MimaiScribbles

Supertyphoon Yolanda  (international name: Haiyan) did not stay long in the Philippines, but she managed to leave many unpleasant memories. Yolanda wreaked havoc in the Visayas, particularly in Leyte, Samar, Cebu, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and Palawan. Families were separated, buildings were destroyed, whole towns and cities were flattened by Yolanda’s storm surges, Thousands of people lost their loved ones (3,000+ and counting!).

Yolanda brought back a lot of painful memories for myself and many Kagay-anons. In 2011, Cagayan de Oro was ravaged by Sendong. The city was practically covered by bodies upon bodies of water. To this day, many are still missing. What Visayas suffered (and is still suffering), however, is far greater in magnitude than everything that Sendong did to Kagay-anons. And this is why we were one of the very first people to gather resources and find ways to reach out and help. We know and are familiar with all the pain, frustration, anger, confusion, desperation, and depression that comes with losing lives, houses, and livelihood to a natural disaster of such size. We understand, that’s why we genuinely want to help out.

Aside from sending boxes of food, water, clothing, and other basic necessities, we can also help by tapping into our creativity; into our talents and skills. And this is exactly what a group of CDO artists are doing on Sunday, November 17.

Through the initiatives – and spurned by the passion – of Glenn Cabaral, some of Cagayan de Oro’s finest talents will gather at the Rotunda of Limketkai Mall and Liceo de Cagayan University’s Rodelsa Hall for two special shows. Tickets are pegged at Php50 (for the LKK show) and Php200 (for the Rodelsa show). All proceeds of will go to relief efforts for the survivors of Supertyphoon Yolanda. Some of the artists who have unselfishly offered their talents for free include:

* Neil Go

* Edzen

* Lady Jason Plaza and the 4th Vibe

* Aizel Ruga

* Ralph Ramos

* Jury Cinco

* Next Moves

* Mastersons Avenue

* Ian Nuer and Cherry Belisario

* LDCU’s College of Music Students

* MUST Gintong Amihan Dance Troupe

* MUST Sanghimig Chorale

* Modern Company with Lyan Love Tubella

* New Age Band

* Jenz Peak

* Oreo Vamenta

* Cloyd Winstanley

* Mensquare

and

* Atty. Samantha Tan

I Will Sing for Leyte is directed by Glenn Cabaral. It is presented by FHGG Event Matters, Rodelsa Hall, Limketkai Center, Jamroom, Mindanao Daily News, OFDG (Oro Fashion Designers Guild) in cooperation with Pagbantog-Kagayan, Mindanao Fashion and Entertainment Force, Designers’ Assembly, Liceo de Cagayan University, and ISG Print Ideas.

If you’re still trying to look for ways to help our brothers and sisters in Visayas, let I Will Sing for Leyte be the first step for you.

It’s time for us to give back after everything that they did for us when Sendong struck CDO. Let’s join forces and show Visayas that we are one with them in this fight…That we will help them rebuild their homes and their lives…That we will journey to new hopes and new beginnings with them.

See you on the 17th!