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Letter from the Editors
After the Apocalypse, "Bangon Mga Bisaya!"
November 15, 2013

So many stories to tell... a test of courage, bravery, emergence of good Samaritans with emboldened spirits that bring us all together after all the heartbreaking news that is all over media gravely affecting our families, friends, love ones.  The 7.2 magnitude earthquake that occurred on October 15, 2013 took Bohol, an island province located in Central Visayas in a state of shock and affecting the whole of the Central Visayas region including Cebu and as far as Masbate island in the north and Cotabato provinces in Southern Mindanao.  By official reports, 222 were reported dead, 8 were missing, and 976 people were injured with an overall 73,000 structures damaged and destroyed.  Most significant were the beautiful centuries old churches in Baclayon, Loboc, Maribojoc, Loay, Dauis, Tubigon; the Philippine wonder Chocolate Hills were destroyed with some of the hills damaged by landslides.  This was the deadlies earthquake in the Philippines in 23 years.

On November 7, 2013, three weeks after the quake, Super Typhoon Yolanda with maximum sustained winds of 235 mph caused catastrophic damage throughout much of Leyte and Samar islands, including the provinces of Aklan, Capiz, Cebu, Iloilo, Palawan, and Samar.  Extreme damage to infrastructure throughout the region posted logistical problems which slowed relief efforts flown from various local and international agencies.  It is sad to see Tacloban as a dead city with thousands of people without basic amenities, where decomposing bodies litter throughout the streets among the debris. The self preservation of our people in severely damaged areas created widespread looting and possible anarchy.

Here's how to help Typhoon Victims:
For missing persons or have information on a missing person, Google Person Finder has launched a Typhoon Yolanda Page.
http://google.org/personfinder/2013-yolanda/

The Philippine Red Cross is providing a tracking service for family members looking for missing people.  The organization is accepting donations on its website (100PHP = $2.30) and is looking for volunteers to help assemble relief packages at its headquarters in Manila.
http://www.redcross.org.ph/

ABS-CBN Foundation International (AFI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the lives of disadvantaged Filipino families in the Philippines and around the world.
http://www.abs-cbnfoundation.com/

GMA Kapuso Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit, socio-civic organization organized by GMA Network, Inc. to facilitate social programs and outreach to the public.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/kapusofoundation/

World Vision International is an Evangelical Christian humanitarian aid, development, and advocacy organization.
http://wvi.org/

One World Institute (OWI) is a Northern California-based non-profit, public benefit corporation. They provide medical assistance and education programs to the Philippines. OWI is registered as a 501(c)3 organization with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Franchise Tax Board in the State of California as well as a charity organization with the Philippines' Securities and Exchange Commission.
http://theoneworldinstitute.org/

As the saying goes, "the Filipino spirit is stronger than any earthquake or typhoon".  It is waterproof, unshakeable, and our will to survive is noteworthy.  God bless the Philippines!

BisayaBulletin.com Editors,

People running out of the Mandaue market.--ReutorsEroding Chocolate Hill in BoholRoads cracked in BoholCracked road in TagbilaranDamaged church in Bohol--Eric de CastroLoay Church, Bohol--ReutersDamaged road in Bohol--PhilstarDamaged bridge--PhilstarRescuers helping earthquake victim--PhilstarCenturies old church belltower damaged--Raymond RacazaSanto Nino de Cebu 's belltower toppled over--ReutersSanto Nino de Cebu--ReutersConcrete building in Cebu--ReutersReutersReutersParked cars buried under rubble. RuetersYoung earthquake victim in makeshift hospital. ReutersReutersMakeshift hospital. ReutersDamaged church--APRappler.comRappler.comRappler.comSorting relief goods by Mediano family and friends. Adele Roa300 families evacuated into the Mediano's farm in Clarin Bohol. Adele Roa
After the Earthquake
After the Typhoon
Tracking Yolanda's path-- US Naval ResearchThe Philippine islands hit by typhoon Yolanda--Wikipedia.orgMonster waves crashing unto the Tacloban shore-- The WireWiped out in Tacloban--ABC AustraliaThis was Tacloban city--IBTimesWalking the Walking the street, looking for lost family members. IBTimeswOverview of Malapascua island Cebu--Scubatechphilippines.com
Support Borbon's rebuilding project!

Our mission is to serve individuals and families in the town of Borbon, Cebu and to help rebuild their lives from the aftermath of the devastating typhoon Yolanda. We will help the families in Borbon by rebuilding their homes and providing building materials so they can get back on their feet; Providing shelter and good living conditions for children. Guided by the aspirations of our local and global community, we pursue our mission with both excellence and compassion for our beloved Borbon. Please visit
http://www.oneforborbon.myevent.com/
"Yolanda" is Time's Best Photo of 2013
Survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda joins the procession of the Santo Nino in Tolosa Leyte--Philippe Lopez