Habitat for Humanity launches appeal to assist those affected by Typhoon Hagupit

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Habitat for Humanity has launched an appeal to assist families affected by Typhoon Hagupit (called Ruby in the Philippines). The storm made first landfall on Samar, an island in the Visayas, Philippines, late in the evening of Saturday 6 December.

According to the Philippines National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, more than 146,000 families were evacuated in six regions of the Philippines.

“Habitat for Humanity is sheltering evacuated families in Leyte, Cebu and Surigao del Sur provinces of the Philippines. Staff and materials are positioned and we will begin to support affected families to repair their homes. The more funds we raise, the more families we can help,” said Rick Hathaway, Habitat for Humanity vice president for Asia-Pacific.

To donate, please visit habitat.org/giving/hagupit (global) or give2habitat.org/philippines/TyphoonHagupit (within the Philippines)

Habitat for Humanity is appealing for funds to assist families and help them rebuild their lives and gain access to decent shelter. Habitat staff are on the ground ready to assess the situation and coordinate with government agencies and other partners on the disaster response operations.

Typhoon Hagupit comes just 13 months after Typhoon Haiyan killed 6,300 people and damaged or destroyed more than one million homes, according to government figures. To date Habitat for Humanity Philippines has supported nearly 28,000 Haiyan-affected families with emergency shelter and shelter repair kits and begun construction of core houses at ten sites in Cebu and Leyte provinces.

Typhoon Hagupit is expected to continue moving across the Philippines.

Habitat for Humanity with Advocate Habitat Online Champions

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Habitat for Humanity aims to meet the shelter needs of communities affected by calamities such as super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Working with partners, volunteeers, and disaster response program to provide emergency and shelter repair kits, basic amenities, such as electricity, and builds core houses for affected families in communities.

When the typhoon hit, help was needed immediately. Thousands of families were devastated and there was no time to waste.

With the urgency of the problem and the need to disseminate information fast, Habitat turned to social media for an answer. And during the height of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November, as timely and coordinated, Habitat for Humanity proved that there’s definitely more to social media than just posting selfies, and sharing throwbacks.

Habitat for Humanity / Habitat Online Champions

In a few days word about Habitat’s Yolanda response was all over social media; bloggers, celebrities, and other willing individuals readily stepped-up to help spread the word and rally for donations. With millions in donations coming in, Habitat quickly went to work distributing emergency Shelter Repair Kits across affected areas. In the weeks and months that followed, social media support continued.

Habitat Goes Social

Habitat Philippines CEO & Managing Director Charlie Ayco 

Habitat acknowledges the power of social media for social change. In its effort to maximize social media to help reach more people with its mission, Habitat is holding its first “Social Media Circle”, a gathering of bloggers and social media enthusiasts with a heart for social change; the event is also Habitat’s way of honoring its online supporters.

Habitat Philippines Communications Director Gina Virtusio.

Habitat hopes to inspire these people to continue supporting Habitat’s work in their own way and through their own network of influence.

Habitat Ambassador Kuya Tonipet Gaba  

With the undeniable power and vast reach of social media, Habitat is excited at the prospect of engaging more volunteers, donors, and advocates through this support group.

By signing Habitat’s Pledge of Commitment willing bloggers and guests were tagged “Habitat Online Champion” a title reserved for those who are up for the challenge and journey of using their influence and network to spread the word about Habitat, its programs, and advocacies.

“Habitat Online Champions" are advocate and respected bloggers, personalities and also members of online communities from various group who have been supporting and have been spreading the word about Habitat and its work.

Some Habitat Online Champions receiving Certificate of Appreciation from
Habitat CEO Charlie Ayco

I am grateful to be part of Habitat for Humanity Philippine's first Social Media Circle held at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf in Century Mall. And I am super blessed and honored to be one of the Habitat Online Champions given appreciation for continue supporting Habitat’s work.

Regular “Social Media Circle” gathering will be held to share news and updates with these Online Champions.

Habitat also offers other volunteering opportunities on their site at http://www.habitat.org.ph/

If you want to help the families affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda), please visit http://habitat.org.ph/donate-now.

DOH recognizes 'unsung' heroes of Typhoon Yolanda

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The Department of Health (DOH) recently gave tribute to the “Unsung Heroes” of typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) for their contributions in helping the victims and families affected by the strongest cyclone to hit the Visayas region last year.

Here's from the Department of Health:

The Department of Health (DOH) today recognized the efforts of all the brave souls who have dedicated their time, services, expertise and resources to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda (internationally named Haiyan).

“While we acknowledge that our help and support to Yolanda-affected areas is far from ceasing, at the moment there is some breathing space for us to pause and reflect, and to modestly acknowledge those who have been our partners in relief assistance,” Secretary Health Enrique Ona said.

It is appropriate that recognition is given to local government units, local health teams and volunteers, DOH regional hospitals and offices, and, especially, to foreign partners who went out of their way to extend every help they can.

On November 8, 2013, Typhoon Yolanda was recorded as the strongest in Philippine history. It was accompanied by monstrous winds and storm surges (10-15 feet) which smashed into coastal communities before leaving the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on November 9.

Initial report on November 8, revealed that a total of 26,675 families or 125,604 persons were affected in 33 cities and 73 municipalities in 22 provinces. A total of 109 evacuation centers were initially established. The cyclone caused catastrophic destruction in the Visayas, particularly Samar and Leyte, to which, according to UN officials, about 11 million people have been affected and left homeless.

However, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), revealed that there were 6,201 deaths and 27,665 injured. Most of the fatalities came from the three towns of Tacloban, Palo, and Tanauan, Leyte. Most of the injured suffered from cuts, wounds and fractures during the disaster while others were injured in flooding that followed the typhoon. Furthermore, 1,785 persons were reported missing. Extreme damage to infrastructure greatly affected the transportation of relief goods and the communication lines.

After the immediate provision of food aid, clean water, temporary shelters, and basic medical care, the original concerns over basic needs shifted to those on infectious disease, malnutrition, childbirth problems, mental health issues, and the needs of those with chronic diseases.

Stories were told. The team from Albay, one of the first to arrive, came in total darkness of Sunday, November 10, after traveling by ferry from Matnog and by land to Tacloban. The team from NCR was deployed and their goods supply was left behind in Cebu. This team had trouble eating for 2 days, living on cookies and dole outs from other groups.

“To the almost 9,000 medical/health responders from about 222 institutions and agencies, including the 351 medical teams both local and foreign, thanking you is an understatement. The DOH is indebted to all of you,” Ona concluded.

doh.gov.ph

Thousands of Youth Gather for Habitat Youth Build 2014 “Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!”

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This year’s Youth Build is expected to be one of the biggest youth gatherings in the country. Over 5,000 youth will converge at Habitat Youth Build 2014 “Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!”

“Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!” as this year’s Habitat for Humanity “Youth Build”, happening simultaneously on May 3, 2014 in five key provinces in the country, to make a commitment to help rebuild homes across calamity-stricken areas in the Philippines. 

Beginning May 3, young volunteers will sweat it out as they get their gloves, hard hats, and shovels ready to begin the construction of Habitat houses in earthquake-hit areas in Bohol, and Yolanda-affected communities in Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Naga. After Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) destroyed parts of the country in November last year, Habitat launched its “Re-Build PH” campaign with a target to rebuild 30,000 houses. This year’s Youth Build aims to rally the youth to do their share to meet this target.

“Rebuilding the Philippines is everyone’s responsibility. This time, we want to gather our youth and tap into their passion and energy to help get the job done while at the same time serving as role models to the younger generation,” shares Charlie Ayco, Habitat for Humanity Philippine’s CEO and Managing Director.

“Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!”

Since the build-sites are mostly around the Visayas region, this year’s theme was taken from the local Visayan dialect-- “Tagbo. Tukod. Tana!” (Let’s gather. Let’s build. Let’s do it.) It hopes to speak more urgently to the Visayan youth to rise to the challenge of helping their own neighbors, friends, and kababayans rebuild their own communities by taking part in the Youth Build.

“For us to be able to truly move forward from the horrors of the earthquake and typhoon, we need to work hand-in-hand as one community-- the progress of one is the progress of all. We encourage the Boholanos to help their kababayans, because by doing so they are helping the entire province,” Ayco adds.

Rebuilding 7,000 houses in Bohol

In October last year, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake rocked parts of Bohol leaving houses in shambles and families homeless. The Youth Build targets to rebuild 7,000 homes in 16 municipalities across the province providing decent shelter to families still living in tents and make-shift houses.

To kick-off festivities in Bohol on May 3, a motorcade of celebrity youth supporters will take place in the morning leading all the way to the Habitat site in Loon, Bohol where Habitat’s Youth Council will begin the initial build. To cap the day, a youth concert open to the public will be staged to further urge the Boholano youth to respond to the call.

Other local festivities to kick-off the “Youth Build” will also happen in Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and Naga.

The Habitat Youth Build is a movement that engages young people to raise funds for, and awareness of the poverty housing situation in the Asia-Pacific region where one in eight people live in slums, according to the United Nations.

Now on its third year, the annual campaign challenges the youth to do something concrete to help. Young people from 11 other Habitat countries across the region will also participate and build or repair homes for low-income families. 

Habitat for Humanity Philippines is a global non-profit organization committed to addressing the housing backlog in the country.

To know more about Habitat and its programs, log on to www.habitat.org.ph.

Sta. Fe , Leyte students, barefoot no more

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More than a thousand barefoot kids and children in tattered shoes and worn out slippers marched toward the expansive school grounds of the Sta. Fe Central School, the biggest school in this district, last Tuesday morning, they diligently fell in line behind designated scouts who carried their special “numbers.”

Unmindful of the searing pre-noon heat, the students came from the 17 schools of Sta. Fe who were chosen to receive premium slip-ons from Skechers donated through Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines.

Before it reached the school, volunteers painstakingly went through the list earlier submitted by the teachers, ensuring that they had the right sizes and carried the huge cartons containing the Skechers slip-ons toward the delivery vans en route to the school.

Representatives from the Youth with a Mission (YWAM), to spice up the occasion, even presented a brief puppet show to the delight of children.

The distribution of the Skechers slip-ons was both fun and tedious. Trying the slip-ons to each and every student was a daunting task. But the reward came from the sincerest “Thank Yous” from the students, a tight hug, a big smile and the happy races of some of the students as they clutched their new pair of shoes while othes waved them on air.

Mrs. Rosario Buena, district supervisor of the Sta. Fe district which covers 17 schools and 3,999 total school population, said that the students were eagerly looking forward to this day when they would receive and bring home new pairs of footwear.

