How to Help Victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) If You Live Outside the Philippines

My family in the Philippines were spared from the crushing agony and unimaginable grief of loss brought about Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). But many are still suffering from the devastating calamity. According to a report, 10,000 people are estimated killed by the storm twice stronger than hurricane Katrina and Sandy.

This is a time to pray for those who need God's strength the most right now will experience it and a time to help demonstrate God's goodness to Filipinos in any way we can.

In response to several inquiries regarding how to send help to Filipinos affected by the Typhoon, I would like to inform the public that online donations from overseas donors may be sent through the following organizations (Sources: CNN.com, Rappler.com & @candyreyes):

Emergency support

Philippine Red Cross, 1-212-687-6200.

CARE, 1-800-521-2273 within the United States or +1-404-681-2252 outside the U.S.

Catholic Relief Services, 1-877-435-7277.

Convoy of Hope, 1-417-823-8998.

Mercy Corps, 1-888-747-7440.

Oxfam America,1-800-776-9326.

Adventist Development and Relief Agency, 1-800-424-2372.

Food and water

World Food Programme ,1-202-747-0722 or +39-06-65131 for international calls.

Samaritan's Purse, 1-828-262-1980.

World Vision,1-888-511-6443.

Action Against Hunger, 1-877-777-1420.

Shelter

ShelterBox, 1-941-907-6036.

Habitat for Humanity, 1-800-HABITAT.

Architecture for Humanity, 1-415-963-3511 or text REBUILD to 85944 to make a $10 donation from your mobile phone.

Medical assistance

Americares, 1-800-486-4357.

International Medical Corps, 1-800-481-4462.

Direct Relief, 1-805-964-4767

Helping children

U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 1-800-367-5437

Save the Children, 1-800-728-3843.

ChildFund International

(UPDATE: Another way to help is to send Team Rubicon to the Philippines. Team Rubicon is a group of US Military veterans and medical professionals committed to relief and disaster response. It will be your way to offer help to Filipinos by sending experienced and qualified rescue volunteers to towns affected by Typhoon Yolanda / Haiyan. Click here to help send Team Rubicon to the Philippines.)

A Christian Dad's Guide to the Zoo

If you're taking your kids to the zoo this summer, remember some advice from David Mathis of DesiringGod.org. In his article, "A Christian Guide to the Zoo," Mathis said, "The zoo is a wonderful opportunity for the Christian — both for personal worship and worldview formation." He shares some ideas and conversation suggestions to make your trip to the zoo fun, educational and most of all, Biblical. I'm posting it below verbatim: (Source: DesiringGod.org)

1) Prepare ahead of time. The day before, or morning of, you may want to re-read Genesis 1–2, Psalm 8, or other biblical texts that address animals (like Isaiah 11:6–9, James 3:7, or Job 38–41 below). Pray that God would make the zoo a rich, spiritual experience as you have a chance to observe up close some of his creatures you typically don’t see. Parents may want to consider rallying the troops for a short Bible reading and explanation and prayer time before hitting the road. Set the tone early that the zoo can be a profound spiritual experience of learning and worship for the children of the Father who made the animals. Perhaps check the website of the zoo the week before. Most will have some feature to help plan your day and a zoo map to give you the lay of the land.

Manila Zoo’s Lone Elephant Mali and the Rise of PETA’s Animal “Rights”

Singer actress Geneva Cruz and other female model-celebrities recently posed nude for a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) advertisement that called for the transfer of Manila Zoo’s lone resident elephant, Mali, to a sanctuary in Thailand. PETA believes the 38-year-old female elephant had been suffering from “profound loneliness” and must be in the company of other elephants in a sanctuary. Manila Zoo officials and veterinarians opposes the transfer stating that Mali is not fit to travel and argues that being alone in the zoo does not mean she is suffering. (Photo by Danny Pata, PETA Philippines)

Plastic Bottle Solar Bulbs Light Up Laguna Community in the Philippines

In GMA 7's "Serbisyo on the Go," correspondent Kara David visits a community in Laguna, Philippines where residents are having a hard time paying their electricity bills. To keep power costs down, social entrepreneur Illac Diaz and the local Rotary Club taught residents how to make "solar light bulbs" using plastic soda bottles, water, and bleach.

This is Filipino creativity and innovation at its best. Diaz and the local Rotary Club reflects it very well: ideas can be brought into reality with hard work. It reminds me of the creative and innovative attributes of our creator. He imagined a creative world and all came to light with His spoken words. No plastic bottles required.

