Our Doggie Divas Fashion Show Experience at SM Manila

I previously mentioned about the Doggie Divas Fashion Show (see separate entry).  It was our first time to join a fashion show so we woke up early to groom Lychee.  She had a bad hair day.  But that won't stop us.

Kurt Grooming Lychee Upon Arrival

Me and Lychee Before the Show

Each contestant walking the red carpet

Host talking to the partcipant

We arrived at the venue at exactly 2 p.m.  We were given a button pin with number 20 on it.  We were shocked to see many dogs there.  There were 35 contestants.  Most of them had their custom-made gowns and costumes.  Compared to them we were under-dressed.  Especially since we just bought Lychee's dress the day earlier at Tiendesitas for a measly 200 php. =p

Carribean Themed Chihuahua

      While waiting for the registration to be completed, the host was asking questions among the audience.  Kurt was raising his hand knowing all the answers but unfortunately he was never called.


At 2:30 p.m., the show started by parading the contestants around the upper ground floor.  Lychee was so happy to roam around at the mall.  While most pets wanted to be carried, Lychee was enjoying her walk.  As we returned to the event center, the three female judges were introduced.  They were judges chosen among the sponsors.  A brief information was given about them such as their profession (unrelated to dogs) and whether they had pets.


The participants were asked to walk along the red carpet and place their dogs at a table by the end for photograph.  Participants were divided into batches composing of five dog owners each.  Since we were number 20, we have at the fourth batch.  At the end of each batch, a spokesperson from the person discusses their products.  While waiting for our turn, Lychee kept rubbing her face trying to remove her big red glittery bow.  People wanted to take a picture of her but Lychee was a hyper dog so it was quite difficult to make her stay in one position.  Kurt also did not manage to take a single photo of us durign the show for the same reason.=(


When we were called, she walked straight to the table.  I place her their to have her pictures taken.  There were around 8 photographers.  I glanced at the judges but there weren't looking.


Soon, the participants for the guardian and dog category were called so we walked the carpet again.  After that it was the pair dogs turn.  After 30 minutes, the judges announced their decision and awarded the prizes.  As expected we didn't win anything.  The show ended as scheduled at around 5:00 p.m.


We quickly exchanged our button pin for our Alpo giveaway.  All contestants should have one but some of the contestants didn't get a chance to claim theirs because of the insufficiency of supplies.  Some of the contestants went home even before the giveaways were given.  (Probably because some non-contestants were given some)

Doggie Diva Winner

2nd place for Doggie Diva

3rd runner up for Doggie Diva

2 chihuahuas in similar dresses = best pair winner
(funny because we almost bought the same buy 1 take 1 for 300 dresses at Tiendesitas!)

2 chihuahuas pair up close

Mask man + Kid with wig = Guardian and Pet Winner

All 7 Winners

After the show, it rained.  Lychee loves the rain so we walked on the way home.  She had mud all over her feet so when we got home, we had to bathe her again.  It was a tiring day.


Overall, we are probably not for the fashion show type.   We didn't want to overdress her because we were too worried that it would make her feel uncomfortable.  We realized that Lychee will always be cute in our eyes.  It doesn't whether she wins based on others judgment.  To us, she will always be our "Doggie Diva."

DOGGIE DIVAS Dog Fashion Show Competition

This June 18, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., there will be a dog fashion show at SM City Manila Event Center UGF.  Entry is FREE so register and get a chance to win dog items.  You could also just bring your dog to watch the event.

RULES FOR THE EVENT:

Exhibitor Rules and Guidelines: All dog exhibitors are required to abide by the Rules and Guidelines to be set by Woman Today, SM City Manila and the Philippine Canine Club, Inc. Please read carefully all rules!


ELIGIBILITY:

This fashion competition is open to all FEMALE SMALL and MEDIUM DOGS from the age of six months and above. To be eligible, your dog must be below 15 inches at the shoulders.

Pregnant and/or lactating (nursing) bitches are not permitted to be shown. Puppies below six months of age are likewise not allowed to join.

Only dogs with UPDATED Anti-Rabies Vaccinations will be allowed to participate. You must bring your vaccination cards with you as proof of current vaccinations given by a licensed veterinarian.


HOW TO ENTER:

All Exhibitors must submit a completely filled out Woman Today Doggie Diva entry form by 2:00 pm of June 18, 2011. Forms will be available beginning June 3 at the Ideal Vision at SM City Manila.


