On November 7, 2013, Guiuan (pronounced Gi-wan), a small coastal town on the southernmost tip of the Samar island in central Philippines was hit by a Category 5 super typhoon named Haiyan (known in the Philippines as typhoon Yolanda) – currently the deadliest typhoon on Philippine records. It caused the death of thousands of Filipinos in Samar and Leyte and affecting millions of people.
Typhoon Haiyan approaching the Philippines on November 7, 2013
One can argue that recent extreme weather conditions such as this can be attributed to global warming and man-made climate change but this is another topic for another day.
As a fellow Filipino, it pains me to see the suffering caused by the destruction of typhoon Haiyan. Although the news footage and pictures try to capture the devastation, you can just imagine the pain, suffering and confusion being felt by those affected by it – the loss of livelihood, property, and the lives of those closest to them in this terrible tragedy. The body count is piling up, as rescuers continue to find bodies amidst the ruin and Haiyan is rapidly becoming the deadliest typhoon on record. Millions who have been left homeless would need relocation and basic necessities such as food and water, clothing, and medicine need to be provided.
Several countries and their respective governments and agencies have pledged their support to help those devastated by the event and this is sorely needed. I know for a fact that several western European countries (and Japan, USA, Australia and New Zealand) have always been at the forefront of charitable activities and always quick to lend a hand to those needing help, wherever and whenever.
Several of my friends have initiated fund-raising drives in their workplace to help the cause - one I quite like is called “Pancit Molo (Pork Dumpling soup)for the Soul” by an old buddy of mine, Lemuel, held at a local primary school in West London, and my wife has teamed up with fellow work colleagues at a local hospital for a charity cake bake sale. I am pleased that there is an opportunity for the BJJ community to help out, as well.
A good friend of mine and Gawakoto owner, Bong Abad, has teamed up with Seymour Yang of Meerkatsu and Matthew Benyon of Scramble to produce a fundraising t-shirt. It features the Filipino kalabaw (water buffalo) RNC’ing a typhoon demon. The Filipino proverb “Ang bayaning nasusugatan, nag-iibayo ang tapang”, loosely translated as “The patriot that gets wounded becomes more fearless” became the foundation of the text, with minor changes to reflect the theme. From these came the words “Stronger and Braver” to echo the resilience of the Filipino people in times of adversity. The popular symbols of the Philippine flag, three stars and the sun nicely round up the design. The three artists also decided that the colour yellow signifies hope and optimism, clearly in keeping with the theme. The design and layout is amazing, as is their generosity, that I will forgive them for the erroneous spelling of the Philippines ;)
The shirt retails £15, with 100% of the profit going to the Disasters Emergency Committee. This is available for pre-order on the Gawakoto website http://store.gawakotoclothing.co.uk/Pre-Order-Fundraising-Shirt-Stronger-Braver_p_45.html
There is no pressure to buy the fundraising shirt to be able to help. There are other fundraising activities available that support the disaster-stricken Philippines.
I am as civic-minded as the next guy but I do not have skills to contribute, unlike others. But I can support causes that I think is worthwhile.
What about you?
HOW YOU CAN HELP IN OTHER WAYS
To donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee's Philippines Appeal, visit www.dec.org.uk, call the hotline on 0370 60 60 900, or go to any high street bank or Post Office. You can also donate £5 by texting the word SUPPORT to 70000. Stay up to date with developments at www.twitter.com/decappeal or at www.facebook.com/DisastersEmergencyCommittee
