LONDON - Filipinos joined forces in London to continue efforts in raising funds for victims of calamities in the Philippines. The initiative, called “Pinoys for Ondoy”, involved fundraising activities through basketball and community events.

The charity drive at Lister Community School in Plaistow was spearheaded by the Kapisanan Ng Mga Manlalarong Pilipino (KAMPI), a nonprofit organization promoting positive values through sporting activities.

Together with Filipinos from East London, KAMPI staged a friendly basketball tournament featuring local teams like Sunics, Northgate, Crison Controllers, Sure Money, KAMPI Juniors, and Sure Money Juniors.

“We’ve seen on TV, especially on TFC, these Filipinos who have suffered [from the natural disasters] and it’s really appalling. This is the only way that we could help our kababayans in the Philippines affected by Ondoy and Pepeng,” said Oscar Santiago, Vice-Chairman of KAMPI.

He added that Filipinos from Britain have had a “terrific response” to the relief efforts: “Some Filipinos have already sent help to the Philippines. Here in East London, the whole Filipino community is very supportive. We got a great response.”

"Pinoys for Ondoy"

“Pinoys for Ondoy” was widely supported by many Filipinos across all generations.

“I am very concerned kung anong nangyari doon sa Philippines, especially those who have been victims [of the typhoons]. It’s the main reason why I support this event. Hopefully, with the money we raise, makakatulong tayo sa mga kapwa natin,” said Allen Abeleda from Celestial Travel, sponsors of the event.

Her son, Ryan Abeleda, a player for Crison Controllers, also showed his support with other young Filipinos.

“For me it’s very important. Some of our players are actually from areas hit by the typhoon. They have family there and lots of their houses have been flooded. We’re here to support the cause. We’re here to give them what they need,” Abeleda said.

Ryan is among the many young people involved with KAMPI, the oldest Filipino sports community in England. Established in 1990, the group aims to eradicate “bad elements” in society by providing a safe platform for constructive pursuits.

“They help the youths really well. It keeps us off the street, keeps us occupied during the weekend, and keeps us involved in the Filipino community. We have a good sense of our heritage when we come [to KAMPI events], and they give us a good sense of community which is quite comforting,” Abeleda explained.

After the tournament, “Pinoys for Ondoy” continued its program with a charity party in the evening. Co-organized by Cleo Sagun, an event organizer and former cast of Miss Saigon, it offered a variety of food, music and entertainment, including a performance from Filipino girl group, Tru Colours.

Through raffle draws, tickets, donations and sponsorships, the events raised well over £1000 for charity. All proceeds will go to Sagip Kapamilya and the Philippine Red Cross.

‘Help in any way they can’
Apart from organized events, many Filipinos continue the spirit of bayanihan in their own personal way, like Katherine Rule-Toth and JC Eustaquio, who set up a donation jar in their office to help raise funds for the Philippines.

“We came up with this idea to gather some donations to help victims of the flood. Everyone is doing [fundraising] at the moment, because everybody wants to do their share and help in any way they can,” said Katherine, who works at Celestial Travel.

She added: “Everyone was just so generous, and everyone wants to help in their own little way”

In September and October 2009, the Philippines experienced severe flooding as a result of typhoons Ondoy (Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma). Relief operations and rebuilding projects have now started with the help of local people, the Philippine government, and the international community.