Endless donations are sent to Philippines, especially Christmas is around the corner, and we need to make the victims still have a happy celebration of the holidays despite the tragedy which happened because of the recent Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).
It’s been amazing receiving messages from people my friends and I knew from our travels and from living abroad. The goodness of each of them and the sincerity simply touches our hearts and so they deserve a feature as a simple thank you from Filipinos, who are fighting and struggling to survive the devastation that happened to them.
Meet Hugo Maia Bandeira from Portugal
I’ve met Hugo from Portugal during my flight from Macau to Philippines last 2012 and we merely exchange stories about living in Colombia and as for him, living in Asia. I remembered him because of the coins from different countries we gave each other and that was it, afterwards no communications at all except after the Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) tragedy happened in my country a few weeks ago.
He sent me a message out of the blue on Facebook wanting to donate money for them and he wanted to make sure it falls on the right hand and not with corrupt government officials and so we coursed it through the Ayala Foundation.
“Well, I’ve traveled to the Philippines for quite a few times now. I always had a great time so I guess [it] is only fair that now I try to help out those who always welcomed me! Besides I also work with some Filipinos and I got to understand that this affected the country deeply,” said Hugo.
It is indeed survival to fullest for them and staying united as well as working together according to Hugo is the best way to recover faster to make their lives better and move on from the tragedy.
And sadly, the same sentiments of us locals share his view wherein not to “let politicians and other interest groups misuse the money that should be spent in the survivors relief!”
Hugo encourages the Filipino survivors to be strong and never lose hope no matter what happens “after the storm comes the calm!”
Yes, your donation sent through the Ayala Foundation is a great help to the victims who until now needs your help, whether in kind, in support or in cash, as they deserve a better life after the Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) and any storm is not as strong as the Filipino spirit within.
We are as what our culture has taught us, as tough as the bamboo, swayed by anything, will always stay tough and combat any tragedies and misfortunes that may come our way.
Photos courtesy of AFP and BOL fotos Brazil
For donations through the Ayala Foundation:
Website: http://feedthehungryphil.org/appeal-for-super-typhoon-yolanda-victims/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ayalafoundation
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ayalafoundation
