Over the weekend, Typhoon Rolly (international name: Goni) hit the Philippines—leaving at least 20 people dead and thousands of families displaced from their homes. Considered the strongest typhoon of the year, Rolly’s catastrophic winds and rains had weather forecasters placing it under Category 4 and 5. The destructive typhoon first made landfall in Catanduanes early on Nov. 1 then slightly changed course and struck the Bicol region, triggering flash floods off the slopes of Mt. Mayon and loosening boulders and lahar that buried at least 300 homes, infrastructures and roads in their wake.
Several youth organizations and local groups quickly started donation drives to bring aid and relief to typhoon-affected areas. While several netizens and celebrities used their respective platforms to bring attention to these drives, another strong force on the internet shared the bayanihan spirit—pop culture fandoms. These fandoms have proven their power before in using their platforms for relevant advocacies like supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and shutting down that pro-Trump rally back in June.
Known to band together to support their faves, they’re once again using their collective energy for a cause. Here are some #RollyPH relief initiatives led by local fan bases that you can help out.
“BTS’” Army
ARMYs all over the world. Filipinos need your help!!
JUST BTS PH ARMY is now accepting donations (Cash or in-kind) for those filipinos affected by #TyphoonRolly. Any amount will help and be very much appreciated!!🥺🥺
Donation will be named under 𝗕𝗧𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗬!!#RollyPH pic.twitter.com/drMSdiQCJF
— JUST BTS Philippines || W.I.N.G💜 (@JUSTBTSPH) November 2, 2020
CALL FOR DONATIONS
We are now open for donations to provide food packs to the areas affected by the typhoon in the Philippines.
Buy rice from our farmers and donate it to the victims of the typhoon.
Donation Form: https://t.co/6qf8IliDmh#ARMYsDisasterRelief pic.twitter.com/CpVC10kHG6
— ARMY BAYANIHAN⁷ 🇵🇭 (@ARMYBayanihan) November 2, 2020
“2gether: The Series’” BrightWin fan base
Typhoon Rolly wrought havoc in the province of Albay and Camarines Sur which were greatly affected. In partnership with Tulong Kabataan Network, we are humbly opening our donation drive for Typhoon Rolly.
To donate, please refer to the poster below. 🙏#ReliefPH #RollyPH pic.twitter.com/cVEHuPBAxo
— Brights Philippines FC (@BrightsPH_FC) November 2, 2020
ANNOUNCEMENT ‼️
Due to the current state we are facing because of #RollyPh, the team has decided to donate some of the collected amount to @ABSCBN's Sagip Kapamilya Program to help those Filipino Families who are greatly affected of the Super Typhoon. Let's all do this 🤍💚 pic.twitter.com/hYagpQffXg
— OFFICIAL BrightWin Philippines 🇵🇭 (@BrightWinPhil) November 1, 2020
“Gameboys’” Thirdwheels
Let's live the bayanihan spirit!
The Gameboys Fandom unites for one cause: GAMEBOYS AYUDA
for the victims of Typhoon RollyWith partner @theideafirst_co@TV5manila Alagang Kapatid Foundation
Ask your Ayuda Partner for more info on how to donate
EveryFandomCares#GameboysAyuda pic.twitter.com/dR0bzo8lxK
— Gameboys PH 05.22 (@gameboys_ph) November 2, 2020
“Gaya Sa Pelikula’s” Neighbors
Good day neighbors! Our donation drive for the victims of Typhoon Rolly is still on-going! Please see posters below for donation channels.
Maraming salamat! 💕 https://t.co/5n4u0vCvkg pic.twitter.com/41tptsWENV
— NEIGHBORS OFC (@NeighborsOFC_) November 3, 2020
Art by Tricia Guevara
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