Is Typhoon Pedring God's Message to the Philippines?

Two years after the deadly typhoon Ondoy, typhoon Pedring arrived in the Philippines. A few folks have connected the dots and assumed that God is sending a message. But what's the message and to whom? Did you get the message? Was there signal during the storm? Some even went beyond and claimed that the typhoon was God's judgement to pro-RH bill politicians and President Aquino's UN vote for Palestine's statehood. Referring to Matthew 5:44-45, blogger Kevin S. said it best,

We can’t judge the favor of God based on the weather! Our gracious heavenly father chooses to bless both the “just” and the “unjust” with sun and rain. Is the Philippines under God’s curse? Yes—in the sense that the whole world is cursed, waiting for God to restore all things (Romans 8:18-25).  The Scriptures have already explained the death and destruction we see in this world.  More importantly, they point us to a greater hope beyond this world.  Until then, we are called to look to the cross, not the clouds.

That's the Godly message all Filipinos should hear.

Are You Smarter than Flipper?

If tuna is the “chicken of the sea,” dolphins may soon be labeled the “non-human person of the sea.” According to this report, scientists are suggesting that because dolphins are so bright, they should be treated as “non-human persons" and qualify for "moral standing as individuals."

Pray for Haiti

Raw footage of the earthquake that hit Haiti found on Youtube recently reminds me of the 7.7 Richter scale earthquake that devastated the northern Philippines in 1990 that killed more than 5000 people.

Doomsday Philippines

Salamat sa Hollywood blockbuster movie na "2012" naging malaking hype na naman ang usapan tungkol sa apocalypse o end-of-the-world. Ayon sa movie, base sa ancient Mayan calendar December 21, 2012 daw ang katapusan ng mundo. Last year naging usapan din ang "Doomsday email" na nag-predict na July 18, 2008 diumano ang katapusan ng Pilipinas. Obviously walang katotohanan ito. Ang totoo, ang apocalyptic thinking ay manifestation ng lack of faith at anxieties ng tao sa mga uncertainties ng buhay. Ang mga kalamidad tulad ng Ondoy, tsunami, lindol at hysteria sa man-made global warming ay nagpapaalala kung gaano ka-vulnerable tayong lahat. Ang pananaw sa mundo bilang random at walang sovereign creator ay nagdadagdag din sa anxiety kaya't marami ang madaling maniwala at nakakahanap ng kasagutan sa mga ancient text at manghuhula sa katapusan ng mundo.

Mabuti na lang at ang dapat malaman ng madami... only God offers the real solution. Christians know that true faith in Him cast out all anxieties dahil may kapayapaan at pananalig tayo na sya lang ang may hawak at may alam sa future natin at ng ating mundo. Sa halip na mag-focus sa end-of-times, mag-focus na lang sana tayo sa nag-iisang Creator of time.

Click here for further reading.

Whats Wrong With Kindness?

I was not surprised to see many Filipinos around the world working together to help other Filipinos affected by the recent typhoons. It proves that human beings are generally kind and generous specially in time of great need. This reminds me of how human goodness or kindness counters the basic worldview of evolutionist that says survival of the fittest is the ultimate good for the species or eliminate the weak members of the species for the common good. Fans of Charles Darwin have a problem because they don't have a strong argument of the altruistic nature of human except they say that people do "good" to others so that others will do the same good to them which will increase their chances for survival.

Fortunately Christianity offer a better and stronger explanation. While all humans are born with the capacity to sin, we are also capable of caring for others because God created us in His image. Not only we compete with our neighbors for survival but we can care for them and even willing to sacrifice our lives for them.

(Click here for further reading)

Aid for the Philippines

(This article was originally posted on The Point blog)

Recently, countries in Asia Pacific were hit with massive typhoons that caused widespread flooding and left thousands dead or homeless. I’m closely following this story because as some of you may already know, I am originally from the Philippines, which is one of the countries severely affected by the tropical storms. None of my immediate family was hurt by the devastation, and only a few friends and extended family members of mine reported home and property damage. But many are not so fortunate.

A situation report by the UN’s Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs revealed that almost 1 million Filipino families were affected and displaced by three consecutive strong typhoons, are faced with serious health and sanitation problems, and need immediate aid. If you’re interested in helping, please visit my personal blog, The Living Rice, and click the “Donate” link located on the top right side of the page to donate via PayPal. Your donations will be received and distributed by Pagasa Lambat Ministries, a Christian worldview ministry in the Philippines.

