Dogs as they say are man’s best friend. Thus, man should give back and protect them. But what if man causes them to suffer – just for fun?

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia recently launched a new ad campaign to kill greyhound racing in the Philippines. The ad, which features a happy-looking greyhound and bears the tagline “She Wants to Be Loved to Death, Not Run to Death,” aims to educate people about the hundreds of dogs who will suffer and die if House Bills 5292 and 5648 — which would permit greyhound racetracks to be built in Cebu, Tarlac, Pampanga, and Laguna — are approved.

In fact, together with PETA are politicians who are denouncing the so-called sport. On the list are Sen. Maria Ana “Jamby” Madrigal, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, Sen. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, and Sen. Benigno S. Aquino III. Also with them is Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, speaking out against the bill.

One of PETA’s ever-supportive celebrity ambassadors, Yasmien Kurdi, involves herself in this campaign in support of those unprivileged animals, particularly dogs who are victims of cruelty. In an exclusive Q&A with the Manila Bulletin, she speaks her heart out against those who want to race these animals to death, when in fact they should be loved and cared for.

As a celebrity, what do you think you can do in support of the campaign?

I’m more than happy to use my fame and influence to promote kindness to animals, and I always do. I am an actor and a singer – and more than that – and if I can influence other people to make the world a better place for animals, why not? I have been a PETA supporter for a long time. I don’t get paid for this. I do what I do because I believe in the cause. I know for a fact that other celebrities, including Raya Mananquil and Hindi Weber-Tantoco, support PETA’s greyhound campaign as well. I urge everyone in the entertainment world to speak out for animals. It’s a life-and-death situation for tens of thousands of dogs.

Why did you decide to work with PETA?

It’s part of who I am. I love animals, and I’ll do what I can to promote kindness and compassion to them. I am incredibly busy with my acting and singing projects, and of course school, family, and church commitments, but PETA is one of the most well-known and effective groups in the world, and I’m glad it’s in the Philippines. It does fantastic work. (For more information, or on how can you support, visit PETAAsiaPacific.com.)

What are your advocacies?

I live a life of compassion, and I hope that my day-to-day decisions never lead to the harming of any living being. It’s made me happier and healthier knowing that no blood is shed on my behalf and that no animal cries in pain just so that I can eat a piece of chicken. I live by the principles of nonviolence and compassion. Eating animals is part of one of the most perverse forms of violence – violence that you can very easily stop, no matter what walk of life you’re from.

Living the vegan way

Yasmien is a self-confessed vegan, (lacto-vegetarian: Diet of milk, vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts, sometimes eggs) because of PETA.

“I went vegetarian when I was younger, growing up in Kuwait, but I went vegan two years ago. I saw my father slaughtering lambs to prepare for parties and celebrations. I remember seeing the horror in the animals’ eyes, and I would fight with my dad about it.

“By going vegetarian, you are improving not only your life but also the lives of others. I feel pride in knowing that I’m not supporting a cruel industry and that I’m helping the environment too! I think that everyone should give a vegetarian diet a try. Plus, you’ll love how much healthier and energetic you’ll feel.

“Vegetarians are less likely to develop heart disease, diabetes, or certain types of cancer, and they’re less likely to become obese than meat-eaters are. In general, pure vegetarians weigh less than their meat-eating counterparts. I’m positive that my vegan diet keeps me healthy and more resistant to disease and that I am more immune to sicknesses than nonvegetarians are,” she related.

Aside from her regular stint in “SOP” and other GMA shows such as the now defunct “SRO: Suspetsa,” Yasmien is also busy with her singing career. “I also sing in shows in the province. I do private functions and also shows outside the Philippines,” she said.

She said that she is happy with what is happening in her showbiz career at present and that “I’m happy that I’m pursuing my dream, which is to study. At first, I joined show business to support myself and to pay for my tuition.” Yasmien is close to finishing her degree course and that she plans to take up a master’s degree after.

She also added, “In my opinion, we all find success in different ways. I hope all deserving talents will also be given a chance, even though they might not be rich or might not have connections in the industry,” to which she is referring to celebrities who didn’t go the hard way like hers (being a contestant in the popular “artista” search “Starstruck”).

With regards to her love life, Yasmien keeps mum but admits she is great friends with both Rainier Castillo and Dion Ignacio (who were linked to her in the past).

Asked on any update about the criminal case (Acts of Lasciviousness) she filed against co-actor Baron Geisler, she just said, “Nope. None.”