Pigeon racing?

There is a new sport that has become all the rage here in our little town of Bonuan. It involves racing pigeons. Bets range from as low as 20 to as high as 2,500 petot. The mechanics: owners (young men mostly) with their pigeons tuck under their armpits line up and upon the “go” signal ran to the finish line. Whoever crosses the line first wins. 

People of all ages cram the sidelines and jostle each other to get a front seat view of this serious event. So serious in fact that the police once intervened in the proceedings. Police later apologized upon learning that the man (name of Galis—self-explanatory) they forced into their vehicle was a participant. I think though that the apology was unnecessary. I mean what would police have thought if a ragged man, running with what seemed like loot clutched under his armpits all the while that the bystanders were hueing and crying, refused to stop when ordered?  

Today’s race was a little bland. Only two participants—Al and Alvin. And the prize, which can go up to 6,500 petot, was not so large this time: 1,400 petot.  Nevertheless, like all the previous races, this one was well attended, and I’m happy to report occurred without any life-threatening incident.