Donations will go toward the following:

1. Replenishing emergency food bags.
2. Helping local churches replace small equipment they lost in the flood, including guitars, chairs, teaching materials, and the like.
3. Helping relocated families by providing school uniforms, shoes and school supplies for their children.
4. Helping relocated families cope with social and economic pressures by conducting parenting and container gardening seminars.
5. Helping pastors and teachers who lost their capability to generate supplemental income due to the storm and flooding by providing small-scale financial assistance for a month.

Please visit the ministry’s website for photos of their relief efforts. And thank you for your help.

Is the Philippine DSWD hoarding relief goods?

Is the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) hoarding relief goods intended for victims of typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng inside its warehouse? According to a DSWD volunteer, Ella, a big yes and she's spreading the news about it all over cyber space.

My initial reaction was "hindi naman siguro" then naging "huwag naman sana." This is a serious allegation and its best to follow this report faily and get both sides of the stories first before jumping into any conclusions.

Is the Philippines a Victim of Climate Change?

According to the Philippine Star, President Arroyo called on rich countries yesterday to provide funds for rehabilitating areas affected by tropical storm “Ondoy” and typhoon “Pepeng,” saying the country had been a victim of climate change. She said that in seeking foreign help, the country will stress that it is “not a culprit of climate change” and added “We are a victim. We are not a climate maker but we certainly are a climate taker.”

GMA's cry for help to other countries was commendable and I hope many will respond to her call. But I question her for pointing a finger at climate change. How can she back up her claim with scientific facts when the hysteria over global warming has been discredited by many in the scientific community (read related article here)?

Wish GMA could have been more real. Beside the naturally strong winds and rain, there's also deforestation and garbage pollution has that has been causing severe floods and tragic landslides in the Philippines almost every year, but who's pointing a finger at these possible man-made culprits?

How FilAms Can Donate to Typhoon Victims

Filipino Americans across the US are showing their solidarity with typhoon victims in their motherland.

Non-profits, business organizations, civic, government, and church groups, political parties, and media came together, discarded their biases, and helped organize and identify collection drop sites, provide information on how to send cash donations to reputable agencies, announce fee-free remittances, corporate matching donations and planned for future activities.

Here’s how to send donations:

1. Philippine Consulate General, San Francisco, California
Address: 447 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94108
Office hours: Consulate doors open 24/7
Items accepted: Non-perishable food, medicines (not expiring yet), blankets only (no clothings), cash or checks payable to San Francisco Philippine consulate
Contact Person: Lyn of SFO PhilConsulate (415) 433-6666

2. National Disaster Coordinating Council
NDCC Donated Funds
Current account number (Philippine peso): 0-00149-435-3
Swift Code: DBPHPHMM Account 36002016
Bank: Development Bank of the Philippines
Bank address: Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo Branch
Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Philippines
Website: www.ndcc.gov.ph

3. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Contact Persons: Imee Rose Castillo/ Rey Martija
Telephone: (632) 931-8101 local 506-507/ 951-7119
DSWD Foreign Donations
(US dollars) account number: 3124-0055-81
Zip Address: TLBPPHMMXXX
(Philippine peso) account number: 3122-1-11-84
Bank: LBP
Bank address: Batasan Branch, Constitution Hills, Quezon City

4. Philippine National Red Cross
The Philippine National Red Cross
(US dollar) account number: 151-2-151-00218-2
Swift code: MBTC PH MM
(Philippine peso) account number: 151-3-041-63122-8-MBTC
Bank: Metrobank
Bank address: Port Area Branch, Anda Circle, Port Area, Manila
(For donations to be acknowledged, please fax bank transactions slips to (632) 525-5654 or 404 0979 with donor’s name, address, and contact numbers. Guidelines for online donations may be accessed via www.redcross.org.ph.)

5. Ayala Foundation USA
Ayala Foundation USA is coordinating with Ayala Foundation Inc. and other groups conducting major relief efforts. The donations you send will be brought to areas where the need is greatest and areas that have not yet been reached by groups doing disaster relief mobilization. Highest level of transparency and accountability in all transactions assured. Three ways to donate:

a. Check: Make check payable to Ayala Foundation USA, indicate Typhoon Ondoy in the note part and mail it to our US office at 255 Shoreline Drive, Suite 428, Redwood City, CA 94065.

b. Online Donation via credit card: Ayala Foundation USA does not have a paypal account but we accept donations via Visa and Mastercard. Please click on this link http://www.af-usa.org/donate_now_form.asp and choose AF-USA Typhoon Relief Fund in the drop down menu.

c. For wire transfer, below are the account details to use:

Account Name: Ayala Foundation USA
Account Number: 203179049
Account Type: CA
Routing Number: 321171184
Citibank, N.A.

