Celebs and their Aspins: Alden Richards, Heart Evangelista, and other stars who are proud of their pooches
August 18 is National Aspin Day wherein the uniqueness of every native dog in the Philippines is commemorated.
This special day for fur parents was first declared by Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in 2021 as a way to show love to Aspins, formerly known as askals or asong kalye, after years of stigmatization.
Back in the day, it was clear that there was a big difference in how people perceive and treat Aspns, or Asong Pinoy, and the way that they do with designer or hybrid breed dogs. Aspins were often used as lowly guards chained to one place while the latter got pampered with expensive services.
Thanks to PAWS' initiatives, Aspins began to be seen equally with other breeds some notable Filipino celebrities are even proud of being fur parents.
Alden Richards
In 2022, Alden Richards was named the celebrity spokesperson of PAWS for their campaign "I Heart My Aspin." The 31-year-old actor was eager to take on this new role as he is also a proud fur parent of a seven-year-old Aspin named Chichi.
According to the actor, their family has always had dogs growing up and he has grown up knowing how to take care of them equally regardless of breed
"Lahat ng aso, dapat tinuturing na part of the family. Common pa rin kasi yung maling pag-iisip na pag native dogs, pwedeng hindi na masyado alagaan kase matibay naman sila. But that is so unfair."
He even shared how Chichi's caring and protective side would show whenever he pretended to cry or there were people around him. So, it upsets him even more to hear such degrading comments about native dogs from people. He hopes for a day where they can be unconditionally loved beyond their face value and appreciated for greatness as loveable pets.
Heart Evangelista
Heart Evangelista is another celebrity spokesperson of PAWS, who started volunteering for the non-government organization in 2006. Since then, she always showed her passion for animal rescue by constantly supporting their operations.
Currently, Heart has five dogs named Yogi, Casper, Khaleesi, Chicago, and Panda, an Aspin. She admitted Panda is her favorite companion, although she loves them all equally.
"I show my love for them by making sure that they’re healthy by giving them the right dog food or I even have their food cooked with boiled carrots and other really healthy food because I want them to have long lives with me," the actress said.
Panda also has her own Instagram account (@pandaongpaucoescudero) with over 60,000 followers as of counting, where she has photos of herself along with the rest of the fashion icon's pets. Panda is arguably one of the most popular celebrity pets in the country and is spoiled with her gifted designer items from fur parent Heart.
Carla Abellana
Veteran actress Carla Abella is known as one of the most vocal personalities when it comes to animals. The actress grew up in a household full of animal lovers, with their pets ranging from chickens, ducks, snakes, rats, and lizards to guinea pigs and fish.
In 2020, Carla adopted two Aspins named Fly and Wing from PAWS after seeing a touching post about them online. "It was difficult at first. They would just stay on their bed together or stay in the corner of our living room. I knew it would take a while for them to adjust so we just allowed them to slowly take their time getting used to everything," the GMA star recalled.
Unfortunately, Wing suddenly passed away in November after being rushed to the veterinarian. Although fleeting, Carla made sure to give the late pet the love he deserved during his life with her. The actress remains firm in her advocacy with Fly still by her side.
Sharon Cuneta
Premier actress and singer Sharon Cuneta proudly shared online the heartwarming story behind the adoption of her male aspin, Pawi. She first met the dog in 2021 while filming for her movie Devirginized at a beach resort in Olongapo City.
Sharon said Pawi was notably sweet towards her even though he was enduring a skin condition at the time. She couldn't help but get attached to the dog, so she decided to adopt him after someone from the city found and rescued him.
"When you walked up to me and I patted your head, then you rubbed your face so very gently and lovingly on my leg, you seemed like you wanted me to take you home with me. And now, after the great vets there are done treating you, you are coming HOME to me!"
Although it took a few months before Pawi was taken to the Megastar's home, the actress made sure he was healthy before anything else. Prior to his arrival, the aspin was being treated for his liver condition. He also suffers from mild kidney problems, but Sharon promises to take good care of Pawi, and he will be loved like he's never been before.
Teresa Loyzaga
Seasoned actress Teresa Loyzaga previously adopted an aspin named Olivia on top of being a regular supporter of Second Chance Aspin Shelter Philippines. According to the actress, she has always been fond of animals, having her first dog when she was two years old.
It has also been in her nature to rescue stray animals after experiencing it for the first time with a stray kitten. These experiences have shown her the influence that celebrities have, which they can use to encourage people to adopt animals in need.
“I wish to touch the hearts of everyone. Your love and compassion towards these innocent living souls will make a huge difference in their lives. Let us be their voices and let us all join hands in helping these beautiful souls”
Rita Avila
Author and actress Rita Avila is truly a certified animal lover based on her social media. In 2022, she shared the stories of her four Aspins named Pitchi Pitchi, Princess, Suman, and Puto. Each of them has a sad chapter in their life that was upended with the help of Rita.
The actress said some of the rescuees were suffering from extreme conditions. Luckily, their status improved over time, with the actress taking good care of each of them.
Because of this, Rita then pleads to those who are not fond of aspins, "Kung di mahilig at takot sa mga aso, huwag na lang silang saktan. Parang awa nyo na."
Royce Cabrera
Actor Royce Cabrera is also a proud owner of an aspin. The A Soldier's Heart star recalled in a 2022 episode of Eat Bulaga how he adopted his aspin Lulu.
Royce said he first met the dog in their sisig restaurant which Lulu frantically entered while looking filthy. There was heavy rain at the time, and Royce couldn't help but pity the puppy. So, he decided to adopt him instead. He named him Lulu after the anime character Lelouch because he looked "maangas."
"Nakakatuwa sa aspin yung para mo silang bodyguard. Secured at bantay talaga yung bahay," the actor quipped.