I apologize in advance if you think I am abusing our friendship or professional relationship. But these are very troubling times in the Philippines that is continuously hit by disasters both natural and human-made. At this point, I have no choice but to ask for your help.

You may already know about Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) that hit the Philippines last September 26 and is now wreaking havoc in Vietnam.

As of this writing, more than 250 Filipinos have died and about 500,000 have been rendered homeless. More casualties are expected as search and recovery operations continue.

One of the hardest hit cities was Marikina where I live. Around 80% of my city got reportedly submerged in water as high as six meters. But please do not be concerned about me or my wife Joy. Our village (Marikina Heights) is located on higher ground so our house was fortunately spared from the wrath of the typhoon.

Despite our fortunate situation, I still got worried when all communications were cut off (along with the power) during the peak of the typhoon last Saturday (September 26, incidentally my mother’s birthday). As you know, I am currently on special detail here in Hannam University in South Korea and I wasn’t able to sleep due to the mixed feelings of anxiety and helplessness.

My wife may be safe, but I can’t say the same for many friends and colleagues who did not only lose their hard-earned properties but also their loved ones.

I can tell you several stories of heroism and tragedy due to the typhoon. I can also tell you about the sheer incompetence of the government and some politicians who are capitalizing on the tragedy in time for the 2010 elections.

But all I can relay right now is an appeal for help from you and your other concerned friends. It’s obviously not for me, but for the others who have lost a lot as a result of a disaster both natural (typhoon) and human-made (government). As you may know by now, more than 250 Filipinos have died and about 1.8 million were estimated to have been affected by the flood.

I write this letter to appeal to your generosity by donating any amount, not to me but to the less fortunate Filipinos who are not only grieving for the loss of their loved ones but are also trying to start life anew.

There are many ways to help, and I hope you and your friends can send anything through credible agencies like the Philippine National Red Cross. Trust me, you shouldn’t send anything to the Philippine government as it would end up in the pockets of the select moneyed few.

You do not need to give me whatever you’re willing to donate. The International Committee of the Red Cross and the Philippine National Red Cross could accept donations through bank transfers and even PayPal.

I admit I’m a bit embarrassed to do this. But please understand that I live in a Third World country and we need all the help we could get at this time of need.

Thank you for reading this short message and I wish you all the best.

Danny

P.S. – If you have friends in Vietnam, I suggest that you check up on them as Typhoon Ketsana is currently wreaking havoc there. Thanks!

Ditto