In the Heart of Manila

All photos by Vince Hogan unless otherwise noted

Who would have thought that a show so far away from the United States or mainland Europe would capture the imagination of both judges and exhibitors alike? So much that it has taken its place on many dog people’s bucket list for judging, showing or making a “road trip” of sorts that could also take in a slice of “paradise” on a Philippine island after the show.

As ever the show, held January 18 to 21, was populated by many “overseas” attendees, including judges, exhibitors and dogs from the U.S. and Europe (including Russia). There was a record number of exhibitors from outside of the Philippines — just over 200, in fact. As you will read from the judges’ comments, one of the things that impresses people most is the care and attention to detail that the Philippines Canine Club (the PCCI) put into taking care of folk. It all starts at the airport, where judges, exhibitors and visitors are met, greeted and transported to the show hotel.

Irina Suzuki in American Cockers summed things up from an exhibitor’s perspective, saying, “We have so much fun on the Philippines circuit. Always happy to meet old friends and make new friends. Happy to be a part of this spectacular event. Specially thanks for Dinky S. Santos, always perfect organization, super comfortable for exhibitors. Always in touch and helpful.

“It’s not only the biggest Asian dog-show event, but also one that allows people from all over the world to communicate, make new friends and business partners.”

Dinky Santos, president of the PCCI.

Manila, Mon Amour

The circuit is a set of 12 shows that take place over four days at the Areneta Centre, the same venue as the famous world-title boxing match, “the Thrilla in Manila,” featuring Muhammed Ali and Joe Frazier around 50 years ago. There is a set of four shows for the South East Asia Shows, then another four for the A20 (the FCI section for Asia Pacific), and then a set of four for the FCI shows. Hence the 12 shows in four days — plus the Philippines Derby for dogs bred in the Philippines, to encourage local breeders.
It is a system that appeals to the judges, who rotate around the breeds and the shows, so exhibitors get assessed by a cross section of judges.

The Areneta Coliseum is actually adjacent to the Novotel Hotel, which is the center of all the social activity and base for the show people. It literally is a minute’s walk from door to door and allows judges to plan their timetable and stay relaxed in the hotel or have a leisurely breakfast … much better than having to hop on and off buses or coaches to shows at the crack of dawn!

This year the show extended to a fifth day, starting with a new venture of a grooming competition (above) … always a favorite in that part of the world. That took place on the Wednesday before the show and then the breed show was set up, allowing for a 9 a.m. start on Thursday.

Our panel came from around the globe, and included Rafael Malo Alcrudo, who was the judge for BIS at the World Dog Show in Madrid in 2022 and always a good source for an appraisal of the show.

“I have always felt Manila as a Spanish mark at the Far East,” Rafa said. “Surnames are mostly Spanish, buildings at downtown have colonial Spanish style, and you always can listen Spanish songs with the most genuine Spanish accent (‘Bésame Mucho,’ ‘Cielito Lindo,’ ‘Guantanamera’ — you know what I mean).

“This time I had the chance (and the honor) to attend what is, in all probability, the most prestigious Asian dog-show circuit. To stage 12 shows in four days is not an easy task, but everything was thought out by one of the best teams I've ever seen, taking care of even the smallest details, with outstanding, brilliant, perfectly ‘oiled’ efficiency.

“The judging panel was made up of prestigious colleagues from all backgrounds: Asians, Australians, North and South Americans, North and South Europeans. And British. An interesting sample of all the judging schools and sensibilities to judge dogs from all over the planet and among which we could collectively highlight Corgis, Pomeranian, Bichon Frisé, Doberman, Pugs, French Bulldogs but also some other gorgeous winners seen along the four days.

Bouncing Jack receives award from Norwegian Judge Espen Engh. Photo by Chris Chou.

“I don't want to forget the fantastic stewards,” Rafa continued. “Some of the best I've ever worked with. And of course, I want to mention Ronnie and his very efficient and enthusiastic team. And Dinky — has anyone ever seen that man stressed? — flying over everything like an orchestra conductor, satisfied to have the best musicians at his command. Thank you so much for your warm support and hospitality, as well as congratulations for having managed to make such an essential appointment for anyone who loves pedigree dogs.”

The stewards are in fact “graded” by the judges, and their names go forward to win prizes on the last day … based on ability and efficiency. It all adds to the fun of the event.

Trophy

A delighted Ekarat Sangkunakup brought a magnificent handmade trophy on the plane from Thailand to award to his BIS winner on Sunday, saying, “What an honor from the club to judge Best in Show on the last day. Thank you to all my fantastic co-judges for sending the impressive final competitors to the Best in Show ring.”

