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A Cat’s Tale: Meowing for the right kind of food

Many Filipino pet owners feed their cats scraps from their own plate. It’s time to break this bad habit. Experts warn that table scraps are not scientifically formulated for pets and can upset a cat’s digestive system, which could lead to diarrhea, vomiting and appetite loss.

The voice of US pet food brands, Pet Food Institute, along with the Veterinary Practitioners Association of the Philippines, through their Well Fed, Well Nurtured Campaign, encourages pet owners to administer their pet’s diet, as guided by expert advice, to ensure the overall health and well-being of their pets.

Every cat owner needs to keep in mind that cats are carnivores. Cats require nutrients found in animal-based proteins like taurine and omega-3 fatty acids. If their feline companion is fed only vegetables or plant-based proteins like asparagus, peas and potatoes, it will not receive a well-balanced diet. Cats that do not consume the right nutrients found only in meat and other animal tissues can develop serious health problems including heart failure and blindness.

cat-eating

Nutrients consumed excessively can be dangerous as well. Too much vitamin A can cause a serious debilitating condition in cats in which the spine hardens, and excessive intake of vitamin D cause a dangerous health condition such as rickets and osteomalacia, or the softening of bones resulting to muscle and joint pains and bone fractures. To ensure that cats get the right amount of vitamins and other nutrients, and thereby avoid such health problems, pet owners should turn to a trusted, complete and balanced commercial cat food. This is vital to a cat’s health and well-being. It should be noted that giving pets a nutritional supplement when they are fed a complete and balanced diet is discouraged. Supplements are given to address any signs of medical issues. However, pet foods are already formulated to meet all the nutritional requirements cats need. For a healthy cat that is fed with commercially-made pet foods, providing any additional multi-vitamin supplements is unnecessary. It’s always best to discuss any medical concerns to a veterinarian and get any recommendations on what type of supplements cats can benefit from.

In choosing the right kind of food, pet owners must assess the age and weight of the pet to determine which pet food product suit the cat’s nutritional needs. Commercial pet food available in the market come in a wide array of flavors that cats can enjoy, based on their taste preferences. Contrary to popular belief, milk is not recommended for cats. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant and therefore will develop gas, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems if they consume milk and other dairy products. Make sure to provide plenty of water for your cat’s proper hydration.

Timely and regular communication with your veterinarian will help you maintain your cat’s health and well-being. Cats aged less than 10 years old are recommended to have vet check-ups annually. Senior cats that are over 10 years should have at least two vet visits every six months. It is also important that pet owners incorporate vaccination and medical examinations for blood and urine as part of the pet’s integral healthcare.

To complement the proper feeding regimen in sustaining a healthy body and sound mind for your beloved feline, an adequate amount of physical activity should be provided. Try spending a few 10 to 15-minute play time with a ball of yarn or a toy mouse for them to catch. This will optimize the body and brain functions of the pet.

Giving your pet trusted commercial US pet food produced with the highest of standards, combined with proper exercise, is the formula for long, healthy lives for pets. Pet Food Institute has a longstanding commitment to deliver the most reliable expert assistance through its Well Fed, Well Nourished campaign. A wholesome and nutritional diet for pet is key in achieving a long and lasting companionship between the pet and pet owner.

Psychotherapist Judy Strull’s pet cat and assistant Peach

About the Pet Food Institute

PFI is the voice of the U.S. pet food industry and represents the companies that make 98% of U.S. pet food. PFI is the industry’s public education and media relations resource, representative before the U.S. Congress and state and federal agencies, organizer of seminars and educational programs, and liaison with other organizations. PFI represents the companies that make 98 percent of U.S. dog and cat food. PFI is dedicated to promoting the overall care and well-being of pets, and supporting initiatives to advance the quality nutrition for dogs and cats. For more information on PFI and proper pet nutrition, visit www.petfoodinstitute.org.

Press Contacts:

Jinny Jacaria / Andrea Alido
Strategic Edge, Inc.
jjacaria@seinc.com.ph
group3@seinc.com.ph
892-0247 or 50

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Scenes From the Manila Art Fair 2026

photography by Doro Barandino

“Art is unpredictable and goes in different directions. I have no idea. I would rather live the present moment.” —Bencab, National artist of the Philippines.

