Local animal non-profit receives donation under the names of 'Heated Rivalry' characters Ilya Rozanov, Shane Hollander

Strays Worth Saving, aka SWS, is an animal rescue service based in Tanuan, Batangas and it's making the rounds online for receiving a donation under the names of "Heated Rivalry" main characters Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander.  

Streaming in the Philippines on HBO Max, "Heated Rivalry" is an LGBT+ romance series about hockey players Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie) and Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) who are nemesis and fall in love.

Based on the book series by Rachel Reid, "Heated Rivalry" has been trending over the Holidays for its steamy scenes yes, but also for a heart-warming story of acceptance, love, and family. It is currently the Top series on the streaming platform.

On Facebook, SWS shared a photo of the certificate of donation signed by president Melanie Ramirez. The donation amounts to P2,481, which is nothing to write home about, but it's almost like one of the many easter eggs that has kept fans glued and rewatching the six-episode series. The jersey numbers of the main characters are 24 and 81.

According to SWS Marketing Manager Christian Tuazon, donors often make contributions under the names of celebrities including Taylor Swift and Bruno Mars, as well as fictional characters like Emily Cooper of Netflix's "Emily in Paris."

"Hindi na siya bago," he tells GMA News Online sounding amused.

He personally hasn't heard of "Heated Rivalry" but is now interested to watch the series following netizens' reactions. As of writing, SWS' post has already generated more than 5K reactions, 1K shares, and 169 comments.

In the show, Ilya and Shane plan to put up a charity with mental health as its cause, which netizens are quick to remember following the Facebook post of SWS.

SWS is a local non-profit that rescues stray animals from the streets. You can help by making a one-time donation or joining their monthly program for only P1,000 a month.  

— LA, GMA Integrated News