2013 IP Tiangge Sparks Typhoon Relief

Sampaguita group performing the "Sakuting"
dance during the Tiangge

Hello everyone,

I have a ton of things to things IP-related to share with you, but as you all might know, senior year is pretty darn tough. So bare with me, folks. The rocky road will soon even out, that is, once I get past January 1st (the college app deadline).  ;)

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Yesterday was the annual Tiangge of New England, an event sponsored by IP to touch base with local pinoy entrepreneurs, organizations, and shoppers! Booths ranged from balibayan boxes to BKP to J-Mart to Keykes and to numerous other vendors selling food, Christmas parols, bracelets, and so forth. In the morning, I helped my Tita Veronica serve palabok for IP and the Rondalla make delicious halo-halo to raise funds for the Bohol earthquake victims. I have to say, the event was packed to the brim with Filipinos and friends of Filipinos from all over New England, trying to snag a taste at some delicious turon, kare kare, and lechon or bathe in the cultural aspects of the day through lively Christmas music, festive decorations, and performances by the IP classes and the rondalla.

Amidst the joyous din of laughter and music, however, an underlying concern became evident as the day went on. Just the day before, Typhoon Yolanda (also known as Typhoon Haiyan) swept through the Philippines, hitting Visayas the hardest by destroying 270 towns and villages, cutting off all electricity, services, food, and water, displacing 4 million people, and killing 10,000. WCVB - Channel 5 came by to interview a few Filipinos whose families are from the affected area.

With the Rondalla family at the Halo-Halo and drinks booth

This calamity has reached not only the Filipino-American community, but also the international community as some of my concerned friends have approached me on the same topic. With only two more weeks before break at my school, I've been pushing my Southeast Asian club to help by selling pens and asking for clothing and food donations. I know other local organizations are doing just the same. As long as this calamity ensues, our hearts will be facing the Philippines.

Channel 5 interviewing a Filipino about the recent typhoon
(courtesy of Tita Patty)

Sierra Jamir