Cause visuals and visions matter

As I wrote this column I was informed by Rich Ilustre of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) that Jack, the Shih-Tzu of Karylle, died in an accident. Jack was rushed to Vets in Practice; unfortunately he did not make it.

I got to know Jack because he would always tag along with Karylle and Kung Fu (Jack’s dad) at pet events. Karylle, a great pet lover, was one of the Golden Heart awardees of PAWS because of the work she has done in helping elevate the awareness of animal welfare in the country.

Jack (named after Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean) was the pup who always looked like he was smiling. He was that doggie who was always willing to pose for the camera.

The pain of losing a pet is comparable to the pain of losing a member of the family — people who have lost pets know this only too well.

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Rainbow Bridge

(Author Unknown)

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...

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In celebration of its second year anniversary, YoCard, one of the freecard providers in the country, had a contest, which sought to highlight three causes. I was told that the competition, “Visuals with Visions,” got a total of 300 entries, which were on display at the lobby of Greenbelt 3 from Aug. 13 to 16. The three themes were “Literacy for Children” by National Book Store Foundation Inc.; “Save the Seas” by Haribon; and “Adoption of Homeless Animals” for PAWS.

The competition sought to further the three causes through graphic design, photography and illustration. The winning entry in each category will be used by the each foundation to promote its advocacies on YoCard.

YoCard and PAWS have worked together in PAWS’ “See Beauty Beyond Breed” campaign. If you saw the displays of the campaign in the malls, you have YoCard to thank.

The contest ran for three months with budding artists and designers creating fresh inputs and ideas to interpret the theme of pet adoption.

“It was so hard to choose just one winner,” said Rich. “Ultimately we chose a design that we feel would move people to consider adopting a pet from the shelter.”

The winners were chosen based on the scores given by YoCard and the representatives from the three foundations. The other judges were from Team Manila, Everywhereweshoot and The Radio Partners Inc.

Two students, Christine de Felix, an interior design senior from Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Kristine Albano, 19, from the Ateneo de Manila University, garnered top spots for Haribon and PAWS with their design illustrations. National Book Store Foundation Inc.’s photo winner was entitled, “Petrol Lamp” by Mon Corpuz who works for an NGO.

Rich said that he is happy that so many people have begun to see the need to get out and show how they feel about the world they live in. In the past, animal welfare was not a big deal. But today, that is no longer true, as there are many young people who have begun to take up the cudgels for this cause.

Rich added that the PAWS panel immediately liked the entry of Kasey Albano and that of Joanna Tripon, “because the visuals they created were effective in grabbing people’s attention and were able to clearly convey the plight of homeless animals,” he said.

 Yet this is not to say that the other entries were not equally effective. Matter of fact, PAWS was so impressed with what they saw that they plan to showcase the finalists in an exhibit for World Animal Day at SM Mall of Asia on Oct. 4.

“The number and the quality of the entries really show that there is an increased awareness and sensitivity to animals’ feelings,” said PAWS resident Nita Lichauco, “and that there is a public clamor for kindness to animals, especially strays, and a duty to protect them from harm or neglect. This is an important part of our humanity.”

Visuals With Visions is an effort to introduce the concept of social design to the country. More than being a sense of aesthetics, design is also utilized for mobilizing positive messages. Designers can now give a new dimension and meaning to their artworks as it can push for change and better livelihood.

The winning entries per category will be published on YoCard with the logo of the foundations. The winners received P20,000 worth of prizes from DC Shoes, Kickers and Ellesse Timewear.

The other sponsors of the event were DC Shoes, Kickers, Fuji Xerox. Media partners were ETC, Jack TV, The Radio Partners Inc., Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT, 103.5 Max FM, Bed Space, Fuzion, Team Manila Lifestyle and venue partner Greenbelt, Ayala Malls.