“Wala na kasi talaga silang gamit na sapatos. Tinangay ni Yolanda ang lahat ng kanilang mga gamit, mula bahay, damit, school supplies at mga sapatos. Noong sabihan ko sila na magbibigay ang Operation Blessing ng sapatos sa kanila dahil may donasyon ang Skechers, sobrang tuwa ng mga estudyante (The students do not have any more shoes left to use. Yolanda washed away everything that they had from their homes, clothes, school supplies, and their shoes. So, when I told them that Operation Blessing will be giving them shoes coming from the donation of Skechers, the students were so happy),” Mrs. Buena said.

She added that the new slip-ons meant a lot to the students, especially since most of them now come to school in tattered shoes and slippers, while some even go to school barefoot.

Mrs. Buena added that the new pairs of slip-ons signified new hope for the students and a validation that help will continue to come and that better days are bound to come.

She also thanked Operation Blessing for the simultaneous feeding programs being conducted in the different schools of the district which have motivated more students to regularly attend their classes.

International and Filipino Artists Create Exhibition to Support Typhoon Haiyan Relief Efforts

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A consortium of international and Filipino artists will open the “Haiyan International Fundraising Art Exhibition 2014” which features art works from over 40 international artists and 17 Filipino artists, showcases the support from the art community from around the world for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan. This exhibition will be on April 6, 2014.

“Haiyan International Fundraising Art Exhibition 2014” was conceptualized by Singapore National Artist Goh Beng Kwan and Filipino artist Florence Cincowhen they and other artists from the ASEAN region convened to celebrate the 86thBirthday Anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in Thailand. Alongside Mr. Goh Beng Kwan and Mr. Cinco, the consortium of artists participating in the exhibition includes Mr. Ilseon Ryu (Korea), President and Art Director of Ecorea Biennale Committee and President of the Asia-Pacific Institute of Art & Research; Ms. Grete Marstein (Norway), President of the Norwegian Artists Copyright Association and International Vice President of the International Association of Art (UNESCO); Mr. Trinh Tuan (Vietnam); Mr. Daniel Houle Jayd (Canada), and Mr. Wattanachot Tungateja (Thailand).The exhibition is organized and curated by Mr. Florence Cinco, Mr. Red Mansueto, and Ms. Aimee Villas Adalla.

Each of the artists participating in the “Haiyan International Fundraising Art Exhibition 2014” has contributed an artwork in support of the ongoing relief and reconstruction efforts in the Visayas region.All proceeds from the art works sold during the exhibition will go to MyShelter Foundation, whose Liter of Light program provides low-cost, simple solar lighting to disaster-stricken areas, creating local jobs, teaching green skills, and empowering local communities.

Since Haiyan struck, thousands of people have lived without electricity. As a result, women feel unsafe, children cannot study at night, and households remain dependent on expensive or unreliable forms of lighting (i.e., kerosene, candles) to survive. In the most devastated communities, these alternative energy sources have already run out. MyShelter Foundation was the first organization to respond to the immediate need for lighting in Palo, Leyte, providing the cheapest form of lighting through its Liter of (Night) Lights and street lamps, which were assembled and installed in the community within 40 days of the disaster.

MyShelter Foundation-installed street lamps line the streets of Palo, Leyte, where local residents gathered to commemorate the 40^th day anniversary of Typhoon Haiyan.

Liter of Light’s efforts to aid the Typhoon Haiyan victims focus on assembling and installing night lights and street lamps for 228 bunkhouses in Leyte and Samar, the areas most affected by Typhoon Haiyan. At a cost of just US $9 per beneficiary, MyShelter Foundation’s Liters of Light will bring light and hope to over 27,000 people displaced and affected by the storm.

“Haiyan International Fundraising Art Exhibition 2014” runs from April 6-26, 2014 at Galleria Duemila. For more information, please call Tel. No. +63 2 831 9990; Telefax No. +63 2 833 9815 and look for Thess Ponce or Mark Arvin Patiag. You can also email us at gduemila@gmail.com or check out www.galleriaduemila.comfor more details and event happenings.

For more information on “Haiyan International Fundraising Art Exhibition 2014”, visit https://www.facebook.com/HaiyanInternationalArtFundraisingExhibition2014?ref=hl.

For more information on the Liter of Light and MyShelter Foundation, 

visitwww.aliteroflight.org or e-mail info@aliteroflight.org.

You may also contact Ami Valdemoro (for Liter of Light), ami@1LiterOfLight.org

Habitat for Humanity Philippines and BPI gives thanks with Zalora

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Habitat for Humanity Philippines (HFHP), a non-profit organization that serves Filipino families in need of decent homes, bring together partners who share the same vision of transforming lives through building responsible and sustainable communities.

Recently, Habitat for Humanity Philippines (Habitat), Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), and Zalora Philippines (Zalora) launched a promo that encourages BPI Cardholders to help Typhoon Haiyan (local name Yolanda) survivors by shopping online.

“People have the heart to help, but sometimes don’t know how,” says Habitat CEO & Managing Director Charlie Ayco. “This partnership with BPI and Zalora is a good and easy way of doing so as we now move towards rebuilding the lives of those affected by Haiyan. We have a long way to go and every amount helps in giving these families back their homes.” ends Ayco.

Habitat aims to distribute 30,000 Shelter Repair Kits and build 30,000 core shelters for those affected by Haiyan depending on availability of funding.

BPI VP for Marketing Strategy and Development Angie Florentino says that “with BPI’s more than 1 million credit cardholders, and Zalora being the leading online fashion store in the country, we hope to generate a lot of donations while they shop.”

 “Thank you, Habitat and Zalora for undertaking this role with us as we continue to help those who survived Haiyan,” Florentino adds.

