Top 10 Most Popular Animals in the Philippines

From loyal companions like dogs and cats to hardworking farm animals like the carabao, GMA News TV’s award-winning info-tainment show lists down the top 10 “Ang Pinaka: Popular Animals sa Pilipinas.”

What are the most popular animals in the Philippines and what exactly makes them popular? Ang Pinaka’s guest panelistas, Manila Zoo veterinarian Dr. Marines Lagarto, Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) Administrative officer Charlene Lacsamana, and veterinarian Dr. Rizalina Zunio, weigh in on the matter:

10. Pig

Pigs are primarily known as food animals. “Hindi iyan nawawala sa diet ng mga Pinoy lalu na kapag may okasyon. May lechon, may sisig. Most Filipino dishes always consist of pork,” says Charlene Lacsamana of PAWS.

Pigs, however, can also serve as pets. This animal is as smart, if not smarter, than dogs. “Pigs have been scientifically proven to have the same level of awareness and mental activity as a 3 year old kid,” explains Lacsamana.

9. Parrot

Because of their ability to imitate the human voice, parrots have been very popular as pets. Parrots also have a long lifespan. According to Dr. Marines Lagarto, they can live up to 65 to 80 years and outlive their owner.

8. Philippine Eagle

The Philippine eagle is famous for being the country’s national bird. Its popularity is also boosted by Pag-asa, the first Philippine eagle bred and hatched in captivity in 1992.

7. Lions

Lions represent strength and bravery, making them a favorite in the cat family. The King of the Jungle was further ingrained in popular culture because of the hit cartoon “The Lion King.”

6. Carabao

The Carabao, also known as the Asian Water Buffalo, is the Philippines’ national animal. A hardworking animal in the rice fields, carabaos represent the Filipinos’ patience and resilience. In provinces like Bulacan, Dr. Lagarto shares how locals would show appreciation to their working companions in the fields. “Pina-parade ang carabao at dinadamitan. Tapos lumuluhod sila (locals).”

5. Elephants

In neighboring countries like Thailand, elephants have been domesticated for transportation. “Working animals ang elephants sa South East Asia,” says Dr. Lagarto. “Taga-carry sila ng logs. Eventually, ginamit sila sa circus kasi matalino sila. Madaling turuan ng tricks.”

Charlene Lacsamana explains the fascination with elephants: “It’s a huge wild animal. Kumbaga, to have control sa animal na iyan an environment like the zoo, wow iyon because I don’t have to go to a safari or to Africa to see them.”

4. Dolphin

Dolphins are sociable creatures, a trait that makes them endearing to humans. More than that, they are also considered as the most intelligent animal on earth.

Dolphins were ingrained in popular culture thanks to the 1963 movie “Flipper” that tells a story about the friendship of a boy and an orphaned dolphin.

3. Horse

Like carabaos, horses are also important farm animals as they are used for transportation of heavy loads. Horses are also widely used in the Philippines for sports such as polo and horse racing.

2. Cat

Spurning a lot of memes and GIFs in the internet, cats have surely invaded popular culture. More than their popularity in memes,cats are also a preferred pet by people who want low-maintenance animal companions. “Cats are not as high maintenance as dogs. They are a little bit independent. You can leave the for a longer period of time.”

1. Dog

Almost every household in the Philippines has a pet dog. Dogs, after all, are supposed to be “Man’s Best Friend.” Their loyalty, intelligence, and of course cuteness make them endearing to pet owners.

“Dogs are very dependent on people, and people are actually dependent on dogs as far as psychological needs nila, the need to take care of something and the need to receive affection,” explains Charlene Lacsamana.

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- Ang Pinaka Staff/CM, GMA News