MANILA – Former French Open Champion Michael Chang of the United States and Filipino-American tennis ace Cecil Mamiit faced off in an exhibition game that aimed to raise funds for typhoon victims in the Philippines.

Mamiit, his tennis friends and other Fil-Am volunteers were able to generate more than $9,000 or over P400,000.

The Fil-Am Davis Cupper held the tennis fundraiser in Orange County, California before he left for Manila to prepare for the upcoming Southeast Asian Games. He won the SEA Games singles gold medal in 2005.

He said he will give the whole amount to typhoon victims through ABS-CBN’s Sagip Kapamilya.

Chang, for his part, told ABS-CBN News: “I think it's great that Cecil felt that ‘Hey, I'm in a position where could do something about this’ and with the help of different people.”

“To be able to put together an event like this in such a short period of time is not an easy thing to do,” added Chang, who holds the record of being the youngest player to win a grand slam. He bagged the French Open in 1989 as a 17-year-old.

Outpouring of support

Mamiit said he was greatly affected by the news of the devastation caused by typhoons, including “Ondoy” (international code name Ketsana) and “Pepeng” (Parma).

“I'm going back. I would give all the proceeds, everything. I felt bad because when I went back to LA, the typhoons hit,” he shared. “So I haven't been back so I wanted to bring the community together here, all the Fil-Ams... and bring all out all the best - my friends - out here. I'm so glad that they came out to support me.”

"This has been a great event and I'm happy that everybody came out and supported everything,” he stated.

He even personally appealed to members in various Fil-Am tennis clubs in Southern California before the fundraiser.

More charity events

Aside from the Chang vs Mamiit exhibition game, Fil-Am tennis fans were treated to autograph sessions with their idols and other activities.

“This is the easiest way to raise funds and help the people and the victims back home,” said event co-organizer Cherry Carluen.

Mamiit said he was overjoyed with the outpouring of support that is why he is planning to organize other charity events for those in need in the Philippines. – With a report from Yong Chavez, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau