ICYMI: Grab Reintroduces GrabPet, Delights Filipino Pet Parents

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 16 October 2023 –  Grab Philippines officially reintroduces its pet-friendly mobility service GrabPet, giving pet parents better access to safe, reliable and convenient transportation as they move about with their beloved furry, feathered, or even scaly companions.

GrabPet, as a specialized on-demand service, is designed to help passengers ferry their pets to various destinations, including veterinary clinics, groomers, pet-friendly cafes, and more with just a tap of a button. Initially available in select areas of Metro Manila, GrabPet-ready driver-partners are all set to onboard dogs, cats, turtles, hamsters, rabbits, and fish on rides.

To ensure top-notch transportation for GrabPet passengers, animal-loving driver-partners with spacious six-seater vehicles were purposefully tapped for the GrabPet fleet, even undergoing comprehensive training in handling pet-related bookings. All GrabPet rides also come with added insurance to ensure the well-being of the pets on board. 

“As a pet parent myself, I understand how challenging it can be for Filipinos to bring their animal companions to essential services and even leisure trips given the limited transportation options available. As an expression of our dedication to addressing the varying transportation needs of commuters, we have launched GrabPet. It is our firm belief that safe, reliable, and convenient mobility services should be accessible to everyone – even families with winged or four-legged friends,” shares Grab Philippines Chief Operating Officer Ronald Roda. 

Working Together for Above-Par, Pet-Friendly Rides

In a bid to safeguard both the safety and convenience of passengers as well as to preserve the pristine condition of the driver-partners' vehicles, Grab Philippines has enforced a set of requirements for individuals utilizing the GrabPet service.

• Pets should be accompanied by human passengers. 

• Pet owners should also refrain from booking rides for pets with parasites and/or fleas

• Pet owners can bring a maximum of two small and medium-sized pets or one large pet per ride, subject to the discretion of the GrabPet Driver-Partner. 

• A maximum of four passengers can accompany the pet(s) during the ride.

• Pets are also required to be in diapers and inside carriers. 

Roda adds, “We are committed to ensuring that owners and their pets are safely and conveniently transported to their intended destination while also preserving the integrity of the vehicle of our driver-partners. A driver-partner’s vehicle is their means of livelihood, hence by collaborating with us in maintaining high hygiene and safety standards during the GrabPet ride, pet parents help in making sure that our driver-partners can go about their day worry- and hassle-free.”

For more information and updates on GrabPet, visit this link. 

SM CENTER SANGANDAAN CELEBRATES WORLD ANIMAL DAY

SM Center Sangandaan is all set to host an event that promises a wagging good time for pets and their owners alike as the mall celebrates World Animal Day. On October 4, the mall will transform into a haven for furry friends, featuring a range of engaging activities and partnerships with notable pet enthusiasts and local pet businesses.

The festivities at SM Center Sangandaan will commence with a pet blessing ceremony, where pets and their owners can receive blessings for health and happiness. At the heart of this event is a Corgi Meet that will bring together corgi enthusiasts and their adorable companions. Biggie_thecorgi, a social media sensation, will be present to host the gathering, making it an unforgettable day for Corgi lovers and their four-legged companions. This delightful gathering of corgis promises to be a heartwarming spectacle, showcasing the charm and playfulness of these adorable furballs.

For the health and wellness of our furry companions, SM Center Sangandaan has teamed up with NCE Sangandaan Animal Clinic to offer pet anti-rabies vaccination, deworming, and check-up services. The experienced professionals from NCE Sangandaan Animal Clinic will be on-site to ensure that each pet receives the care they deserve.

To add a dash of culinary delight, the mall has partnered with The Little Paw Partissier to present an exclusive Pet Buffet. From scrumptious treats to specially crafted meals, this culinary experience will pamper pets with a delectable assortment of flavors, sure to have tails wagging in approval.

The celebration doesn't end there! Pet Games will also be the highlight of the event, providing entertainment for both pets and their owners. From fun agility courses to exciting challenges, there will be something for every pet to enjoy. Prizes and giveaways will make it even more thrilling for participants.

Additionally, our furry friends will have a chance to enjoy a variety of pet treats provided by our generous pet brand sponsors. These treats are sure to delight your pets and add a touch of sweetness to their day.

In addition to these exciting activities, SM Center Sangandaan will be partnering with local shelter, Whelps, for a special Pet Adoption event. This event encourages prospective pet owners to consider adoption, offering them the opportunity to provide a loving home to a deserving lovable companion.

World Animal Day is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about animal welfare and celebrating the diverse and incredible array of creatures that share our planet. SM Center Sangandaan is proud to stand with this cause with spectacular events aimed at uniting animal lovers, fostering a deeper appreciation for our loyal companions, and advocating responsible pet ownership.

