Ma-Yi Writers Lab presents Mga Kasabihan (Words of Wisdom)

A benefit for Typhoon Haiyan relief, February 17 at Playwrights Horizons



This is for you theater-goers in in New York... The Ma-Yi Writers Lab, the largest collective of Asian-American playwrights in the country, invites you Mga Kasabihan (Tagalog for "Words of Wisdom"), a one-night-only event of brand-new short plays benefiting Typhoon Haiyan recovery efforts in the Philippines.

The evening will feature the talents of Mia Katigbak (The Foundry's Good Person of Szechwan), Ron Domingo (Phillip Himberg's Paper Dolls), Ali Ewoldt (Broadyway's Les Miserables) and more. All net proceeds will go to Negrense Volunteers for Change. It's happening Monday, February 17 at Playwrights Horizons.

Here are some more details about the benefit:

Relief 2 Recovery: Temporary Protected Status for Filipinos

Sign the petition calling the U.S. to designate the Philippines with Temporary Protected Status

Typhoon Haiyan was one of the most powerful storms ever recorded, wreaking devastation and tragedy that continue to take its toll on the Philippines, with 1.9 million homeless and more than 600,000 displaced.

While the United States is directing much-needed food and relief to the region, another form of humanitarian aid would be to designate the Philippines with Temporary Protected Status, which would stop deportations and avoid the burden the absorbing thousands of its nationals currently abroad during this national emergency, while empowering Filipino immigrants here in the U.S. to more effectively send aid back to their home country.

Relief 2 Recovery; Temporary Protected Status for Filipinos

This MoveOn.org petition by Relief 2 Recovery urges the U.S. government to designate the Philippines for temporary protected status (TPS) under Section 244B of the Immigration and Nationality Act, with consideration to Typhoon Haiyan and ongoing disaster relief efforts.

LA Loves The Philippines, December 1

#LAlovesPH



For all you folks in Los Angeles, here's another typhoon fundraiser that could use your support. Some awesome musicians are getting together to put on a relief benefit show for victims of Typhoon Haiyan. LA Loves The Philippines features a lineup of some pretty awesome Asian American artists such as Bahwee, June Marieezy, Low Leaf, Spazzkid and more. It's happening Sunday, December 1 at The Downtown Independent. Here are some more details:

HOPE for Typhoon Haiyan, November 24

100% of proceeds will be donated to International Rescue Committee and BKP California



Another great fundraising event for disaster relief... For folks in Southern California, you're invited to Hope for Typhoon Haiyan, a benefit event featuring live performances from the Pharcyde, Mike Relm, DJ Rhettmatic and many more, plus music, food, and a raffle with great prizes including Lakers tickets. It's happening Sunday, November 24 at the Spirit House in Monterey Park. Here are some more details:

CAPE presents Typhoon Relief Fundraiser Buffet Dinner

100% of donations will go to the Red Cross towards Philippines Typhoon Relief



For those of you in Los Angeles, the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment (CAPE) invites you to a buffet dinner to raise funds for Typhoon Haiyan relief. CAPE is foregoing its annual Holiday Party and hosting his fundraiser instead. Make some plans, invite friends and eat for a good cause.

It's happening this Thursday, November 21 at Fu's Palace in Los Angeles. 100% of donations will go to the Red Cross for Philippines typhoon relief. Here are some more details about the event:

Filipino American Museum presents Bayanihan Spirit, Nov. 21

A benefit to raise funds for Typhoon Haiyan relief



If you're in New York City, join the newly launched Filipino American Museum (FAM) for a benefit to raise funds for Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts. FAM has rallied an impressive group of individuals, businesses, local government officials, and community organizations to create an evening celebration of the Bayanihan Spirit. It's happening Thursday, November 21 at the Galapagos Art Space in Dumbo, Brooklyn.

All proceeds will go to the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) whose "Taskforce Haiyan" is a grassroots relief effort coordinated directly between Filipinos in the U.S and those in affected areas of the Philippines. Funds will be spent on food, water and medical supplies.

Here are some more details about the event:

Doug Baldwin flies Philippines flag before Seahawks game

Seattle wide receiver has family in the Philippines



Thought I'd share this striking Instagram photo that came my way... That's Doug Baldwin, wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, flying the flag of the Philippines before Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings, in an effort to honor victims of Typhoon Haiyan and draw attention to disaster relief efforts (yes, the flag is upside down -- to signify the country in a state of emergency).

The Seahawks partnered with the American Red Cross to collect cash donations from fans at Sunday's game. Fans are also invite to donate online through the American Red Cross' disaster relief fund here.

Baldwin has numerous relatives ("too many to count") living in the Philippines, including his mother's mother: Philippine crisis hits Seahawks WR Baldwin personally.

Beware of disaster fraud in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan

Justice Department warns of potential for fraudulent activity pertaining to relief efforts.



In the devastating aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, one of the worst natural disasters the region has ever seen, the international community has stepped up efforts to offer help and send relief through various fundraising events and donation drives. There are a lot of great organizations you can make donations to, but my household is supporting the work of the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns.

That said, the Department of Justice, the FBI and the National Center for Disaster Fraud remind the public that there is a potential for disaster fraud in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Suspected fraudulent activity pertaining to relief efforts associated with Typhoon Haiyan should be reported to the 24-hour toll-free NCDF hotline at 866-720-5721.

Before making a donation of any kind, the NCDF suggests adhering to certain guidelines: