Publisher's Note

Publisher’s Note
by CK May is the month of flowers not just in the Philippines but also here in Calgary. A lot of my neighbors have done their spring cleaning and unfortunately I cannot cope up with them. I remember that during this time of the year my husband, Hank gets busier day by day. He takes care [...]
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Page added on October 17, 2011

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Calamities and Disasters Bring The Best Among Filipinos Around the World

(Filipino Calgarians Pitching-In for Victims of Pedring and Quiel)

by: Marietta Pangan-Dutkoski

“When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. I cannot think more pf perfect 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, that my family in Frances, Calumpit Bulacan was in grave danger, she immediately, sent comforting words. Then the unthinkable happened, my family were forced to the top of the roof, having no chance of getting 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 of 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 and home to some of his band team members.

While I was providing my updates on the current situations of the Philippines, my husband Mark showed them several pictures of the devastation. When Mark and Tata roamed around within the venue at 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 wage during the event. The initiation of Vilma and Alan opening up the restaurant and providing Filipino Calgarian Talents. Connie on behalf of Pinoy Times also supported the cause 100%, offered ticket print outs, advertisement and some raffle draws. Pinoy Radio 94.7fm Calgary, did not let this event to happen without them pitching in. With Juan Manila, Allan Torres and Rey Pamatian now not only hosting the event, they will also announce all other fundraising drives on air every Sunday through their program to bring awareness to more Filipinos in Calgary and 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 Ii will handle the silent auctions. The dinner concert is now a collaborative effort of Filipino-Calgarian Talents, Barrio Fiesta Restaurant, Pinoy Times Newspaper, Radyo Pinoy and Concerned Citizens of Calumpit and Bulacan.

Through Allan Torres, Mr. Jessie Barcelona, Manager of Housekeeping Department at Holiday Inn Calgary-Airport, donated 8-10 boxes of bed sheets, pillow cases and other items. Mr.&Mrs. Jason & Lovely Ann Henderson and Family also provided some items both for donations and raffle prizes. My husband Mark and I also collected couple of boxes of good clothing to add more for those in dire need. Sending boxes to the Philippines can be costly, so I approached 3 cargo forwarders in Calgary to negotiate a reasonable charge, as this is relief going Filipinos through Sagip Kapamilya Foundations. Mr Larry Baguisa and Dess Yness, of UMAC Cargo-Calgary, instantaneously lowered the charge to very minimal just to cover their net cost. Thus the donations of non perishable items is now made possible by collaborative effort of UMAC Calgary, we still continue accepting nonperishable items such as clothes, canned goods and other valuable items.

There are couple more fundraising drive that we thought would help to raise more funds, that’s why Mark and I are presently doing-Can and Bottle Recycling Drive. We also continue accepting cash or checks. Our appreciation is over flowing to the generosity of Filipino-Calgarians, who mostly wanted to remain anonymous. Lastly, “The Spare Change Jars” will also be starting 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 Sagip Kapamilya Foundation Inc.

I can’t believe how Filipinos in Calgary really put great stride to help their fellow citizens in need. The generous heart, compassion they continue to show and the love they openly share is remarkable. I am so blessed to be around with these people that live and promote “Bayanihan” spiritBut this story is not over yet, wait until you heard how much Filipinos raised for Filipinos on next issues update. I have said this before, but will continue say it agin, I am so proud of my fellow Filipino Calgarians. Mabuhay kayong lahat!

Calamities and Disasters Bring The Best Among Filipinos Around the World

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