He is best known for his derby entry name Prince and Yanzi (the names of his two kids). Young and unassuming, Ryan Sigue, a businessman from Laguna, jolted Bohol’s cockfighting circle when he built a multi-million cockpit arena in of all places Sikatuna. Why Sikatuna is a story of its own and we’d rather tackle this issue if only to highlight its significance. First off, why the big deal about the Sikatuna Cockpit Arena. Asked about this loaded question, Sikatuna Mayor Jose Ellorimo was ecstatic. He said, for one, in terms of attracting investments, Sikatuna has arrived. With its vast open spaces, tucked with lush vegetation and therefore ideal for game farms, it was no surprise that the owners of Sikatuna Cockpit Arena chose the town to build the first top-of-the- line cockpit in Bohol. In the business of cockfighting, it is presumed that game farms and cockpit go hand in hand just like hand in glove.

Top-of-the- line? Is Bohol ready to host such kind of cockpit?

For Ryan Sigue, it’s an idea whose time has come.

Indeed throwing in P20 million to build such kind of cockpit may be a crazy idea to some. But not to Sigue. He is convinced that in due time, the Boholanos will be ready to accept the reality that cockfight is not just the blood sports for aficionados but somehow will morph into something of a wholesome entertainment. Mr. Sigue must have been aware that in practically all centers of gambling like Las Vegas and Macau, big-time casino moguls the likes of Sheldon Anderson, Stanley Ho, to name a few, have succeeded in repackaging casino operations into an entertainment package for the entire family. Call it the evolution of gambling into gaming.

In the case of the Sikatuna Cockpit Arena, more than attracting game bird habitués from all over the country, its owners are also considering the fact that it will become the town’s tourist attraction. A cursory look of its design details, would show that the arena is not just for cockfighting. Fully-landscaped, one feature of the cockpit is how a row of full-grown mangoes were converted into eating places after the trees were constructed with concrete beaches to sit at least eight patrons.

What made the cockpit a cut above the rest?

According to Bohol standards, no cockpit can match the Sikatuna Cockpit Arena in terms of cockfighting amenities. At its entrance alone, entering the establishment is no easy way. Unless a patron is armed with an e-card, no way will he be allowed entrance. The most prominent feature of the cockpit that is not found in any so-called modern cockpit in Bohol is its two-storey cock houses. Fully air-conditioned, the cock houses are reserved for game birds used to an air-conditioned environment while being prepared for big-time derby fights. For VIP cockers, the new cockfighting center has its own exclusive room too and fully air-condition.

With tourism in mind, both Ryan Sigue and Mayor Ellorimo agreed that with the new cockpit, the town’s tourism program will be reinvigorated. Located in Abukay Norte, the barangay road en route to the new cockpit also leads to the famous Sikatuna Tree Park, a camping ground which the LGU developed as a tourist destination. Excited at the prospect that his town has finally found a niche of its own in Bohol’s tourism industry, Mayor Ellorimo said he is bullish that somehow the new cockpit will give his town mates employment and livelihood opportunities. He said with big time derbies going to Sikatuna, the accompanying economic activity will surely perk up the local business. For one, the cockpit is indeed designed for big-time derby encounters. For how else explain the fact that it has its own air-conditioned cock houses.

For its opening salvo on September 18, Prince and Yanzi as derby promoter is expecting big-ticket breeders from Laguna, Batangas, and other parts of Southern Luzon who are coming to town. Cockers from Bacolod, Cebu, and Dumaguete are also bringing in their best fighting cocks to participate in the opening derby on Wednesday. Local breeders will also put up their own challenge against the visiting cockers in the four-cockfest opener. Not big-time in terms of prizes but the guaranteed prize of P300,000 is enough reason for game bird buffs from all over are attracted to the opening derby. Management is expecting an entry of from 80 to 100. Before the opening derby, the cockpit will have its blessing and inauguration a day before. Hackfights are lined up as part of its opening activities. The hackfights will be on Friday and Saturday. According to cockpit management, regular hackfights are on Saturdays. The new and modern Sikatuna Cockpit Arena is a project of MCRIB Builders through Engr. Elmer Capayas.