Manila – After the recent storms across Southeast Asia region, especially those in the Philippines, Billabong and Friendster will team up to help support the victims of Typhoon Ondoy which roared across the Northern Philippines a few weeks ago and poured more than a month’s worth of rain in just 12 hours. Nearly 300,000 people were affected by the storm, including some 47,000 people who were brought to schools, churches, and other evacuation shelters.
Despite Typhoon Pepeng sparing Manila from a direct hit, the storm’s heavy rains affected huge areas from central to north Luzon the past week.
Boardsports brand Billabong will host a major international surfing event on the island of Siargao in late October, with Manila being the headquarters for most of the event’s operations. Billabong and Friendster join forces to assist with the Red Cross Appeal that will facilitate all levels of aid and relief for those struck by the storms.
"Friendster is proud to join hands with Billabong to help provide support for the victims of the recent Typhoons. We hope our efforts go some way to support the community in the Philippines in their time of need," stated Ben Dunn, VP Philippines and global head of brand experience.
Friendster developed a ‘Friendster Cares’ page which has already attracted over 16,000 supporters. The page contains information on relief efforts, places where you can make donations, and positive messages of support from the Filipino and international community.
Visit www.friendster.com/friendstercares http://profiles.friendster.com/friendstercares to show your support and see what you can do to help.
Billabong will host an event at SM Mall of Asia in Manila from October 17 to 18, which will be the stage for the larger Cloud 9 Invitational surfing event later in the month with international wakeboarding and skateboarding demonstrations. The venue will first serve as an extra drop point for those willing to donate to the Red Cross Appeal. There will be Billabong giveaways for those who can provide canned food or decent standard clothing for the appeal.
"It was hard for us to hear about what was happening up in Manila, as we work super close with all our Filipino crew" said Peter Thew, Billabong Asia brand manager. "We were hearing crazy stories about people we work with stuck on roofs for days at a time, which prompted us to find someway we could help, even a little." This tragedy for the Philippines has brought together people and families. Social networking sites like Friendster are playing a major role helping people keep in touch with friends, family, the world, and now with the relief effort.
To show your support, please visit www.friendster.com/friendstercares http://profiles.friendster.com/friendstercares or head down to SM Mall of Asia from October 17 to 18 to support the Red Cross Appeal for those affected by Typhoon Ondoy.
