Since opening its doors in 2004, Sabangan Beach Resort has set the standard for pet-friendly hospitality in Batangas. Family-owned and operated by the Salvadors, the resort was the first in the area to welcome dogs and cats of all sizes and breeds—not just tolerated, but genuinely embraced.
Photo: Sabangan Beach Resort
Guests can keep their pets in their rooms, let them roam freely, and enjoy the beach together, as long as owners are mindful of cleanup.
A shared Pawssion for dogs and animal welfare
Reaffirming its commitment to furry friends, Sabangan Beach Resort recently partnered with Pawssion Project and Pet Partner Philippines Inc. for a three-day, two-night beach retreat. The resort welcomed guests, volunteers, advocates, and 10 senior rescue dogs from Bulacan for a fun-filled getaway, which also featured a free pet medical mission.
Led by Doc Gab of Pet Partner Philippines Inc., the medical mission offered free veterinary consultations, rabies vaccinations, and kapon (deworming) services for both community animals and the beloved pets of the Sabangan team. The dedicated veterinary team brought both expert care and empathy to every pet that arrived, creating a day rooted in service and shared responsibility for animal welfare.
Lisa Salvador-Bringas, director of Sabangan Beach Resort, said, “We decided to do a medical mission because we saw a lot of community dogs entering Sabangan, maybe sensing that it is a safe space for them. We noticed more and more dogs from guests and our staff, and we wondered if they had rabies shots or if they were able to see a vet regularly. So we decided to do something that’s really at the core of who we are as a pet-friendly resort and hold a medical mission in our own backyard, for our staff and their furbabies as well.”
The resort also demonstrated its ongoing commitment to animal welfare with a Php 25,000 cash donation to Pawssion Project, along with an additional ₱25,000 in-kind contribution to support shelter operations in Bulacan. Since 2023, the resort has donated all proceeds from pet check-ins in August to support Aspin Month.
Celebrating compassion and community
Malou Perez, founder of The Pawssion Project, reflected on the experience, saying, “Before coming to Sabangan, I’d heard of so-called ‘pet-friendly’ places that were anything but. Seeing the rescues so happy on the beach—and knowing diapers weren’t required—showed me Sabangan is genuinely pet-friendly and eco-conscious. Bowls were ready, the welcome was warm, and after seven years of rescuing and rehabilitating dogs, it felt amazing to bring them somewhere they could truly enjoy themselves. For an advocate like me, it means so much to find a place that welcomes all dogs and cats, from aspins to puspins.”
The event was not only a medical mission but a celebration of life, second chances, and the quiet joy that comes from kindness freely given. Watching senior rescue dogs explore the sand and sea, tails wagging despite their age, was a reminder of what care can restore in these animals—hope, comfort, and visibility.
From wagging tails to smiling faces, the day also included a donation turnover, sealing a shared commitment to continue supporting animal welfare beyond the event itself.
A place where families and their pets can feel at home
“From the very beginning, our goal has been to create a space where families and their pets can truly feel at home,” Salvador-Bringas said. “We’re proud to continue that legacy and support animal welfare in the community. By the shore, connections grow stronger. Our collaboration with Pawssion Project showed how community, care, and compassion can thrive alongside relaxation and joy.”
For pet owners seeking a truly welcoming beach escape, Sabangan Beach Resort offers a stay where both pets and their families feel at home, supported by a community dedicated to compassionate care and respect for all animals.
ALSO READ: Boracay Ranks As One of the Best Beaches in the World in 2025
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com’s Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com community at WIM Squad, and join our Viber group to stay updated with the latest around the Philippines and beyond!
