Back on the Road!
After a break of three years due to the pandemic, the famous Philippines Circuit came back onto the public stage once more with its 12 international shows in four days at the Areneta Coliseum in the heart of Manila.
More than 700 dogs were entered at what is billed as Asia’s biggest dog show, with entries coming from the U.S. and many parts of the Asian continent. The show is becoming more popular with owners and handlers from the States who combine a dog-show trip with a vacation … and there are plenty of spots to go visit in this unique country.
The big screen reminiscent of Madison Square Gardne.
The Philippines is an archipelago, or string of more than 7,100 islands, in Southeast Asia between the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The two largest islands, Luzon and Mindanao, make up two-thirds of the total land area. Only about one-third of the islands are inhabited, and there are many stunning beaches to visit.
The city itself is a massive sprawl, but the dog-show activity takes place in a very handy and confined area. Remember the boxing match, the Thrilla in Manila? Well, the dog show is staged in that self-same hall … Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier was billed as the "Thrilla in Manila," and was the third and final boxing match between WBA and WBC heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, and Joe Frazier, for the heavyweight championship of the world. The banner is still there in the rafters of the hall, the Areneta Coliseum, which is literally a one-minute walk from the front door of the Novotel Hotel ... the base for all things canine for the duration of the week. It’s an ideal set-up!
Judges, organizers and exhibitors mix easily at this most welcoming of hotels, which has become a favorite among Circuit visitors with its sixth-floor pool bar being the social nerve center each night after the show, whether you join in with the karaoke or not!
The Philippines scene at night.
Some people worry about the heat in Manila … personally, I love it! It’s warm but comfortable, and in the hall, perfect with air conditioning for dogs and humans. All the exhibitors from overseas are met at the airport and transported to the hotel, where PCCI staff are on hand to assist with any paperwork or questions. In fact, the PCCI bends over backward to help exhibitors and make people feel at home.
For a break, or for dining or shopping, everything is on the doorstep, with shopping malls and supermarkets close by; it sometimes feels like that whole area becomes “dog show city” for five or six days around the show.
The judging panel and organizers …ready steady go on Day 1 of the circuit.
Mr. President
The President of the Philippines Canine Club, or PCCI, is Mr. Augustus Benedictos Santos the third … Dinky for short! Now well known himself on the international circuit, he judged in the U.S. and Mexico as recently as October and December in 2022.
Dinky told me, “I am so happy with the outcome of the Philippine Circuit this year. No dogs dominated Best in Show and different dogs were winning in the various breeds. We had the biggest entry this year, but everything went as planned and finished on time.
“I’d like to thank my fellow Directors once again, the staff of PCCI, the exhibitors foreign and local, the judges who all did a great job and of course, the dogs who participated in the event.
“It was very tiring but was well worth it. It just keeps getting better.
“The Philippine Circuit is definitely a dream come true and has become the pride of the Philippines.
“Here’s to the 2024 Philippine Circuit.”
Philippines, China and Malaysia meet in Manila: From left, Dinky Santos, Franki Leung and Gopi Krishnan.
U.S. Connections
Rebecca Cross was one of a number of handlers from the U.S. in Manila and was at the show for the first time.
“Where do I begin?” Rebecca said. “I have to first start with the hospitality! From the airport to the hotel, to the venue and back to the airport, I was never left alone and received warm welcomes everywhere I turned. The sportsmanship and support for everyone was amazing, and although the show may not be high in numbers there was quality over quantity in many breeds. I hope to return in the future without a dog! Maybe I can be Vince’s assistant next time!”
Many a true word spoken in jest, Rebecca!
American handlers to the fore! Rebecca Cross, Kim Steele and Genevieve Ridderhoff-Garcia.
In fact, Rebecca had a wonderful show, winning numerous Best in Show awards with her brindle Scottie. A number of other dogs with American connections did well at the show, such as Hamlet the Beagle, who had an impressive tally, with nine out of 12 Bests of Breed and Group 1, three-time Reserve Best in Show, became a new Philippine Grand Champion, new Philippine Winner 2023, new FCI International Champion and a new Asia Pacific Champion because of the 12 shows on offer on the circuit.
Hamlet was in fact BOB at Westminster and has a team behind him from the U.S., Europe and the Philippines. So you can see how international this event has become, attracting dogs from well outside the Asia area and certainly a top-class international judging panel each year. The shows are FCI events, plus South East Asia championships, Philippines shows etc. … three each day for four days, 12 in total.
Above and below: The circuit included a special presentation on the indigenous Philippine Forest Dog.
The Judges' View
Finding out the views of judges at the show, I asked Lois Wilson for her views. Originally from South Africa, Lois now resides in the U.K. and she said,
“The PCCI 2023 circuit has come and gone, but the memories will stay forever.
“It was worth the wait after the delayed COVID appointment. The organization by the committee and office staff was superb with the largest entry ever, 12 shows over four days.
“The panel of judges, from all corners of the globe, were top quality, and the results show different winners, which was good for dogdom.
“My Best in Show was a beautiful black Toy Poodle from Japan, INT/JPN CH SMASH JP MOVIN’ON (JPN), who oozed breed type, she was so ‘Poodley,’ full of attitude and in step with her owner/handler. Reserve Best in Show was a super Pomeranian POL/ESP CH TOKIE AFTER TIME (THA), and 3rd a smart Brindle Scottie KRISCOTS HE’S A REBEL AT DE LA POMME (USA).
