The Philippines is one of the most dog-loving nations in Asia. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that dogs are heavily featured in different pop culture works and references in the country. Arguably the most popular canine character in the local culture is Polgas, from the Filipino comic strip known as Pugad Baboy. The comic’s name translates to “swine’s nest” in Tagalog and its plot is centered on a community of overweight people in Manila, particularly the Sungcal family.

Created by local cartoonist Apolonio “Pol” Medina. Jr., Pugad Baboy first appeared in a local newspaper outlet in 1988. The strip not only tells stories about the families and their domestic lives; it also features some spoof sequences, action, adventure and drama. Occasionally, the plot touches on issues that the Filipino nation deals with, including poverty, government corruption and the local pop culture. Because of its nationwide recognition and fame, Pugad Baboy has spawned several compilations, merchandise (action figures, shirts) and even a live-action television series.

Among the characters highlighted in Pugad Baboy, perhaps the most noteworthy is Polgas, the anthropomorphic family pet of the Sungcal family. Referred to as “the dog who isn’t”, Polgas (coming from the Tagalog word “pulgas”, meaning “flea”) is known for exhibiting human traits, particularly wearing of clothes, ability to talk and bipedalism. He is considered as an additional member of the Sungcal family. In fact, he is often portrayed as the drinking partner of his master, named Dagul. But, even though he has these characteristics, Polgas still acts like a regular dog when he wants to.

Originally, Pol Medina created Polgas as a normal dog, albeit one who wore human clothes. Ultimately, however, Medina started depicting him as a dog that demonstrates human-like looks and traits. In one of the comic strip’s storylines, it was explained that Polgas acquired his different human abilities after eating an exotic kind of “bibingka” (a Filipino rice cake) and due to radiation exposure from television.

Since Polgas was obviously a “fan favorite”, Medina decided to develop several plotlines and story arcs for the character. Throughout the course of Pugad Baboy’s publication, Polgas has taken on a variety of roles and tasks; he has been portrayed as an agent, a superhero, a wrestler, a doctor, ghostbuster and several others. Because of his different personalities, dark sense of humor and spunky attitude, Polgas easily became the most notable character in the Pugad Baboy comic strip.