“Thank you for letting us be a part of this initiative,” Zalora Philippines Co-Founder and Managing Director Paulo L. Campos III says. “We are very excited in launching the promo with BPI. I’m sure our online shoppers will be thrilled with the 15% discount voucher they will receive when they donate to Habitat.” ends Campos.

The BPI-Zalora promo is open to all qualified BPI credit card holders. BPI cardholders may donate a minimum of P1,000.00 using any BPI Card variant via www.give2habitat.org/philippines/ReBuildPhilippines. 

They will then receive a 15% ZALORA discount voucher code via e-mail which may be used upon checkout when they shop at ZALORA.COM.PH. Discount is not valid for sale items and brand exclusions apply. Terms and conditions apply. 

Promo is from March 15 – June 15, 2014.

David Beckham's Valentine in Tacloban helping Yolanda survivors

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The International  Football legend and formerly LA Galaxy midfielder, superstar David Beckham arrived in Tacloban on Thursday, February 13, 2014  to visit the survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda. David Beckham first landed at Cebu-Mactan International Airport via Hong Kong at around 11:00 AM via Cathay Pacific flight CX 931, a few hours later he arrived at Tacloban City.

The recently retired player arrived in Cebu at around 11 a.m. and then left for Tacloban on board a Dornier 228 plane with registry UNO 117H along with seven other people.

Beckham is visiting Tacloban with the United Nations International Emergency Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Beckham is accompanied by seven other passengers from UNICEF as they boarded a Dornier 222-200 aircraft flight UNO-117H to depart from Cebu at 12:00 noon and arrived at Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban at exactly 12:30 PM.

He will also spend his Valentines Day with the survivors of the super typhoon.

This is the second visit of the legendary soccer player in the Philippines when he previously played in an exhibition match in the country on Dec. 3, 2011 with his former club Los Angeles Galaxy of the Major League Soccer against the Philippine Azkals.

David Beckham is one of the UNICEF ambassador since the year 2005, his visit in the country is to oversee the relief and recovery efforts of the UN agency focused on children in Tacloban City. 

Aside from being a UNICEF ambassador, David Beckham and his wife Spice Girl Victoria, also raised funds for the typhoon survivor and personally donated a total of 20 boxes of clothes to the British Red Cross.

Photos of David Beckham’s Arrival in Tacloban City: (Photo Credit: Twitter)

The Philippines says Thank You!

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The Philippines says “Thank You” to the world! 

Here's from the Department of Tourism: 

On February 8, 2014, at 4:40 a.m., Manila time, exactly three months after Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines, the country launched a global campaign expressing its gratitude to the world, having received an outpouring of support following the devastating effects of the typhoon.

Visit :  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x3odfwVeFU
and here : http://youtu.be/WYRj5wRURuE

Triggered by an overwhelming sense of appreciation, which has been strongly expressed in social media—for example, #PHthankyou, this groundswell of gratitude is captured in a Thank You campaign created by Filipinos from all over the world. Depicting different ways of expressing their heartfelt appreciation, various messages and images in social media showed the world that foreign support and encouragement has made, and continues to make, all the difference in the country’s ongoing rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts.

Hoping to ensure gratitude is received by everyone, the Philippine Department of Tourism has crafted a thank you message displayed through print ads and billboards in iconic places across the world, specifically:

- Times Square, New York, U.S.

- Piccadilly Circus, London, U.K.

- Potsdamer Platz cor. Leipziger Platz, Berlin, Germany

- Lafayette Mogador, Paris, France

- Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Japan

- ION Orchard, Singapore

- Yonge-Dundas Square, Toronto, Canada

- Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia

- Paiknam Building, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea

All the people across the globe who have expressed sympathies and who have extended support, financial or otherwise, are invited to witness this message of appreciation from the Philippines and help share the country’s profound gratitude to the rest of the world. Using the hashtag #PHthankyou, people around the world can continue to share their support and appreciation.

Visit itsmorefninthephilippines.com

Let's make this "thank you" even louder.

Spread this video and go to itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/phthankyo­u

Jardine Distribution, Inc. distributes tents to schoolchildren affected by Yolanda in Northern Cebu

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Jardine Distribution Inc. turned its efforts to help schoolchildren affected by Typhoon Yolanda in Northern Cebu. In cooperation with the Department of Education, JDI distributed 15 tents in Northern Cebu to be used as makeshift classrooms.

Edwin Hernandez, President and General Manager of Jardine Distribution, Inc., explained that the company chose to focus on helping the children in Yolanda-affected areas after talks with the DepEd through Undersecretary Mario Derequito.

“Resuming the school activities of kids is really an important part of helping families and communities recover from the effects of the typhoon. By contributing in this way to the rehabilitation efforts, we are empowering communities to return to their normal way of life,” said Hernandez, adding that education is always a priority in the company’s CSR projects.

Previously, JDI also helped schoolchildren affected by Yolanda in Leyte. The company distributed a thousand learner kits to schoolchildren in Yolanda-hit areas. “Yolanda destroyed schools and swept away learning materials. The typhoon took away a vital part of the lives of so many children. We believe that by helping them resume their education, they will feel that there is hope, and they can move on to fulfill their dreams,” said JDI Marketing Manager Peachy Tiu.

Jardine Distribution, Inc. represents a number of local and global companies that provide world-class crop protection and construction chemical products. They are focused on the safe use of these products, providing technical support, and with due consideration of environmental protection. 

