Exactly last week I went to listen to a talk about climate change somewhere in Quezon City. The minute I got to the venue, I spoke with the organizers and asked them how I can be of help. And by help, I don’t mean the pose-for-a-photo-say-something-nice-on-video kind of help (not that there’s anything wrong with it — that’s perfectly respectable). Tell me what I can do that is tangible, I asked them. I wanted to help.
Start by disseminating the information, I was told. But being a person in the media, spreading the message is like breathing air to me. I wanted something more.
Last Saturday, we published our second anniversary issue—and Supreme 2.0. posted the question, “How can we be a better version of ourselves?” Funny how in one week, the answers to the question would all be different. God answered my prayer and gave me something beyond tangible—no, it was way beyond comprehension. Typhoon Ondoy’s outpour of rain—a month’s worth in a day—caught all of us unprepared, shocked even. But despite it all, left our people all too willing to rise up, no matter the challenge.
Yes, Ondoy has pushed us to reevaluate ourselves and realize what is indeed important. From some people he took away everything they owned, while some others, their lives.
Sleepless In Singapore
At the Black Eyed Peas concert at Fort Canning, there was a well of emotion built up in the audience for the Filipinos present. I had multiple goose bumps when BEP (Black Eyed Peas) sang “People killing, people dying, children hurt and you hear them crying…When you practice what you preach, would you turn the other cheek? Father, Father.. Father help us, send some guidance from above, ‘coz people got me questioning, where is the love?” I melted deep inside and tried my best not to let the tears flow. I felt helpless.
After their set, I couldn’t wait for Beyonce to sing “All the Single Ladies” live anymore. I proceeded to head back to my hotel to make phone calls to mobilize relief operations and go back and forth FB and twitter—I had to do something, our countrymen were fighting for their lives right that very minute.
It has been one week since Ondoy started on its path of destruction. But as they say, from the ashes, a phoenix will rise… We have seen and experienced for ourselves how everyday, for the past week, was an exercise in human comprehension and compassion. Relief operation has become the new club and volunteerism the new black.
Artists For Change
Even the world is chipping in for the Philippines. Katy Perry’s concert, which was supposed to be held today, has been postponed to become a fund-raiser for the Red Cross. David Archuleta will fly in to join Katy in her fund raising concert to benefit Ondoy victims. MTV, the concert’s producer will announce the new date soon.
In that same line, rap royalty Akon whose concert is this coming Oct 23 at the Araneta Coliseum, along with T-Pain, are both soliciting donations from their co-artists in the global music field, so when they come to our shores, they’ll have plenty to share, music and otherwise. In this day and age, it is still very heartwarming to hear tales of kindness—that is timeless. Yes, God always answers our prayers.
So many stories told, lives and homes lost and hopefully, lessons learned. We are far from the healing stage of this calamity, but looking at each phase and seeing how Pinoys react to crisis, I can’t help but be impressed with our resilience and our spirit. I finally understood what Bayanihan meant — bayan-ni-Juan—something that is inherent in every Filipino.
The spirit must be alive, and we should continue to live, to be able to inspire others to stand up, amidst everything. To be able to pick up the pieces, start from scratch and celebrate whatever is left of today. I know — big words — easier said then done. That’s why one day I just decided to call some friends to come up with a fund-raiser, “Hoy, hoy Ondoy!” One phone call resulted in a meeting between 20 people, and this resulted to a gathering of artists and different industries that will happen this coming Wednesday, 8 p.m. of October 7 at the NBC Tent.
It all begins with..
As of this writing, confirmed bands are Hale, Sponge Cola, Mayonnaise, DRT, Hilera, Angulo, Miguel Escueta, Zelle, Dice and K9, Julianne, Imago, Session Road Johnny Alegre, Session Road, Us-2-Evil-0, Kjwan, Blue Jean Junkies, Camerawalls, the GMA Artist Center and many more.
Celebrities have also confirmed their appearance to help inspire the volunteers and victims and designers have given clothes up for auction, proceeds of which will all go to the relief efforts for the victims. Embassy Super club and the NBC Tent will be open the whole day to receive donations for Ondoy victims. The Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) will also be part of the relief efforts. Volunteers are more than welcome to take part.
This is not a free party or concert. The message here is hope. Aside from relief goods, we are gathering people support. For relief distribution, clean ups, livelihood training, outdoor classrooms, tree replanting…there is so much that needs to be done.
And all it takes is one step. Followed by another, and yet another. And so on. It doesn’t stop.
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On my twitter account, twitter.com/iamtimyap, I sent out a question, “How did you help your country in this time of need?” Here are some of the answers.
kathrineantolin @iamtimyap prayers! to pray that each and everyone of us will be united and be safe. to be a volunteer without asking anything in return.
itsmerossddgzmn @iamtimyap PRAYER is the best i can do! nothing beats a powerful prayer!!
dyosa12 @iamtimyap I think it’s the fact that we “gave til it hurts” knowing that one item of clothing w/ so much memories and personal value could be a blessing to others who lost theirs :) it’s not about what u did to help...it’s what’s left to do that’s imprtant
plesaux @iamtimyap Was able to pull out a friend out of his submerged/sinking car sunday morning and pulled him to safety. Thank god he was ok!
MackyCan @iamtimyap since i don’t hve enough money 2 donate,the least that i cn do was to retweet and tweet 2 other holywood celebs and ask donations
jacquelinelicup @iamtimyap ransacked our house 4 clothes/foods/meds we could donate and helped in packing/distributing them.RT-ed most tweets for help
pinoygossipboy @iamtimyap Also, with the small money we have, we plan to hold a “Pa-lugaw.” Albeit the low budget, Lugaw can satisfy the hunger of many
marielleventura @iamtimyap gave out fliers round neighborhood giving them info abt how&where they can help. Focused more on RC’s donation thru text.
sweetGudbye @iamtimyap ...make some actions..help even you dont have the money but you have the heart...pray for goodness and safety:))
KyleSy @iamtimyap Helped out big time without telling everyone I did. Cause the real heroes do their businesses quietly w/o great announcements. :)
iatwitts @iamtimyap I asked my mom for my one week allowance to donate to the victims. Its small but we must do what we can to help. :)
maryagracia @iamtimyap I went 24 hours of duty at the hospital for the 1st time!!! :) it was worth it.
zarzi17 @iamtimyap our house served as evacuation center here our village especially for those with children..we collected clothes that can be use..
lawrenceremi @iamtimyap i dn’t hve a car 2 help d dlvry of goods. I don’t have the money to buy clothes. BUT i have the voice to say a prayer for them.
kiwikia @iamtimyap all the work is becoming very overwhelming. BUT I have never been this proud of being FILIPINO.
RalphRazel @iamtimyap My answer to your question is, “I don’t have much to offer so I just transmitted a lot of positive thoughts to the universe”
AngelLouchie @iamtimyap Hi what i did to help is pray for safety at nagpakalat aq ng msg na ang laman ay mga # ng foundation kung saan pde cla mag donate