NCA championship derby under way

MANILA, Philippines - The National Cockers Alliance (NCA) kicks off the cockfighting season with the staging of the World Championship Derby today featuring top local and American breeders at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

George Torres, Romy Arciaga, Rene Medina, Barletta, Tom Wilson and Boyd and Allen Gambrel head the US contingent in the three-day event which resumes on Jan. 14 with the semis. The finals will be held Jan. 16.

Rudy Albano, Jimmy Ang, Patrick Antonio, Rep. Iggy Arroyo, Ferdie Buensalida, Efren Canlas, Ka Luding, Erid de Guzman, Eric dela Rosa, Jet Fernando, Pete Ison, Jun Jingco, Rudy Jingco, JV Magsaysay and Ricky Magtoto lead the NCA group in the event.

Other local entries include Manolo Lopez, Vice Mayor Nestor Mercado, Lito Orillaza, Ricky Valencia, Philip Chiongbian, Capt. Goto, Sen. Bong Revilla, Gov. Chavit Singson, Bong Pineda, Manny Co, Boyet Joson, Boy Jiao, Ramon Manzanares, Jojo Cruz, Ricky Reyes, Gov. Amante, Magno Lim, Rey Briones, Butch Uy, Bebot Roxas, Pol Estrellado, Blandy Tolentino, Claude Bautista, Alex and Gerry Escalona, Jun Topacio, Rio Salceda, Jerry Fevidal, Roy de Roca, Gen. Gualberto, Alex Atienza and Johnny Martinez, Ka Luding, E. Santos, Joey and Buboy delos Santos, Johnny Jalandoni, Celso Evangelista, Edwin Yap, Efren Canlas, Danny Teves, Charlie Ang, Rudy Hamistand and James Uy.

The derby will also serve as a showdown between the groups of Gerry Ramos and George Torres, Patrick Antonio, Gov. Ito Ynares, Mercado and Orillaza against the team of Elmer Nepomuceno and Ricky Magtoto.