JARDINE DISTRIBUTION, INC. PROVIDES 15 SCHOOL TENTS FOR NORTHERN CEBU YOLANDA VICTIMS. Photo shows JDI’s Visayas Area Manager, Mr. Albert Arieta with Dr. Leah Noveras, Assistant School Division Superintendent and other DepEd employees who received the donation.

WPBL Charity Match : All Star Charity Billiards Challenge for Philippine typhoon relief

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The World Professional Billiard League will host THE WPBL All Star Charity Billiards Challenge for Philippine typhoon relief at the WPBL Arena Friday February 14, 2014 at 6:30 pm. Proceeds from the pay-per-view match as well as the entire WPBL playoffs will benefit those affected by the devastation that Typhoon Haiyan unleashed on the island country in Southeast Asia on November 7, 2013.

The charity PPV match will be featured live on the WPBL website for $9.99 or $29.99 for 10 days/11 matches of Bonus Ball action including both the WPBL Championship Match and the WPBL ALL Star Charity Billiards Challenge. A portion of the proceeds from the WPBL playoffs and challenge match will be used for the donation to the Rising Asian Pacific Americans Coalition for Diversity (RAPACD 501c3) and designated for aid in the Philippines.

The league’s top player Warren Kiamco who is a member of the 1st place New York Pride and native Filipino, was honored to be selected to play in this event saying “I am proud to represent both the WPBL and my country to help in the typhoon relief.” Kiamco is also joined on the Pride by HOF team captain Earl Strickland and Larry Nevel. League President Larry Chiborak stated “the devastation throughout the country is overwhelming…these are our friends who are suffering, and we are honored that the WPBL can assist those who have had to endure this tragedy”.

Billiards rank amongst the most popular sports in the Philippines, which has produced many of the industry’s legends. The category five super storm impacted more than 25 million lives including those of pool players and their families with winds exceeding 200 mph.

The WPBL benefit will feature three of the world’s best Filipino players: Dennis Orcollo (12th worldwide), and Carlo Biado (3rd worldwide) and acting as the team captain is the WPBL’s #1 ranked player Warren Kiamco. Team “Philippines” will take on the WPBL’s top players including team captain Darren Appleton (7th worldwide), Thorsten Hohmann (1st worldwide), and John Morra (4th WPBL).

RAPACD was founded by Filipina Salve Vargas Edelman and is an organization based in Las Vegas, Nevada whose motto is to “Engage, Educate, Empower and Inspire”. The charity is located at the RAPACD Cultural Center at 3337 and 3339 West Washington Street (between Baker St. and Washington Ave.) Las Vegas, Nevada and inside the historic Lorenzi Park.

Their primary mission is to represent, serve, and advocate on behalf of the Asian Pacific American community within the Las Vegas area. Previously Vargas-Edelman has coordinated a medical mission which provided aid to thousands in need in the Philippines. With the devastation unleashed as a result of Typhoon Hiayan also known as typhoon Yolanda, the RAPACD Director said: “As a Filipino Community Leader, it is my duty and responsibility to mobilize the entire community, and to collaborate with other Asian Pacific Islanders Community Leaders to donate and collect balikbayan boxes (corrugated shipping box) which contain gently used clothes, medical supplies, nonperishable food, canned good, toiletries, shoes, etc.”. Vargas Edelman’s Charity has collected over 60 boxes and are still collecting! Proceeds from the WPBL event will be used to ship the boxes and purchase more needed items like vitamins, food, blankets, etc., which will be distributed directly to the indigent families!

To purchase the WPBL All Star Charity Billiards Challenge or the entire 10 day/ 11 match Championship Package please visit www.WPBLtv.com. Additionally, all previously recorded regular season matches are available to view for free via the WPBL website under the “Schedule” tab. Please follow the WPBL as the playoffs draw near, additional announcements and updates will be made frequently. For a complete listing of broadcast matches, standings, merchandise and more visit the WPBL website.

Continue to follow WPBL for additional updates:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wpbltvcom

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WPBLtv

Coca-Cola, Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity enjoin the entire nation and global community to continue small act of kindness for Yolanda survivors

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Every act matters. Share whatever you have. Do whatever you can. Donate, volunteer, share, help. . . rebuild lives . . . warm hearts . . .  spark hope . . .

Coca-Cola Philippines, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), and Habitat for Humanity have teamed-up to campaign for a volunteer round-up and donation drive towards Yolanda-recovery, dubbed RebuildPH. 

The tripartite movement takes inspiration from the kindness of the Filipino people. Motivated by the idea that no action is too small to make a difference, Coca-Cola has been helping raise awareness and public participation in the rebuild efforts, while Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity serve as recipients of monetary and in-kind donations culled in the process. 

Guillermo Aponte, General Manager of Coca-Cola Philippines share his advocacy and inspiration.  “If there is one lesson learnt from Typhoon Yolanda - is that no act is too small. Rebuilding rests in the hands of every one of us, not merely a few. This is what our campaign RebuildPH is all about, and we hope that through this campaign by Coca-Cola, Habitat for Humanity Philippines and the Philippines Red Cross, the Filipino people and the global community will continue to be inspired to volunteer and donate. We have a long way to go and a lot still needs to be done.” 

Right after Typhoon Yolanda struck the country, Coca-Cola immediately brought relief and aid to over 200,000 families through its partnership with the Philippines Red Cross, Department of Social Welfare and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Coca-Cola System has also diverted its advertising resources, including Php10-M worth of cell phone load, to aid survivors of the super typhoon. As part of its rebuilding efforts, Coca-Cola commits to implement its key sustainability programs on education, nutrition, livelihood and water access to Typhoon hit areas. 

Coca-Cola also donated more than $2.5 million to aid in the relief operations for Typhoon Yolanda last November. Its social development arm, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines, also obtained donations amounting to more than Php 4-million from the company's employees, later used in various humanitarian efforts. 

Among other Coca-Cola assets that have been used for relief are trucks lent to the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Red Cross and the Tacloban bottling plant, which was used by UN World Food Program as a warehouse.

“Our partnership with Coca-Cola Philippines has enabled both parties to act fast and send relief after the typhoon struck. With water and other goods ready since September, all we had to act on was logistics,” said Red Cross Chairman Dick Gordon.

To date, after a full transition from relief to the rebuild stage, there are seven priority sectors identified by the government, namely: Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Negros, Capiz, Aklan, and Palawan that need both humanitarian and resettlement aid. 

Prior to the recent partnership with Coca-Cola, Habitat for Humanity has already been acting since November by distributing shelter repair kits and building homes for those affected by the typhoon.

“At present, Habitat for Humanity is targeting to build 30,000 core houses and distribute 30,000 shelter repair kits for Yolanda victims. We want to achieve this in the next three years but it would take an estimated P6-billion for the construction of the core houses alone. We thank Coca-Cola Philippines for taking this endeavour with us, because we certainly won’t be able to do it alone,” says Charlie Ayco, CEO and Managing Director of Habitat for Humanity.

“Yolanda came last November but everyone still remembers it so vividly. Picking up from one of the worst natural disasters in history, it’s going to take a lot of effort from both individuals and big businesses. While our partners have done much already, we’re positive that our teaming together can make an even bigger difference,” adds Dick Gordon, Chairman of the Philippine Red Cross.

Gordon, along with Ayco and Guillermo Aponte, President and General Manager of Coca-Cola Philippines, led the RebuildPH volunteer round-up at Araneta Center last January 30.

Coca-Cola is helping in the rebuild and recovery process of the Philippines, brought about by the typhoon Yolanda. It has embarked on a landmark partnership with Philippine Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and its other partner organizations to rally volunteers, raise money for sustainable rebuild program and community rehabilitation such as rebuilding schools, water systems and infrastructure, and assist small independent customers with reconstruction of their businesses throughout the year.

Earlier in December, Coca-Cola Philippines launched the RebuildPH donation and volunteer portal to gather additional support subsequent to the rechanneling of its committed advertising space to support relief and rebuilding efforts. Those who wish to help may go to www.cokeurl.com/rebuildph. The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Habitat for Humanity welcome volunteers, cash, and in-kind donations.

For more information, visit Coca-Cola Journey at www.coca-colacompany.com,
follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/CocaColaCo
 www.coca-colablog.com or find us on
LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/the-coca-cola-company.

The Jazz scene’s finest musicians to perform on Philippine shores! Stars coming for "Heal Our Land"

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International jazz fusion and smooth jazz pianist, composer, and producer David Benoit, a five-time Grammy Award nominee, will be heading to the Philippines with yet another noble cause—joining the line-up of the star-studded benefit concert “Heal Our Land,” which is set to be mounted at the Mall of Asia Arena on January 31, 2014.

Benoit, having made a name for himself time and time again, gained popularity through both his moving solo performances and notable collaborations. Over the years, he has arranged, conducted, and performed musical numbers for many popular artists, including the likes of Kenny Loggins, Patti Austin, Faith Hill, Brian McKnight, and the Walt Disney Company.

Apart from his numerous accomplishments in his career as a musician, he is also the music director for the Asia America Symphony and the Asia America Youth Orchestra.

“Heal Our Land” will also definitely not be the first of Benoit’s participation in causes that go far beyond plain performances, as he has been active in a number of benefit concerts around Asia, including Korea and the Philippines.

Also joining “Heal Our Land” are singers David Pack and Kevyn Lettau, with keyboardist Brian Simpson, American saxophonist and singer Jessy J, percussionist Richie “Gajate” Garcia, and guitarist-singers Ray Parker, Jr. and Jonathan Butler, whose song has inspired this concert’s title. Saxophonist Michael Paulo, pianist-singer-songwriter Spencer Day, pianist Gregg Karukas Freddie Schreuders, Eric Valentine, and Nate Phillips of the LA All-Star Band will also be part of the concert’s lineup.

Joining the Jazzfest, some of today’s local talents will also be including in the concert - Sitti, Side A, South Border, Free Style, Mulatto, Zoo, True Faith, Chad Borja, and recent “voice of the Philippines” contender Thor Dulay. The concert will be directed by the Philippines’ own Bert de Leon.

“Heal Our Land” is produced by All That Jazz Promotions, Inc., with the support of ABS-CBN, Lifestyle Network, and other partners.

All the participating artists in “Heal Our Land” chose to generously wave their fees for this concert, directing proceeds to the relief efforts of ABS-CBN’s Sagip Kapamilya and Gawad Kalinga projects.

Tickets are available at SM Tickets. For more information, please contact 470-2222 or visit www.smtickets .net.

Private Sector Supports DOT's Bangon Tours

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Network of Independent Travel Agencies (Nitas) members have signified their continued support for the Bangon Tours program of the Department of Tourism (DOT), saying it will help boost tourism particularly in calamity-stricken areas.

"Bangon Tours is an effective marketing program to lure tourists to come back to the Philippines, despite an earthquake and typhoon Yolanda last year," Robert Lim Joseph, founder and president of Nitas, said.

He said it’s high time that all tourism players worked together to recover from the losses incurred by the tourism sector during the calamities.

