Out in the Real World

It's October now, and were this an ordinary week, people would now be getting ready for a hectic con schedule. AniCon 2009 is still slated for the 11th, the PICCA events are still pushing through, and Komik Kon 2009 is still going to take place on the 18th.

But we've still got the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy (international name Ketsana) to work through, and as of this morning, we've also got Typhoon Pepeng (international name Parma) to deal with. Pepeng is getting stronger and is going to make landfall soon - and in so doing will adversely affect everyone who still hasn't recovered from the wrath of Ondoy.


A Shaman from Atlantica Online - one of the healer classes in the game. It's nice that she's dressed the way she is - red and white, the colors of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement - colors of help and assistance.

I started this entry with the thought of "How can the gaming and fandom communities be mobilized to help in situations like this?"

Several organizations under the New Worlds Alliance (and, indeed, the Alliance itself) have been working tirelessly to help others. Students freed from schoolwork form youth brigades to swarm relief goods depots and deploy to flood-stricken areas. Local Facebook walls remain as communications hubs for sending assistance where it is needed. The comics artists are organizing art-for-relief initiatives. And we've just seen the beginning of a wave of benefit concerts and events.

And so I wonder: are you a gamer? Are you a cosplayer? Are you part of doujinshi or fanfiction circles? Do you cater in pop culture merch?

Have you done your part?

Two easy ways to keep helping:
1. Click through to Help for Typhoon Ondoy Victims in the Philippines. Help fill in the maps. Find the organization/location accepting donations in cash and/or in kind nearest you and give what you can, be it canned goods or medicine or money or your own time.

2. Use the mobile services. On your mobile phone, type in RED[space]AMOUNT and send to 4483 for Smart and 2899 for Globe. You can donate in amounts of 5, 25, 50, 100, or 300 pesos. The usual transaction fees have been waived for this specific keyword - the Philippine National Red Cross will receive the FULL amount that you donate.

As we keep helping those displaced by Typhoon Ondoy, let us also spare a thought for preparing for Typhoon Pepeng. And even as we help others let us each remember to take care of ourselves too.