THE Pet Festival Philippines at Parkmall is back to promote animal welfare and responsible pet ownership with many exciting and fun activities, and prizes. From May 20 to 28, 2023, Parkmall will be transformed into one big playground for pets and pet owners to celebrate the sixth year of Pet Festival Philippines, which will carry the theme, Duwa. “Duwa” is a Bisaya term that means “to play” or “to compete.”
Inspired by the recently concluded 2022 Fifa World Cup, the concept highlights the spirit of Pet Festival Philippines which is having fun through playing and through winning its advocacy.
Pet Festival Philippines, a highly anticipated annual event at Parkmall, strongly advocates animal welfare and responsible pet ownership. More than just being a fun event, it is also an event-for-a-cause because it is for the benefit of furry friends rescued by the Island Rescue Organization.
Parkmall President, Neal Carlson Co, said: “I am thrilled to announce the return of the Pet Festival Philippines, the most spectacular pet extravaganza in the nation. As the pioneering pet-friendly mall in Cebu, we take immense pride in celebrating the extraordinary bond between humans and their cherished animal companions.”
He added, “Our unwavering affection for pets brings us comfort and joy, as they become our loyal and adored companions.This year's event will showcase a wide variety of pets, including dogs, birds, rabbits, and captivating exotic species.”
Pet Festival Philippines will formally open on May 22, Monday at 1 p.m. during the Pet Expo at the Atrium. The Pet Expo is a one-stop shop for pet-related products and services where pet owners and pet lovers can browse through a wide selection of pet suppliers.
The main highlight of the 9-day pet festival and crowd favorite is the Pawshionista: Pet-Sigarbo fashion show, where healthy rescued dogs and cats six months and above will hit the runway to showcase their stuff.
Rescued pets include those that have been adopted or were found homeless. To register in this fashion event, fur parents will be asked to show any form of documentation such as photos. They will also be asked to write their rescue story in at least 50 words.
However, even before the pet festival formally opens, pet lovers and fur parents can already hang out and chill at Central Bark from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on May 20 and 21. Known as Pet Jam, the outdoor fair for pets and pet lovers will feature pop-up booths, mini games, live performances and many more. Here, pet lovers can shop, eat, hang out and chill.
This year, most of the Pinoy games and events are named in Bisaya, so the Cebuano community can enjoy them more.
Feel the energy, enthusiasm and excitement when these main events will be held during the 9-day event:
Pet Expo, May 22 to 28 - View the exciting exhibits of this one-stop shop expo for pet-related products and services.
Bunyag (Pet blessing), May 27, 10 a.m. at the East Entrance - Inspired by St. Francis feast day because of his love for animals, this is a sacred gesture for our animal friends to have good health and happy lives and to be always protected and safe. During the ceremony, each pet comes forward to receive their individual blessings after the priest does a short prayer.
Free anti-rabies vaccination, May 27 to 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the 2nd floor Main Mall - Free vaccination will be given to the first 300 dogs and/or cats. In partnership with the Mandaue City Veterinarian’s Office, 150 shots will be given per day.
Free and low-cost pet microchipping, May 27 to 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 2nd floor Main Mall - This is open to all pets so pet owners are encouraged to have their pets microchipped. Microchipping was first launched in October last year where 122 pets availed of the low-cost campaign. This is also in partnership with PetsID.ph.
Parada (Pet Parade), May 27, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., in-mall - The event bears the theme Pinoy Sports. All pet owners, pet clubs will proudly walk around the mall together with their pets.Following the parade, all pet clubs will do a short introduction on stage about their organization to foster community building and nurture good relations among fellow clubs.
Registration is free for all pet clubs.
Here are the mechanics and ground rules: Group cheer for two minutes, the muse and escort (pet owners) will carry the banner and must be in a sporty costume. No floats are allowed. There will be one winner for muse and escort as Mr. and Ms. Pet Festival PH 2023 who will receive P2,000 each.
The winner of the Best in Cheering competition will receive P3,000; the first runner up will receive P2,000 and the second runner up will receive P1,000.
Sundayag (All-Breed Fun Match), March 27, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Piazza Rotunda - This pageantry for dogs has three categories: Small, Medium, and Large. The criteria are physical appearance, behavior during the walk and health status.
The Overall Best in Show will receive P2,500 cash, pet products, trophy, and certificate;
Female, Best in Show will receive P1,500 cash, pet products, trophy, and certificate;
Male, Best in Show will receive P1,500 cash, pet products, trophy, and certificate.
Lumba (Pet Adventure Race), Central Bark, Enclave, May 28 , 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Around the Mall - It’s back again this year! Activities can be in-timed competition, puzzles, obstacles that are a mix of traditional Pinoy games, parlor games and modern games. There is a P200 registration fee per team. A team is composed of two pairs of dog handlers.
The champion team will receive P8,000, medal and pet products; the first runner up will receive P5,000, medal and pet products; the second runner up will receive P3,000, a medal and pet products; and the third runner up will receive P2,000, a medal and pet products.
Pet Jam, May 20-21, May 27 to 28, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., Central Bark - A weekend outdoor pet fair where pet lovers and their pets can shop, eat, hang out and chill. This is in partnership with Cebu Furriends Pet Social.
Pet Talk, May 27, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., The Atrium - Listen to veterinarians from PetsID.ph explain the importance of microchipping pets and interact with them. Veterinarians from Animal Wellness Center will also discuss the dangers of heat stroke affecting pets in this oppressive summer heat. Don’t miss this event.
Pawshionista: Pet-sigarbo, May 28 at 5 p.m., Piazza Rotunda - The main highlight and most anticipated event that will cap the weeklong pet festival, this fashion event, this time, is made for rescued dogs and cats that are 6 months old and up, in good health and are not pregnant. They must not be in heat or diagnosed with a contagious disease. To join, there is a registration fee of P200 and proceeds from the event will go to the Island Rescue Organization.
The grand winner will receive P15,000 cash, trophy, certificate and pet items;
The 1st runner up will receive P10,000 cash, trophy, certificate and pet items;
The 2nd runner up will receive P8,000 cash, trophy, certificate and pet items.
For more updates of mall events, visit and follow the Parkmall’s official Facebook account. (SPONSORED CONTENT)