According to the Tourism Board Promotions (TBP) of the Philippines, the Bangon Tours Project supports the government’s recovery and rebuilding efforts for the survivors.

Tourism establishments and travel companies have signified their support for Bangon Tours by signing theMemorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the marketing arm of theDepartment of Tourism. 

Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) is the latest to sign up by implementing the Bangon Tour Seat Sale with travel period until April 2014. CEB also promotes these tours through communication materials provided by TPB in all its organic ticket offices and partner GSAs and WH in the Philippines. CEB has likewise extended humanitarian flights for stranded passengers in Tacloban and undertaken rehabilitation efforts to aid victims of Typhoon Yolanda. 

According to Domingo Ramon Enerio III, TPB’s Chief Operating Officer, The Manila Hotel, Diamond Hotel Philippines and EDSA Shangri-La Hotel lead the industry’s hospitality sector supporters nationwide. Members of the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) are also participating in Bangon Tours. These establishments prominently display the Bangon Tours poster with logo in their business premises and submit to the TPB updates related to the total amount donated to NGOs and foundations concerned. 

Other private companies, Agoda.com, one of the fastest-growing online hotel platforms worldwide, as well as government agencies like Duty-Free Philippines and local government units such as the Provincial Government of Capiz have signified their support. 

“While the affected tourist destinations in Eastern Visayas are being rebuilt, we invite everyone to travel more to the other 16 regions of the Philippines, visit as many of our fun destinations as possible and at the same contribute your share in our country’s recovery and rebuilding efforts through Bangon Tours. You also help increase domestic tourism, generate more livelihood for our fellow Filipinos, and draw us near the attainment of our target goal of 45 million domestic travellers for 2014,” says COO Enerio. 

The Bangon Tours Project is an initiative of the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board. This project is in line with the government’s recovery and rebuilding efforts for the victims and survivors of calamities through the promotion of domestic tourism. It is an invitation to the Filipino market to travel within the Philippines during the holiday period (December to February), visit our fun destinations, and participate in rebuilding efforts.

Initially, 16 areas are to be featured for Bangon Tours, as proposed by PTAA and PHILTOA: Ilocos, Tuguegarao, Baguio, Batangas-Puerto Galera, Manila-Tagaytay, Puerto Princesa, Baler, Bicol, Cebu, Davao, Bohol, Iloilo, Boracay, Siargao, CDO-Camiguin, and Batanes. However, Bangon Tour offerings will not be limited to these destinations.

Moreover, the project is geared towards encouraging the private sector to voluntarily share a percentage of their net income from the Bangon Tours to their chosen local foundation / NGO or any of the following charitable institutions—Gawad Kalinga, Philippine Red Cross, UNICEF and World Vision.

As much as practical, participating tourism establishments and companies will be featured in DOT/TPB’s website, social network accounts, online portals, print ads and other marketing communications.

According to the Tourism Board Promotions (TBP) of the Philippines, the Bangon Tours Project supports the government’s recovery and rebuilding efforts for the survivors.

The marketing arm of the DOT said it is an invitation to the Filipino market to travel within the Philippines during the holiday period from December to February, visit fun destinations and participate in rebuilding efforts.

Cebu and Bohol were among the 16 areas initially identified to be featured for Bangon Tours, as proposed by the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) and Philippine Tours Association (Philtoa).

With the tagline “Bakasyon Mo, May Meaning,” the Bangon Tours runs from December 1, 2013 until February 28, 2014 with the offering of specially designed domestic tour packages in collaboration with the Philippine tourism industry’s travel trade as well as non-tourism companies and public sector agencies. 

“Participating tourist establishments are initially offering special tour packages to 16 tourist destinations nationwide and more destinations will be added. These establishments are being asked to share at least five per cent of their net income from the tour packages / room nights sold via Bangon Tours. The percentage share will be directly given to the company’s chosen non-government organization (NGO) or charitable foundation involved with the disaster-affected communities.” 

The DOT, through the TPB, promotes and publicizes Bangon Tours – its featured destinations, products, packages and participating establishments – in communications materials including its official websites and other social media, traditional media, and through interpersonal communication activities. 

For details, please contact Ms. Lia L. Fernando of the TPB’s Bangon Tours Secretariat at telephones: 525-0372 / 525-9318 to 27 local 202 or through fax 521-6165 / 525-3314 and e-mail: bangontours@tpb.gov.ph.

Join the Philippines’ Biggest Music Event of the Year – the 7107 International Music Festival!

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7107 International Music Festival will be rocking the Philippines this February 22-23, 2014.

7107, which represents the number of islands in the Philippines is organized by a team spearheaded by individuals who are well-versed in the entertainment, events and music industries.

7107 International Music Festival is a two-day outdoor music festival happening at the Global Gateway Logistics City in Clark, Pampanga.

According to Mr. Jeff Pradhan, GGLC Vice President for Sales & Marketing, the event will be a wonderful opportunity to showcase Clark and Central Luzon as an alternative venue for major events and activities outside Manila. He also said that GGLC with CDC is in support to “putting the best show in a site that is accessible”, noting that Clark has a land area that could accommodate events of this magnitude. 

The said music festival is expected to draw a crowd of 20,000 to 30,000 coming from the region and different parts of the country.

