Driven For Life – Project Ondoy

“Calamity is man’s true touchstone.”

I read this somewhere — a quote from English dramatists Beaumont & Fletcher. Indeed many will be gauged during disastrous moments such as one of extensive impact on Manila and 25 neighboring provinces under the name of Typhoon Ondoy (internationally know as Typhoon Ketsana) which displaced almost half a million people with at least 240 on the death toll and covering 80% of Metro Manila with flood water rising to unbelievable heights in less than 12 hours. This happened on September 26 — a first after over 4 decades in Philippine geologic  history.

The past few days have been both devastating and inspiring. Me, my family and close circle of friends were fortunate enough not to be affected by the calamity (although some relatives in Bulacan experienced leaving their homes completely submerged in water). It was heartbreaking to hear the news and updates as we follow each happening on the telly and the net. But it was also heartwarming at the same time to find out how a lot of civilians went out of their way to organize rescue and relief operations, volunteer and give donations. Some exemplars are musicians, film makers, celebrities and broadcasters that inspired us from Lilystars Records to participate in our own little way with the relief campaign.

Last Monday a number of artists flocked Jam 88.3 to perform live for “Project Ondoy: Downpour Of Support” including some of Lilystars roster to play live and invite fans and listeners to donate and actively participate in the relief operations. Present from Lilystars were The Gentle Isolation, Turbo Goth, The Camerawalls and The Bernadettes upon the gracious invite of DJ Tracy Abad. For photos click here.

To augment this Lilystars Records and The POP Shoppe! in cooperation with Jorge Portrait Studio and Jam 88.3‘s Project Ondoy is hosting a benefit show tonight, September 30, 9pm at Route 196 called “Driven For Life” – a relief drive/fundraiser for typhoon victims/evacuees. Performing are The Camerawalls, Turbo Goth, The Bernadettes and Your Imaginary Friends.

We will be accepting donations at the venue. The following will be of great help:
+ Clothes (as well as blankets, towels, socks etc)
+ Food (Canned goods, Rice, Instafood, Milk, as long as it’s not perishable for weeks)
+ Water (Bottled)
+ Basic Medical Supplies

You can drop off your donation during the gig or at the offices of LILYSTARS RECORDS and JORGE’S PORTRAIT STUDIO located at 35 P. Tuazon St. Cubao, Quezon City and RAVEN BROADCASTING CORPORATION/JAM 88.3 at Unit 202 Strata 2000 Bldg., F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Complex, Pasig City. This will be ongoing in an effort to share provisions to thousands of evacuees and homeless.

For more information contact the following numbers: 09054441229/09164004343, 7233586/4114512.