FEATURE: What apparently is a Filipino version of "Hachiko" reunites with his fur dad.

The Aspin (asong Pinoy) that was given the name “Kilay,” and serves among dockhands in Polambato Port, City of Bogo, in northern Cebu Province was visited by his owner, Glenn “Mingming” Inoc on November 10, 2023 after a three-month-long separation.

Earlier, a video log on Kilay went viral on social media for the doggo’s interesting story and enthusiasm at work.

He was assigned the name Kilay because of his eyebrows that have initially drawn attention. The doggo’s eyebrows looked as though these were outlined using a brow pencil.

In a story produced by the team of GMA-7's award-winning news magazine show “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” for its November 12, 2023 episode, it was told that Kilay is owned by Glenn “Mingming” Inoc.

In fact, the doggo’s real name is Chokoy.

Mingming works aboard a ship, and because he knows it is not healthy for Chokoy (Kilay) to be left in Allen, Northern Samar, he entrusted him to the care of Clemente Lequigan, Jr., a porter in Polambato the last time the ship he was working for docked there.

He used to visit the dog every time the ship docked at the said port, but the vessel took on a new route, sailing from Ormoc City to Ouano wharf in Mandaue City, Cebu.

Mingming said he was not able to visit Chokoy regularly because of his work hours aboard the ship and that financial constraints hindered him from commuting.

The KMJS team arranged Mingming’s reunion with Chokoy (Kilay).

When Mingming arrived at the Polambato port, he called Kilay by the name he has assigned to the doggo.

Chokoy (Kilay) responded to the voice of his master and ran to meet him. However, Mingming decided to leave Chokoy permanently to his caretakers led by Clemente on the request of the porters who have now developed an attachment for the dog.

The men expressed it is painful to see Kilay leave.

Mingming decided it would do good for Chokoy (Kilay) if he stays at the port where he clearly enjoys his “job stint” now.

Mingming pointed out that Chokoy (Kilay) is a stray dog he met at a port in Allen. Chokoy was described to be skinny, obviously famished.

Mingming said he knew dogs are not supposed to go up the ship but he and his colleagues decided to adopt him because there has always been something special about Chokoy .

Chokoy, he said, has always been enthusiastic about port work as he is exposed to it. He is most active at the port, ready to tug ropes and assist dockhands tie these around the berthing posts.

Chokoy (Kilay) is not perturbed about the noises of human beings and vehicles around him, as he is used to it.

Even the vendors in Polambato are amazed at how Kilay behaves differently from other dogs. They said he does not bark at people, he even greets them seemingly with a smile.

Rather, he barks at an arriving ship, excited at his task.

Kilay is used to running after ropes and tugging these because he was trained by his master.

Though animals are not supposedly allowed to be at port premises, Kilay has a special place not just in every workers’ heart but also at the port. His new fur parents built him a kennel so he can rest properly when port operations take a lull.

They already worked on his vaccination, and a budget has also been allocated for his food.

Kilay loves chicken liver. His caretakers make sure the liver comes with vegetables and a serving of dog food.

Kilay enjoys his food best when his caretakers feed it to him using bare hands.

KMJS leaves a strong message about nurturing dogs - that human beings should be more responsive by acknowledging every dog’s gesture of loyalty and love.

According to Atty. Heidi Caguioa, program director of Animal Kingdom Foundation, caring for animals is a lifetime commitment. Therefore, one must think a couple of times first before deciding on nurturing any animal.