How Shaira Luna Met Banca, the Philippine Forest Dog She Rescued

The Filipina photographer lenses her rescue, an asong gubat from Laguna who was pulled from a life-threatening wound.

Some people have pets in their home. Other homes have pets with people in them. 

Shaira Luna belongs to the latter.

“I thought I was a cat person. But then, I ended up with 10 dogs. So now, I’m pretty much a dog person,” she says.

Shaira Luna’s Path From Aspiring Avian Vet to a Home of 10 Dogs

It began when Shaira was a toddler, growing up in a house shared with dogs, ducks, hamsters, rats, and even a seahorse. As a child, she would volunteer at Manila Zoo to feed the snakes and birds, and at 11 years old, she dreamt of becoming an avian veterinarian. “But that didn’t work out,” she says with a laugh.

For a long time, the seasoned photographer believed her connection was with birds; she had one that lived up to 13 years that was “practically attached” to her shoulder. But it was seven years ago, when she took in a bichon Pomeranian named Mexico (a gift from actors Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla) that her fate as a dog mom was sealed. 

Soon after, Shaira was given a toy poodle who gave birth to a litter of four, all of whom she meant to give away, and then didn’t. Later on, she adopted a dog for a friend, who after all decided they didn’t want a pet, and Mexico had another pup. 

“At first, you don’t know how you’re going to deal with one dog,” she admits. “But then, when they’re all here, what do you do? You make choices. And yeah, I work for my dogs.”

What Is an Asong Gubat, the Philippine Forest Dog?

In her living room, the mass of dogs scurry across the tiled floor, small enough to fit beneath tables and chairs without ducking their heads, except for one. At less than seven months old, Banca is easily twice the size of the rest of the pack, her physical prowess and natural speed owing to who she is as an asong gubat or Philippine forest dog.

Identified by their lean bodies, upright ears, and dark or tawny brindle coats, the asong gubat captured a wider audience in 2023, when a local canine group campaigned for their recognition as a distinct breed from the largely urban-dwelling asong Pinoy or aspin. Found in rural, forested areas, such as the remote parts of Bukidnon, the forest dog is known to be a loyal companion adept at hunting and surviving on challenging terrain.

At the time of her Vogue Philippines shoot, Banca’s surroundings have changed as she adjusts to life indoors, but the sweet girl isn’t complaining. Already, she’s warmed up to Shaira’s pack, almost knocking them over several times (“She’s just happy to see people. She thinks she’s small.”), and grown attached to her new companion.

While the nature of Shaira’s work means she’s often away at shoots, she devotes at least two hours to Banca every day, feeding her treats and “protecting her body against mine.” Her focus is on making a home, even though her Parañaque residence is a far cry from the lakes and highlands of Cavinti, Laguna, where Banca spent her time swimming, climbing, and visiting the guests at a local rental house, where Shaira first encountered her. 

How Did Shaira Luna Rescue Banca in Cavinti, Laguna?

In July, the visual artist found herself at a lakeside cabin to celebrate a friend’s birthday. While everyone was having dinner, she stepped out to enjoy the scenery and take photos of the stray dogs wandering around the property. Being the type to approach animals, she called out to one and pet her fur. It was only upon seeing the chain embedded in the dog’s neck, circled by flies, that her concern grew.

“I’m not one to be shocked by stuff like that, but it was one of the worst things I’ve seen on a dog,” she recalls. After being fed, the dog remained at her side and waited outside her door, and the rest of Shaira’s brief stay was dedicated to talking with the property caretakers, leaving cash for dog food while she searched for a veterinarian to remove the chain.

At home the next day, Shaira messaged the property owner, who shared her worry and later informed her that a caretaker was able to remove the chain, but the area was badly infected and the dog had run off. When leads for assistance on Instagram came up empty, the photographer knew that she needed to find another way.

“Around 12 midnight, I called my photography assistant. I called my photo studio driver. [I asked] are you free tomorrow?”

“Okay ma’am, anong shoot? (What is the shoot?)”

“We’re rescuing a dog.”

Somewhere along the three-hour drive, Shaira contacted an animal whisperer, and asked her to let the dog know they were coming back. The woman did so, honing in on where she was and prompting her to return. “Someone has chicken for you,” was the message.

The whisperer added that the dog’s name started with “Ba,” something that felt strangely right. After stopping to buy a pet carrier, Shaira noticed a sign leaving Barangay Banca-banca, and they eventually boarded a boat (or bangka in Tagalog) to finish the trip. It also summoned a memory of the night at the lakehouse, surrounded by friends who lovingly called each other “bakla,” a term of endearment reclaimed from its derogatory use.

The team was ready to wait an entire day, but once they arrived, Banca, as she became known, was there, limping but alive. She allowed the team to lift her into the carrier and onto the boat, where she finished her chicken, and they went straight to the nearest clinic. The next morning, Banca underwent surgery with Shaira’s go-to vet.

Banca’s Recovery and New Life in Shaira Luna’s Parañaque Home

“She was confined for a week, but she was such a happy dog,” Shaira remarks. Since the initial recovery period, Banca has gained three kilos and her wounds have almost fully healed, a slight indent in her fur being the only indication she was ever hurt. She has an AirTag and a proper collar, one that doesn’t tie her down and instead identifies her and where she belongs.

Now sharing a space with nine dogs and two cats, Banca has regular visits from a trainer to ensure that the transition is smooth for everyone. Between sessions, she likes to lie on the couch in the den, and Shaira says, “The first time I laid out a mat for her, she went wild!”

It’s moments like these that the photographer treasures most, because as much as the stars aligned to bring her and Banca together, it was also Shaira’s own craft and intuition that led her to make the connection stick. Her photos of Banca on the night they met allowed her to take the story to Instagram, and find the people and advice she needed to rescue her.

There is a common perception that multi-pet owners are crazy to accept the responsibility, yet Shaira expresses her love for the task, and that instead of weighing her down, the care she gives is freeing. “You’re responsible for 10 little bodies that feel like you are their safest friend, [and] that’s why I take things now more lightly or happily. Because work isn’t all that matters.”

Seeing the comfort that the two find in each other, one might ascribe the creative’s way with Banca to a history of working with dogs both on and off set. But ask Shaira, and she’ll tell you that expertise has nothing to do with it. 

“I don’t think I have the skill, I just don’t have the fear,” she professes. “I think that’s what makes it work sometimes. Just being open.”

Vogue Philippines’ Dogue Questionnaire: Shaira Luna and Banca

Below, Shaira and Banca answer Vogue’s Dogue questionnaire.

Vogue: What is Banca’s best quality?

Shaira: She’s a smiley face.

Who would voice Banca in a movie?

Me.

The most human thing Banca does?

She rests her jaw on my foot.

An item in your closet you wish you had the dog version of?

Oh my god, all my cowboy boots. 

Your ideal date with Banca?

I would like to bring her to a shoot because I think everyone needs to see how loving she is. And she loves people too, so I think that’s gonna be quite fun for her.

One thing you always want Banca to know?

That she has a home and she’s safe. And she’ll never have to hunt for food and she will always have a soft surface to lie on. 

Vogue: What is your full name?

Banca: Binibining Banca.

Astrological sign?

Libra rising and Capricorn-Aquarius sun.

Favorite toy?

My taste in toys is expensive… I like my Kong bone!

Favorite celebrity you’ve met through Shaira?

One Click Straight.

An album you love to vibe to?

The new Madonna album, Confessions II. 

Your message to fellow forest dogs?

Slay, po.

By AYLLI CORTEZ. Photographs by SHAIRA LUNA