“The following breeds had excellent entries with good depth of quality: Welsh Corgi (Pembroke), Pomeranians, Chow Chow, Bichon Frise, Toy Poodles and Beagles.
“There were handlers from around the world, who were great with the dogs. The local handlers could learn from them and please slow down – it is not a race!
“The Circuit is well worth a visit with all treated so well from the moment you arrive at the airport.”
Promoting the 2023 World Dog Show in Switzerland. From left, Dinky Santos from the Philippines, Gopi Krishna from Malaysia, FCI President Tamas Jakkel, Vince Hogan and Kim Le Blanc from Canada
David Miller — aka Jean-David Laplanche — who is the organizer/chairman of the Regatta cluster in Ohio, also gave his perspective:
“The PCCI Circuit is a magnificent example of how canine events in Asia are evolving into coveted, stellar events. Judges from around the world are eagerly anticipating their selection to be placed on the panel of this meticulously orchestrated chain of 12 shows in four days. (It can grow to 15 with Philippine born shows added on.)
“This tedious and arduous schedule organization is a testament to the PCCI's dedication and planning to make this canine event a diamond among Asian shows.
“Dogs from around the world are represented in the entries. Therefore, the quality of exhibits is evident in each individual ring. Competitors from many countries come to this event with the wish to represent their individual breeding stock in hopes to garner awards. To underline the quality of competition in this event, many different canines were chosen by a truly international selection of judges for the coveted Best in Show awards. This demonstrates the beautiful attributes of many of the group winners selected at the individual shows which are represented at the PCCI Circuit. Even discussions between the judges at the well-placed judges table overlooking the venue seemed to substantiate an overall appreciation of canines selected in each group and BIS awards.
“Several dogs caught my eye and esteem. The beautiful Scottish Terrier from the United States, the fantastic Beagle from Thailand, a magnificent Rottweiler from Japan are only a few that I will mention.
“It is my sincere wish to be selected again to participate in this event. I truly spent a wonderful time in the ring judging the entries brought before me. Although I did not judge Best in Show at this event, it will remain a wish for a future time at this event.”
Clearly David is a fan!
The author flanked by Chris Chou from Taiwan and Ferdinal Chandra from Indonesia showing how international the circuit show has become.
Next Time?
So, if you are tempted to take a step into new territory, why not think about the circuit for 2024?
As you can see, it’s a professional set-up and run by friendly dog people; Sunday evening at the end of the show, the PCCI even hosts a party for all judges, press and overseas guests and exhibitors. Dinner with wine is served in the reception area of the event center and provides a fitting end to four days of hectic but enjoyable showing.
The Philippines circuit has been running since around 2014 and is now on the bucket list of “must do dog shows” for many exhibitors and for sure … many judges, too!
The Big Winners
Day 1 FCI SHOWS Judge Ana Mesto (Spain)
Best in Show Doberman 1 Dog Name: PHIL GR CH FANDOLA'S MALU (KOR)
Best in Show 2 Dog Name: PHIL/INA CH RULE THE RING GOLD LEGEND (IDN)
Best in Show 3 Dog Name: PHIL HOF/KOR/A2O GR/PM/SEA CH/PW'19'20 REALLINE FINAL BOSS (KOR)
Day 2 FCI SHOW Judge Adrian Landarte (Uruguay)
Best in Show Scottish Terrier 1 Dog Name: PHIL GR/A2O/SEA CH/AM GCH/PW'23/DW'22 KRISCOTS HE'S A REBEL AT DE LA POMME (USA)
Best in Show 2 Dog Name: PHIL GR/INT/JPN/A2O/SEA CH/PW'23/DW'22 SMASH JP MOVIN'ON (JPN)
Best in Show 3 Dog Name: PHIL HOF/KOR/THA/JR/A2O/A2O JR/SEA JR CH/JW'20/W CH/PW'23 EASTERN PROMISE OF HANGARAM (KOR)
Day 3 FCI SHOW Judge Linda Voláriková (Slovakia)
Best in Show Scottish Terrier 1 Dog Name: PHIL GR/A2O/SEA CH/AM GCH/PW'23/DW'22 KRISCOTS HE'S A REBEL AT DE LA POMME (USA)
Best in Show 2 Dog Name: PHIL HOF/KOR/THA/JR/A2O/A2O JR/SEA JR CH/JW'20/W CH/PW'23 EASTERN PROMISE OF HANGARAM (KOR)
Best in Show 3 Dog Name: PHIL/JR/A2O JR/SEA JR CH/PW'23/JW'23 SMASH JP HIKARU (JPN)
Day 4 FCI SHOW judge Tamas Jakkel (Hungary)
Best in Show Welsh Corgi 1 Dog Name: PHIL HOF/KOR/THA/JR/A2O/A2O JR/SEA JR CH/JW'20/W CH/PW'23 EASTERN PROMISE OF HANGARAM (KOR)
Best in Show 2 Dog Name: PHIL GR/AM GCHS/BA/MK/ME/RO/RS GRCH/BY/HR/HU/RU/SI/ES/ADR/BAL/MED/A2O CH/PW'23 HONEY POT TO BEE OR NOT TO BEE (USA)
Best in Show 3 Dog Name: PHIL GR/INT/JPN/A2O/SEA CH/PW'23/DW'22 SMASH JP MOVIN'ON (JPN)