Here’s What Went Down At The First-Ever Dogue Party

Creatives, mall-goers, and dog lovers alike came together to celebrate their furry companions for an afternoon in Uptown Bonifacio

At the inaugural Dogue Party, in partnership with Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, the Atrium at Uptown Bonifacio became a runwayRunwayThe platform or catwalk on which models present a designer's collection to an audience of editors, buyers, and guests. Runway shows establish the creative statement of a season, and Vogue'sGo to Runway Glossary for the city’s stylish four-legged guests. Set within one of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls’ pet-friendly destinations, the gathering brought fur babies and their human companions together for an afternoon of play. Between having their portraits captured, mingling over canapés, and exchanging insights with industry tastemakers, guests embraced the occasion in style.

Among the likes of beauty editor Joyce Oreña and her Shiba Inu, Lco, and GQ Philippines editor-in-chief Danyl Geneciran and his French Bulldog, Pompi, were celebrity dog-owners such as actress Sanya Lopez and her Pominese, Angel; partners Daniel Matsunaga and Mainne Veiga, who brought their four (out of seven) Corgi children; as well as actors Shaira Diaz and EA Guzman, who arrived alongside their Pomeranians, Kookie and Curry.

At the start of the event, guests were immediately drawn to a capture station where all the best-dressed pets struck their model poses alongside photographer Excel Panlaque. Just beside, a live portrait session turned their owner’s best photos into hand-drawn and water-colored vignettes, while Barx Avenue gave way to customized collars that left guests with touching keepsakes to bring home. Animal Wellness Veterinary Clinic and Dogs and The City, however, showcased their respective varieties of treats, food supplements, and everyday accessories, with the former also offering wellness consultations with resident expert Dr. Guillermo Zialcita.

And while the dogs got to munch on some artisanal treats from Bark and Blends at the DogueDogueVogue Philippines' editorial series celebrating dogs and the people who love them, from rescue stories and family portraits to the history of dogs in Filipino life. Dogue brings the magazine'sGo to Dogue Glossary Dining Club, pet parents had their fill through savory canapés from Morton’s The Steakhouse, frozen yogurt from Red Mango, and milk tea from Chagee.

Helming the event’s first-ever DogueDogueVogue Philippines' editorial series celebrating dogs and the people who love them, from rescue stories and family portraits to the history of dogs in Filipino life. Dogue brings the magazine'sGo to Dogue Glossary Talks was actress and host Jasmine Curtis-Smith, who welcomed guests to a two-part conversation alongside Biyaya Animal Care president Rina Ortiz and Pfleider School owner and professional dog trainer Elise Pflieder. There, they discussed the importance of building shared habits between pet and owner, and how nurturing a relationship with furry companions can also improve personal well-being.

“Mental stimulation is one of the three things that all dogs need in order to be well-adjusted in a human home; the other two are physical exercise and a line of communication with their owner,” explains Pflieder. “Dogs are very intelligent beings, and with our life here in the city, we aren’t able to actually give them the life that they were bred to be.”

According to Pflieder, balancing a pet’s domesticated and natural tendencies does not necessarily require intense training, just consistency and quality time outdoors. “We can also teach our dogs tricks. Every trick that you teach your dog actually grows neural networks in their brain. Many of them actually get tired faster using their brains than using their muscles, and they need that,” she adds.

Anticipating a dog’s health needs is also an integral aspect of building a stronger bond that lasts. For Ortiz, she believes the right approach is often that one that’s preventative rather than responsive. “One issue that we see a lot of nowadays is blood parasites. I recently had one friend who didn’t know her Yorkshire terrier had Ehrlichia (or Ehrlichiosis) until she suddenly passed away. It’s really an epidemic that needs to be announced.”

While Ortiz does acknowledge that regular checkups can rack up over time, she does recommend other holistic approaches that can be easily done at home. As Ortiz shares, “There’s medication for prevention, but there are also homeopathic recipes that you can use. Just look online because there are so many that you and your pets can try.”

By the end of the conversation, Ortiz advised potential fur parents to reflect on their lifestyles before adopting, saying that’s what creates a connection between an owner and a companion that relishes in the same. “And there’s another very important thing: Dogs teach unconditional love. You could be in a bad mood for one day, yet they will still love you. And that teaches you patience; it teaches you to dig deep,” Ortiz adds.

Visit the Megaworld Lifestyle Mall website to learn more.