Calamities and Disasters Bring The Best Among Filipinos Around The World (Filipino -Calgarians Pitching-In for Victims of Pedring and Quiel)

When the going gets tough, the tough get going. I cannot think of a better idiom to  describe the outpouring of generosity  that was expressed by Filipino-Calgarians at the height of Typhoon Pedring/Quiel.  It started when one of my Pinoy Times staff co-writers, Tata Gascon-Delos Reyes, read my wall post on Facebook about my family in Frances, Calumpit Bulacan being in grave danger. She immediately sent comforting words. Then  the unthinkable happened, my family  were forced to take refuge at the top of their roof, with no chance of being rescued due to the strong current of the flood water.  Tata contacted her friends from Radyo Pinoy, Allan Torres and Juan Manila, and sent out an announcement about the fund raising drive to help augment the immediate needs for clean water, food and clothing. During the launch of Pinoy Living Today,  with the full support of Connie Kriaski, PT/PLT publisher, Allan Torres seconded the announcement of a fundraising drive for the people in Calumpit, Bulacan, as this is adjacent to his home and to the homes of some of his band team members.

While I was providing my updates on the situation in the Philippines, my husband Mark showed the audience several pictures of the devastation.  When Mark and Tata roamed around within the venue at the Barrio Fiesta Restaurant, all guests  pitched in raising a total of $285 in cash and checks.  

Before I left the restaurant, Vilma Buenaventura, Alan Isidoro, Connie Kriaski  and myself became engaged in a long conversation and the idea of a dinner concert was born-FEAST FOR COMPASSION. It will be a dinner concert to help flood victims of typhoon Pedring/Quiel. It will be held on November 6, 2011, from 4pm-to7pm at Barrio Fiesta Restaurant. The dinner and music  is reasonably priced at  $ 25.00, just to cover food  and staff wages during the event. The initiation of Vilma and Alan  opening up the restaurant and providing Filipino Calgarian Talents is very kind. Connie, on behalf of Pinoy Times, also supports the  cause 100% by offering ticket print outs, advertisement and raffle draws. Pinoy Radio 94.7fm Calgary did not let this event happen without pitching in. With Juan Manila, Allan Torres and Rey Pamatian now hosting the event, they will also announce all other fundraising drives on the air every Sunday through  their program to bring awareness to more Filipinos in Calgary and the surrounding area. Tata delos Reyes is also a big part of the program as CO-host and coordinator. Jane “Lynette” Mitra, willingly accepted the coordination of both raffle and 50/50 Draws, while Mark and I will handle the silent auctions. The dinner concert is now a collaborative effort of Filipino-Calgarian Talent, Barrio Fiesta Restaurant, Pinoy Times Newspaper, Radyo Pinoy  and Concerned Citizens of Calumpit and Bulacan.

Through Allan Torres, Mr. Jessie Barcelona, Manager  of Housekeeping at Holiday  Inn Calgary-Airport, 8-10 boxes  of bed sheets, pillow cases and other items were donated. Mr.&Mrs. Jason & Lovely Ann Henderson and Family also provided items both for donations and raffle prizes.    My husband Mark and I collected a couple boxes of good clothing for those in dire need. Sending boxes to the Philippines can be costly, so I approached 3 cargo forwarders in Calgary to negotiate a reduced charge, since this is relief going to Filipinos  through Sagip Kapamilya Foundations.  Mr Larry Baguisa and Dess Ines of UMAC Cargo-Calgary, instantaneously lowered their freight charge to a very minimal fee, just to cover their costs. Thus, donations of non perishable items are now  accumulating through the collaborative efforts of  UMAC Calgary, Holiday Inn, Pinoy Times and concerned citizens of Calumpit.  Presently and together with  Pinoy Times (?) we will continue to accept nonperishable items such as clothes, canned goods and other valuable  commodities.

There are a couple more fundraising drives that we thought would help raise more funds, that’s why  Mark and I are  presently  organizing a Can and Bottle Recycling Drive.  We also  continue to accept cash or checks.   Our appreciation is over flowing to the generosity of Filipino-Calgarians, who want to remain anonymous. Lastly, “The  Spare Change Jars” will also be circulated  on  Oct 12 to  several   Filipino Stores/Establishments for the same cause. This is a collaborative effort of the establishment and Concerned Citizens of Calumpit.  100% of the Proceeds will be donated to all the victims of flood from Bulacan, Pampanga, north and Central & Southern Luzon through  the Sagip Kapamilya Foundation Inc.

 I can’t  believe how Filipinos in Calgary rallied to help their fellow citizens in need. Their generous hearts and compassion continue to show, and the love they openly share is remarkable.  I am very blessed to be around  these people that  live and  promote “Bayanihan”  spirit. But this story is not over yet! Wait until you hear how much  Filipinos raise for Filipinos in the next blog.  I have said this before, but will continue say again, I am very proud of my fellow Filipino  Calgarians. Mabuhay kayong lahat!