Business tycoon Fernando Zobel de Ayala has once again shown a regard for dogs, even those that are strays.
As board member of the 187-year-old Ayala Corporation, Fernando recently won the hearts of netizens after a Facebook user posted a photo of him petting a stray dog at an Ayala Mall.
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Greenfield Ramirez, who shared the photo, mentioned that the dogs, named Marty and Bully, have been well-known to mall visitors for years.
The dogs, considered community pets, have become a familiar sight for those who frequent the mall.
Ramirez captioned the photo with: "So happy to see this photo. The Ayalas are here, greeting the dogs who have stayed in their premises for years now. Marty and Bully, the community dogs.
"Why can't others do this?"
This straightforward yet powerful message struck a chord with many, who pointed out the Ayala family's compassion for animals that have found refuge within their commercial properties.
The gentle action of Fernando did not go unnoticed by the online community.
Netizens were quick to commend the Ayala Corp. director for his kindness and compassion.
One user remarked, "FYI, The Ayalas have been supporting dog pounds too!"
Another added, "Tunay na mayayaman at may puso," reflecting the sentiment that true wealth is measured, not just by material possessions, but by one's compassion and action.
The story also spread on Reddit, where users continued to praise the 64-year-old businessman for his care for aspins (native Filipino dogs).
One Redditor noted: "Dati pa ako nakakakita ng article na may alaga siyang aspin kaya nakakahiya dun sa mga nagpopost sa fb na nanghihingi ng aso/pusa pero gusto may breed hahaha."
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FERNANDO AND THE AYALAS' PASSION FOR DOGS
This is not the first time the Ayala family has shown their soft spot for stray dogs.
In 2022, they were also spotted at the PAWSsion Project Summer Camp, with Fernando bending over to pet the animals.
Otherwise, the Ayalas are known to be a private family rarely seen in public.
However, on several occasions when their photos are snapped, it’s no longer surprising that their compassion for dogs is captured.
Fernando's love for animals extends beyond casual interactions with stray dogs.
He is a known supporter and patron of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), actively promoting its causes and supporting its initiatives.
In 2020, Fernando welcomed two new furry friends into his home from PAWS — Bonito and Charlie — something that a lifestyle media brand featured in a special edition.
He opened his heart and home to three other dogs from PAWS, and once generously provided shelter for six horses from Southern Luzon following the eruption of Taal Volcano.
PAWS is dedicated to the protection and welfare of animals in the Philippines, and having high-profile supporters like the Ayalas significantly boosts its visibility and outreach.
Such widespread admiration for the scion's actions underscores the impact that kindness can have on a community.
It also highlights the importance of public figures using their influence to promote positive values and actions.
By showing genuine care for stray dogs and supporting animal-welfare initiatives, Fernando has very likely inspired others to follow suit.
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ASPIN TRIVIA
Among the various dog breeds in the Philippines, aspins stand out as long-standing companions, having been part of the lives of humans for generations.
Ancient dogs, especially aspins in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, are considered the ancestors of modern domesticated dogs.
A 2015 study published in Nature revealed a genetic split between gray wolves and Southeast Asian dogs dating back 33,000 years.
Research on dogs in Southeast Asia indicates that a group of dog ancestors migrated from this region to the Middle East around 15,000 years ago.
This migration eventually spread their presence to Africa, Europe, China, and the Americas over thousands of years, highlighting the historical journey and wide-reaching impact of dogs as beloved companions across continents.
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