NCA World Derby unfolds at Ynares

MANILA, Philippines - The National Cockers Alliance (NCA) World Championship Derby, dubbed by top American breeder Dan Gray as the “toughest in the world,” gets going today at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao will field two entries in the three-day international event which features the best of the best in the cockfighting, including Bong Pineda of San Juan, Patrick Antonio of Pasay, Nestor Mercado and Lito Orillaza of Makati, and famous cocker Bebot Uy of Davao.

Iggy Arroyo and Johnny Jalandino will represent the highly fancied bets from the Visayas in the event sponsored by Sagupaan Complexor. The semifinals will be held Thursday with the finals set on Saturday.

Others in the fold are Gerry Ramos, Manny and Armand Santos, Ruel Ricaford, Jun Topacio, Jimmy Ang, Manny Sagon, Eric dela Rosa and Buchoy, Mario Villamor, James Uy, Eddie Gonzales, Jun Santiago, Cipriano “Goto” Violago, Bebot Roxas, Efren Canlas, Jun and Rudy Jingco, Terence Madlangbayan and Brothers, Jet Fernando, Boyet Joson and Allan Tan, Bebot Villar, Ellan Nagaño, Pete Ison, Alex and Gerry Escalona, Homer Mercado and Friends, Ito Ynares, Jun Mendoza, Danny and Joel Teves, Romy Lim, Bong Carreon, Ricky Magtoto, and Teng Rañola.