6. Caritas
The lead Catholic agency for social services and development in the Archdiocese of Manila and a provider of technical assistance to social service and development ministries in the five other Metro Manila dioceses, has put the “Sagip Tulong Program” designed as a quick response to assist the families adversely affected by the calamity.

a. US Dollar
Caritas Manila
BPI Dollar Savings Account No. 3064-0033-55
or
PNB Dollar Savings Acct. No. 10856660005

b. Philippine Peso
Banco de Oro Savings Account No.5600-45905
or
BPI Savings Acct. No. 3063-535701
Metrobank Savings Acct. No. 175-3-17506954-3

Focal Persons:
Gina Santos +63 919 892 8226
Tam De Ocampo +632 563 93081

For donations to be acknowledged over NBN Channel 4 in the Philippines, donors may fax a copy of their deposit slips to +63 2 563 9306 (with donor’s name, address and contact numbers).

7. Xoom.com
Xoom.com is offering fee-free remittance to Manila until October 9.

In-Kind Donations:
No used clothing is allowed to be imported to the Philippines.

Immediate needs are food/medicine, non-food such as mats, blankets, flashlights, emergency lamps, tents, generators, water container, hygiene kits (bath soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine napkins, and laundry soap), baby diapers, and slippers

Non-urgent needs are beddings, kitchen ware, etc.

8. LBC Hari ng Padala Foundation and ABS-CBN Foundation’s Sagip Kapamilya project tie-up LBC offers free padala services for in-kind and cash donations to Ondoy victims. All boxes will be sent for free in the name of LBC Foundation and this will be delivered directly to ABS-CBN.

“As of October 1, all LBC branches in the U.S. are now drop-off points for in-kind donations to the victims of Typhoon Ondoy in the Philippines,” said Hugo Bonilla, LBC president and CEO.

LBC also offer its sea cargo services for free after LHPF committed to sorting and distributing the donated items coming from donors in the US.

Rules on box sizes: All donated items must be boxed and sealed in standard-sized balikbayan boxes. LBC will not accept open boxes or unpacked items.

Donors in California, Oregon, Washington State, Nevada, and Hawaii can only use the 24x18x18 box size while donors in New Jersey, New York, Illinois, and Virginia can only use the 28x18x17 box size.

In Saipan, only box size 18x20x22 is accepted while LBC in Canada’s British Columbia will only accept the 18x18x30 box size.

Preferred items: Canned goods, rice, clothing, footwear, towels, blankets, cookware, utensils, and other daily consumables.

All boxes must state the shipper’s name and address. Consignee information is as follows: LBC HARI NG PADALA FOUNDATION, c/o Jose Garcia with address LBC HANGAR, General Aviation Center, Domestic Airport Compound, Pasay City.
For a list of the LBC branch nearest you, please visit www.lbcexpress.com or call 1-800-338-5424.

9. Asian Arts Museum, San Francisco
Date: 4 October 2009, Sunday
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (free entrance)
In conjunction with the Filipino American History Month Celebration, the museum will set up donation boxes inside its premises.

10. New York
From “ilovepiNoY” (www.ilovepinoynyc.com), a Samantha Lopez Production, in cooperation with some Filipino friends and colleagues, a big event is being organized on 26 October 2009, Monday @ Felix ( www.felixnyc.com ) to raise funds for Ondoy victims. All proceeds will go directly to Philippine National Red Cross and Ayala Foundation.

11. The Thomson Reuters Foundation
Of the Reuters group, foundation is matching dollar for dollar donations for the relief area of your choice until October 16.

Please forward to anyone who want to contribute monetary donations. Here is the link: http://www.trust.org/trust.org/page/files/philippinestyphoon2009.html

12. West Bay Filipino Multicultural Center
Address: 175 7th Street San Francisco, California
Tel. no.: 415 431 6266 for information

West Bay children and their families to keep center open till 10 p.m. every day to collect donations. Volunteers welcome. Donors may deduct contributions exempt from federal income tax under section 501 (c) 3.

