• CHERYL G. CRUZ
“Ang Manok ni Cano Gwapo” at Campuestohan Highland Resort in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, officially declared as the “Largest Building in the Shape of a Chicken” by Guinness World Records (GWR) Oct. 19, can be used by the Department of Tourism as another landmark destination.
The offer was made to DOT Secretary Christina Frasco by Campuestohan owner Ricardo “Cano” Tan at the formal declaration ceremony attended by his family, Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya, officials from Bacolod, Talisay, and other towns and cities in Negros Occidental, fighting cock breeders, and other stakeholders.
“How I wish our secretary of Tourism is here right now, so that I can personally offer to her office this icon – Ang Manok ni Cano Gwapo – to be the Tourism Icon. DOT can use this as, truly, this is an attraction,” Tan said in his message after the official declaration was made online by GWR official adjudicator Mai Mcmillan.
As per the GWR certification, the iconic landmark at the family-owned resort in Sitio Campuestuhan, Barangay Cabatangan, Talisay “measures 34.931 meters (114 feet, 7 inches) in height, 12.127 meters (39 feet, 9 inches) in width, and 28.172 meters (92 feet, 5 inches) in length”.
“Being certified by GWR is one thing that people will look up to. This is not just a feather in the cup of Philippine tourism. We have a structure full of feathers, waving (to) the world…(and) proudly Filipino,” Tan said.
He said the building, which he himself designed, pays tribute to the fighting cock industry. “When the sugar industry slumped and threatened our livelihood, it was the fighting cock industry that rose above the challenge. It gave us millions of pesos of revenue, gave millions of pesos of taxes, and employed thousands of people, directly and indirectly.”
“This structure is for our farmers, for our faith, and for our resiliency. The rooster will always rise above the call of the time…and so we are! We, Negrenses, can ignite the supply chain with our resiliency, just like what the fighting cock industry does,” Tan said.
He said it took them 456 days of non-stop construction, rain or shine, from June 10, 2023 when a hole for the foundation of the structure was first dug, up to Sept. 8, 2024 when Guinness World Records finally decided that the building is the largest in the world.
“Towering 115 feet high, with 115 steps of stairs, and 15 hotel rooms, our six-storey hotel in the shape of a chicken is now ready to accept guests,” Tan said. “Ang Manok ni Cano Gwapo was done by a private person. This structure was built out of our own sweat and blood.”
“This is now an icon in the Philippines. An icon that reflects Negros and its famous fighting cock industry. A structure for the world to appreciate, and be a source of pride for our fellow Filipinos. Something made by man and yet will inspire others and the world,” he stressed.
Officials of Talisay and Bacolod presented to Tan Oct. 19 the resolutions of commendation unanimously passed by their respective sanggunians congratulating Tan for this world record feat, and for putting Negros Occidental and the Philippines in the GWR map.
“We are the first country to hold the global record as home to the largest building in the shape of a chicken,” Tan said. “This icon will always remind us that we Filipinos and Negrenses can stand proud and face the world with pride and honor.” | CGC
