When in Manila and disaster strikes, it helps to know we’re not alone. People from all over the globe have been sending their support in the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan), which last week ripped through Central Philippines, wiping out entire neighborhoods and killing thousands.
First on the list of international figures to send out prayers and support to Yolanda victims? No less than the Pope, who tweeted:
I ask all of you to join me in prayer for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan / Yolanda especially those in the beloved islands of the Philippines
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 9, 2013
Half-Filipina American Idol Season 11 runner-up Jessica Sanchez also tweeted her support.
I am praying for the Philippines and all my Filipino Blujays this morning in the wake of this horrendous storm! Be safe and stay strong!
— Jessica Sanchez (@JessicaESanchez) November 8, 2013
Taiwanese F4 Member and Meteor Garden Star Ken Chu (Zhu Xiao Tian) meanwhile praised our ability to smile despite all the storms like Yolanda that come our way.
The Philippines never let any calamities drag them down instead they face it with a smile. How they do that?
— Ken Chu 朱孝天 (@kenzhuxiaotian) November 9, 2013
South Korean actor/singer Lee Min Ho heard about the damage caused by typhoon Yolanda and couldn’t help but tweet about it.
I heard that there was great damage done by typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. I hope everyone is safe now…. https://t.co/7pwC9ezoN6
— Lee Min Ho (@ActorLeeMinHo) November 9, 2013
Fall Out Boy’s lead singer Patrick Stump’s tweet was short but sweet.
Love to the Philippines.
— Patrick Stump (@PatrickStump) November 9, 2013
Aside from Fall Out Boy, other musical acts tweeted out their support, like Rihanna
Navy please keep the people of The Philippines in your prayers!!! I was just there and this truly breaks my heart!!!
— Rihanna (@rihanna) November 9, 2013
One Republic
Just saw on CNN that the Philippines is being hit by the most powerful typhoon/hurricane ever recorded in history. 235mph winds. #PRAY
— OneRepublic (@OneRepublic) November 8, 2013
and The Script.
My heart goes out to the Philippines today! Your Amazing people full of hope and kindness.. Sending you our prayers! Big love. Mark.
— the script (@thescript) November 10, 2013
One Republic just performed at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last week, Rihanna had a concert in Manila last Sept. 19, while the Script performed here in March.
Even boxing star Floyd Mayweather, Jr. set aside his rivalry with Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao and sent out a tweet of support to Yolanda‘s victims.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the Philippines https://t.co/BMgIHviXlo
— Floyd Mayweather (@FloydMayweather) November 9, 2013
Indiana Pacers’ General Manager Kevin Pritchard also tweeted his support and asked how he can send help to the victims of Yolanda.
I’m watching the Philippines and i’m wondering – what’s the best charity to give to to help them directly. They are the friendliest people.
— Kevin Pritchard (@PacersKev) November 9, 2013
The Pacers had their first-ever preseason game against the Houston Rockets in SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay last month.
When in Manila, let’s not dwell on our grief in times like this. Let’s learn from Yolanda, and help each other get up. We, as a nation, can get through this. If they, including these celebrities, believe in us, what could be our reason not to support each other?
