Blessing of the Animals

In the Filipino tradition that blends festival and faith, the Blessing of the Animals returns to the Bonifacio High Street amphitheater on World Animal Day, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Priests bless pets individually — dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, turtles, and the occasional bearded dragon have all lined up in years past — with a short ecumenical program honoring animals who've passed in the last year.

The blessing is free and open to all; no registration needed, just join the queue with your pet leashed or in a carrier. Local welfare groups host a small donation drive alongside, and a remembrance wall lets you post a photo of departed pets. It starts at 4 p.m. when the heat breaks — bring water for your pet, and maybe tissues for yourself. It gets you, every year.