MURAL artists showcased their love for their art and animals as participants to this year's special mural painting competition by the Art in Island Museum.

Rain or shine, muralists painted their entries that highlight animal rights and welfare. The competition was from Sept. 4 to 9, 2018. The public are asked to vote for their favorite murals. Winners get not only the title (read: bragging rights) but also cash awards.

Here are some of the artists and their murals.

Bushi and Muning are the two orange tabbies painted by Edmund C. Andrade. He said his cats are a year old now. He included an ice cream cone in his mural so that those who want to have a photo with it can pretend to be holding the ice cream cone for his cat to lick. After all, Art in Island is an interactive museum, he added. 

Peace For Animals is the title of John Harold Pena's mural. He told MetroPets he wants people to realize that animals are about peace and deserve peace. 

Love for Joy is the title of Jaynard Alpuerto's mural which features several dogs and cats that together highlight certain animal rights advocacies to promote their welfare. He painted stray cats, senior dogs, handicapped dog, Aspins (asong Pinoy) and service dogs to call attention to pet overpopulation, dog meat trade, dog fighting and other problems that greatly harm animals. 

Below are other noteworthy pet-themed murals in full display for the public to enjoy outside the Art in Island Museum. 

JASON BAKER

HAPPY YEAR OF THE DOG! Below are photos of Buster (he's up for adoption, by the way!) and he will tell you why adopting a dog is always better than buying one. 

1. When you buy a dog from a pet store, you're supporting cruel puppy mills. ​Buster can't believe you would ever do that. Not you. 

​2. You can't buy love—but you can adopt it from a shelter or rescue group (and for a lot less money than buying a dog from a breeder or a pet store).

3. Most "preowned" dogs or those who are rescued from the streets are already housetrained.

​4. What's up, doc, er, dog? Shelters and rescue groups only adopt out healthy animals, and vaccinations and spaying or neutering (kapon/ligation) are usually included.

​5. At an animal shelter, you can find a dog to fit your unique personality (even if you're a little nutty).

6. You will be rewarded with looks like this and other expressions of gratitude for as long as you both shall live.

​7. Thousands of dogs and cats enter animal shelters and pounds every year in the Philippines. And he's one of them.

8. Ahhhh, it feels great to know that you saved a life.

What Are You Waiting For?
If you've been thinking about adding an animal to your family—and you have enough time and money to care for a dog (or a cat)—please adopt one from a local animal shelter or rescue group. In the Year of the Dog, please pledge never to buy animals from pet stores or breeders.

Buster was rescued from the streets of Makati. He was found emaciated, sick, and confused, but he's now healthy, happy, and ready for a new home. He's been vaccinated and neutered and loves walks, other dogs, and playing fetch. 

Jason Baker is vice president of international campaigns for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia. To get involved with PETA's work in the Philippines or if you're interested in adopting Buster or another animal, visit PETAAsiaPacific.com or e-mail us at Info@PETAAsiaPacific.com.