The Cockpit Country
In 2016, I had the opportunity to spend several months in Manila working on an animation project. Despite having traveled extensively across Southeast Asia, this was my first time in the Philippines, and I was eager to experience the country and its culture. The animation series I was involved with was set in Tondo, a vibrant yet complex bayside neighborhood. As the art director, one of my key responsibilities was to explore the area and capture reference photographs to ensure that the visuals accurately reflected the neighborhood.
One of the most striking observations during my time in Tondo was the prevalence of roosters tethered outside homes, often perched on small, makeshift stands. I soon discovered that they were bred for gamecock fighting, a deeply ingrained tradition in the Philippines. This sport is not only a popular form of entertainment but also plays a significant role in the socio-economic fabric of many communities, serving as both a source of income and a symbol of status.
Breeding Farm, Rosario, Philippines
A neoprene sheath known as the boxing glove is placed over the lethal spur before sparring