Run for Physical Fitness, Mental Health and Family Fun at Vermosa’s Green Run on June 25

The Green Run at Vermosa 2023 is set to take off on Sunday, June 25 – almost a year to the date of the first Green Run in July 2022. Last year’s Green Run invited everyone to lace up and enjoy the outdoors for physical and mental health after being cooped up at home due to the pandemic.

This year’s Green Run invites everyone to be “leaner and greener” as both serious and fun runners build on their fitness gains. Like last year, the Run continues to support the Haribon Foundation and focuses on how everyone can do their share to save the environment.

There are different levels in the Green Run that will appeal to runners of different fitness levels: a 3K run for beginners, 5K for intermediate runners, 10K for serious runners, and a half-marathon 21K level for elite runners and athletes in training. This year, a fun and cute 1K Dog Run has been added to the event, giving pets and their owners a great way to bond and get fit together. Celebrity runners are also expected to participate.

What makes the Vermosa Green Run special is that participants and guests get to enjoy Vermosa’s greenery, open skies and clean atmosphere while pursuing their passion.

“The abundance of wide-open spaces, lush greenery, flat and rolling terrain and well-constructed walkways at Vermosa offer both challenges and rewards for runners,” said Vermosa Project Development Manager Moses John Aragones.

“There is also scientific evidence that running outdoors is very beneficial. Doctors say it lessens feelings of isolation, anxiety and stress because running outside is a happy feeling. Powerful hormones that boost mood and combat depression are released especially when you run outdoors. Being out in nature is very calming, and at Vermosa you are surrounded by nature everywhere you go,” added Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub General Manager Lani Tan, who is a sports and fitness enthusiast herself.

Organized by Pinoy Fitness, The Green Run will give proceeds of the Run to Haribon Foundation’s Adopt-a-Seedling Program. Runners and guests get a chance to protect the environment by recycling their plastic bottles at the Sun Life ReCycle PH machine on-site where every bottle donated can earn participants points which can be exchanged for prizes.

Green Run’s exclusive non-life insurance partner, FPG Insurance, will also provide all race participants with a 1-month Personal Accident (PA) insurance coverage, ensuring their safety and peace of mind throughout the event.

Ms. Tan said Vermosa Estates plans to hold the Green Run every year because of Vermosa’s commitment to actively promote sport and an active, healthy lifestyle.

"Our Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, a state-of-the-art professionally–managed sports facility that has a FINA-standard Olympic size pool, a warm-up pool, an IAAF-standard 400m track oval, a football pitch, athletes’ lounge and a Sante Fitness Lab, all speak about our commitment to fitness, health and overall wellness as well as the development of Philippine sports,” Tan said.

Milo Philippines, SunLife, JGO Mart, DoggoFlask, Alaxan, Seda Hotel Nuvali, Merrell, Fitbar, Runnr, Toby’s Sports, Pocari Sweat and Immuntab, Oishi. O Wow, Healthway Qualimed Hospital Santa Rosa, SS Mnl Pet Store also support The Green Run this year.

Vermosa Promotes Fitness and Fun with Fur Babies at the Green Run

The Green Run, Vermosa Estate’s signature run to promote physical and mental fitness by running in the great outdoors, is back and there’s a special treat for dog owners and pet parents this year.

Along with the 25K, 10K, 5K and 3K distance categories, Green Run 2023 has a special 1K race for those who want to bring their doggos along on an adventure. Called The Dog Run, this fun race is open for dog owners who want to hit the lush green trails of Vermosa with their dogs.

 

Just like humans, dogs need exercise for their health and happiness. Walking or running together is not just fun, it is a rewarding experience, health-wise, for both fur parents and fur babies.

 

Both dogs and humans will enjoy the beautiful routes at Vermosa that wind through wide open spaces and abundant greenery, made more runner-friendly by wide pedestrian walkways, bicycle and jogging lanes and enhanced greenways. But before they embark on their joint fun and fitness journey, here are a few reminders for dog parents to ensure their dog buddies get the best experience from the Dog Run.

 

1.    Make sure your dog is wearing a back-clip harness instead of a collar. Any pressure on his/her throat while running is potentially dangerous.

 

2.    Warm up before the Run. Do a few minutes of walking or slow jogging before you position yourselves at the starting line. Stretch your dog by letting him/her lie down and stand up several times. Give him or her time to sniff around and take time to poo or pee. Make sure you have waste bags ready.

 

3.    Feel the surface for at least 10 seconds. If the pavement’s too hot for your hand or bare feet, it will be the same for your dog. Wet your dog’s under pad for some protection before you take off. Or use canine booties to protect them from the heat. Booties will also provide protection against any sharp objects on the trail.

