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BIG-HEARTED members of a photographic group have raised money for typhoon victims in the Philippines by staging a display of their stunning images of Bahrain.
The members of Bulb Media Group’s moody black and white photographs were shown to audiences at BreadTalk in the Diplomatic Area and quickly snapped up.
As a result more than BD400 was raised for the victims of Typhoon Sendong which has caused devastation back in their homeland around Iligan and the city of Cagayan de Oro.
“It just goes to show what a little creativity can generate,” said Jeanette Cano, one of the event volunteers. “That’s why it is really important for those more blessed people, those gifted with talents and skills, to step forward,” explained another, Janet Aureus.
All the money will be used to help the disaster victims in co-operation with the Philippine Red Cross. When converted into local currency the money will buy the equivalent of 2.5 tonnes (2,500kg) of rice, enough to feed around 20,000 people.
The display entitled ‘Larawang Handog’ was attended by representatives from various Filipino community groups, the Philippine Embassy, Toastmasters International and supported by photo enthusiasts of all nationalities.
Philippine Embassy Minister and Consul General Sahid Glang and Filipino Club caretaker chief Mar Santiago inaugurated the exhibition.
“I was particularly impressed with the work,” said visiting architect Russell Santos. “I understand the organisers just had about 10 days to organise the exhibition but it was neatly done and they came up with an amazing selection of photographs.”
A spokesman for Breadtalk added: “We took part in the fund-drive simply because it was the right thing to do.”
The 50 images on display were donated by the following artists and photographers Allan Donque, Rex Tibus, Jack Guevarra, Annie Lou Banares, Reginn Palacio, Edward Tandaan and Jeffrey Faranial.
Club member Reginn added: “A world full of good-natured people willing to take part in a worthy cause as it unfolds makes for a much better world to live in.”
And, supporter Herminia Aureus says further help for the victims is on the cards. “We are encouraging others not to stay as spectators but to become involved.
“You can either volunteer as part of the organiser’s support group, you can be a donor or you can just simply be present and show your moral support to our events.”
It is believed around 1,000 died after December’s Typhoon Sendong slammed ashore while residents slept, sending torrents of water, mud and logs through riverside villages and sweeping houses out to sea.
Agencies reported that more than 338,000 people in 13 provinces were affected by the disaster, with nearly 43,000 still in schools, churches and gymnasiums.
More than 10,000 houses were damaged by the typhoon and the flash floods, of which nearly a third were ruined. Many roads and bridges were also badly damaged.
