Pet-a-porter deluxe

They came, we saw... and they conquered our hearts in the process.

At the recent Dog Fashion Parade held in Makiling Park, Ayala Alabang, more than 40 dogs sashayed and posed for the cameras to the delight of the cooing crowd of fans. One of the highlights of the Pahiyas arts and crafts festival put up by the Ayala Alabang Village Association, the dog show was a fitting complement to the very colorful Maytime fiesta atmosphere.

"We have invited all dog lovers to bring their pets, whether askal or pedigreed, to share with us this fun event. You’ll see later on how enthusiastic these dog lovers are when it comes to their beloved pets," says Carmita Francisco, organizer of the Dog Fashion Parade. The event awarded to deserving dogs such prizes as King of the Day, Queen of the Day, Best in Small Category, Best in Medium Category, Best in Large Category, Most Original, and Most Organic.

Among the early birds at the dog show was Bilet Avecilla who took her little darling dogs, among them Bonzo, a one-year-old Toy Poodle, in a Wonder Woman (or was it Darna?) costume; and Furball, a three-year-old Pomeranian.

Waiting patiently nearby was Duchess, a nine-month-old Jack Russell with doting human Victoria Barcelona. A bored Zach, a Mini Schnauzer that comes from a line of champions, was being entertained by sisters Alex and Andrea Muñoz. Meanwhile, a restless Sammy was being pacified by Sabina Martin.

It took a while before the humans settled down and the dogs got all dressed up for the main event. Adoring pet fans and the fashionable "stars" of the day gathered inside a huge tent made cooler with huge fans set up all around. For a brief moment, chaos and mayhem – of the amusing kind, that is – seem to have taken place when 10 mixed breed dogs in colorful costumes entered from the sidelines. Imagine one handler holding 10 long leashes of chirpy, jumpy pups raring to strut their stuff.

Judges for the fashion tilt included Brgy. Ayala Alabang chairman Roland Pineda, Pernille Harboe of Samson ‘n Mom, Gwen Gozum of Pooch Couture, Pedigree’s Mae Reyes, and this writer. To catch the attention – and the hearts – of the judges and the audience, winning dogs must have good grooming, good behavior and a fabulous fashion sense. The participants were divided into three categories: small dogs (up to 4 lbs.), medium (4 to 7 lbs.), and large (7 lbs. and up). The Most Original entry must wear a one-of-a-kind costume, not to mention a cool attitude. The Most Organic prize, meanwhile, referred to the most environment-friendly doggie attire.

Among the entries that created a stir among the crowd were a Toy Poodle garbed in a red racing uniform and who made the rounds aboard a toy race car; an adorable Lab dyed baby doll pink; a couple of Toy Poodles – again dyed pink and blue (no worries, we were told that these were vegetable dyes) – charming in fairy princess costumes, one of which sauntered on the stage on his hind legs; a Jack Russell Terrier named Duchess in a hot summer number, to name some.

It was a cliffhanger of sorts for the pet owners as they waited for the votes to be cast and the winners chosen. Meanwhile, most of them decided to stroll around the park and dropped by Lovepets.com, which offered free nail-clipping and ear-cleaning for all dogs. Some scooted over to a friendly veterinarian for free pet consultations, while others listened to some words of pet wisdom from a breeder invited by Pedigree-sponsored clubs. Yet others, especially would-be owners, trooped to the Pedigree Selling Booth, where a Select a Dog Program, which helps a future pet owner choose the dog that best suits his lifestyle, was put up.

Several minutes later, the results were in. With bated breath, the crowd fell into a hush and waited as emcee Lauren Liechtenstein started to announce the winner.

The Best in Small Category prize went to Mister, a six-and-a-half-year-old Mini Pin that looked dapper in a black tuxedo and red boots, and is owned by Isabella Estella.

The Best in Medium winner was Maximus, a three-year-old Jack Russell Terrier owned by Fernando Carrascoso III. Looking brave in a gladiator suit (with a golden sword to boot), Maximus would easily give Russell Crowe a run for his money.

A Shetland Sheepdog clearly charmed the judges and the crowd when it ran away with the Best in Large Category. Six-year-old Copper, owned by Rosario Padua, looked so adorable in denimwear and boots.

Daphne, a two-and-a-half-year-old Shih Tzu owned by Gino Santos, won the Most Original prize hands-down. Daintily pretty in ribbons and lace, this blushing bride charmed everyone with her fashionable wedding gown. No sight of the groom though for this runaway bride.

No, the Most Organic award didn’t go to the vegetable dyed-entries. Instead, the judges unanimously voted for Fatso, a 10-year-old Pug that hula-d his way to the winners’ circle. Owner Jenny Chua painstakingly cut some banana leaf, washed it and sundried it for a couple of days, before she sewed it into a grass skirt. As a final touch, she strung some blooms to make a lei. Truly a labor of love, and very environment-friendly at that.

Another Pug, named Pumpkin, was declared the Queen of the Day. Owned by Francesca Balaguer, the one-year-old cuddly pup was prim and proper in her black coat and furry, Legally Blonde-ish pink boots. It must have been a tiresome fashion parade for Her Highness unceremoniously plopped on the wooden platform after she was crowned, and with expected poise, surveyed her well-wishers and adoring subjects.

There was no question about it but four-year-old Hammer, a black Lab owned by Angie Palisoc, was truly deserving of the King of the Day award. The moment he entered the venue, all eyes fell on this hunk of a dog with the shiny, deep-black coat with a very minimalist yet oh-so elegant fashion sense with silver chains and a plain baseball cap. Never in the hour or so fashion show did he throw a tantrum nor become restless. Fashion sense, check. Good grooming, check, check. Good behavior, check, check, check.

All winners went home that day with doggie bags courtesy of Pedigree and other sponsors. The humans, meanwhile, got more than what they expected that day. They went away armed with a deeper appreciation for man’s best friend and that alone is prize enough.