Friars and Filipinos: An Abridged Translation of Dr. Jose Rizal's Tagalog Novel,; 'Noli Me Tangere.'Rizal, José
History
Friars and Filipinos: An Abridged Translation of Dr. Jose Rizal's Tagalog Novel,; 'Noli Me Tangere.'
Rizal, José
Historical fiction; Philippines -- History -- 1812-1898 -- Fiction
In order to keep the Sabbath holy in the Philippines the people
generally go to the cock fight, just as in Spain they go to the
bull fight. Cock fighting, a passion introduced into the country and
exploited for a century, is one of the vices of the people, more deeply
rooted than the opium vice among the Chinese. The poor go there to
risk what little they have, desirous of making money without working;
the rich go there to amuse themselves, using the money which they
have left over from their feasts and thanksgiving masses. The cock is
educated with great care, with more care, perhaps, than the son who
is to succeed his father in the cock-pit. The Government permits it
and almost recommends it, for it decrees that the fight shall only
be held in the public plazas and on holidays from after high mass
till dark--eight hours.
The San Diego cock-pit does not differ from others which are found in
all the towns. It consists of three parts: The first, or entrance,
is a large rectangle, some twenty meters in length and fourteen in
breadth. On one side is the door, generally guarded by a woman who
collects the entrance fee. From the contribution which each one
makes the Government receives a part, some hundred thousands of
pesos each year. They say that with this money, which gives license
to the vice, magnificent schools are raised, bridges and roadways
constructed, and rewards offered for the encouragement of agriculture
and commerce. Blessed be the vice which produces such good results! In
this first precinct are the vendors of betel nut, cigars and tobacco,
delicacies and refreshments. There the small boys, who accompany their
fathers or uncles, are carefully initiated into the secrets of life.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account