The Filipinos are a religious people, Catholic for the most part.  On Sundays, especially in the provinces, many attend church followed by a trip to the market. Also devotees of sport, cockfighting is a Sunday observance as well and many town parishes have a well-worn path from the side door of the church to the cockpit. 

    The ritual is much the same today as it was in 1887 when the Philippine National Hero, Jose Rizal, wrote a chapter called "The Cockpit" in his novel "Noli me Tangere." 

    Here are some photos of a cockfight held in a small town near Argao, Cebu. On any Sunday, similar dramas are played throughout the country. 

- Philippine Journeys