ILOILO City — Beyond the religious rites of the Candelaria Fiesta, cockfighting or bulang is once again drawing large crowds and bettors from across Western Visayas, reinforcing its place as a long-standing tradition and a regulated source of livelihood during the annual celebration.
The cockfighting events, held under the supervision of authorized local government officials and the Gaming and Amusement Board, attract participants from Iloilo and nearby provinces, including Bacolod City.
For 66-year-old Ben, a resident of Barangay San Juan, Molo district here, cockfighting is a tradition rooted in family and community.
“Dugay na… when I was eight years old, naga-upod-upod na ako sa lolo ko. Gin tudluan ‘ya ko paano mag sagod sang manok, paano mag bulang…until such time nag-abot na sa derby kada fiesta,” he said.
Ben said the practice has evolved from a simple pastime into a regulated activity during major fiestas.
“This is a game. Nahatagan authority local government nga pwede makapabulang,” he said, noting that prominent local promoters and visiting bettors regularly join Candelaria matches. “Subong nga fiesta, mga dalagko nga tawo diri sa Iloilo nagabulang. May mga pangayaw man.”
Ben described the cockfighting arena as a micro-community composed of bettors, handlers, vendors, and wealthy backers.
He also pointed out how the industry has changed over time: “Almost all cockfighters now operate farms.”
Despite the risks, Ben stressed that luck still plays a decisive role: “It’s win or lose. Kon swerte ka, swerte.”
Bacolod City bettor Rob, 43, said cockfighting has become more than a hobby over his nearly two decades in the sport.
“Almost 20 years na ako ga-join sa bulang. Forty-three na ako subong. Mga 20s ako nagsugod sa bulangan. It was just a game before. Now it’s a source of income,” Rob said.
He revealed that “mga friends ko man nag-influence sa akon.”
Rob said cockfighting has taken him to various provinces, allowing him to build friendships and business connections.
He admitted that high stakes are common during fiesta events.
“The biggest bet I’ve placed was P20,000. Winning is indeed possible, but losing is part of the experience,” he said.
Another enthusiast, Paul, 32, from Oton, Iloilo, said he balances cockfighting with his work at sea.
“Almost 10 years na ako nga gabulang. Aside sini nga source of income gasakay ako sa barko. Daw hobby ko lang ni,” Paul said.
Other participants echoed similar views, describing cockfighting as both livelihood and ritual tied to the Candelaria celebration.
“Every Candelaria, I make it a point to be here… It’s more than just winning; it’s about honoring the tradition,” said Jack, 50, from Janiuay, Iloilo.
As the fiesta continues, bulang remains a parallel attraction — blending sport, gambling, and tradition — underscoring how deeply embedded cockfighting remains in local culture during Iloilo’s major religious celebrations./PN
