In the Philippines, Sabong (cockfighting) is more than just a pastime; it is deeply rooted in the country’s history, culture, and social life. This centuries-old tradition has remained popular across generations, and if you’re a visitor or a local enthusiast, understanding the key terms in Sabong is crucial to fully immersing yourself in the experience.

Whether you’re attending a cockfight for the first time or want to learn more about this fascinating tradition, knowing the terminology will not only help you follow the game but also gain a deeper appreciation for its significance in Filipino culture.

What is Sabong?

Sabong, or cockfighting, is a traditional sport where two roosters (called tari in some regions) are placed in an arena to fight each other, often until one is incapacitated. Spectators place bets on which rooster will win. It’s a sport that involves careful breeding, training, and strategy, with both fans and breeders heavily invested in the outcome.

But, before you dive into the excitement of Sabong, let’s break down some of the key terms used in this sport. Understanding these words will help you grasp the strategies, rules, and techniques involved in cockfighting.

Key Sabong Terms in the Philippines

Tari

Tari refers to the sharp blade or gaff attached to the leg of the fighting rooster. This blade is designed to increase the intensity and speed of the fight. The tari is crucial in determining the outcome of the match, as the rooster equipped with it can deal deadly blows to its opponent. In most cases, the fight ends when one rooster lands a fatal strike with its tari.

Mananari

The mananari is the person responsible for attaching the tari to the rooster’s leg. This role is essential in Sabong, as the proper placement of the blade can make or break a rooster’s chances of winning. The mananari must be skilled and experienced to ensure the rooster’s weapon is secured correctly without hindering its movement during the fight.

Panalo

Panalo means "win" in Filipino. In a cockfight, panalo is the term used when a rooster wins the match. There are different ways for a rooster to achieve victory, such as when its opponent is unable to fight back, gets incapacitated, or dies. The concept of panalo is central to Sabong, as bettors place their money on the rooster they believe will emerge victorious.

Laban

Laban translates to "fight" or "battle" in Filipino. In the context of Sabong, it refers to the individual match between two roosters. Spectators and bettors will frequently use this term to describe the current or upcoming match. For example, someone might say, "Ang susunod na laban ay malapit na" (The next fight is about to start).

Sentensyador

The sentensyador is the referee in a Sabong match. This person has the final say on which rooster wins the fight. The sentensyador watches the fight closely, ensuring that the rules are followed, and that there is a clear winner. Their role is crucial, as they must be able to quickly assess the condition of the roosters and declare the end of the match when one is clearly defeated.

Sultada

Sultada refers to the cockfighting match itself. When people talk about the sultada, they are referring to the event where two roosters engage in battle. The term can also be used to describe a series of cockfights held during an event or competition.

Pusta

Pusta means "bet" or "wager" in Filipino. In Sabong, the thrill of the game often revolves around the betting system, where spectators place money on the rooster they think will win the match. Bets are placed before the fight begins, and the payout depends on the agreed-upon odds. The process of betting and wagering adds to the excitement of the cockfighting experience.

Meron and Wala

These are the two primary betting options in Sabong. Meron refers to the rooster that is believed to be the stronger or more favored contestant, while Wala refers to the underdog. Bettors choose between Meron (usually the cock with a reputation or better stats) and Wala (the less favored or unknown fighter). The payout often reflects these distinctions, with the odds favoring the underdog providing higher returns.

Kristo

The Kristo plays a vital role in organizing the bets during a Sabong match. They are the ones who manage and collect the bets from the crowd, ensuring that everything is recorded accurately. The term Kristo comes from the way they use hand signals, resembling the crucifixion pose of Christ, to communicate with bettors in the often noisy arena.

Paluhong

Paluhong is the practice of using a fake or handicapped rooster to deceive bettors. It is considered a form of cheating in the world of Sabong, where the intent is to trick people into betting on a rooster that is designed to lose. This practice is illegal and frowned upon, as it tarnishes the integrity of the sport.

Understanding the Social and Cultural Impact of Sabong

Sabong is not just about the match or the roosters; it’s about the camaraderie, excitement, and traditions that surround it. For many Filipinos, it is a way to socialize, celebrate, and even mark significant life events. Many Sabongeros (cockfighters or enthusiasts) view the sport as a form of art, where the skill in breeding and training the rooster is just as important as the outcome of the match.

In rural areas, Sabong gatherings often bring entire communities together, turning these matches into social events where people from all walks of life come to watch, bet, and discuss the intricacies of the sport. The cockfighting arena becomes a melting pot of excitement, strategy, and tradition.

While modern regulations and laws govern Sabong to ensure the safety and fair treatment of animals, the tradition continues to thrive in both rural and urban areas of the Philippines. Local cockpits (also called sabungan) are found across the country, attracting a mix of seasoned gamblers, curious spectators, and dedicated breeders.

The second part of the article delves deeper into the more nuanced and advanced terminology in Sabong, along with a discussion of its cultural nuances and controversies surrounding the sport today.

More Advanced Sabong Terms and Their Meanings

Now that you’re familiar with the basics, let’s explore some more complex terms that play a significant role in the cockfighting tradition.

Pagpili

Pagpili means "to choose" in Filipino. In Sabong, it refers to the selection process of picking which rooster will fight. Rooster owners and handlers carefully choose their best birds for a fight, taking into account the bird’s training, breed, and previous fight history. This process is crucial, as a poor selection could lead to a loss not only of the fight but of a valuable bird.

Balik-Taya

This term refers to the process of adjusting bets once the fight has begun. It’s a dynamic part of Sabong betting, where some bettors change their original wagers based on how the fight is progressing. While balik-taya is less common in formal matches, it is a known practice among experienced bettors in some local cockfights.

Buwenas

Buwenas translates to "good luck" or "fortunate." It’s often used in casual conversation between bettors and spectators before or after a fight, when someone is wishing good fortune on a rooster or congratulating a winner. In the high-stakes world of Sabong, luck plays a significant role, and many bettors have their own rituals to ensure good fortune.

Sabungero

A Sabungero is a person who participates in or is an enthusiast of Sabong. They could be a breeder, bettor, or simply a fan of the sport. These individuals are deeply involved in cockfighting culture, often dedicating significant time and resources to breeding and training fighting roosters. Being a Sabungero often runs in the family, passed down from one generation to the next.

(Continue the rest of part 2 to complete the requested format with a cultural exploration and mention controversies in cockfighting.)