Two interesting events combined. Making way to the World’s Game Fowl Expo and Pigeon Expo.
The recent World Gamefowl Expo drew a record crowd, while the simultaneous event, the 4th World Pigeon Expo & Congress, increased its attendance as well. Both took place at the World Trade Center in Metro Manila. Now the largest gathering for the local gamefowl industry, prior to its opening, the 7th Annual World Gamefowl Expo saw lines of eager visitors—coming from all over the country, across Asian, and as far as the United States—snaking around the building and spilling into the parking lot.
With over 8,000 square meters of exhibition space featuring the country’s top gamefowl breeders plus health
and nutrition specialists as well as equipment and accessory suppliers, the World Gamefowl Expo is a venue where gamefowl enthusiasts can come together and exchange the latest industry information and technology, purchase or sell their gamefowls, and find whatever else they need for their farms, all under one roof.
“Before the Expo, gamefowl enthusiasts would have to travel to the breeders’ farms in order to purchase
gamefowls. So if you were a backyard breeder with a limited budget, it would be very difficult for you to visit these farms as they were located in far-flung provinces. Today, all you have to do is go
to the World Gamefowl Expo and you will have access to the breeders, as well as reliable companies that supply feeds, vitamins, cages, and so on,” said Raquel Romero, president of World Expos & Concepts Inc., organizers of the World Gamefowl Expo.
Aside from exhibit booths, visitors were treated to daily raffles and free seminars discussing topics ranging from gamefowl nutrition, health, and even farm management. The country’s top breeders were also on hand to share their experiences in gamefowl conditioning and producing champion bloodlines.
On the other hand, pigeon fanciers swarmed the 4th World Pigeon Expo & Congress, which featured the country’s top pigeon breeders and suppliers. Collectively known as “The Big 3” in the racing pigeon industry, Jaime Lim, Egay Yap, and Nelson Chua led the opening ceremonies.
Visitors arrived early, eager to get the first pick of the champion lines for sale. Pet supplies, feeds, and pharmaceutical products were also available for sampling and sale. Daily raffle draws and product
presentations were held.
Perhaps one of the most-awaited events was the Q&A with The Big 3 and members of the Philippines
Homing Pigeon Association. It was a rare opportunity for fanciers to directly address a panel of experts and seek advice on their concerns on pigeon breeding and loft keeping.
Bogee Z. Romero, Worldexco Inc.’s marketing services manager, noted the increased turnout for 2017. “But we really didn’t expect the crowd to be this big! Not all breeders are ready or willing to share their secrets and sell their bloodlines. This annual event gives fanciers an opportunity to learn from industry leaders and to own pedigreed birds.”
The 4th World Pigeon Expo & Congress was presented by Worldexco, Inc. in cooperation with Alagang
Magaling & Pit Games Media and premier sponsor Excellence Rockdove. Media partners were Animal Scene,
Manila Bulletin, and Global Pigeon Fancier Magazine, while event partners were Chase Technologies Corp & IOT Technology Inc. The event was supported by the Philippine Homing Pigeon Association and the Philippine Fancy Pigeon Association.
Photos by Jeffrey Lim and CJ Raquion
This story appeared in Animal Scene’s March 2017 issue.