We were all shocked when we heard the news last week March 11, when Japan was hit by an 8.9 – 9.0 magnitude earthquake and series aftershocks. I was asleep when it happened, when I woke up around 6:00 pm, it was all over the news. Every channel is giving out pictures and videos, at first I thought that it was a scene from a movie then I realized it was really happening. I was saying in my mind “this is not happening” over and over, it was really frightening. Then there were reports that the event can cause tsunamis in nearby countries. I got worried even more, since we are close to them. Lucky the effect on part of our seas are minimal. Called up all my friends there, fortunately their area was not that affected.
I have always loved Japan, the heritage, traditions, history and culture. I have “Visit Japan” as one entry in my bucket list. I want to see and experience their culture personally. I’m an avid fan of the Japan Video Topics until now (Short part by part documentaries about Japan which was played on IBC and GEM TV). Also the culture had a great influence in our childhood as with my previous blog about FrancisM, along with his music we grew up watching a lot of super sentai, manga, and anime. To date, I’m still an otaku.
With that, I’m writing this to provide simple ways on how we can help and share through this calamity. It’s our time to give back in our own little way. They also helped us in the Ondoy incident 2009. If you don’t remember, THIS article may jog your memory.
HOW TO HELP:
I have collated some options that we can do from different sites and blogs.
1. From Yahoo!: Japan earthquake and tsunami: How to help
Has list of where and how you can donate.
2. From Mashable: Japan Earthquake & Tsunami: 7 Simple Ways to Help
Provides where and how you can donate and also simple ways to make a difference.
3. From Google: Resources related to the 2011 Japan Crisis
Has list of where and how you can donate and also up to date information regarding the Japan’s status.
4. From Signalnoise: Help Japan
The image that I have used above is designed by James White. The poster is being sold in the site and the proceeds will go to the relief operations in Japan.
5. Here in the Philippines you can donate also through: Philippine Red Cross
Provides online donation options. Also list of bank accounts where you can deposit your donations. You can also do it without standing up from your couch through your cell phone.
SMS:
Text RED<space>AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4143 (Smart)
You can donate the following denominations (Php):
Globe: 5, 25, 100, 300, 500 or 1000
Smart: 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 or 1000
G-Cash:
Text DONATE<space>AMOUNT<space>4-digit M-PIN<space>REDCROSS to 2882
These are just a few ways that you can help, you can think of other ways. On your own little way, you can show it.
My friend Mars Cacacho, who also grew up loving anime and manga, made a simple story about a boy who experienced the event, and wrote a letter to the Emperor. You can read it here: A Letter From a Japanese Boy to the Emperor
Another way is, you can help spread the word through any media. You can tweet, share, text, or blog the articles above. Most of them have built in social networking sharing options as well. Let’s help one another. Make a difference. Share and give back. Be a hero. Help Japan.
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nice one, kev
thanks! :*