(Article first posted on Inquirer.net, 10/08/2009)

Remember to Help Victims of Typhoon "Pepeng"

Remember to pray and help our kababayans specially the farmers affected by floods and landslide brought by typhoon "Pepeng." Provinces in the Northern Philippines like Ilocos, Pangasinan and the Cagayan Valley are most affected. You can send financial donations through the Living Rice or through the links below:

ABS-CBN Foundation
GMA Kapuso Foundation
Ayala Foundation
Philippine National Red Cross

(Image from AP)

Top 10 Reason Why You Shouldn't Give or Volunteer

I'm borrowing this blunt but realistic post from my friend Ganns on why we should (or not) consider helping those affected by the Ondoy floods in the Philippines. I also posted a Paypal donate link on the right side of this website in case you want to give.

You should also be aware that natural disasters also hit Indonesia, Vietnam at Samoa days after Ondoy. Hope you'll also remember them in your prayers and giving.

These are the top 10 reasons you shouldn’t volunteer for any Typhoon Ondoy relief operation:
(Warning: some links contain graphic materials)

10. You’re not getting anything out of it.
9. You’re scheduled to go to Caliraya in a motorboat.
8. Yuck, make tapak in the putik? Kadiri, noh.
7. You’d rather go shopping for alcohol.
6. You’re too emotionally attached to every single item of clothing in your closet that you can’t part with them. Every t-shirt. Every sock.
5. You can’t find a volunteer center nearby.
4. God doesn’t care, even if his people do. Why should you? (I’m doing something productive praying for whoever made this sign.)
3. You can’t live without your daily Starbucks.(Php100 x 30 = Php3000 / Php23.00 (per 1.5L bottle of mineral water) = 500 bottles of water, enough to properly hydrate a four-member family for one month)
2. You’re having a hard time breathing.

… and the number one reason why you shouldn’t volunteer for any Typhoon Ondoy relief effort…

1. The government isn’t working. Why should you?

Your country needs you. The Philippines needs you. Not everyone gets a once-in-a-lifetime moment to change someone’s life and to make a difference. This is your moment. Please volunteer or donate.

"Only Pinoys can make light of a serious situation..."

I got this picture from an email with a comment from a German national who saw this particular Reuter's photo. Look closely at the picture, she thinks "only Pinoys can make light of a serious situation, they look happy," she says.

A sign that Filipinos will overcome this calamity. Do you agree?

Philippines Worst Flood in 42 Years

It is now reported that the Philippines has been declared a "state of calamity" when nearly a month's worth of rain fell in six hours in the Philippines - the country's worst flooding in more than 42 years, killing several people in Metro Manila and stranding thousands on Filipinos on rooftops.

It's a good time to pray for the country and if you're a Filipino abroad, the Philippine National Red Cross has information on how to help.

(Image from Yahoo News)

God's Hand Across the Universe

This picture taken recently from a NASA space observatory amazes me. It looks like a God's hand reaching out to outer space. Just a cool reminder that the hands reaching across the universe, is the same hands that is holding you and I. May mas lalaki bang problema kaysa sa Kanya?

(image from Foxnews.com)

Respect Chicks?

Konting showbiz news naman tayo... This PETA ad caught my attention today. It features Philippine singer actress Yasmin Kurdi posing behind a chicken cage calling us to respect the chickens right to live. Medyo natawa yata ako sa ad na ito. Rights ng manok? Rights ng Chicken Joy? Paano na lang ang rights ni Yasmin? The right to live and choose better modeling or endorsement projects.

Wala akong information kung gaanong karaming vegetarian sa Pilipinas pero mukhang pinupush talaga ng PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) ang kanilang campaign to go vegetarian ang bayang masagana sa adobo, lechong kawali, dinuguan, bulalo, sisig, binagoongan, atbp (gutom na ako!).

Obvious sa ad na ito ang worldview o pananaw sa mundo ng founder ng PETA na si Ingrid Newkirk. Naniniwala ang PETA sa naturalistic philosophy na walang pinagkaiba ang tao sa hayop. They don't see humans as unique and spiritual but just one species among many - pangkaraniwang hayop lamang. Kalevel lang natin ang mga aso, pusa at manok.

The biblical worldview says that humans are unique and created in the image of God. I don't mean to say its alright to hurt or mistreat animals that's not we are called to do. We our called to be steward over creation and use our stewardship for good. We protect the environment and stand against cruelty to animals not in the name of animal rights but in the name of biblical stewardship. The best way to "relate whats on your plate" is to relate and share to those who don't have plates and food on their table. Hindi sa diet nakukuha ang pagrespeto sa hayop at kalikasan kundi sa pagsunod natin sa Diyos na lumikha ng mga ito.

(image @ vegetarianstar.com)

(reference @ BreakPoint.org)