Joseph Marco celebrates with rescued animals on 38th birthday

Joseph Marco spent his 38th birthday doing something close to his heart: spending time with rescued animals and helping provide for their needs. 

Marco celebrated at Red Cubs Pet Patrol PH, a nonprofit animal rescue and welfare organization caring for nearly 600 rescued dogs and cats.

On October 4, Marco visited the shelter with his supporters, where he spent time with the rescued animals and posed for photos with cats and dogs, including some that had been injured.

The group also brought pet food and other supplies for the shelter, while food packs were distributed to the animals.

Marco shared photos from the celebration on social media, reflecting on what it was like to spend his special day surrounded by so many rescued animals.

“Celebrated my birthday today surrounded by almost 600 beautiful souls. My heart is so full,” he wrote.

He thanked his supporters, the Josephaholics and Josephelite Squad PH, for organizing the activity, as well as Red Cubs Pet Patrol PH for welcoming them to the shelter.

“The greatest gift is being able to give love, even in the smallest ways. Truly a birthday I’ll never forget,” he added.

The actor also spent part of his birthday with his family.

Most recently, he uploaded a vlog where he talks about his shelter visit. In the roughly four-minute video, Marco expressed his gratitude to his fans and the organization for helping make the celebration possible. 

He described the day as “a birthday filled with gratitude, compassion, and love for those who need it most.” Marco also introduced Cosmo, his newest rescue cat whom he adopted.

He used the video to talk about why he hopes his actions can encourage others to treat animals with compassion.

“Just really hoping na meron akong mga nai-inspire, kasi nakakalungkot lang dumadami iyong mga nagko-content na sinasaktan nila 'yung mga animals just for the views and likes,” he shared. “So, I hope I get to reverse that by somehow educating people na it's still compassion that should prevail,” he added.

A day before his birthday, on Oct. 3, Marco and his supporters also visited the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), where they spent time with the animals and donated supplies.

Marco has been open about his love for animals, especially cats. He currently has 19 rescued cats under his care.