GUIDELINES:

All dogs must be approachable by show officials. The owner of the dog accepts full responsibility for the dog’s actions and will not hold Philippine Canine Club, Inc., Woman Today Magazine and the management of SM CITY MANILA liable.


Dogs must be kept under control and on a leash at all times except when placed on the table for judging.


Because the Philippine Canine Club, Inc. promotes the compassionate care of all pets, any entrants not exemplifying responsible pet ownership will not be considered. Exhibitors and/or their guardians must attend to their dogs at all times in the show ring and in the mall grounds. Dogs left unattended and or/ off leash may lose their Dog Show privileges or participation as determined by the Dog Show Committee.


Exhibitors are expected to pick up after their dogs and dispose of waste and garbage in properly designated bins to be provided by the Dog Show Committee.


Dog Show officials will remove dogs exhibiting unsafe or threatening behavior, exhibitors abusing or neglecting their dog(s), and/or any persons abusive to Dog Show personnel from the event.


JUDGING:

There will be a panel of three judges whose decisions are final and binding. The finalists will be selected on the following judging criteria: 25% creativity of costume, 25% dog’s fun personality, 50% overall memorable impression of dog (and guardian for the guardian and pooch dress alike).

Each entrant will receive a score in each of the three categories. These three scores will be added together to get one cumulative score. The cumulative score from each judge will be added together to give each dog one final score. In the event of a tie, the highest score will be determined by audience applause.

Among the categories to be awarded trophies are:

DOGGIE DIVA: Your pooch must be dressed up to compete and entries will be judged on the novelty of the costume and effort put into its creation, and how well the costume fits your dog’s personality.

Best Pair or Team of Doggies: Open to any guardian with a pair of dogs dressed according to a given theme. Eg. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, Prince Aladdin and Princess Jasmine, etc.

Best Guardian and Doggie in Costume: Dress alike!!! You and your doggie should dress alike based on any theme of your choice. Entries will be judged on rapport between Guardian and dog, and the creativity and attention put into details for the matching costumes.

Smallest Doggie Diva: Open to those petite pets who know bigger isn't always better! Winner will be chosen based on shortest height at "withers." Ties will be broken by the shortest dog, measured at the point of the shoulder, while standing on its back legs.

Most Adorable Doggie Diva: This class is open to all your well-loved pooches and all-around companions. Entries will be judged by spectator applause.



Authorized Show Ring People & Dogs:

Only the exhibitor’s dog, exhibitor, and show officials are permitted in the ring while the dogs are being judged. Spectators and other guests and their dogs will not be allowed into the ring and will be requested to just sit outside the area designated for the fashion show.


Equipment Needed:

Exhibitors will need to provide their own collar, leash, costumes, water dish, pet carriers, props, grooming tables and any other equipment he/she may need to best exhibit his/her dog. All these equipment must be neatly stored in the holding area that will be provided for exhibitors.


GENERAL CONDITIONS:

By entering this event, entrants accept and agree: (a) to be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the judges, which shall be final, (b) that the Organizers are not responsible for and shall not be liable for: (1) any incorrect or inaccurate information associated with or utilized in the event; (2) any design, typographical or other errors, omissions or deletions in any materials associated with the event; (3) any condition caused by events beyond the control of the Organizers which may cause the event to be disrupted or corrupted: or (3) any loss, injury or damage of any kind caused by participation in this event, or by the acceptance of any prize. Acceptance of a prize constitutes permission to use the winners’ name, biographical information, likeness and photos for purposes of advertising and promotion in all media, without limitation or further compensation.


Rule Governance:

If any questions or problems arise that are not covered in the Woman Today Doggie Diva guidelines, then PCCI Dog Show Rules will apply.



       This is our first time to join a fashion show or any dog related contest.  Although Kurt doesn't feel comfortable with the idea of clothing dogs, we just want to show that Lychee (our maltese) is cute and lovable in terms of look and she also has a great personality.  We are quite nervous because Lychee is only a home-groomed dog.  All our grooming knowledge is based on YouTube.  She also seldom goes out of the house so we are hoping she won't be overwhelmed tomorrow.  We are wishing for the best.  We don't mind if she wins or lose, as long as she has fun.  See you all tomorrow!=)