1 week Ago By Jeline Malasig
A Filipino restaurant in Tagaytay City earned flak for its statement involving an aspin (Asong Pinoy) who was not allowed to enter the establishment despite proclaiming itself as “pet friendly.” Dog owner Lara Antonio shared her experience on Sunday, September 8, when she and her pets Yoda and Ari visited Balay Dako , a big Filipino restaurant with a view of the Taal Volcano. She said that her dogs were initially allowed to enter and were only required to wear diapers.
The front-of-house (FOH) server later told them that Yoda, her aspin, was no longer allowed to go inside and that they could only accommodate medium-sized dogs. Antonio then asked them about their qualification for a medium-sized dog, saying that Yoda was supposed to fit into that category as an 18-kilogram canine. She was told that for them, medium-sized dogs weigh 10 to 15 kilograms.
The pet owner said the size qualification was not included in the restaurant’s pet guidelines. The manager approached Antonio and told her that they only allow dogs like “shit tzus” and “labradors” inside, much to Antonio’s ire. “Pero tumagginting na ‘yung tenga ko sa labrador.
Kasi mas malaki sila kay Yoda. Labradors are EASILY 25 [kilograms] and above. And I said, ‘Labrador? Eh mas malaki sila sa aso ko eh.
So ano ‘yung problema? Kasi aspin siya?'” the furmom wrote on Facebook. “And of course, she says no, she tries to explain na someone brought their dogs and ‘may nakagat na’ and okay, that’s not what I’m asking. That’s not my dog’s fault? It’s that owner’s fault.
So don’t say you’re pet friendly and let LABRADORS in, but not my aspin,” Antonio added. The incident infuriated the pet owner as she reiterated that there were no specific size qualifications for dogs allowed in the restaurant. “TLDR [Too Long; Didn’t Read]: Balay Dako is NOT pet friendly to big dogs or Aspins.
Don’t bother going,” she concluded. Her post reached the attention of the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), which called out the restaurant and said it was “deeply disappointed” with the latter’s “breed discrimination.” “Such actions reflect a troubling disregard for the respect and dignity that all animals deserve, regardless of their breed,” the animal organization said on Monday, September 9.
“PAWS has been working tirelessly to uplift the image of Aspins, who are often misunderstood and undervalued, despite their beauty, intelligence, and loyalty,” it added. “This incident is particularly disheartening as it underscores the persistence of harmful stereotypes and unjust biases against our very own native dogs,” the org continued. It also urged establishments calling themselves “pet friendly” to be “mindful of their practices, and to ensure that their policies reflect genuine inclusivity, and not arbitrary standards or breed preferences.
” The restaurant issued a statement a day after Antonio’s post, stressing that they continue to be an establishment that allows pets. “As a company that loves animals, we understand the importance of accommodating pets. However, we must also consider factors such as spacing and the safety of all our guests,” Balay Dako said on Facebook.
“We are currently reviewing our policy to ensure it is clear, fair, and balances the needs of both pet owners and non-pet owners. Additionally, we will take steps to ensure that our staff are better trained and guided to understand and implement our policies effectively,” it added. “We appreciate your understanding and patience during this process.
We hope for your continued support as we strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all,” the restaurant said. The statement, however, did not satisfy some Filipinos, who continued to criticize the restaurant’s pet-friendliness in relation to its response to Antonio’s experience. “You still did not directly address the issue about Yoda, the Aspin.
In your apology letter, you specifically stated, ‘However, we must also consider factors such as spacing and the safety of all our guests,'” the Philippine Animal Rescue Team said in the comments. “Can you enlighten us then, what factors were considered why Yoda was not allowed entry to your premises,” it added. Others argued about the restaurant’s reasoning in terms of “spacing.
” “Funny that you mention ‘the safety of all our guests.’ In reality, you have a basement dining area specifically for pet owners dining with their pets,” a Facebook user said. “I’ve dined there multiple times together with my shih tzu, alongside other pet owners.
In fact, I was seated right next to a table with a chow chow. And to tell you, you have a BIG gap on each table [in] your basement area, so what’s the point for reasoning the ‘spacing’ that you’re telling us?” she added. Others questioned why the restaurant called itself “pet-friendly” if they were concerned about the “spacing and safety” of their guests.
“If you’re so worried about space and safety, then why be pet-friendly in the first place?! Why act like only Aspins can bite?” a Facebook user said. “Other breeds are dogs too, and they can bite just like any other! Stop acting like there’s a difference, it’s unfair and doesn’t make any sense!” she added. Aspins are mixed-breed dogs native to the Philippines .
PAWS said they are “incredibly loyal, resilient, intelligent, and gentle companions who thrive on love and care” despite misconceptions that they are aggressive or untrainable..
