A pageant that takes pride in our own native dogs took the spotlight during the celebration of National Aspin Day 2023. Campaigning under the slogan “I Love My Aspin,” the 2nd Ginoo at Binibining Aspin 2023, presented by the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), was held at UP Town Center, Ayala Malls in Quezon City on Sunday.
Eighteen Asong Pinoy (Aspin) contestants walked the stage in their creative Filipiniana costumes that brought fun and excitement to a crowd of dog lovers who stayed up to watch the event.
Chuchu of owner Guy Singzon, wearing a Moriones-inspired warrior costume, was named Binibining Aspin 2023, while Blackie, showcasing a colorful Mamang Sorbetero ensemble, bagged the Ginoong Aspin 2023 title.
Blackie, a rescue dog, was adopted from the Second Chance Aspin Shelter Philippines, Inc., in July by his adoptive fur-dad (this writer), who also made the farewell walk for outgoing Binibining Aspin 2022 Kelly, who could not make it but was represented by Kimmy.
Chloe of Merlyn Fenix and Snowy of Sarah Geronimo finished as Binibining Aspin 2023 first and second runners-up, respectively, while Milo of Alena Guanlao, and Pampu of Rona Albarillo were named Ginoong Aspin 2023 1st and 2nd runners up, respectively.
The top 3 finalists in male and female categories were asked by host Gelli Victor about the inspiration for their costumes. Chuchu and Blackie were crowned by PAWS executive director Ana Cabrera.
“First time that I had a hard time as judge. I wanted all of them to win,” said singer-songwriter Ice Seguerra. Other celebrity judges were Jeffrey Hidalgo and Daiana Meneses.
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Misters of Filipinas partners with Golden Topper
The Misters of Filipinas Organization has recently partnered with real estate company Golden Topper, Dot Property Awards 2022 Best Developer in Cebu, which will serve as Gold Sponsor for the coming 10th Misters of Filipinas pageant anniversary edition.
The valuable partnership was forged in a ceremony presided over by Carlo Morris Galang, Prime Events Production Philippine Foundation, Inc (PEPPS), makers of Misters of Filipinas, and Allan L. Crisologo, president of Golden Topper Group of Companies, held at the Golden Topper Office in BGC, Taguig City.
“The partnership is a realization of our shared goal of transformative impact on the communities, and in upholding Misters of Filipinas’ core values of innovation and unity in diversity as a platform to support meaningful causes and advocacies,” said Morris-Galang.
Meanwhile, PEPPS announced the Swimwear Competition Misters of Filipinas 2023, now ongoing, will be held in Queen City of the South, Cebu City from September 8 to 11.