Justin Beiber visits Tacloban

CEBU, Philippines - International singing sensation Justin Bieber was in Tacloban City yesterday to visit Yolanda victims, particularly the children at the evacuation center who he entertained with songs and gave reading materials, books and t-shirts.

Bieber, who arrived in Manila yesterday morning, flew in to Tacloban unannounced via a private jet of Willie Revillame and was accompanied by a phalanx of security and staff. His arrival was without much fanfare that only a few mediamen were able to catch up with him.

Wearing black shirts, black pants and black cap, Bieber and his party went straight to the evacuation center at the San Jose Elementary School in the coastal San Jose district of the city that was the most-devastated area by typhoon Yolanda's storm surge and where most deaths were recorded so far.

Together with the group were TV5 host Raymond Gutierrez and Pilipinas Gilas coach Chot Reyes who gave basketballs to the evacuees.

Bieber gleefully mingled with the children at the center and then sung Christmas and birthday songs to those who were having their birthday yesterday.

Not only the children were elated of the Canadian pop superstar's visit, but also the elders.

Editha Bero, 61-year-old laundry shop worker, told The Freeman that Bieber's presence was a symbol of hope and aspirations of victims like her to survive. Bero, who was with her three grandchildren at the center, said she now wish to get a job soon when things in the city are back to normal.

Bieber only stayed at the center for about 30 minutes and immediately went back to the airport for the flight back to Manila. He never met any government officials in the city. — (FREEMAN)