Q&A with interior decorator and jewellery designer Doro Barandino

Which of the participating art galleries had the most unified and exciting theme?
Leon Gallery had the most amazingly put-together collection. Though the gallery engaged various artists, the overall visual effect felt like one unified theme. Leon Gallery used a sack-like cloth (most likely raw linen) as the background for the booth, and it brought the collection together. It had an old-world feel in a chaotic setting.

Who were the artists that were the most visually engaging?
The works of Carlo Tanseco were definitely my favorite. The artist used an eye chart (Snellen chart) as the background for the image of Dr. Jose Rizal giving us the middle finger—such an “in your face” message. The concept of our national hero as a modern-day provocateur was a wake-up call to everyone. Very subversive and underground material. I was also attracted to the works of Japanese artist Tadashi Kogure; they’re very architectural.

Was the choice of venue and its layout helpful in engaging the whole art vibe?
What I noticed was that the masters like Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, and Fernando Zóbel still attracted the most viewers at the art fair. People are naturally drawn to their masterful strokes and historical significance, or perhaps these artworks are not readily accessible for public viewing. Or maybe those booths that carried the masters’ works were strategically positioned right after the registrar.

The choice of venue at Center One was a good move—it created a total art vibe. Manila Art Fair remains the premier art fair in the country today, showcasing the finest modern and contemporary art while offering curated projects and immersive installations.

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Butch Carungay’s 50th in Neverland

By Emmanuel Hamoy

Cebu’s glitterati came out in full force for Butch Carungay’s 50th birthday bash at EdenClub. It was a fun-filled night overflowing with Pol Roger, trivia games whilst traipsing the light fantastic.

Butch Carungay and Janice Lin.

Gerry Laperal and Lotte Delima-Edwards

Romero Vergara and Oj Hofer

Mary Anne Aboitiz, Christine Pelaez, Tamsin Booth, Frances Siao and June Alegrado

Maris Holopainen and Carlo Cordaro

Janine Taylor and Mary Anne Aboitiz

Fashion

Lucky Colors of 2025: Harness the Energies of Emerald Green & Carmine Red for Success

Thom Browne Cropped tweed jacket

by Oj Hofer

With the Year of the Wood Snake underway, understanding the significance of lucky colors can help align us with its energetic flow. Rooted in Chinese astrology and Feng Shui, the year’s fortifying shades—emerald green and carmine red—offer mindfulness and good intention attracting luck, and fostering personal growth.

Emerald green, associated with the Wood element, symbolizes renewal, clarity, and inner peace. In the year of the wood snake, its dynamic energies will empower and inspire you, fostering growth, renewal and wise transformations. The hue is ideal for moments of self-reflection, study, or creativity. Wearing or incorporating this shade into your space enhances balance and mental focus.

Carmine red, linked to the Fire element, embodies passion, confidence, and vitality. This year, which according to the Bazi Four Pillars Chart, has a lack of metal, earth and fire elements, it will bring balance and the propitious energies. It’s perfect for professional meetings, decision-making, and moments requiring assertiveness as a splash of red can energize and embolden you throughout the day.

Stella Macartney vegan Leather tote

Stefano Ricci silk tie with paisley print

To fully harness their benefits, use these colors in a contemporary, mobile context; through clothing, jewelry, bags and accessories. Alternate between these two potent tints based on your needs. For example, wear green for calmness and clarity when you are going into stressful and mind challenging meetings or appointments. Choose red when you are going into places or situations where you need courage and motivation such as fashion galas, elite socials, prestige affairs, VIP gatherings and so forth.

Saint Laurent crepe de chine mules

Optionally, you can also choose to wear these colors inconspicuously in small details, such as a garnet or jade bracelet, or a ruby or emerald pendant and earrings set. Men can wear a burgundy or forest green tie or pocket square, or casual polo shirts with poppies or with botanical prints, or jade and garnet jewelry. Doing so can subtly align your energy with the year’s vibrational flow.

Jan Leslie emerald bracelet

Daily Mood Cuff Links with red tiger’s eye tubes

The use of colors is more than just aesthetic choices or preferential picks. Colors can serve as energetic tools, reminding you of your good intentions and keeping you mindful of you daily motions. Effecting an optimistic mental state in the wearer, they can effectively shield you from negativity while fostering prosperity and emotional balance. Thoughtfully incorporating them into your wardrobe and surroundings ensures that you move through 2025 with confidence and the right intentions.

Embracing emerald green for tranquility and carmine red for strength are intentional, mindful choices that have the power to transform your energy and shape your path forward. May you have the best of luck in navigating through Year of the Snake with harmony, energy, and the power to attract good fortune.