“It’s amazing what a group of volunteers can do when they are driven by a passion to help alleviate animal suffering,” says Nita Hontiveros-Lichauco, PAWS President. “While we see a lot of cruelty in our line of work, we also come across acts of great kindness and generosity.”

Doggie buffet

Carlito’s Catering Service & Gerry’s Grill laid out a sumptuous spread for all the guardians while Hobbes & Landes prepared a separate buffet for the canine guests. Menu items included gastronomic delights for man’s best friend including Liver Steak topped with cottage cheese, Chicken Liver Delight topped with parsley, Mini Herbed Fish Loaves, “Walk in the Park” Cupcakes, Chicken Soup for the Dog Lover’s Soul (premium dry kibble made from all-natural ingredients) Make-Your-Own Bow-WOW! Salad, Doggie Sugarless Doughnuts, Canine Carrot Surprise and Wiggly Tails Gelatin.

Among the star-studded cast of attendees were Vina Morales with mini pom, Arf-Arf; Tim Yap and KC Concepcion with her dog, a pomeranian shih tzu; Heart Evangelista and Echo Rosales with Davies, their cocker spaniel; Dingdong Dantes and girlfriend Karylle with shih tzus Jack Sparrow and Kung Fu dressed in velvet coats; Regine Tolentino, husband Lander Vera-Perez and daughters Reigne and Reigen in outfits that matched those of their male doggie “escorts” shih tzus Porky and Sparky, which were voted Stars Of The Night along with Karylle’s “boys.”

Also spotted were Agot Isidro and husband Manu Sandejas with their choco brown lab named Tyson and their beagle, Elvis; Aliyah Parcs was with chihuahua Holiday; Toni Rose Gayda with her poodle, Coco, and her Labrador, Brix; Chico Garcia and his Chihuahua, Nairobi; Sarah Meier with husband Banjo Albano and daughter Kaya; theater director Audie Gemora; “Shall We Dance” judge, Edna Ledesma; Reema Changco with her golden retriever Sasha; Ipe Cruz with mini pin Bambi; Kaye Tiñga, wife of Mayor Freddie Tiñga of Taguig and her two kids who regretted not having brought their pet dogs to the event.

Other VIP guests included Chit Juan, CEO of the Philippine coffee chain Figaro, who was with COO Reena Francisco and their pet chihuahua Lilo, Stitch and Malcolm; Dr. Vic Atienza , Assistant Director of the Bureau of Animal Industry, with Dr. Angel Mateo, OIC of the Animal Welfare Division of BAI.

Major sponsor, Glove Broadband, made sure that the affair was enjoyed by animal lovers by setting up a photo booth with fun “talk bubble” placards which pet owners could hold next to their dogs as their pictures were snapped.

The main program were hosted by PAWS celebrities, Patricia Bermudez -Hizon and DJ Crystal and memorable numbers were rendered by AKA (composed of Philippine Idol finalists Arms, Ken and Apple), Audie Gemora and Karylle & Agot Isidro.

PAWS gave out special awards to those who helped them in their work for the animals.

Vets in Practice Animal Clinic, Ms. Luz Tanchoco and Mr. Willie Chua received certificates of appreciation for their outstanding contribution to the animal rescue and fundraising efforts of the organization.

Inducted into the “Order of the Platinum Paws” for exemplary acts of selflessness in the promotion of animal welfare were Bodhi Vegetarian Restaurant, pet hero Sassy, and five-year celebrity PAWS volunteer Pia Guanio. Bodhi provides the organization with transport for its rescues and caretakers for its shelter animals.

The only pet awardee, Sassy, was a shihtzu who showed quick thinking and great courage when she saved the life of her human, Ma. Luisa Benguero. Sassy alerted neighbors and housemates by barking incessantly and scratching at doors until they followed her to the spot where Benguero fell from a ladder and fractured her neck.

Pia Guanio, on the other hand, raised the most funds for PAWS by naming the org as the beneficiary of her wins in two TV game shows. The TV host was also cited for her active participation in PAWS fund raising events and raising awareness on animal cruelty by speaking about the issue in talk shows.

A tribute to Nita

PAWS President Nita Hontiveros-Lichauco also received a surprise tribute for her unselfish dedication to helping animals. Nita’s work dates back to the early 50s, and she is undoubtedly one of the pioneers of animal welfare in the country. Special video messages of support were sent by international animal welfare organizations. In his message, Greenpeace founder Richard Jones said, “It was wonderful working with you to get the Philippine Animal Welfare Act passed in 1998. It was like a miracle…a miracle that would not have happened without you.”