I was inspired by @pinoytravel and his post about Yolanda/Haiyan tragedy which shook not only the Philippines but the whole world. This is an account of what we did in Thailand during such unfortunate event that happened to the Philippines.

The Super Typhoon Haiyan a.k.a. Yolanda

The whole world was focused on the Philippines in 2013, as Yolanda/Haiyan Super Typhoon hit the country putting Tacloban/Leyte areas in the middle of it all.

I was in Thailand at the time and the news horrified every Filipino as they thought of their loved ones and relatives near and in the area of responsibility. We couldn't do anything but wait. When I was in 3rd year high school, I saw with my own eyes how super typhoons destroyed structures and uprooted trees and broke branches. I saw half of the roof of my school building thrown off onto the middle of the road. That was the strongest typhoon I had ever seen.

Until Yolanda/Haiyan.

Videos after videos were uploaded to YouTube and I could not imagine what and how people must have felt.

The aftermath was worse.

Adventchores.org

Bernie Buga-ay, a close friend of mine working here in Thailand saw what was happening and we were all hoping to see the government do its part in helping out the victims. But two weeks passed and still people were hungry, lost their loved ones, no food, no shelter. It was heartbreaking even for us. So Bernie decided to do something about it.

With Adventchores.org, we formed the core team to plan for the first ever gathering of Filipinos from all over Thailand. We would plan right after our work and met at Bernie's home together with his wife Arpha and the other members of the team.

If there is one thing we Filipinos are known for, it is our love of singing. So we formed a Mass Choir composed of small singing groups from Christian churches all over Thailand. Bernie has close ties with the management of Central World Bangkok as he has been in the mall lobbies every time he has his art exhibition. Bernie is a very good artist and musician himself. The main source of funding was the T-Shirt we designed and sold solely for the event which served as donations to the Haiyan victims.

People's Positive Response

It was overwhelming and our spirits were elated by the response not only from the Filipino community but also from other nationalities. There were also big Thai benefactors who gave huge amount of money. During the event, people were still donating through our donation boxes which we carried as we roam around the mall. The venue was offered totally free just for this event. We could feel the warmth and the love every person brought to the event.

The event raised around 600,000 THB and we decided to bring the donation home by ourselves. The team of three people went home to the Philippines with all the money raised from the event. We didn't want any politician to put their hands on the funds or let them take credit for it.

All proceeds were given to the victims and were able to sponsor a couple of high school students with their schooling.

The "One Voice" Fund Raising

You can read a full account on how One Voice was organized by clicking the link below:

http://www.adventchores.org/2013/12/06/one-voice-central-world/

And the full account of the trip of our three-man team to the Philippines:

http://www.adventchores.org/2015/05/02/3840/

The Poster

The Official T-Shirt for Fundraising

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The Bangkok Charity Orchestra (BCO)

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Central World, Bangkok

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Other nationalities joined this great cause, too!

Bernie Buga-ay, The Lead Organizer

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Selling his artwork for the benefit of Yolanda/Haiyan Victims

The Thai Conductor of BCO Who Has a Heart for the Filipinos

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http://www.chulayuth.com/

That’s Me! With One of my Fellow Organizers, Arpha, Bernie's Wife

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The Adventchores Team to The Philippines

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The Team Joined by a Thai National and a Local Muslim girl

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Practicing for the Hallelujah Chorus

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Hallelujah Chorus - Finale (Video)

We may not be the greatest choir that ever sang Hallelujah Chorus but my hairs stand on end everytime I watch this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0km4S6rr_1M

When people care for other people and forget about self for just a second, the world is and will be a better place no matter what calamity or disaster may come.

We hope NOT to organize again the same event for the same or similar reason. But when there needs be, we will do it again in a heartbeat.

PHOTO CREDITS: adventchores.org/facebook.com photos