For The Human Race

aaronfavila

2 days ago, one of the world’s most powerful typhoons ever struck the Philippines. To the world, it’s called Typhoon Haiyan. To us, we call this monster Typhoon Yolanda. These are just a few of the photos I gathered from the internet. Thousands of houses, establishments, roads, crops and more were destroyed. An estimated 9.5 million people were affected by this calamity. Reports predict more than 10,000 people died. I refrained from posting any graphic photos here but if you do a quick search, you’ll see a lot of photos online of places like the badly hit Tacloban City. Dead bodies were just lying on the streets–hundreds of them. Reports of looting have already started. People are hungry, scared and tired. Because of the extent of damage caused by Typhoon Yolanda, relief and rescue efforts have been more than challenging.

The Philippines need your help.

Ap:Albaystormsurge gettyimages Philippines embraces super Typhoon Haiyan tacloban

Whether you’re a Filipino or not, as members of the human race, we’re all in this together. I am fortunate that I live in Manila and the eye of the storm wasn’t in our area but whenever I see and hear about the devastation Typhoon Yolanda has caused (like this personal account here and report here), it’s hard to just look the other way. I hope, wherever you are in the world, you spare a little bit of your time and effort to help a brother/sister out. Here’s an updated list of relief centers gathered by Rappler.com. Be someone’s beacon of hope. Be that ray of sunshine in someone’s life. You can make a difference.

 Photos by AP, Getty Images, Aaron Favila

P.S. I just found this Twitter account with personal accounts of what’s happening to Tacloban. Heartbreaking. Visit it. Spread the word. People should know just how bad things really are.

39 Responses to “For The Human Race”
  1. Christine Koay

    I know this is really late but I hope everyone and everything is fine now in The Philippines.. I have donated money during Mass collection though it’s not that much money.. I have relative at there too but they are alright..

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      The places are recovering but not so much still :( Thank you Christine!

      Reply
  2. maebs

    Sometimes I don’t want to watch news because hearing those news makes me feel sad on what happened to them. :( i always pray for them. :)

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      I know what you feel but we have to be updated. We have to know what’s happening :(

      Reply
  4. Mcl

    Hi ms camlille..
    Im such a huge fan of urs ever sinvce i found out about u and ur blog.. Im just wonderin if u’d ever thought of having an online garage sale like the other bloggers to help the affected people in tacloban… Because if u do,we (ur followers who doesnt live in manila) would probably rage over it … And we’d get to help them too. Win-win situation right? Hope u’d consider it…:)

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Hi Mcl! I’d love to but the problem is I’m so busy now I don’t have the time to gather my stuff, take photos of them one by one and post them online. So my way to help is to donate goods and medicine instead. I hope you do so as well. It’ll be of great help to those in need :)

      Reply
      • Kit Querubin

        I’m hoping though. I’ve been wondering how huge your wardrobe is. :)

        Reply
  6. Zoe

    Ohh this is just so heart breaking. I hope other countries will give support to the people in need. I know some of the people here in the US are starting a fund raiser for those affected by the calamity. I hope everything would be better soon. :( I really miss the Philippines. My friends and relatives are fortunate our home town wasn’t affected that much. #PrayForThePhilippines

    xoxo Zoe
    http://thatszoe.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Thanks Zoe! The news these past few days have been hard to watch. I do hope more people help out.

      Reply
  7. Reena

    Oh my gosh Cams… I’m very thankful that our house was spared from the wrath of Yolanda. However, the northern part of Panay suffered much damage. 80% of the houses were wiped out in one town. Until now, I still could not contact my grandmother in Antique because the communication lines were cut during the storm. I heard from my uncle that the barangays near the coastal towns were evacuated, so thankfully there were no casualties reported (from what I’ve gathered).

    My friend and I are going to donate our old clothes and I’ve also set aside some of my money to buy relief goods. It may not be significant but it’s the only way I can do to help. I’m very grateful that we were spared and it’s really heartbreaking to see those people suffer. :( Na trauma talaga ako when flashfloods hit our house during Typhoon Frank, so I can imagine the horror na na-experience nila. :(

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      I hope your grandmother is safe! I’m glad you’re doing what you can to help. It doesn’t have to be a lot. A little can go a long way. :)

      Reply
      • Reena

        My uncle called and informed us that she is very very safe! Miracle talaga yung nangyari kasi her house was spared and to think it was a traditional house that’s mostly made of wood and bamboo floors! A part of the roof was damaged and unrecognizable na ang outside kitchen pero pwede pa ma repair. The house next door is made of the same material pero walang natira.

        Reply
        • Camille Co

          Oh no. Kawawa naman yung kapitbahay. But I’m happy to know that she’s safe :)

          Reply
  8. Marichelle R. Sayaang

    It’s quite devastating and heartbreaking hearing the news about what’s been happening in eastern Visayans right now.. I cannot even contact my grandparents and relatives in there,,,,,Thank you for this post Ms.Camille.. #prayforphilippines

    Reply
  10. Angelic Robles

    Devastating news all around. I also saw many situations of the victims who were hit by the brunt of the storm. We’ve got a strong race, but we must also remember the might of nature. Thank you for helping spread the word, Miss Camille.

    Reply
  11. Meillissa

    My heartfelt sympathy goes to each and every one in the wake of this horrible disaster. You really have a good heart Ms. Camille.
    I hope every fashion blogger would be like you. God Bless You! ^^

    Reply
  15. Naaj Rona

    I have been reding about the typhoon and keeping you all in my prayers. May the departed rest in peace and may God calm this storm and watch over the ones who are affected.

    I was shocked to read that some people are taking advantage of these storm and seeking the candles more than thrice than the actual amount. That is just pathetic

    Praying for you all

    Naaj Ronas Lifestyle

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Right? I got so angry when I heard about it as well. I will never understand people who take advantage of situations like this. Thank you for helping out btw!

      Reply
  16. Lourine

    Aww. Thanks for this ate Camille. Though our place is not really affected, our fellow kababayans need this. This will be a great help! It’s good to hear that you’re safe too :)

    Reply
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