 

4.    Take water breaks. If your dog is panting hard, he/she probably needs water. Make sure you have a container that your dog can drink from – like a collapsible bowl or a bottle with a spout for dogs. Making sure your dog is well hydrated – especially in really hot weather – will protect him/her from sun stroke. Just don't let your dog gulp too much water during or after exercise.

 

5.    Don’t give treats right after the run. Give your dog time to recover from all the panting and sweating. Hold off on treats until both of you have calmed down a bit. Don’t give ice water right away. The extreme temperature change may cause vomiting. But praise for your running buddy, petting, a hug and lots of attention will be much appreciated and can be given anytime.

Ganador Promotes Responsible Pet Ownership

Ganador Premium high-quality dog food recently supported the “Pet Ko, Luv Ko” project of the local government of Mandaluyong City at the A.T. Reyes Garden, City Hall, Compound.

The project was implemented by Mandaluyong City in a bid to promote responsible pet ownership among its constituents. The activity gathered more than 700 dog and cat owners giving them better access to animal services, such as spaying and neutering, as well as opportunities to adopt pets. It also seeks to strengthen public safety and security through free rabies vaccination and dry grooming.

According to Charisse Abalos-Vargas, Mandaluyong City Councilor and founder of the project, a codified ordinance on responsible pet ownership is now underway in their local government. With initiatives like “Pet Ko Luv Ko,” the council has gathered insights on the needs and capabilities of Mandalenyos as pet owners.

"I have always loved dogs and, it hurts me whenever I see so many of them tied up or caged the whole day. I also get stories about abandoned animals that cause problems in the community. The data on animal bites have not decreased as much, leading to more animals, dogs, in particular, being harmed and abandoned," added Vargas. “I’m glad that every year more and more people are showing their interest and intent of participating in making the change happen."

As a way of supporting the project, Ganador, a brand committed to strengthening the bond among dogs and their owners, provided free products, as well as information dissemination on responsible pet ownership during the event.
“Projects like the “Pet Ko, Luv Ko” is close to our hearts, especially since our brand is founded on values that strengthen, deepen, and encourage the bond with products that guarantee wellness and health for every dog,” said Johanna Emata, marketing manager, Ganador Philippines. “At Ganador, we believe that the quality of food that we provide to our pets is one way we can promote responsible FURenthood.”

Daniel Olivo, marketing director of Neovia Philippines, could not agree more. He said that "our company has always been committed to providing wellness to animals, especially our pets, for we treat them as members of our family. On our part, Ganador hopes to contribute to advocating responsible pet ownership through projects like Pet ko Luv ko."

The “Pet Ko, Luv Ko” project is a bi-annual event, slated every February and September. Aside from Councilor Vargas, the project is also headed by the Mandaluyong Pack Leaders and the City Veterinary and Philippine Birth Control Center.

Providing Excellent Nutrition for Pets: Equilibrio launches new line of Super-Premium Cat, Dog Food in PH

Equilibrio, a super-premium brand of pet foods, launched today its new line of products, formulated with high-quality raw materials and selected ingredients, providing better digestibility and flavor for the satisfaction and feeding of cats and dogs here in the Philippines.

“Here in the Philippines, we consider our pets as members of our family. As such, we always want only the best for our cats and dogs, especially when it comes to the food that they eat,” said Johanna Emata, marketing manager of Neovia Philippines. “At Equilibrio, we believe that our pets deserve the right food for their own unique needs.”

Each of Equilibrio’s recipes and snacks has high nutrient assimilation, which helps in the reduction in stool volume. They are also specially manufactured with nutraceuticals, such as Yucca schidegera that reduces stool odor, as well as prebiotics and probiotics that improve bowel transit time.

With its updated and modern formula, Equilibrio’s products are compatible with the highest nutritional concepts. Among its offerings are for Small Breed, All Breed, and Large Breed Puppies and Adult Dogs; as well as for Kittens and Adult Cats. Even Veterinary Lines suited for pets that have special needs.

“We are very excited to finally launch Equilibrio, which is known globally as a brand that provides Excellence Nutrition to pets,” said Daniel Olivo, marketing director of Neovia Philippines. “We also made sure that Equilibrio’s formulation is scientifically proven to help in improving the quality and longevity of their life.”

Equilibrio products are now available for Filipino customers in selected credible pet food stores and veterinary clinics. Neovia, makers of Equilibrio products, is a leading player in animal nutrition and health that operates in seven business lines such as complete feed, aquaculture, pet care, premix/firm services, additives & ingredients, animal health, and analysis laboratories.

To know more about Equilibrio, visit Neovia Philippines’ website atwww.ph.neovia-group.com.