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The bamboo and a B.O.N.G.G.A. campaign for climate awareness in the Philippines
After powerful typhoon Haiyan slammed the Philippines in November, Iowa student Vanessa Fixmer-Oraiz thought she would like to raise awareness about the changing climate in the birthplace of her mother. At the center of her campaign is the bamboo, this eco-friendly tree common in Asia and known for its value to biodiversity. The bamboo is […]
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Ninotchka Rosca to report on how women, children are re-building their lives after Haiyan
“Typhoon Haiyan, “ said writer and women’s advocate Ninotchka Rosca, “is a vivid illustration of what’s coming with climate change. It is incumbent for all of us to take full measure of its toll on human life. This is not just for those of Philippine ancestry. No race, no ethnicity can escape these changes, and […]
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Tacloban boy band wins ovation in Haiyan benefit concert
By Elton Lugay Raymart Otic pinched his cheek to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. He and siblings Reno, Ralph and RJ – professionally known as the Reo Brothers Band — had just finished performing the Beatles’s hit “Help” at the Madison Square Garden. Four months ago, they lost their home in Tacloban to typhoon Haiyan […]
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Concert coup hopes to raise $5M for Haiyan families
By Elton Lugay On March 11, Grammy Award-winning Jennifer Hudson, American Idol finalist Jessica Sanchez and pop star Charice will be sharing a stage in a show billed as the most star-studded fundraising to benefit the families devastated by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Pinoy Relief Concert hopes to pack the 6,000-seater at The Theatre […]
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A race to save children’s lives
The social platform NextDayBetter is calling on Filipinos to participate in a contest seeking innovative life-saving solutions in the 72 crucial hours after a disaster. In such circumstances, children are the most vulnerable. The project known as “Global Innovation Challenge: First 72 Hours” is jointly organized by UNICEF and Socialab. NextDayBetter is helping to promote […]
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‘No risk to applying for TPS,’ assures NYC councilman
By Cristina DC Pastor To understand Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and how it would benefit an undocumented immigrant, advocates told the story of a Visayan housekeeper working in the Upper Westside. “Carol” has been employed for 15 years as a domestic helper. Although undocumented, she was able to save enough to give her family in […]
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Manhattan’s Dwight School community shares a part of their homes with the PHL
By Audrey Enriquez What started as a simple request for friends to donate old towels, blankets, and bed sheets to be taken to the Philippines over Christmas, quickly turned into a staggering collection of 67 balikbayan boxes. The Monday following Typhoon Yolanda’s devastating sweep of the southern Philippines, members of the Dwight School community checked […]
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Press Club warns of disaster fraud: ‘Important to use our heads before we give with our hearts’
Make a generous donation but beware of scams and bogus solicitations. More important: Practice due diligence to make sure that your donations are making a real and direct impact on the devastated lives of the victims of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) in the Philippines. When the Super Typhoon swept through the Visayas, it destroyed billions worth […]
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In literary fundraiser, Filipino American writers recall a love affair with typhoons
By Cristina DC Pastor Jackie Aguilos Duerr from Kinnelon, New Jersey came to a fundraiser organized by Filipino American novelists, poets and journalists. She left the event feeling upbeat rather than downhearted. ‘Kaya natin: We can do this’ was a fundraiser like no other. Discarding the traditional moment of silence in remembering the dead, the […]