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The new landmark serves as a tribute to Negros Occidental’s cock breeders, who provided employment to many Negrenses when the province’s sugar industry declined in the 1980s
BACOLOD, Philippines – Talisay City, Negros Occidental has earned a Guinness World Record for being home to the world’s largest chicken-shaped structure.
Ricardo “Cano” Tan, owner of Campuestohan Highland Resort, announced on Monday, October 14, that his newly finished Rooster Hotel has been officially certified by Guinness as the largest of its kind.
Standing 115 feet tall, with 15 rooms designed within its chicken-themed architecture, the Rooster Hotel looms over the resort, attracting attention as a new landmark.
The Guinness World Records’ certification came just days ahead of the landmark’s unveiling, which is set for Saturday morning, October 19, and would be graced by Department of Tourism (DOT) officials and local dignitaries.
“This is beyond celebration. This is history,” he said.
Tan said it took years to conceptualize the unique edifice, intended not only for business but also as a tribute to Negros Occidental’s cock breeders, who provided employment to many Negrenses when the sugar industry declined in the 1980s.
The multi-billion peso cock-breeding industry is now one of the leading local industries in Negros Occidental, alongside sugar and swine, according to a report from the Office of the Provincial Veterinary of Negros Occidental.
With that in mind, Tan said his goal was to honor the cock breeders of the province and boost their morale through the construction of the giant rooster structure.
He said he hoped it would serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring Negrenses to continue working in an industry that not only produces some of the best fighting cocks but also supports the education of children whose parents work in over 2,000 cock farms across the province.
“I have never seen any chicken structure bigger than mine in Campuestohan. So, I had no doubt that I could meet the Guinness criteria. It took some time to lobby for certification, but after following the necessary procedures, everything turned out positively – it was worth the wait,” he said.
Tan said that out of 15,000 Guinness applicants in 2024, only 5,000 were approved, including his Rooster Hotel.
“Now that it’s built, it’s a legacy I want to pass on to my grandchildren,” he added.
Talisay Mayor Nilo Jesus Antonio Neil Lizares III said the new landmark would serve as a symbol of the city’s growth and potential.
“The new hotel will promote tourism and become a new landmark for Talisay,” the mayor said.
Jennylind Cordero, chief tourism operations officer of the Department of Tourism (DOT) for Region VI, which includes Negros Occidental, commended Tan’s initiative. She said any increase in hotel accommodations is a welcome boost to the local tourism industry, not only for the region but for the entire country. – Rappler.com
