It was a concert meant to celebrate “World Animal Day” (WAD). But it had to wait because of all the woes caused by typhoon Ondoy.
The date of the event should have been Oct. 4.
There were not a lot of people who were in the mood for any sort of celebration, so PAWS opted to change their WAD celebrations to a fund-raising event.
A concert for a cause. That’s what they called it. The beneficiaries? The many pets that were rescued from the floods in Pasig, Marikina and Laguna.
“We wanted to make sure that people became aware that many pets suffered during Ondoy,” said PAWS director and WAD ambassador Anna Cabrera. “A concert is really a good way of getting people together for fun and also for making them understand just how much more help the shelter needs.”
And the response? Just great. Donations came in the form of goods, and even some cash. The PAWS booth that was set up at the Mall of Asia was inundated with bags of pet food, old blankets, portable cages and medicine.
This was a clear sign to those of us who witnessed the sharing that day, that indeed people, when it comes to their pets, will give all they can. As a “reward,” the audience at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall got treated to spectacular performances by animal-loving bands and singers like True Faith, Apple Chiu, Princess, Reklamo, Paramita, Dana Sianghio, Bembol Rockers, The Late Isabel, Sabrina, Dianne Elise, NATF, The Speed Dancers and international star Sam Bradley from the Twilight OST.
The highlight of the event was when Anna Cabrera made a presentation on how the rescue operations were mounted by PAWS and other international and local animal groups like International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), Humane Society International (HSI), Feathered Friends Foundation, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), provincial and city veterinarians of Laguna and Pangasinan, Dr. Ben Perez, Mayor Caloy Mapili of Tayug, Mayor Herminio Romero of Mangaldan, Pangasinan; Bureau of Animal Industry’s Dr. Vic Atienza and Col. Rey Labayen of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
At the end of her presentation, Cabrera presented Twiggy and Lynn, two of the animals saved from the floodwaters in Pasig and Marikina. The rescued Aspin dogs drew applause from the very appreciative audience. Even the performers and the hosts, DJs Crystal and Tina Ryan, gave them a standing ovation.
”We salute PAWS and the incredible work that they do,” True Faith lead singer Medwin Marfil remarked before he launched into the band’s final song.
When Rachel Alejandro, Gian Magdangal, Jan Nieto, Harry Santos, Aliya Parcs and Vince Alaras sang Heal the World, inspiring images of the animal rescues were played onscreen and the visibly moved crowd started raising their hands and singing along.
In typhoon-devastated Philippines, this was truly the way that World Animal Day should be celebrated — by showing the world that Filipinos can come together, in the toughest of times, to help everyone out, including the animals, through song and the spirit of camaraderie.
PAWS would like to thank everyone who sent donations to support its animal rescue and relief operations. To get updates on the rescued animals, visit www.paws.org.ph.
The event was made possible through the generous help of SM Mall of Asia, Alpo Chop House, McDonald’s, Frontline Plus, Magnolia Healthtea, Magnolia Fruitdrink, Magnolia Purewater, By Nature Handmade Soaps, Yes Movement, Human Nature, The Picture Company, Krispy Kreme, Mypetchannel.tv, Royal Carribean Jamaican Patties and the Philippine STAR “Pet Life” Section.
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PAWS would like to announce that the Philippine premiere of Earthlings will be on Nov. 14, 10:30 a.m. at TriNoma Cinema 4. Earthlings is the award-winning documentary about the suffering of animals for food, fashion, entertainment and medical research. It is narrated by Academy Award nominee Joaquin Phoenix and features music by platinum-selling recording artist Moby. Seats are limited. For ticket reservations, call 924-2902 and look for Paolo. Tickets for the Sept. 27 screening will be honored on Nov. 14.