28/09/2026
My student Banca😍♥️
Growing up around the lakes and highlands of Cavinti, Laguna, Banca the asong gubat or Philippine forest dog spent her days climbing, swimming, and visiting the guests at a local cabin, where () first encountered her in July.
Now living comfortably in Shaira’s 10-dog household, the young pup is easily twice the size of the rest of her pack. Still, it doesn’t stop her from giving visitors full body hugs, as she understands that she is finally, fully at home.
For Vogue Philippines’ inaugural cover, the Filipina photographer lenses her rescue, whom she pulled from a life-threatening wound. Found with a chain embedded in her neck, Banca is now well on the road to recovery; a journey made possible through numerous phone calls, a photography team, an animal whisperer, and more than a couple bangka (boat) rides.
Tap the link in the comments to read the full digital cover story and see Shaira and Banca’s answers to our 2026 Dogue questionnaire. Grab a copy of the Anniversary Issue on shop.vogue.ph and at newsstands to read our Dogue stories.
Read more on vogue.ph
Photograph by , multimedia artist , final artist Ryan James Abrigo, written by , Vogue Philippines, September/October 2026.
