A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF ONLINE SABUNGEROS

With the rise of its popularity, cockfighting became a staple pastime in the Philippines. It has been integrated as part of the Philippine culture that Filipinos from all social classes participate in this gambling sport (Buncio et al., 2019). Due to the COVID pandemic, this pastime shifted online. This study was meant to understand the lived experiences of online sabungeros during the pandemic. It focuses on the ways in which they get involved, the bets they place, and the coping mechanisms they use after they win or lose a stake in online sabong.

This qualitative phenomenology study interviewed six (6) residents of Polomolok through Key Informant Interview (KII). Following that, a key informant interview guide was applied in order to collect the necessary data. The gathered information was transcribed and then subjected to thematic analysis.

The findings shown that the participation of online sabungeros in e-sabong was partially driven by the encouragement from their friends and acquaintances. They began playing sabong online during the peak of the pandemic. It grew increasingly dull when we were all advised to stay at home, and people constantly sought alternative forms of entertainment. Online sabong has become one of the most well-known forms of entertainment, and players view it as an easy money- making opportunity.

This study concludes that online sabong has influenced online sabungeros in different ways. The acquaintances of these sabungeros contributed a significant impact on their involvement in e-sabong. Participants are motivated to engage in online gambling as it only requires a load, internet connection, and gadgets. It became their pastime and stress reliever. It also became their alternative to earning money.