Overseas exhibitors, judges, media and visitors at the show.

His Best in Show was awarded to “a very nice Bichon Frise with good breed type and soundness, showed and groomed to perfection by his handler and the team. The Reserve Best in Show award went to a very impressive Pomeranian, with beautiful breed type, in excellent coat condition and texture for the breed. Best in Show three was awarded to the American Cocker.

 “It was wonderful to meet up with many old friends and make many new friends,” Ekarat added. “Thank you to the president, Mr. Dinky S. Santos, and Mr. Ronnie F. Natividad, who worked very hard on these events, the club committees for the hospitality, the hotel, the excellent food and for looking after me very well.

“Thank you to all the exhibitors, handlers, owners and of course, the breeders, for supporting me at these shows. Without you these shows would not be successful. Also, English emcee, Mr. Vince Hogan and Mr. Fred Salud and special photos from Ferdinal Chandra (Indonesia) and Chris Chou (Taiwan).

“Thanks again for inviting me to your beautiful country, until we meet again.”

His enthusiasm was infectious and also underlined how pleased judges are to make this trip. Fred Salud and myself were in fact commentating on the live stream put out by the PCCI and viewed worldwide each day.

Ring stewards and helpers at the PCCI circuit show in Manila. Note the youthfulness!

What More Do You Need?

Astrid Lundava came all the way from Estonia and was equally impressed, saying, “The PCCI Circuit 2024 was my first judging appointment in Philippines and gave me a lot of wonderful memories. Excellent judges panel, wonderful show committee and beautiful dogs to judge!

“Twelve all-breed shows in four days, lovely show ground, hotel nearby, helpful show organizer to participants with dogs (even with their travel from airport to hotel) — what more do you need?”

Overall, Astrid was pleased with the quality of dogs entered, saying. “In some breed classes placements could be easily reversed at another show — it is, after all, judging on the day. I saw lovely quality in Pomeranians, Siberian Huskies, Dobermans, Bichon Frise. My love goes to my Best of Breed Welsh Corgi Pembroke from China [Aque China Achmed]. Thank to everyone making this judging trip very enjoyable.”

The Americas

The Americas were also represented by Rebecca Cross and Genevive Ridderhoff Garcia, who were once more handling at the show, as well as Martin Egozcue, who is often seen handling in Mexico and the U.S. Dr. Ray Lo, a well-known Peke breeder and judge, often crosses the divide between the U.S. and his homeland Philippines, as well as well-known Hound judge Michael Canalizo.

Rebecca Cross pictured with Gerardo Palucci from Argentina.

Well known judge and breeder in the USA and Philippines Dr. Raymondo Lo.

"The PCCI events are those mega shows that became iconic in recent years. Not only for the quality and big entries of dogs but for a superb organization,” commented Gerardo Paolucci of Argentina, one of the judges from South America. “Even being many shows together, the perfect timing and kind hospitality made it easy for everyone!

“I have no words about the huge and comfortable venue, the hotel location and the whole crew. Mr. Dinky Santos, Mr. Ronnie Natividad and their team showed professionalism and how to do it easily, the very difficult task to run a show of that size.

“I was very honored to be part and enjoyed a very easy-going judges panel, full of friends and recognized people. I travelled from very far away and I am very happy to have this experience. Hope in the future to come back again. Thank you, PCCI and the Manila people for your kindness!"

Ramon Podesta, famous Hound breeder and judge from Chile, added, “A fantastic experience to be part of the Philippines Circuit 2024. Since my arrival at the airport seeing the staff with the board with my name but also waiting for the exhibitors and helping to make easy the entrance in the country. The hospitality and taking care of the minimal details was incredible. Great judges panel, exhibitors coming from different parts of the world who have been coming every year.

“I can only say your club and the dog people in your area are very fortunate to have a great team and a real leader as Mr. Dinky Santos.”

Crufts regular Genevieve Ridderhof Garcia from the U.S. with Tiina Taulos from Finland.

More Fun

If that has whetted your appetite, let’s hope we see you in Manila in January 2025.

The PCCI pride themselves on their famous welcome and basically just want everyone to mix in and have fun. From the now famous sixth-floor pool bar and karaoke to the beaches of Boracay or Cebu, where the more adventurous jet off to after the show, you can certainly rest assured that this is one heck of a trip that will create some great memories and experiences!