Typhoon Relief Fundraiser "Sukob" Held at Rutgers University

by Ryan Quezon

On November 7th, members of the Pilipino community converged onto the Rutgers University Busch Campus for "SUKOB," a fundraiser to help with typhoon relief efforts.  In addition to the donated medical supplies, all of the proceeds from the event go to benefit the Ayala Foundation USA. Inspired by the desire to come to the aid of those who have been affected by the typhoons in the Philippines, the President of the Rutgers Association of Philippine Students (RAPS), Amanda Yu, and Jay Legaspi, of the Sensitive Guys With Guitars (SGWG) sprung into action.  In a matter of days, they were able to gain the support of the Filipino League at Seton Hall (FLASH) through their President, Matt Pana, the various talents of SGWG and RAPS, secured a venue at the Rutgers University Busch Campus, and the support of volunteers and the University.

After tossing a few ideas to name the event, "we looked back to our roots and decided on the word Sukob, which translated roughly means to shelter under something together--usually an umbrella.  We decided upon it also because we felt that even though the Philippines is so far, it is still a shared struggle to recovery, as many of our friends and family were affected by it."

Various other organizations were looked at as possibile beneficiaries, but according to Jay, the Ayala Foundation USA "was really appealing primarily for the fact that we could specifically choose where the money would go to in the Philippines." Ayala Foundation USA is a charity organization which allows those who donate to "reach the intended recipients or beneficiaries in the Philippines in a manner that is professional, efficient and transparent."  

It was estimated that approximately 200 members of the community were in attendance.  All together, a large box of medical supplies was collected, and approximately $3000 was collected from monetary donations and sales of the event t-shirt, which was designed by Matt Sia and provided for by Manila Gorilla.

The spirit of "SUKOB" continues throughout the 2009-2010 school year.  Coming up soon on eBay, they will auction off a t-shirt which is autographed by various members of the talented Pilipino community, to include AJ Rafael, Melissa Polinar, the Boogie Bots, JR Aquino, and Jeremy "Passion" Manongdo.  Also, RAPS will continue to provide donations throughout the year from their events, and the Ayala Foundation will continue to be the beneficiary.

Jay and Amanda would like to thank "John Acampado for the additional guidance and hosting, Mark Gautier for sound, Ron Deocampo for [the] use his expensive spotlight for free, Manila Gorilla for making the shirts, RAPS dance troupes, FLASH Dance troupes, SGWG (John-Flor Sisante, Matt Sia, Danny Katz, John Violago), Ashley Clack, Rutgers University, the Edison Filipino community, and of course, Bakitwhy!!!"