Cockfighting -- In the Dominican Republic

[Sentenciador]

Hi,

Just got back from the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean with Boy Marzo

One hell of a trip! We were invited to their "International Derby" held last week.

Gonna just get the photos organized and I'll share it here. Stay tuned





The Grand Event!





Abangan!

[Sig1911]

One of the best place to watch Postiza fights.

[Sentenciador]

Let's begin:

So, first and foremost, let me explain why we were in the Dominican Republic (DR):

I am good friends with Edmond Elias Hermida and his company EETV. I have a cooperation with his website www.gallerosoy.com

I have been to the DR before in 2009, also for an International Derby and I was alone. This time, he asked me to invite Boy Marzo so they could discuss possible live streaming of Philippine cockfights to the DR.

And so we went to the event that I have posted above.

Long flight! It took 38 hours door to door. Exhausting! But we were lucky that from the Manila airport, edwin of Tambak Gamefarm and Candaba Sports Arena fame, and one of the pioneer members of this site, was also on this flight to JFK airport in New York City. So it was a great time and since there was a layover of 9 hours at JFK, Edwin took real good care of us He hung out with us at the terminal, introduced us to his wife, and even gave us take away gifts (pasalubong). Thanks a lot Edwin for your hospitality. Too bad we were too busy chicken talking and we forgot to take a picture!

On to the DR!



This is the cockpit of Santo Domingo. This has to be the nicest, plushest cockpit I have seen in my life. It's like a five star hotel in there... you will see.







Big event! Sponsors are here. This is a 5 day event with a 3 cock derby and a few 5 cock mains.

Who's who from the Latin American scene is here. There were over 40 guests. From Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Panama, Puerto Rico, Chile, Mexico, Brazil... and 2 Filipinos

[Sentenciador]

This is Vasco and Juju from Brazil. These two are the foremost breeders of Brazilians in the world. The have the Tosi strain of Brazilians (which are Asil/Shamo/Malay). If you are an Asil lover, you will know who Tosi is.

While the DR fights with the "postiza (I will get to this)" in this event, Brazil uses these weapons:






Don Arnoldo del Rio. One of Mexicos most established breeders. He has excellent Hatches and Greys for the SK. But for this event, he brought along his warriors in the pico y espuela (they don't say "postiza" as we all thought). It's called "pico y espuela" or "beak and spur" You will see that these birds billhold and then hit. Hence the label. And they need to billhold in order to drive the plastic espuela deep down the neck.



Oswaldo Mendoza from Mexico and Duhamel Colon of Puerto Rico.



Enrique "Kike" Tello from Peru. Doctor. Great funny guy! Loves the LK but also fights the espuela.



Boy with a pretty Dominican girl


ser continuado... (to be continued)

[magic]

i like the trophy, it look so real that even the shanks have specks

keep them coming sir Senti...and thanks for sharing your DR trip...

manong BM looks good too with a pretty DR pullet

[Sentenciador]

Yes, the workmanship on trophies is spectacular. You should see the plaque they gave Boy

[nonny]

Nice pics Jc .....looks like it was a good trip

[cccforevergold]

that looks very interesting, it seems to be very different on how we do it here

[cccforevergold]

two good looking filipinos, thanks a lot for posting this JC, really appreciate it

[Sentenciador]

OK, let's continue....



So first step is to deposit your birds here. Once deposited, you can leave your birds alone and they will be processed by the pits employees. No more touching your birds from this point. You can now socialize, drink and be merry and wait for your bird to be brought to the pit.

They'll be weighed, wingbands checked with the database and deposited in stalls.







As derby start time draws near, they are brought upstairs and placed in the stalls on the right. Look at how immaculately clean this place is!



This is the gaffing room/area. Pristine. And they fight in this pit 5 times a week!

[Sentenciador]

You can see the birds from inside the main cockpit through see through glass. This way, you can pick which you will bet on.



Like these guys! Smart! Picking well in advance





Let's get 'em heeled up!





And we're off! This is a typical match in the DR. The guys in the Blue and White are the pitters. They pit all the fights. No owners touch their birds until it's over. It's a good system! The pitters are employees of the pit and are trusted to be impartial like casino dealers.

Enjoy!

[JWPurdy]

Nice! Looked like a great trip. Where's your next international cocking adventure going to happen?

[VoodooChild67]

Fantastic footage! I love how clean and immaculate the pits are. I also like how they use the same handlers for everyone.Impressive system!

[Sentenciador]

More pictures... Miscellaneous stuff!



Lobby/Bar Area





It's nice that our flag is there



Gifts/Giveaways



Amazing craftsmanship. They even have wingbands!



The founding fathers.



Brothers from different mothers! We may not speak the same language, but when it comes to chickens, we are all brothers and understand each other.


more to follow....

[Sentenciador]

Nice! Looked like a great trip. Where's your next international cocking adventure going to happen?

There's going to be one in Bahia, Brazil week of October 3, 2013. You wanna go?

[Sentenciador]

Farm Visit. "Farm" of Edmond Elias.

To call this simply a "farm" is an understatement. This is more like an "Hacienda."









You like the facilities?



Brings new meaning to the word "cockhouse" doesn't it?



They don't use teepees in this country. All expensive round pens. Even hens get their own individual round pen.





The "trabador,"(farm manager), Freddie, told me this pen is for "scratching." I just scratched my head in amazement and disbelief Scratching in style!

more to come!....

[tarosa]

WOWWW for sure i will scratch my head in disbelief . that is way out compared to ours but it is so nice and sooooo good for the chickens.

[Sig1911]

Such a nice set up.Hope you will be able to showcase Peru as well.

[Sentenciador]

Let's arm the birds. Tying the espuelas.

[ARCHANGEL]

very impressive and eye catching article, thanks for posting this!

[SiR2PE]

very nice system they have in DR..

this dude farm look so nice..

[magic]

good photos sir senti, it gives us an idea of how to be a cocker...the DR way

[gaff]

Nice thread.
What's the objective of having those rocks on the floor in the hens pens?
Thanks.

[Sentenciador]

What's the objective of having those rocks on the floor in the hens pens?

Hi gaff,

I asked them that too as it didn't make sense to me. Their explanation is that the rocks prevent bumblefoot. They are special rocks that are kinda like Pumice Stone so it acts as a natural emery board on the feet of the roosters. And yes, the birds have nice and clean feet free of bumblefoot

Also, another reason is that it makes cleaning easier. They just hose down the rocks and everything drains to the bottom and washes away.

[rencastro]

Hi senti,

Why is it that they removed the feathers in the legs and in the back of the rooster before fighting?

[Sentenciador]

They remove the feathers to minimize the billhold (there is less to grab onto). Also, it is an event/promotion. They have derbies that have uncut roosters (comb and feathers not trimmed) and everybody has to be uncut. Then they have derbies that everyone has to be cut (comb and feathers trimmed). It's for variation of the game also.

Thanks.

[gaff]

I will add that the feathers are removed for cooling purposes as they fight in the heat.

Thanks for you reply on the rocks but I think I'll pass on that idea Lol!

[Kubo Ng Bayan]

Nice pics sir senti...... hope to see more of the fights..

and also your'e right, its not a farm, its a "hacienda".....

[PITGAMER]

Glad that you enjoyed yourself in my country. The Dominican Republic and the Phillipines have to learn from one another and bring this sport to another level. Thanks for taking the time to travel and share your experience. Edmond Elias has a very nice setup. Anymore pictures? thanks.

[elgallolatino]

sentenciador,

which breeders from venezuela attended this derby and how did they perform?

thanks.