Maintaining Mabongbong Tradition

Fighting cock in Bali has actually existed since the past time better known as mabongbong or fondling and exercising fighting cock. However, in harmony with the passage of time, this tradition is accompanied with betting money or gambling or locally known as metajen. To revive this tradition without the image of gambling, the Derby Continental Community organized the Cock Fighting Derby Continental XII, Sunday (Oct. 4).

Chief of the Derby Continental Community, Agus Andika Wenara Sungsang, explained that in the Cock Fighting Derby Continental XII the fighting cocks are pitted only for some 30 seconds and recorded. Video of the fight will be uploaded on Facebook and the winner is determined based on the most ‘likes’ obtained. The cock fighting event having been held for 12 times aims to change the habit of cock fighting tradition in Balinese community, restore tradition and channel the hobby of fondling and exercising fighting cock. In addition, it also means to maintain relationship among the breeders of the Philippines rooster. “In this event, no money betting is involved and it is purely a hobby,” he said.
Other than without involving money, in this fighting event the cocks are not armed with spurs as commonly carried out in the tajen or betting cockfight. “No cocks are injured and they are purely pitted like in the tradition of fondling and exercising fighting cock,” he added. Andika added that the cock fighting involving at least 1,000 fighting cocks is very potential for tourist attraction. “This can be made into a tourist attraction as a Balinese cultural show,” explained Andi. Apart from channeling hobby, the event is also expected to increase the potential of the breeders of the Philippine hybrid cocks purely intended for fighting cock.www.bali-travelnews.com
balinese life and culture