It’s not every day that a restaurant group best known for burgers and ribs takes on the cause of feline welfare. But on Oct. 16, Hard Rock Cafe Manila, part of The Bistro Group—known for restaurants like Italianni’s and TGI Friday’s—did just that by hosting a Global Cat Day awareness seminar. While it may seem surprising for a restaurant chain to champion cats, some of the company's top executives are, in fact, animal lovers.
The free seminar featured veterinarians and animal welfare advocates who spoke on a variety of feline-focused topics, including health, behavior, grooming, and the importance of adopting stray cats. Attendees heard from experts like Dr. Apol Guimpayan of Makati Animal Medical Center, Dr. Ariel Poliquit from Zoetis PH, and Biyaya Animal Care’s Rina Ortiz, who discussed the responsibility that comes with pet ownership and the need to help stray animals find homes.
Clintbrian Peck, director of operations at Hard Rock Cafe Manila, emphasized the significance of raising awareness about cats. "As we celebrate Global Cat Day and Animal Day, it's timely that we raise awareness about the well-being and health of our feline friends and cats and the significance of their contribution to our environment," Clintbrian said. “It is also important to educate cat owners to know more about these cute furry friends. Our aim is also to give them a chance to live a happy and secure life by adopting them."
He also highlighted the company's commitment to the broader issue of animal welfare through the Bistro Fur Friends initiative. “Every cat, pedigree or non-pedigree, deserves a loving home. We must respect them and be kind to them,” Clintbrian said. "The health and well-being of cats and pets must come first. As a cat owner, we want to have healthy, happy cats that fit our lifestyle, and the relationship should be rewarding for both cats and humans."
Hard Rock Cafe’s involvement in animal advocacy may have surprised some, but Peck explained that supporting stray cat communities and animal welfare organizations is part of the company’s philanthropic mission. “Owning a cat is a big responsibility. Adopting one is a lifelong commitment that is both enriching and fulfilling. It is challenging sometimes, but well worth the time and effort,” he said.
The Bistro Group’s focus on animal welfare extends beyond just hosting events. Through its Bistro Fur Friends initiative, the company has supported numerous rescue and rehabilitation efforts for stray animals across the Philippines. "Nothing is more enriching in life than the love and nurturing humans can provide for animals and vice versa," Peck said.
As cat lovers gathered for the seminar, it was clear that the event went beyond education—it was about fostering a community. With Hard Rock Cafe’s commitment to animal welfare, they proved that even a brand built on rock ‘n’ roll can make a meaningful difference for our furry companions. "Every cat, stray or non-stray, deserves a loving home, and every home deserves the joy of owning a pet, especially a rescued one," Peck concluded.
The event, filled with cat-loving attendees, celebrated more than just Global Cat Day—it also highlighted how companies can take responsibility for the well-being of animals, showing that fur parents, it seems, can be found everywhere, even at Hard Rock Cafe.