On May 31, 2025, Capitol Commons Park in Pasig City, Philippines, transformed into a vibrant haven of flowers, laughter, and wagging tails. Despite the unexpected downpour, animal lovers gathered to celebrate their beloved pets at the inaugural “Pets de Mayo” event, a creative twist on the traditional Filipino “Flores de Mayo” festival. The day was filled with joy, games, and a unique pet fashion show, shining a light on the deep bond between fur parents and their companions.
A Fiesta of Fur and Flowers
The “Pets de Mayo” event, organized by Ortigas Land, aimed to bring a burst of sunshine to the community just before the rainy season took hold in June. Bianca Lagman, a marketing officer with Ortigas Land and one of the event’s organizers, shared the vision behind the celebration. “We wanted to end the summer with a nice fiesta of fur and flowers” she said. The event was designed as a bonding opportunity, encouraging pet owners to socialize their animals through a pet bazaar, interactive games, and shared activities on a lively weekend. 
From the outset, the park buzzed with energy. Games like the butterfly hunt, where families searched for hidden butterflies, and an eating contest for pets brought laughter to participants and onlookers alike. A hula hoop challenge for fur parents and trivia sessions to educate owners about pet care added an engaging mix of fun and learning to the day’s agenda.
Strutting in Style: The Pet Fashion Show
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the pet fashion show, where over 20 pets and their owners took to the runway in “Santacruzan”-inspired costumes, reflecting a traditional Filipino procession honoring the Virgin Mary. Each participant crafted a unique story behind their attire, making the parade a deeply personal expression of creativity and love. Awards such as the Reyna Elena Award, Prinsipe Flores Award, and Royals of the Runway Award were set to recognize the most standout entries, though the evening’s heavy rains forced organizers to postpone the ceremony and announce winners later on social media.
Among the participants was Jewel Noel, a devoted fur mom from Pasig City, who joined with her two rescued cats, Zigzag and Zabby. Noel shared their heartwarming backstory with INQUIRER.net, explaining how both cats were rescued in 2024—Zigzag in April and Zabby in November. “We assume that they’re from the same parents because my neighbor breeds Siamese, but then they don’t want to spay them” she said, highlighting the challenges of managing community cat populations. Zabby, found trembling under a car, marked her debut at a fashion show, while Zigzag, a veteran of seven events, strutted with confidence.
For Noel, who cares for 16 rescued cats, these events are more than just entertainment. “For me, win or lose, it’s okay. The important thing is that I’ve been an advocate for pet rescue, spay or neuter, and also, you know, they deserve equal love as the dogs and cats that have a breed” she said. Her passion for giving rescued animals a better life was evident as she dressed Zigzag as “Constantino” and Zabby as “Reyna Emperatriz,” adorning their carrier with purple and pink flowers to match their outfits.
A Deeper Bond Through Loss and Healing
Noel’s participation carried an emotional weight, as she reflected on her late dog, Princess, who passed away in September 2023 after battling illness. The pair had shared many bonding moments at similar events since October 2022, making each fashion show a poignant reminder of their time together. After months of grief, Noel found solace in her rescued cats, particularly Zigzag, whose demeanor mirrored Princess. “Through Zigzag, I felt like Princess was never gone” she said, her words capturing the healing power of animal companionship.
Stories like Noel’s underscored the event’s broader significance. “Pets de Mayo” was not just a celebration of pets but a platform for advocacy, raising awareness about rescue, spaying, and neutering, and emphasizing that all animals—regardless of pedigree—deserve love and care. Even as the rain cut the day short, the spirit of community and shared purpose remained unbroken. Fur families left with smiles, their bonds with their pets strengthened by a day of shared joy.
A Small Win for Community Spirit
Though the heavy rains prevented the awarding ceremony from taking place as planned, the event’s impact lingered. Organizers promised to celebrate the winners online, ensuring the participants’ efforts would not go unrecognized. For attendees like Jewel Noel, the true reward was in the experience itself—a chance to honor their fur babies and connect with others who share their passion. As Pasig City’s pet lovers look forward to future editions of “Pets de Mayo,” the event stands as a small but meaningful win for community spirit, proving that even a rainy day can’t dampen the love between humans and their loyal companions.
