February 27, 2010)

SWINDLER-COCKER VICTIMIZES

HIS OWN PEERS

No one is talking because it could be embarrassing, but considering the number of victims, the modus operandi of a certain Nelson Tee or Nelson Ty should be brought to the fore, lest he wreaks additional havoc to the Sport that is filled with people that are predominantly friendly and passive.

Apparently, a sweet-tounged professional swindler who is, based on my own investigations ishould ba a cocker, especially if you will consider the extent of his knowledge about cockfighting such as the top cockers and breeders, the presidents of breeders' associations, the gamefowl bloodlines and the likes. We all know that for one to engage in chicken talks, he should be an insider or an active cocker.

The name Nelson Tee is actually said to belong to an officer of the Bulacan Gamefowl Breeders Association and it is still a puzzle why the swindler chose to make use of the poor guy’s name.

Most of the personalities that were victimized or were almost duped were said to be of those individuals whose names and telephone numbers appeared in the invitations and posters of the 2009 Bakbakan 10-Stag National Derby.

The swindler calls or text a target victim, befriends the prospect, talks a lot about sabong, drops names until he gets the victims trust. Later, he will tell stories like he has a lot of imported birds which he could swap for other bloodlines or sell at discounted prices.

According to my sources, a number of those victimized shelled out anywhere from P3,000 to P15,000 each or have let go of highly-prized gamebirds. Another popular breeder who is known for his kindness was convinced to accomodate a P55,000 bet (sama) on his rooster by the swindler. The sad part is that the rooster lost and the trusting breeder who is not known for betting big had to shell out P55,000 to pay the bet of the vanishing bettor.

I have also talked to Engr. Ed Arellano – President of the Eastern Visayas Gamefowl Breeders Association and his Vice President Cholo Franco who were both contacted by a guy who introduced himself as Nelson Tee or Nelson Ty. They were luckier than the others though, but one of their colleagues was not.

I am calling on other victims to come out and tell their stories so that we can fully expose the activities of these swindlers.

DURA-DURA

Before there was the Barya-Barya style wherein coins will be dropped and when you bend forward to pick or help in picking the coins, then pickpockets go for the kill. These are usually done inside buses.

Nowadays, there is now what is called Dura-Dura.

Inside a jeepney, a person seating beside you or in front of you will suddenly tell you that you have dura or saliva on your back, r that a street kid had spit on you and you have saliva on your back. The truth is, the one beside you will spit on his hand and put the saliva on your back without you knowing it.

Of course, your immediate reaction is to bend your body and look at your back, especially when you’re on your way to work or school, just after you took a bath and put on your uniform or your best attire.

There are usually one or two other accomplices…two seating on your left and right side and one in front of you.

After having been told that you have saliva on your back, another will pretend to be helping you wipe out the saliva. He or she might even offer tissue papers.

Once the crime is done, the three criminals will alight the jeepney altogether and then you will find out that some or all of your valuables are missing.

Beware of these criminals. Our printer and my son RJ are just two of their many victims.

THANK YOU LEYTE, THANK YOU SAMAR

Thank you again to the sabungeros of Leyte and Samar with whom I have brushed elbows with during the past one week. There were Congressman Dodong Codilla and his political heir apparent Winnie Codilla who is probably has already cleared his way to Congress after his supposed rival actor Richard Gomez was disqualified; Vice Mayor Chua of Tacloban; soon-to-be councilor Robert Yap; the Mayor of Hinobangan town; Joey Tacoy and Bernie Tacoy, but most especially to the mass-based wide-eyed cockers of Ormoc City, Tacloban City and Calbayog who attended the BGT CUP Seminars.

Mabuhay po kayo.