Life of the Party, Ms Congeniality, Best Dressed–which pets made it
Thousands of humans and their ward flock to the much-awaited event
EASTWOOD CITY, with the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), held its 9th Annual Pet Blessing last Oct. 6, drawing thousands of pet owners from all over Metro Manila in one of the biggest pet-centered celebrations this year.
Over 2,000 pet owners joined the celebration of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, at the Eastwood Mall Open Park. There were cute and cuddly dogs, fashionably dressed cats, turtles, birds and even reptiles.
“Eastwood City’s Pet Blessing is just one of the many ways in which we show our genuine affection and compassion for the animals. This year, we gave pet owners a pet blessing certificate to make this oncein-a-lifetime experience even more memorable for them and their companions,” said Kevin Tan, Megaworld first vice president and commercial division head.
Many pet lovers came as early as 10 a.m. to register for the blessing, while others came just in time for the procession of the image of St. Francis. The owners walked with their pets as the procession made its way around Eastwood City at 4 p.m.
The guests also enjoyed a variety show featuring a fun animal-theme trivia game and a special live performance by “The Voice of the Philippines” finalist Morissette Amon.
PAWS executive director Anna Cabrera gave a talk on animal care and presented the different animals up for adoption from the PAWS Animal Shelter.
Highlighting the show was the award- ing ceremony where five special awards were given: the Early Bird Award, which went to Marie Luz Arada and her pet Vesper; Life of the Party Award, which was given to Sarah Jane Lee and her pet JJ; the Ms Congeniality Award went to the night’s friendliest dog, Charley.
Daffodil Duran and her pet rabbit Mocassin took home the Scene-Stealer Award, while for the second year in a row, proud owners Tony and Louvin did their best effort to dress up their pet dog Cassie. Cassie won the Best Dressed Award.
Now on its ninth year, Eastwood City’s Annual Pet Blessing is among the most highly anticipated pet events of the year.
Since 2004, thousands of pet owners from different parts of Metro Manila, including celebrities, have been flocking to this annual celebration every year, taking the opportunity to have their pets blessed by a Catholic priest and become a part of their Christian life.