Dear World

By now you would have heard about the devastation brought about by Super Typhoon Yolanda (aka Haiyan). I received many concerned messages from abroad, from family, friends, and colleagues. We were spared (it was nothing more than a rainy day in Manila), but our fellow Filipinos down south weren't so fortunate. Thousands dead. Hundreds of thousands displaced. Millions affected.

It's been over two weeks, but it will take a very long time for our country to get back on its feet. If you live far away and feel compelled to help, you can find more information here. If you're in town, there are so many ways to help--Cosmopolitan Philippines has this fund-raising activity this Saturday, for one.

My heart keeps breaking: Seeing pictures of the aftermath. Repacking a box of baby clothes at a relief center (baby clothes!!! Those poor, poor babies!!!). Reading about the survivors arriving at Villamor, looking dazed and defeated. Getting frustrated at the inefficiency of all these different government units.

But it also keeps swelling: Reading about street kids pooling together what they have to donate a couple of canned goods. Seeing friends who are tirelessly collecting relief goods and mobilizing volunteers. Hearing about the help coming from all over the world.

If you've contributed to relief efforts in some way, thank you. If you haven't, we'd appreciate any help you can give: a box of goods, a dollar, a prayer. Every little bit counts.