That's So Pinoy

The ABS CBN Foundation Internationaland ABS CBN Japan turn over ¥1.5M for disaster relief

Redwood City, Calif. (June 27, 2011) – In response to the needs of Filipinos that fell victim and suffered tremendous loss from the March 11 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, ABS CBN Foundation International and ABS CBN Japan turned over a total of over ¥1.5M in disaster relief. Because of the donations by Filipino-Americans and the philanthropy of singer Martin Nievera, almost ¥.5M was given to two Filipino organizations in Japan: the Filipino Music Artists of Japan and Chubu Philippine Friendship Association. Other funds were given to the Japanese Red Cross Society.

On March 6, Martin Nievera headlined in a Las Vegas event, “The Knockout Concert,” which began the star-studded weekend at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, preceding the Manny Pacquiao-Sugar Shane Mosley fight.

“The MGM Grand was packed with Filipinos that came to support Manny Pacquiao. But it was a beautiful experience to see hundreds of them come to the concert to support our Filipinos in Japan,” shared J. Robbie Fabian, President of the ABS CBN Foundation International.

The event was produced by Chua-Codinera Productions and PAE Live! Sponsors included Arko Foods International, Asian Journal and Las Vegas physician Dr. Noel Fajardo.

Sagip Kapamilya is a program that engages in disaster relief, from funding rehabilitation to emergency rescue. The program has now gone international, providing aid to Filipinos around the world.

“Today, we proved that bayanihan (the spirit of communal unity) around the globe is still alive and Filipinos all over the world will stand ready until our kapamilya (family) in Japan see better days,” said Fabian.

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ABOUT ABS CBN FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL:

ABS CBN Foundation International is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged Filipino children and their families in the Philippines and around the world.  Its flagship program, Bantay Bata (Child Watch), is a child abuse rescue operation that responds to an average of 15,300 calls for assistance a year. The program assists more than 21,000 children and families in relocation communities and feeds at least 4,400 severely malnourished children a year. Its education program serves 4.2 million elementary school children and their teachers.

In the United States, the organization partners with Filipino-American organizations and associations in addressing community issues--youth truancy, housing, issues affecting the elderly, health,  and emergency needs.  For more programs and information, visit www.abscbnfoundation.org.