The organizer, 7107 posted in their official Facebook page the line-up of the artists performing in the two-day music festival which includes: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Empire of the Sun, The Asteriods Galaxy Tour, Red Jumpsuit Aparatus, and local bands like Up Dharma Down, Radio Active Sago Project, among others. According to Mike Pio Roda, Co-Founder of 7107, the crowd should expect “…something they haven’t seen in the Philippines”. He added that they are inviting around 20 international acts to perform in the festival. The event organized by 7107 in coordination with the Clark Development Corporation will take place at the Global Gateway Logistics City in Clark.

7107 International Music Festival is the music event of the year, with all your favorite bands and performers all in two days with one ticket purchase. Everything you will need to satisfy your music cravings will be in the festival, making it a once in a lifetime music event that you should not miss. 

The Philippines has recently seen the influx of concert parties—music lovers as well as partygoers come together to witness their favorite acts from all over the globe perform their favorite hit songs. With the crazy line-up of exciting bands and artists performing in the country, it is hard to choose which ones one should prioritize to see. The biggest enemy, in this case, will be limited time or resources, but fret no more because we have the solution.

7107 International Music Festival will be rocking the Philippines this February 22-23, 2014. 7107, which represents the number of islands in the Philippines is organized by a team spearheaded by individuals who are well-versed in the entertainment, events and music industries.

“It has been our personal mission to promote the Philippines; the islands, its talent, its culture and its music throughout the world,” shares Tina Herrera, the festival’s Executive Producer. “We are thrilled that 7107 International Music Festival will serve as unique platform for our local artists to shine side by side with legendary performers. Through this International Music Festival, we are able to push our local talent on to the world stage and open up avenues for local artists to collaborate with international acts, further pushing their music to a global audience.”

The festival is not just a night of performances but a two-day outdoor music festival featuring a spectacular line-up of bands from around the world. If you are not yet sold with the idea of a two-day concert, here are other reasons why 7107 IMF is the must-see concert party of the year:

It’s in Clark, Pampanga. You read that right. This festival will not be in the Metro so you won’t have to worry about the traffic, hustle and bustle going in and out of the venue. The festival will be held in Global Gateway Logistics City, a modern, state-of-the-art compound in Clark.

“We wanted enough room to play around with,” says Herrera. “With over 100 hectares of land, it is the perfect canvas to start the 7107 International Music Festival. Because we had tourism in mind when we started this project, we wanted to take concert goers away from their usual environment and give them a chance to do a bit of travelling.” 

Two days of international and local acts. Get ready to see international acts like Red Chili Peppers, Kaskade, Empire of the Sun, and Kendrick Lamar, plus performances from local artists such as Up Dharma Down, Kjwan and Radioactive Sago Project. With the spectacular and diverse lineup, we are sure that we have something to satisfy anyone’s musical craving!

Experience the tastes of the world. By taste, we mean food. There will be something for all kinds of taste buds; even those of the picky ones, as the festival will also house different concessionaires from all over. It brings together foodie favorites to the country’s culinary capital.

It boosts the country’s tourism. With different performances from around the globe packaged into two days, the festival will not only be attended by Filipinos but by people all over the world as well. The festival is slated to attract more than 20,000 concertgoers across Asia and Europe. 

“Tickets have sold well, even before the phase 2 lineup,” shares Herrera. “We’ve had sales from Canada, USA, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Turkey, India, Pakistan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, Taiwan, Beijing, New Zealand and others.” 

It’s for a good cause. Part of the proceeds of the festival will be used to rebuild, rehabilitate, and fund relief projects for the Typhoon Yolanda victims. This is a guilt-free concert party as the proceeds will go to HelpPH and the EJ Litton Foundation. 

According to Herrera, “We want 7107 International Music Festival to be a reminder to our countrymen that music moves, and help is on the way.”

With all these amazing things going on in the festival, you might get lost in your schedule or worse, in the venue. The 7107 team found a solution to your worries by introducing the 7107 International Music Festival smartphone application. 

“Our team has developed an app for the festival wherein attendees can keep track of what’s going on as well as get to know all the bands that will be present in the event,” shares Mike Pio Roda, Co-Founder and Producer. “Features of the app include tidbits about the performers, food and beverage, as well as the festival’s schedule of activities. Because there are two separate stages in the event, having this app makes it easier to track the bands you don't want to miss—where they’ll be, which stage, and at what time.”

The app allows you to create your own personalized schedule of your favorite acts and performers. You can also check out the vendors, retailers and attractions that will be present in the festival. All the things you will need to know will be right at your fingertips.

Proceeds from the event will go to survivors of the Super Typhoon Yolanda. - See more at: http://www.clarkisit.com/international-music-fest-set-clark-feb-2014/#sthash.tbQxSjkd.dpuf

Here are the ticket prices: 

General Admission: PHP 10000.00 

VIP ADMISSION: PHP 25000.00 

+Parking Pass: PHP 300.00 per day / PHP 600.00 for the weekend 

General Admission – Gets you access to all general areas for the entire weekend. 

VIP Admission – Gets you access to all general areas plus VIP bars, lounges, view deck and additional bathrooms for the entire weekend. 

VIP Table Packages: 

Php 300k table package + VAT include the following: 

10 VIP passes 

Exclusive toilets 

Php 50k consumable for both days

Premium bottle service 

Bar chow

Premium view of main stage 

Limited edition merchandise

Getting to Pampanga 

From Ninoy Aquino Airport to Pampanga: 1.5 hour drive

From Clark International Airport to Pampanga: 15-minute drive

From Angeles City to Pampanga: 15-minute drive 

Once You Arrive in Pampanga//Going to the Festival 

Complimentary shuttles will be provided by participating hotels, going to and from the venue. Please see Accommodations for a complete list.