Calling all animal enthusiasts: Are you ready to travel vicariously through Animal Scene? Get ready to read about what transpired during a three-day animal wonderland in Mid Valley Exhibition Centre, Malaysia!
INEVITABLE SHOPPING SPREE
The moment people set foot inside the halls of the exhibition center, they would have found it difficult to ignore the palpable excitement. Animals ranging from tiny Kittens to majestic Reptiles popped up left and right. The diverse population of creatures, cuddly or otherwise, would have been impressive to any visitor.
It wasn’t just about the adorable animals that excited the attendees, however. What captured the attention of most expo-goers were the thousands of innovative pet products lining the walls. Anyone caring for an animal companion would have found it hard to resist buying at least one item to bring home!
Guardians of picky eaters would have been delighted by the gourmet treats available. Those who like buying outfits for their companion creatures would have found it irresistible to windowshop, what with the variety of fabrics and fashion worth donning for an animal runway. There were state-of-the-art grooming tools, on top of other tech-related finds, for human guardians who want to pamper their animal companions with regular grooming.
For sure, many wallets took a hit. But with a lot of surprises for animals waiting at home, the expenses were justified, if not worth every penny.
THERE FOR THE EXPERIENCE
Not everyone was there to go shopping, however; some were looking for an experience that didn’t require them to part with their hard-earned money.
For those seeking a hands-on experience, there were exhibits where people were allowed to interact with different animals, including Goats, Alpacas, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Lizards, and Insects.
Experts were present at all times to ensure that the interaction was safe for both human and animal — handling a creature for the first time meant learning how to do it properly.
FILIPINO PRIDE
Here’s something onlookers might not have known: Philippine expos have nothing to be ashamed of. Many might think those held abroad hold more surprises and fancy activities, but that’s far from the truth. The remarkable thing about similar occasions held here is that they hold equally — if not more — extraordinary showcases.
Pet Expo Malaysia did dazzle, what with its focus on global product promotion that turned into an instant shopping spree for many. At the same time, similar events in the Philippines have their unique charm, catering to the needs of those caring for animals, whether they’ve been doing it only recently or for quite a while now.
The Philippine version is arguably still in its infancy. However, what makes it all the more exciting is witnessing its growth in the coming years, the same way you would a tiny seed you had planted, expecting it to sprout into a tree. There is immense promise there — as of now, it cannot yet rival the scale of what went on in Malaysia, but it’s just a matter of time before local ones can be described as being at par with those in other countries.
WHEN KNOWLEDGE IS SHARED
What sets Philippine events apart is their exceptional dedication to accommodating and guiding newbies. It is obvious that there is an understanding of how caring for an animal for the first time can be overwhelming, and those who have more experience in the matter are willing to provide a supportive and informative environment to help individuals navigate the intricacies of being the human guardian of an animal family member.
In most Filipino-organized affairs revolving around animals, there is always an emphasis on education. No event pushes through without workshops and talks, and sometimes, even hands-on demonstrations. The duty to empower attendees is taken seriously by local organizers, which is why many who come often leave feeling more confident about what they could do to better care for the animals back at home.
Considering the current state of Philippine pet expos, many feel hopeful in anticipation of things to come. The foundations are being laid. With each passing year, it becomes clearer that they will soon rival those held in other countries, and that they will one day draw in more people from around the globe, too.
BIGGER, BETTER
As the country gets ready to make its mark on the global stage and stand shoulder to shoulder with Malaysia and other countries with impressive crowd-drawers, it continues to foster a sense of community. It also continues to grow at its own pace — the best is yet to come.
