“Princess” reigns as pet show winner during Colegio Week 2024

Michael Rivera

MANILA, Philippines – Princess, a Shih Tzu owned by Kailah Kristine Sison from the College of Psychology, took home the crown during the 2024 Paws and Applause: A Letranite Pet Show organized by the Guidance, Counseling, Testing, and Placement department, together with Pet Stuff and Shop as their sponsor, as part of the celebration of Colegio Week at the Letran Grounds on November 26. 

Snoop, a pomeranian owned by Mr. Justien Hong, took home the first runner-up title while Kendra, a French Bulldog owned by Kate Ysablle Balde from ABM12B was awarded second runner-up.

The judges of this year's competition are Dra. Joan Primitiva, a veterinarian, Mr. Thomas Eric Paulin, from the Senior High School Department, and Mr. John Mico Manalo, from the Junior High School Department.

"Me as a judge, I always look at the appeal of their pets on how they would interact with their owners and audience. Also, I am fond of creative dresses that the fur babies are wearing," Dra. Primitiva said, stating her preference for grading the winning candidates of the Pause and Applause.

The competition started smoothly with five contestants who showed their charisma and cuteness on the runway, namely Princess, Kendra, Kimchi, Snoop, and Nala with their respective owners.

Meanwhile, the owners were asked about their memorable experiences with their fur babies and shared their humorous and heartwarming stories.

The owners of the other contestants also shared their heartwarming experiences which made them determined to be a proud fur parent.

While the organizers were tallying the scores, Rev. Fr. Jose Martin Sibug OP, the Vice President for Administrative Affairs, blessed the contestants and their fur babies with a prayer dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

“We invoke God’s blessing on these animals and we thank God for letting us share the Earth with all the creatures,” Fr. Sibug stated in his blessing.

After, the winners were awarded, however, one of the judges left a message of satisfaction and recommendation for all the fur parents who participated in the competition. “They are very good fur parents sa nakita ko sa kanila, however, I would recommend them to be more creative on the dress that their pets would wear. Pero overall, I was satisfied with their performance.” Dra. Primitiva said in her interview.