MANILA - Over 120 cats from 15 countries flaunted their charm, presence, and well-being to compete at the first day of the Philippines' first World Cat Show at One Ayala Mall in Makati on Friday.  

The prestigious event will run until tomorrow to crown the most beautiful and healthiest cats in the world on various categories such as Best Kitten, Best Junior, Best Adult, and Best Neuter Category. There will also be an overall champion.

Winners of Best Junior category. Ched Rick Gatchalian, ABS-CBN NewsJudge and World Cat Federation (WCF) president Anneliese Hackmann checks a contestant cat. Ched Rick Gatchalian, ABS-CBN NewsOrganized by the Society of Feline Enthusiasts of the Philippines, INC. (SFEPI) and the World Cat Federation (WCF), and co-presented by Hard Rock Cafe Manila, the show celebrates the feline beauty and promotes responsible animal ownership.

SFEPI president Lio Maclang said that the two-day cat show gives Filipino pet owners two opportunities: to enter both the national and global rankings for most beautiful cats.

"The World Show is actually giving all the [Filipino] breeders an opportunity to gain an international title without leaving the country. There are some categories kasi that they have to leave to go into a different continent -- it is, somehow, a support to local breeders to bring the international stage in the Philippines," he stated.

Maclang said that it is pre-requisite for Philippines to complete the launching of five international cat shows in the country before they can hold the esteemed World Cat Show -- and they did just that since February 2023.

"We're able to make the breeders realize that it is important that our cats are always in their greatest form.... second to that, [we're encouraging owners] to be responsible to make sure that cats are being given proper nutrition," he added.

Royal Canin sales and marketing manager CD Sevilla also gave some tips on how to take care of cats -- especially during and after they give birth to kittens.

Hard Rock Cafe's director for operation Brian Peck, whose cat named Max bagged the first place for Kitten Ring category, said it's important to always consider the well-being of the cats.

"I think it's timely and important that we are able to know the benefits of [taking care of] cats... We need to make sure na you're breeding a healthy cat, a standard cat, walang genetic defects. Most importantly, you're breeding what you love," he emphasized.

Hard Rock Cafe's Brian Peck posed with his winning cat Max. Ched Rick Gatchalian, ABS-CBN News

The event organizers also partnered with Island Rescue Organization (IRO), a group that rehomes rescued animals, conducts educational campaigns, and spearheads donation drives for veterinary care and operations.

IRO president Annalyn Aizpuru highlighted that the show welcomes and celebrates all breeds of cats -- even the "puspin".

"Sa mga ganitong event, makaka-learn tayo ng proper care and nutrition. [This is] not only about showing off ng cats with breed. Hindi lang naman ito limited sa mga with breed, maganda sa mga ganito, makapagpakita rin ang mga puspin natin," she said.

Aizpuru shared that the IRO brought their puspin cats from Cebu City to the World Cat Show.

"It's also their time and shine... Sometimes kasi, ang ilan nahihiya sila dahil puspin -- no. Ang puspin ko sa Cebu, nanalo na, nag-join kami sa Cat Show. Huwag tayong mahiya," she added.