Guest Blog: A Plea For The Philippines
I’m unsure as to how many times our band has had the pleasure of playing music in the Philippines. However, I am certain of an overwhelming feeling I’ve felt every single time we’ve visited. It’s a feeling of compassion that I’ve yet to experience anywhere else in the world. A feeling of love and decency and kindness that I truly wish I could bottle up and take home with me. After hearing of the recent storms, I’ve had very different feelings arise. Heartbreaking kinds of feelings. We sincerely hope you and your loved ones are safe. You are all in our thoughts and as always, our hearts, and I know you will find the strength to use that compassion and love and kindness to carry you through this incredibly difficult situation. I cannot wait to one day soon return to see your faces and to once again feel those amazing feelings like every time before. All the love in the world.
-John and The Maine
The guest blog below was written by Allen Suating, a Filippino member of the 8123 Family
Living in a country by the Pacific Ocean, we're used to 20 or more typhoons a year. Some are just weak typhoons; some are so strong that they leave destructing damage. This year, our country faced and is facing many disasters such as the Taal volcano eruption which displaced many families, the Covid-19 pandemic didn't make the country better as many people got infected and died. A lot lost their jobs.
Now, another set of disaster struck. Five typhoons came in just four weeks. The strongest super Typhoon of the year Goni (locally named Rolly), destroyed many houses and caused flooding in many areas of the Bicol region. Many parts of Luzon suffered the same destruction with massive floodings from 3 consecutive typhoons. Vamco being the most destructive. Many people lost their homes, and some lost their lives. Many are in dire need of food, clean water, and clothing.
Flooding due to Typhoon Vamco (Image courtesy of Global Times)
On behalf of my fellow Filipinos, I'm pleading for your help. Here are some trusted organizations where you can donate for rescue and relief.
● UNICEF Philippines: https://donate.unicef.ph/campaign/typhoon-rolly
● Philippine Red Cross: https://redcross.org.ph/ways-to-donate/
● World Vision Philippines: https://www.worldvision.org.ph/donate/typhoon-ulysses-response
● Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership: https://www.kayanatin.ph/donate/
● Waves for Water: https://www.wavesforwater.org/programs/11630-super-typhoon-rolly-goni-response-
Damage due to Super Typhoon Goni (Image Courtesy of BBC)
Aerial view of the damage done by Typhoon Vamco (Image Courtesy of watchers.news)
Aside from monetary donations, you can also help through:
● Sharing this blog
● Prayers
● And most importantly: Fighting climate change.
These typhoons will get stronger every year and it's caused by the warming of the ocean. Which is an effect of climate change. By minimizing our carbon footprints, recycling, reducing unnecessary consumptions, you and I can save lives. These will be a great help for us and the world.
On behalf of my Kababayans (countrymen), we would like to say, “Maraming Salamat sa inyong tulong” (Thank you very much for your help). We will get through this!