MANILA, Philippines — Bannered by 140 fights, the Encuentro Sa Araneta Big Event 5-Stag Derby starts early on Dec. 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Fifty-six entries will come from seven gamefowl breeders associations (GBA): Luzon (LGBA), Rizal (RGBA), Kapampangan (KGBA), Bulacan (BGBA), Quezon (QBC of Honey Yu), United Manila Cavite (UMCGBA) and Pangasinan (GBAP).
Several participants on Tuesday have also signed up for the 2019 World Slasher Cup set Jan. 28-Feb. 6 at the Big Dome.
They are 2017 WSC 1 champion and cockfight idol Patrick Antonio, Honey Yu, Rey Tolentino, Rey Briones, Ricky Magtuto, Nick Crisostomo, Jojo Gatlabayan, Rey Directo, Anthony Lim, Gov. Jayjay Suarez, Mayor Roderick Alcala, John Gutierrez, Raymond Burgos, Adrian Manalansan, Cris de Jesus, Wiljim Dy, Paolo Malvar, Rey Escalona, Arnold Tacos and Ted Macadagdag.
“It’s a big event derby with affordable entrance fees of P1,000 and P800,” said LGBA president Nick Crisostomo.
Part two of the “Encuentro” series (Building Bridges) will be held in April, with a new set of participants.