While Pinoy Legacy’s main mission is focused on helping people in need, there was something we couldn’t ignore during our trips to the Philippines — the animals.
On my first visit, I saw children struggling in heartbreaking conditions, but I also saw animals living in the same streets. Strays were everywhere. Some starving with ribs showing. Some injured. Some pregnant. And some lying lifeless on the side of the road — some even completely flattened by traffic.
In the U.S., especially in the Midwest, you almost never see this. There’s more support, better systems, and protections in place. But in the Philippines, it’s different. These animals are neglected, abused, and forgotten — and they have no way to help themselves. They don’t have the ability to ask for help. They don’t have money. They can’t explain what they need.
So we asked ourselves — if we’re serious about helping the Philippines build a better future, how can we leave out the animals who live in these same communities?
That’s when we found MARO.
Finding MARO
We didn’t stumble across Mayari Animal Rescue Organization by accident. In the Philippines, Facebook is everything — and we started searching for animal rescue groups near Cebu.
One organization stood out above the rest: MARO.
They were extremely active on Facebook, posting constant updates about the animals, their finances, their rescues, and their needs. Their love for the animals was obvious. They didn’t just say they cared — they showed it. And their location wasn’t far from where we were staying in Cebu City, which made it feel like the perfect fit.
I tried reaching out to MARO’s page through Facebook. I called. I messaged. Nothing.
But I wasn’t giving up.
First Visit: Scouting It Out
One day, I decided to go in person. I used MoveIt (moped taxi app), to get a ride out there. I asked the driver to wait, because I didn’t want to get stuck in a place I wasn’t familiar with.
The ride itself was fine — until we got to the last stretch. The final path to MARO’s facility was rough: dirt roads, ruts, uneven terrain. At one point we almost tipped over, so we stopped. I got off and walked the rest of the way.
As I approached, I heard dogs barking — lots of them. I saw cats climbing around a structure built onto the roof, designed to give them space to explore safely above. They also had their own area down below to relax. It was loud but secure. You could tell these animals were loved.
After a while, someone came out. I introduced myself and explained that I’d been trying to reach them. They told me I needed to speak directly with Dan Vetter, one of the founders, and suggested I message him personally or wait — he was out picking up animal supplies.
I didn’t wait. I went home, messaged Dan directly — and he replied.
Meeting Dan
Shortly after, Amor and I scheduled a proper visit.
We each booked our own MoveIt drivers again, told them to wait for us, and made the trek back out to MARO. This time, we walked the last stretch again while the drivers stayed parked on the main road.
Dan greeted us warmly.
Dan is from Switzerland. He could be living a comfortable life in Europe or spending his days in Thailand (which he also enjoys), but instead, he chose this. He chose to live in a rougher part of the Philippines, far from luxury, to help the animals no one else was helping.
That kind of sacrifice is rare. And I have so much respect for it.
We sat down and interviewed Dan. He told us how MARO started — not alone, but with a small team of people who saw the need and couldn’t ignore it. Dan’s personality was great. He was funny, talkative, and full of heart. What was supposed to be a quick visit turned into over four hours of conversation, touring the facility, meeting animals, and learning their stories.
The Donation
That day — after seeing it all, hearing Dan’s story, and witnessing the compassion firsthand — we gave ₱50,000 (around $900 USD) to MARO.
We’re a small nonprofit, and that’s not pocket change for us. But we wanted to support them in a meaningful way. Dan was incredibly thankful, and we knew it was going to be used exactly where it was needed.
We left feeling honored to support their work — and excited about what the future could look like.
Making It Official
Once we got back to the US and started editing the video of our interview with Dan, I messaged him again.
I asked, “Would MARO be open to an official partnership with Pinoy Legacy?”
He said yes.
From that point forward, we committed to giving a portion of our annual funding to MARO every year. It’s not a one-time donation. It’s an ongoing partnership based on trust, shared values, and a desire to do the right thing.
What MARO Does
MARO doesn’t just “house” animals. They rescue. They rehabilitate, adopt, and spay/neuter through catch-and-release programs — which is hugely important in fighting overpopulation.
They even offer a live-in volunteer program where people can stay on site, have their food and housing covered, and contribute by cleaning, walking dogs, helping with repairs, and more.
They’re not just an animal shelter — they’re a movement. And they do it all with transparency.
That’s what made us trust them.
Why Animals?
At Pinoy Legacy, our values are rooted in Christian compassion. That means people will always be our priority — but we don’t ignore the rest of God’s creation.
Animals matter. They’re living beings. They suffer. And they can’t advocate for themselves.
We help who we can, when we can — and that includes the animals.
We can’t fix everything. We can’t save every dog or cat. But with MARO, we’re doing our part to serve the voiceless.
How You Can Help
If you feel led to support MARO, you don’t need to go through us. In fact, we encourage you to donate to them directly.
You can find them on Facebook or through their website. If you’re in the Philippines and want to volunteer, they’re always looking for help — from walking dogs to assisting with technical projects.
And if you’re part of a U.S.-based shelter or nonprofit and would consider supporting MARO too — reach out to us. We’d love to talk.
Final Thoughts
We’ll visit Dan and the animals again on every trip to the Philippines. And whether in person or from overseas, we’ll continue supporting MARO — because this partnership isn’t just about animals.
It’s about honoring creation. It’s about compassion. And it’s about doing the right thing, even when no one else is watching.