A few years back, having expos seemed almost impossible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, lockdowns are no longer part of the more recent norm, and slowly but surely, events started opening to the public once again.
Zoo Med Expo 22 led the way, and so did the International Gamefowl Festival 2022 and Q-mark Pet Expo 2022. Every organizer had a reason to be anxious, but each occasion was well-received, graced by thousands of eager attendees.
Fast forward to 2023, there’s a new international act in town: the Philippine Pet Expo. Led by the same group from Q-Mark Pet Products, it provided a festival-type experience for people of all ages, especially those who had animal companions at home.
BACK TO BACK
Held at the SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia, the Philippine Pet Expo was set to happen with the International Gamefowl Festival right next door, with an entire hall dedicated to the former.
The hall space was divided into five categories: aquatics, small animals, pet market, Dogs and Cats, and last but not the least, Reptiles and Birds.
GOING WITH THE FLOW
As attendees went through the main arch, they saw Fishes to their left. Well-known international brands, such as Hikari, API, SERA, and EHEIM, were easy to access, as were other stalls also selling food for Fishes, aquarium equipment, and water maintenance tools.
Anyone walking through the aquatics section could see beautiful Fishes and impressive aquascaping displays. Exhibitors showed different setups for Fishes’ homes, plus possible product combinations. Veterans in Fish care willingly provided guidance to newbies, especially with selecting Fish companions and setting up their new homes.
Famous Fish guru and Animal Scene columnist Angel Ampil gave an hour-long discussion, which involved how to care for Fishes and how to do proper water conditioning.
CUTE AND CUDDLY
For guests who are into cute and tiny animals, there was a section dedicated to Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hedgehogs, and even Hamsters.
It is unusual for an occasion of this size to make space for small creatures — in fact, it might be the first time an event dedicated a setion to them.
People of all ages learned more about ethical care for these cute companion animals. Brands like Chipsi, Hikari, Versele Laga, and Vitakraft made their products available. The Philippine Rabbit & Cavy Club also held competitions and seminars. Small, furry bunnies were entered into the contest for a chance to be named best in show by the judges.
SHOPPING GALORE
Moving forward, visitors would then find the aisles meant for local stores. They got the chance to familiarize themselves with different sellers and the products they might want for their animal companions at home.
There were also those who had just adopted new animals at the venue, in which case, they didn’t have to go far to go shopping for what they needed. Their buying experience came with guidance from experts, too.
FURRY FAVORITES
With a fun obstacle course, Dogs, Cats and even human guests got a chance to play at the makeshift park!
Brands like Nature’s Protection, Vitakraft, Sergeants, and Smartbones offered their products. Tender Foot Jewels exhibited and sold animal memorabilia. K9 training group Meta Animals K9 Manalo was also present.
There was also a fashion show, with participants dressing up with their animal companions and showing off their talents!
SCALY SECTION
Covering over a fourth of the space, the section meant for Reptiles was the largest and had the most number of stalls. It was the biggest gathering of attendees who had wildlife farm permits in one space. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources set up a booth and provided their services to those who were interested in legally caring for exotic animals.
Zoo Med, Reptizoo, SERA, and Hikari Herptile were some of the highlighted exhibitors. Curious folks flocked them to see the creepy crawlies they brought with them. Their area was the most jam-packed.
Several animals made their debut in a show, including A Croc Monitor Lizard, a Rhino Iguana, and even some Caiman Lizards, under the supervision of Congo Charlie and Uniteam, the latter composed of Southern Line Exotic Distributors, CNC Animal Import Export, Full Scale Reptiles & Exotics, Majestic Reptiles Inc., and Gamma Exotic Hub.
One of the rarest lizards in the world, the Mexican Beaded Lizard, was brought in by Avilon Zoo for everyone to appreciate.
READY TO FLY
Another popular area was the section dedicated to Birds which, as usual, brought in a good-sized crowd.
Different groups for those who took care of Birds, such as Majestic Wings, Badilla Aviary, APA Farms, and Avilon Zoo, took a few winged creatures to the exhibit, both for photo ops and free flight demonstrations.
From Colorful Macaws and Sun conures to Love Birds and even a Sea Eagle, Birds of all sizes occupied the space. Versele Laga, a brand based in Belgium, also came to join the occasion.
For one day only, Inky the miniature Horse paid a visit to the Bird section wearing an adorable custom Philippine Pet Expo saddle. People took photos of this special guest, who was there on the second day.
EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT
The fear of missing out is definitely real, especially among those who frequented animal expos before the pandemic. Deprived of these usual events, they came out in droves as organizers warmed up to the idea of once again opening their doors to the public.
Throughout the three-day event, it was obvious to those who came that the industry catering to everyone caring for animals continued to grow in size, despite the COVID outbreak. A variety of activities kept everyone occupied, not limited to raffles and talks.
As if that wasn’t enough, it looks like the Philippine Pet Expo will be happening annually. Catch the next one in February 2024 and follow facebook.com/PHPetExpo for more details.
