MANILA, Philippines - You see famous stars always on the go — filming, doing commercials, being hounded by the paparazzi, attending premieres, doing charitable works, globe-trotting. But often stealing the limelight are their companions — their pets. Now who would have thought they could actually take care of pooches or cats? It’s not just Hollywood celebrities who are known to pamper their pets. Even here, there are interesting personalities who lead active lifestyles who let their pet dogs and cats shine along with them.
Pets have become such an important part of people’s lives that Bow & Wow, the premier all-natural pet food store in the Philippines (located at the fifth level of Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City), decided to take a peek at some Filipino celebrities’ pet experiences.
Bianca Araneta- Elizalde, commercial model, host and mother of two:
Perrito is the nine-month-old Norwich Terrier who helps brighten up the home of Bianca Araneta-Elizalde. “I grew up with a bunch of various pets and am not comfortable without one. I find that having pets keep one happy and grounded. I’m hoping Perry enriches the life of my kids the way my dogs enriched mine,” Bianca shared. Perrito is very active and healthy — he has a good coat and teeth and bright eyes. He is also very alert and playful. Best of all, he’s very patient with Bianca’s three-year-old child. As for his chow, Perrito eats mostly raw food twice a day. Bianca gives him ground beef mixed with beef liver and fruits and vegetables. Bianca said Perrito enjoys munching on a variety of snacks and treats from Bow & Wow. “They’re all natural,” she enthused. Perrito’s favorite training treat? String cheese! Bianca scrubs Perrito clean every day, bathing the pampered terrier when necessary. “Perry came into my life at the perfect time, when I really needed him most. And he has really made the whole family so happy,” Bianca said.
Susan Campos has a male half-Russian/half-Blue Siamese, a regal-looking cat with a long and sleek body that was given to her as a gift. Named Poza, her feline companion has sensitive eyes and is low-maintenance — the cat does not have to be groomed. She describes him as very intelligent, lazy but cunning, with cute antics, very affectionate and charming. Poza loves sleeping on his master’s lap if not on the stairway landing. He loves chicken and sushi, plus other edible treats like popcorn and porkchop bits. “Poza seems to get adequate exercise on his own.” A gallivanting cat who would stay out all day and come home all greasy, he’d have to be pinned down by Susan with the assistance of two househelps to be bathed. Susan also has a two-year-old Dachshund who’s the best buddy of one-year-old Poza. Asked how her pets have enriched her life, she said: “They have contentment and seem to be smiling whenever they look at me and my family.”
Jennifer Rosales, first Filipina golfer to win on the LPGA Tour and commercial model:
Jennifer Rosales, the Filipina professional golfer who actively plays the US-based LPGA Tour, has her hands full delivering action on the fairways, but manages to find quality time for her pets. In fact, she brings along “Asia,” her Yorkie, whenever she travels. Asia is a world-class traveler who has gotten used to staying in first-class, pet-friendly hotels. Asia has traveled extensively all over the US, Canada and the Philippines. The Manila-born champion golfer who has established a pattern of consistent success in local and international events takes pride in her “baby” whom she purchased in South Carolina. Jennifer relates that whenever she has a golf tourney, Asia waits for her in the hotel room. She would return finding Asia tucked in her clothes, pieces comforted by a whiff of her master’s scent. Asia tends to be possessive and will bark and run after male visitors. Jennifer says that her beloved pet makes her happy when she’s feeling sad. She makes sure that her pet gets daily exercise. She dotes on her dog, and goes to the extent of buying doggie clothes and toys. “If she’s good, I give her a cookie,” Jennifer shared.
Manny Pacquiao, international boxing champ voted as “one of the world’s most influential people” in 2009 by Time magazine, actor, TV host and philanthropist:
Manny Pacquiao’s puppy love is a caramel brown-headed pup with a cute white marking along her nose (and an over 50 percent white body). He received it as a gift from a friend upon returning to Manila following his win over Ricky Hatton last May. When asked what he’d name the pooch, he quipped, “Siempre, Pacgirl!” He actually said “para may kapartner si Pacman dog ko na nakatira sa LA. Pareho sila ng lahi.” Manny describes the four-month-old Jack Russell Terrier as perky, hyperactive, cheery and intelligent. Fun to play with, Pacgirl is a wonderful and affectionate companion. She jumps a lot, especially during bathtime, which she relishes. She gets enough exercise by walking on a leash daily. Pacgirl is in her glory with space to run and play.The puppy has grown to love natural doggie chews like Breath-A-Licious and also eats “Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance Original Ultra” from Bow & Wow. Pacgirl gets her fill of vital nutrients with “Dancing Paws” daily multivitamins and minerals. She also gets regular nail grooming, the required vaccines and vet home visits. Don’t be surprised if, someday soon, you’ll see Pacgirl joining Pacman the dog accompanying their master Manny Pacquiao while training.
Like these pet-loving personalities, Bow & Wow upholds a commitment to provide reliable, loving and best care for pets. Located at the fifth level of Shangi-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City.