May 5, 2011

Asong Pinoy

A new sculpture in the plaza of Eastwood Mall pays tribute to the Aspin, short for Asong Pinoy or Filipino Dog. The Philippine native dog was called Askal—Asong Kalye or Street Dog—until the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) decided to take up its cause more aggressively, which required a special public relations campaign and a new, more socially acceptable name for this short-haired, medium-sized hunting dog. The plaque on the base reads:

Silent Companion

In honor of the "Aspin", the Filipino dog… Companion, playmate, protector, friend
Without words, Beyond words…

Living in his own homeland, yet often homeless.
Seen everywhere, yet overlooked,
Voiceless and invisible.

The Aspin dreams of the day he will find a safe, loving home.
He looks up to a human, and hopes for humanity.
Will they see him and speak for him?

To all who give voice to the Aspin,
Who have called his name and welcomed him into their family,
Share in this quiet tribute.

the sculpture 'Silent Companion' at Eastwood Mall

13 comments:

  1. Leif HagenMay 5, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    I love, love the sculpture! Nice urban angle on it, Hilda!

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  2. OlivierMay 5, 2011 at 11:47 AM

    j'aime le cote moderne de cette statue, superbe

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  3. GreensboroDailyPhotoMay 5, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Hilda: It has been a while since I've been by your blog. Weren't you out for a while? So happy to see all of this artwork and current event info. Your blog is how I keep up with Manila!

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  4. Cezar and LéiaMay 5, 2011 at 7:17 PM

    I love street sculptures, and this modern sculpture is wonderful!
    Léia

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  5. brattcatMay 5, 2011 at 7:31 PM

    what a tender sculpture.

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  6. SuzanneMay 5, 2011 at 8:01 PM

    This poem and sculpture touches my heart. I've seen many homeless dogs who could have used some loving. Thank you also for checking out my blog.

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  7. LoisMay 5, 2011 at 11:31 PM

    It's a lovely tribute Hilda!

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  8. ABMay 6, 2011 at 1:21 AM

    A very modern-looking statue

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  9. FranciscaMay 6, 2011 at 5:26 AM

    I seem to be in the country of stray dogs (while Manila is the place for stray cats!). A pets is a precious thing, whether pedigreed or mutt; but strays can be quite a nuisance, if not dangerous. Any efforts to raise awareness is good ad this sculpture with plaque is rather nice.

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  10. DinaMay 6, 2011 at 1:37 PM

    Very touching and true, the words and the statue.
    Good that the Aspin has champions.

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  11. RachelMay 8, 2011 at 10:40 PM

    Awww. How sweet! Dogs are fabulous companions and protectors. Our dog even protects our cat! How's that for loyal? - Thank you for sharing that story and the statue. And it is neat to know that there is another Eastwood Mall in the world. Ours was torn down to build a Wal-mart.

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  12. Lakad PilipinasMay 9, 2011 at 3:15 AM

    Di na lang pala askal ang tawag ngayun sa askal. =P

    Christian
    http://lakad-pilipinas.blogspot.com

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  13. RenceJanuary 12, 2012 at 1:03 PM

    Galing!!!

    I have a newfound respect for Aspins.

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