Php15 million 9-stag international derby set at Resorts World Manila

The most prestigious cockfighting event in the country kicked off on Friday, September 15, as the 2017 World Pitmasters Cup (Master Breeder Edition) 9-Stag International Derby opens its 10- day stag battle at the Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) in Resorts World Manila (RWM).

After staging its 1st international derby in January and the Fiesta Edition in May, the prized cockfighting event is back to its 2- stag eliminations; 3- stag semifinals; and 4- stag finals format, with a guaranteed cash prize of Php15 million. The prize purse is expected to soar even higher with more than 300 entries expected to participate in the derby. The champion handler will also get to take home a brand new Mitsubishi Strada courtesy of event sponsor RWM.

The 2- stag eliminations are set on September 15 to 17, the 3- stag semifinals from September 18 to 20, and the 4- stag finals from Sept 21-23. All entries with scores of 4 to 5 points collide on the last day, September 24 for the 4- stag grand finals.

Organized by businessmen and cockfighting afficionados Charlie “Atong” Ang, Gerry Ramos, Engr. Sonny Lagon, Governor Eddiebong Plaza and RJ Mea, with assistance from Eric Dela Rosa and Ka Lando Luzong, this year’s Master Breeders Edition features some of the best breeders and handlers in the country.

Sanctioned by the Games and Amusement Board (GAB), the 2017 World Pitmasters Cup (Master Breeder Edition) 9-Stag International Derby is considered as the grandest cockfighting event in the country as it presents halftime shows and world- class performers. Participating handlers also get 50% off on Remington Hotel bookings while enclosed and air- conditioned cockhouses are provided at the 2nd floor of RWM’s Newport Mall.

“The World Pitmasters Cup is really the biggest derby in the Philippines. There are bigger stakes and we make it a point that we select the best cockfighters from all the provinces,” according to organizer and gaming expert Charlie “Atong” Ang. “Most local breeders are thankful that we have organized the derby,” he added.

The World Pitmasters Cup stages four annual events with the 9- cock international derby every January and May, and the 9- stag derby every September and November.

“We showcase quality fights which every cockfighting enthusiast and spectator will surely enjoy,” said organizer and businessman Gerry Ramos. “The world- class venue is also totally different from your ordinary ‘sabungan’. The venue counts a lot with the quality of the fights because it offers hotels, a shopping mall, restaurants— places where our participants can also bring their families and enjoy the facilities,” he added.

Among homegrown favorites who are expected to see action in this edition are Pitmasters 2 winner Jojo Cruz, world champions Dicky Lim and Anthony Lim, solo champs of World Pitmasters Cup in January Joey and Buboy delos Santos, and three-time World Slasher Cup champion Rey Briones, among others.

For more information, visit the 2017 World Pitmasters Cup (Master Breeder Edition) 9-Stag International Derby official Facebook page. Go to www.rwmanila.com or call the Tourist/Visitor Hotline at (632) 908-8833 for more upcoming world- class events at the country’s premier entertainment and tourism destination.