"Sining para sa Bayan" event raises $9K for Sendong Media Victims
A few weeks before the end of the year, the people of Northern Mindanao had unfortunately been shook by the tropical storm, Sendong (International name: Washi). The height of the floods given by the storm were unbelievable that it had been able to reach roofs of two story homes. Not even an inch of mercy was given out by these floods, as it washed away lives of the residents in Northern Mindanao, including childen, women, and the elderly.
Approximately more than 300,000 people were affected and displaced while more than 1,000 had been reported dead or missing. Along with the aforementioned number of affected people, an estimated number of 36 individual members of the media and their family have been affected, and 2 were confirmed dead.
A collaboration of Filipino-American media groups in Los Angeles conducted a benefit event in Glendale, California last January 21 to help their fellow journalists and their family who became victims of Typhoon Sendong. The media groups held an event called "Sining Para Sa Bayan" (Art for the Nation), which featured an art auction and live performances by Fil-Am artists to gain funds for the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP). The event was indeed successful given the fact that the proceeds amounted to $9,000.
Presdient of the Filipino American Press Club of Los Angeles, Myrna Aquitania, organized the said event in partnership with NUJP-US, Frontliners Media Group, F7 Media, and Philippine Press Photographers-USA. In which, she said, "Fil-Am media professionals in the Los Angeles area have come together to show support for and solidarity with colleagues in the Philippinrd who need help."
The unfortunate happening that drowned thousands of innocent lives in Northern Mindanao would forever remain a traumatic experience for our fellow Filipinos, especially to those who witnessed it beyond their TV screens. However, we cannot be thankful enough for the amount of help we have received from Filipinos overseas. This goes to show that the no matter how miles apart they are, their heart will always remain in the Philippines, their home.
Sources: Daily Tribune, Fil-Am Nation