The Ampil Brothers Gamefarm
The Ampil Brothers — Choi, Joseph (also known as Gerard in some contexts), and Gerard — are highly respected gamefowl breeders from the Philippines, particularly associated with Escalante in Negros Occidental and Cainta, Rizal. They are often referred to as the "Philippine version of the legendary Goode Brothers" (Jay, Paul, and Joe Goode from the USA) due to their collaborative approach, division of roles, and success in breeding precise, accurate-cutting fighters.
Background and History
The brothers began their serious involvement in gamefowl breeding in 1989, when they took over the breeding stocks from their maternal uncle, Jun Maravilla (who adopted Joseph, explaining his different surname). By 1990, Choi resigned from his job at the Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corporation, and Joseph left a promising career in industrial engineering to focus full-time on the farm.
Their family roots trace back to Negros Occidental, a hotspot for gamefowl breeding in the Philippines. The brothers divide responsibilities similarly to the Goode Brothers: one focuses on breeding, another on fighting/conditioning, and the third on management/finances. Joseph often handles the hands-on farm work, including frequent visits to their mountain-located farm.
Achievements
The Ampil Brothers gained major recognition in 2006 when their entry EYB AIR Assault II (in partnership with Edwin Bacud) won the prestigious World Slasher Cup II 8-Cock Invitational Derby with an unmatched score of 7.5 wins. Their birds were noted for surprising the competition with deadly accurate cutting ability.
They have consistently showcased at events like the World Gamefowl Expo (e.g., 2020 at the World Trade Center), displaying lines such as Moonwalker Pumpkins and others.
Gerard Ampil is also known for sharing expertise, including presenting a popular 21-day conditioning keep program at seminars (e.g., for Lakpue Drug Inc.), which emphasizes deworming, delousing, nutrition rotation, and careful medication to optimize fight performance.
Bloodlines and Breeding Focus
The Ampils are renowned for working with Lemon-based blends and infusions, building on the iconic Philippine Lemon strains (like Lemon 84 from Paeng Araneta). Their lines include:
- Lemon-Roundhead crosses
- Lemon-Dan Gray blends
- Lemon-Hatch infusions
- Sweater-Kelso
- John Bishop Kelso
- Mel Sims Grey
- Pumpkin-feathered variants (e.g., Moonwalker Pumpkins)
Their birds are prized for intelligence, precise cutting, timing, and consistency in the pit — traits that align well with the smart, evasive style of Lemon bloodlines.
Examples of classic Lemon 84 influences (foundation for many Ampil blends):
The Ampil Brothers remain influential in the Philippine sabong (cockfighting) community, emphasizing quality breeding, rigorous conditioning, and proven performance. Their farm continues to produce competitive birds sought after by enthusiasts.
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