Bistro Group rescues strays, names them for brands

What started with a stray refusing to move from under Paul’s car became Bistro Fur Friends, and a headquarters that is home to fifteen dogs.

An executive working in an office in Makati noticed a stray dog near their building — unable to walk, ravaged by ticks and fleas, with visible ribs, her fur nearly gone. One Friday, he decided that if the dog was still there after the weekend, he would take action to save the poor creature. Come Monday, as he was about to head home, the executive noticed that his driver was taking an unusually long time to get out of the office parking lot. Curious, he went to check on the situation, only to find the stray dog stubbornly refusing to budge from underneath his vehicle. It was a sign, and he knew he had to help.

This is the story of Jean Paul Manuud — president of The Bistro Group, which is known for its casual dining brands (Italianni’s, TGI Fridays, etc.) and homegrown concepts (such as Siklab+) — and how he and his colleagues in the company started their crusade of rescuing strays and giving them a better life.

Before-and-after of a Bistro Group rescue: an inset of the dog as a mangy stray above the same black-and-white dog, now healthy in a pale blue shirt on a leash — Bistro, the first rescue, before and after

What name did the man give his first rescue? “Bistro.”

“I carried her,” says Paul. “She was in a lot of pain.” He immediately took the dog to Makati Animal Medical Center. The vet gave a worrying diagnosis. Bistro was suffering from dengue, ticks, fleas, and blood parasites.

Buddy, a pale yellow rescue dog in a light blue shirt and blue collar, stands leashed on brick paving with his mouth open — Buddy

It was a long and slow process of healing for the dog. Not just physically, but mentally as well: afraid of people, of going out, of the sound of cars. Clearly, the animal had been traumatized. Another dog, Buddy, was taken in to accompany Bistro. Now, after four years and with Paul devoting a space for more rescued strays in the Bistro office, a fully recovered Bistro the dog has become the company mascot.

Ital, a shaggy white dog, sits wearing a Bistro Group “Hi I’m Ital, adopt me” bandana — Ital

What started with the salvation of a dog cocooning itself under Paul’s car quickly evolved into a dedicated initiative focused on saving and rehabilitating society’s most vulnerable animals. This effort goes beyond providing shelter. Paul’s initiative, Bistro Fur Friends, ensures access to veterinary care, nutritious food, and most importantly, the love these animals have often been denied. The mission is clear: to combat neglect, offer comfort, and find these animals the homes they deserve. But the mission relies on more than good intentions — it depends on the generosity of those willing to provide forever homes.

Watami, a white-and-tan dog on a leash, wears a “Watami, adopt me” bandana — Watami

Paul points out, “These strays may appear to be just in need of food, but the reality is far more complex. Living in uncontrolled environments, many of them suffer from blood parasites, worms, ticks, fleas, anemia, and in severe cases, heartworms. These are all treatable conditions if someone would just give them a chance. Without treatment, however, these conditions can lead to their untimely deaths.”

Pampu, a brindle-and-white rescue dog, lies draped over a yellow-painted curb with tongue out — Pampu

The Bistro Group HQ, now home to 12 to 15 rescued dogs, has become a sanctuary for these animals, each with its own story.

Cal was rescued near a Caltex gas station. Pampu was a stray in the Estancia Mall area. In one particularly heart-wrenching case, Paul was alerted by his daughter to a Facebook post about a group of six puppies found in a small, cramped cage in a house in Sampaloc. These young pups, just a month old, were exposed to the harsh elements, with little protection from the scorching sun. Their mother was nearby, but the conditions were dire. Paul immediately directed his team to do whatever it took to bring all the puppies to safety. Thanks to their swift action, the puppies were rescued and brought into the care of Bistro Fur Friends.

Jean Paul Manuud, in a white polo and glasses, cradles Bistro, the black-and-white rescued dog, in his arms — Jean Paul Manuud, president of The Bistro Group. Some of the dogs rescued by the company have already been adopted by kind-hearted animal lovers.

Paul explains, “These innocent animals are often malnourished, starving, and struggling to find their next meal — often not knowing if it will be their last. The sight of them eating spoiled or even poisonous food just to stay alive is a stark reminder of their daily battles.”

William Abuel, in a taupe polo with glasses pushed up, sits holding a small golden rescued puppy on his lap — William Abuel, vice president of operations

The company has TikTok posts spotlighting the aptly named rescued strays: Olive, Bulgogi, Ital, Texas, Shang, and Watami, among others. While a number of Bistro’s furry friends have been already adopted, many are still waiting for their wonderful humans.

RC Tiongson and Jeremei Raagas crouch on either side of Olive, a small tan dog in a pink shirt, on a tiled floor — RC Tiongson, chief operating officer, and Jeremei Raagas, Olive Garden director of operations with Olive the dog who was recently adopted.

“I want to make a heartfelt appeal to each of you: to consider opening your hearts to the idea of adopting a rescued animal. See the difference it can make — not just in their lives, but in yours as well,” says Paul.

Brian Peck, bald with glasses in a mint polo, crouches beside Shang, a white dog in a beige shirt on a leash — Brian Peck, director of operations, with Shang

Fifteen years ago, Paul didn’t care much for animals. His home, devoid of pets, mirrored his disinterest. However, his daughter’s unwavering love for animals — 23 stray cats filled her home — sparked a change in him. Slowly, Paul began to see the beauty in caring for these abandoned creatures.

Cyril Reyes, in a blue polo, crouches holding the leash of Texas, a lean white-and-tan dog with its tongue out — Cyril Reyes, director of operations, with Texas

“It was hard to understand at first,” Paul recalls. “But as I got involved, I began to see the light and passion in it. I often daydream about waking up one day to a world where all strays have found loving homes — where they are no longer struggling on the streets, but instead, bringing joy and happiness to the families who took them in.”

Five Bistro Group executives crouch together with two rescued dogs, a small tan dog and a larger white-and-brown one, against a pale wall — Guia Abuel, COO; Eldie Gonzales, unit manager; Divine Peralta, director of operations; Richard Lim, unit manager; Lea Gumapad, Buffalo Wild Wings Estancia captain server

It breaks your heart, Paul adds, describing the pain of witnessing abandoned animals on the streets. “But you can only do so much.”

What Paul is doing is nothing short of heroic though. And his passion for rescuing animals has spread throughout his workplace, with colleagues joining the cause.

“The joy that these rescued dogs and cats bring to us makes us better as an organization,” Paul reflects. “We’re like a family at The Bistro Group — and the pets have even made us closer.”