As you may have already known, typhoon “Frank” ravaged the Philippines late last month and the victims have not yet fully recovered from the losses of homes, livelihood and loved ones. Although aid and relief came in right after the calamity, these proved to be lacking as affected citizens remain in wretched conditions. There are still hungry mouths and families who desperately need assistance especially in the provinces of Iloilo and Aklan.

Together with other concerned Filipino students, volunteers and expatriates here in Japan, you can also take part in a fund raising campaign to help our fellow countrymen in their time of need. With this in mind, we are appealing to your kind hearts to support us in this endeavor. We are also encouraging you to invite your fellow students, friends or colleagues to form a stronger hand and together share some of your blessings to save lives in central Philippines.

We have arranged a central account for receiving donations through the Association of Filipino Students in Japan – Tokyo (AFSJ-Tokyo), represented here by the current president, Ms. Lara Porciuncula. Kindly forward your most precious financial assistance to the account below. Please get in touch with any of the contact persons listed on the next page for further information.

Bank Name: SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION（三井住友銀行）
Branch Name: Shinjuku Branch (新宿支店)
Bank Account Name: Porciuncula, Maria Lara Cabreira
Bank Account Number: 3960056 (普通)

In connection with this fundraising, there will also be a benefit concert featuring the cool and sariling-atin sound of with special performance by on Sunday, 27 July 2008, 3:00 p.m. at the Student’s Dormitory Hall, Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology, Konan 4-5-7, Minato ku, Shinagawa, Tokyo. In the interest of charity, a fee of \2,000 will be solicited, inclusive of food. Donation boxes will likewise be available for additional voluntary contributions. We are looking forward to seeing you and your friends!

Donations and concert proceeds will be coursed through the Philippine National Red Cross – Iloilo and Aklan chapters in the middle of August. The accounting and relevant information will also be published on the website of AFSJ-Tokyo (www.afsj.org) for transparency.

The victims of typhoon Frank would be forever grateful for your kind assistance and prayers.