ON his actual birthday last April 26, actor Daniel Padilla hied off to far-away place in Arayat, Pampanga to help the newly transferred animal shelter, where the rescued and impounded dogs and cats from Quezon City and other places in Metro Manila came.

It was a far, sweltering and dusty place, where Daniel or fondly called DJ, marked his 29th birthday, along with his solid fans, supporters, friends and family.

Far from his previous birthday celebrations the past years and the other pompous celebrations of his fellow celebrities, DJ ruled the roost on his 29th birthday celebration this year.

From the time he arrived at the animal shelter, DJ was welcomed with a “Happy Birthday” song. He opted to be with the rescued dogs and cats in Arayat and present were his fans, supporters and family.

Happiness was evident in DJ’s face as he didn’t mind feeding the animals and bathing them. To think that there was no running water in the place, he even had to fetch water from the pump so some of the dogs could be given a bath.

At one point, DJ didn’t notice that the towel slumped on his shoulder was the same one he used to dry off the newly bathed dogs. The fans watching him were thrilled and delighted that DJ never even cringed with what he did.

He even fed the animals – around 90 dogs and some 50 cats. Most of them came from the impounding areas in Quezon City, Manila and Novaliches.

Thanks to writer Ogie Rodriguez, who joined the group and shared what happened at Arayat to the birthday boy.

DJ spent a considerable amount of time talking and joking with the fans, despite the scorching heat at the animal shelter.

Aside from the animal feeds, treats, medicines and vitamins, DJ also had the sick dogs and cats treated. He even had a huge cat cage, complete with roofing, constructed for the feline creatures so they can freely play inside the shelter farm.

He brought a veterinarian, Dr. Jessie Villaroman, who neutered the dogs. Fur babies are close to DJ. He has his own dogs at home and he is very close to them.

Pet rescuer Gemma Omongos and animal shelter owner was very thankful for the help extended by DJ to their pets.

Last April 20, DJ had an early birthday celebration with cancer-stricken kids at Child (Center for Health Improvement and Life Development) Haus at Ermita, Manila.

Meanwhile, the family and friends of DJ didn’t allow him not to celebrate his birthday. Last Sunday (April 28), the eldest son of actress Karla Estrada and Rommel Padilla had an intimate birthday party at the newly opened tourist attraction in Tanauan, Batangas.

The occasion was attended by DJ’s family, friends, fans and supporters. His mom, dad and relatives, like Senator Robin Padilla and the latter’s mom Eva Cariño, were around.

ABS-CBN executives Carlo Katigbak and Mark Lopez also graced DJ’s birthday celebration, as well as directors Mae Cruz Alviar and Cathy Garcia-Sampana.