I only got to watch scenes from the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan/ Yolanda's wrath earlier today as I finally acknowledged that no matter how hard I try to look away, this is not just a horrible nightmare - this really happened and there's no solace in trying to be as uninformed as possible. One of my closest friends I met online, Belle, lives in Tacloban and I'm sickly worried as I haven't heard anything from her until now. I am really hoping and praying that she and her family are okay.
Watching the news is heartbreaking. All those lives lost, all those dreams broken, all those families separated from one another... It was all devastating to see and hear. Nothing like a super typhoon to remind us how fragile our life is when faced with a natural calamity of this scale. Nonetheless, elation amid the blanketing grief is still evident from most of those interviewed, considering themselves lucky to be alive. There is hope, no matter how difficult it looks.
Our countrymen need us, it's time to take action.
There are several ways you can help, and the great thing about it is that we are not alone: several institutions worldwide like Oxfam have set up donation pages for Yolanda's victims. If people from other nationalities are willing to extend help to us Filipinos, why can't we do that for our own people? You may drop off your donations of clothes, blankets, food, water, and the like at LBC branches nationwide. There are also a number of ways you can donate to the Philippine Red Cross, please visit this link. The easiest and most convenient way to donate, at least for me, is by texting RED to 4143 if you are a SMART subscriber, and then the corresponding amount will be deducted from your credits. You have the option to give P10, P25, P50, P100, P300, P500, or P1,000.
Every little helps, and the smallest act of kindness can spell the difference between hope and loss of the will to go on. I should know. My family lost all our possessions on a big fire that razed through our neighborhood back in 2001 and we were only able to get by through charitable acts by friends and even complete strangers. Life has never been the same since but I am proud to say that we were able to get back on our feet and begin again.
Whatever you do,
Not to sound preachy and all, but I hope you don't hesitate when you think about donating or lending an open arm. After all, if the situation was reversed, I'm sure you wouldn't want other people think twice about extending assistance.
God bless the Philippines.
*Photos from Moonscribe
UPDATES : 12 NOVEMBER 2013
Belle and her family are safe and well, thanks be to God. :)
The loss of lives and property due to Typhoon Haiyan/ Yolanda was so massive that it has captured worldwide attention. There has been an extensive outpouring of help and in behalf of my fellow Filipinos, I would like to express our deepest gratitude.
A lot of organizations have also thought of wonderful ways to contribute:
*Photos from Moonscribe
UPDATES : 12 NOVEMBER 2013
Belle and her family are safe and well, thanks be to God. :)
The loss of lives and property due to Typhoon Haiyan/ Yolanda was so massive that it has captured worldwide attention. There has been an extensive outpouring of help and in behalf of my fellow Filipinos, I would like to express our deepest gratitude.
A lot of organizations have also thought of wonderful ways to contribute:
- There will be a live auction tomorrow night (November 13) at 9 PM at MadTV's official website. Bloggers United's featured bloggers will be selling pre-loved items and proceeds will go to typhoon victims. Keep your eyes peeled for pieces you can add to your wardrobe while helping our fellow Filipinos at the same time.
- You may drop off your donations at Nuffnang's HQ until Friday. You may also bring your donations to Hotel Intercontinental Manila when you attend Blogopolis 2013 #IntoTheWild on Saturday (November 16). 100% of ticket sales will be donated to the Philippine Red Cross. I am going and I hope to see you there.
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| From Nuffnang's Facebook Page |
- My friend, sunshine and serenade-in-a-box Ed is also holding a benefit gig on Sunday (November 17), 6:30 PM at Hard Hat Restobar and Grill in Malugay, Makati called Jam Night: Sing and Save Lives. It will feature him and his band Straightline Acoustic Band and the audience will also be given a chance to sing onstage. There will be a P200 door charge inclusive of one free drink and pledges will also be accepted, all for the benefit of Typhoon Yolanda victims. Come and bring your friends!
Thank you.
Same sentiments here. :( I hope belle and her family is fine. Lets do the best way that we can. I'm doing a make-up sale and everything I'll earn will be donated to yolanda victims. I know it's not that much but I'm doing the best way I can to help. Let's continue to pray for them :)
ReplyDeleteHi Raych, that's a great idea! Maybe I can do the same. :) And thank you for your warm wishes about Belle. I hope so, too.
ReplyDeleteAwww I hate to hear about these kind of natural disasters but, that's why they're called natural disasters? I hope your friend and her family is ok :( my prayers and thoughts are with all the victims (and indirect victims)
ReplyDeletePhotos from the aftermath are really heartbreaking :( Thanks, beb.
ReplyDelete